Europe

Hugo and I were really fortunate to spend five weeks in Europe this year.

We got to:

I can’t wait for our next European adventure.

Hugo and I smiling for a close selfie on a sandy beach, with calm Mediterranean water, distant mountains, and scattered umbrellas and sunbathers stretching along the shore behind us.Hugo and I smiling at the camera from an elevated viewpoint overlooking Plaza de España, with its sweeping brick buildings, tiled bridges, canal, and central fountain filled with visitors.Hugo and I posing in front of the Torres de Serranos, the twin stone towers rising behind us as cars and pedestrians pass through the open city gate.Me reclining and grinning in a spacious business class airplane seat under purple cabin lighting, pointing at the seat controls with personal storage and another passenger visible nearby.A playful action shot of Hugo and me near a roaring waterfall, Hugo crouching and laughing while I appear midair in a dramatic leap as water crashes down behind us.Hugo and I smiling closely together inside a busy bar, one holding a glass of amber beer, with warm indoor lighting and other patrons crowded in the background.Hugo and I taking a close selfie on a walkway beside the City of Arts and Sciences, with sweeping white modern architecture curving behind us under an overcast sky.Hugo and I smiling at night with a brightly lit fair behind us, featuring a glowing Ferris wheel, colorful rides, and crowds moving through the illuminated grounds.Hugo and I standing arm in arm on a stone terrace surrounded by tall trees, with historic fortress walls and towers rising behind us in bright daylight.

Virgin Atlantic

We loved our flights between LAX and London on Virgin Atlantic. Hugo scored a great deal (with points and cash for taxes/fees) between the two cities.

We got off to a great start on our flight to London. Before the flight, we went to the clubhouse at LAX, and then enjoyed our business-class seats on the way to London.

Leaving London was a different ballgame entirely, in the best way possible.

Our ride took us to a private entrance for Virgin. We rubbed shoulders with some celebs on our way in through private security.

While waiting for our flight, the waiters in the lounge took care of us, including bringing us a little desert because I had mentioned that it was Hugo’s birthday month.

The flight back home was fun too. We departed at 2pm-ish London time so staying awake was our primary goal. We hung out in the shared lounge area in business class and made friends with other locals coming back to LA.

If you’re going to Europe, I think it’s such a treat to find a points deal for a business-class flight and really enjoy yourself. Of course we would’ve been fine in economy seats, but it was a real joy to know that we hadn’t paid much cash to get upgraded into a premium experience.

A flight map showing the transatlantic route from London to Los Angeles, with a curved path across the North Atlantic and a boarding pass graphic labeled LHR to LAX. Overlaid, text reads “So long, London.”A large woven metal sphere sculpture suspended by cables in an open-air terminal courtyard, casting intricate shadows on the ground beneath a bright blue sky with billowing white clouds.A hearty breakfast plate with toasted brown bread, a thick grilled mushroom, baked beans, wilted spinach, a slice of tomato, and a softly poached egg with a glossy white.A generous berry dessert layered with pink meringue, cream, and fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, topped with mint and a chocolate plaque, lightly dusted with powdered sugar.A white card reading “VIP*” with a red enamel pin labeled “they them,” resting on a dark stone surface, with small text noting “very important pronouns.”Hugo and I smiling while seated side by side in business class under soft purple cabin lighting, with other passengers settling in behind them.An elegant starter featuring golden shrimp arranged with bright yellow garnish, microgreens, a lime wedge, and a smooth pink sauce, served alongside rustic bread and butter.A colorful bowl of fragrant yellow rice topped with spiced curry, toasted cashews, dried cranberries, creamy puree, and crisp flatbread tucked on top.A refined dessert plate with a glossy dark berry parfait resting on sponge, paired with whipped cream, berry sauce, and a glass of red wine.An afternoon tea spread with finger sandwiches, a warm scone with jam and clotted cream, a lemon macaron, a Battenberg-style cake, and a small tart, served with tea.

London

Our trip to London was split into two parts: four nights on our way into Europe, and two nights after Spain on our way out.

Here are all my posts:

Somehow we lucked into beautiful weather on our first and second trips. Since the weather was good, I loved the pub culture of grabbing a beer and hanging outside.

For our first trip, we stayed at an Airbnb which was fine while we were there, but incredibly sketchy after we checked out (asking us how we reviewed them before leaving their review). Bethnal Green was a cute neighborhood and we loved the coffee place nearby.

On our return trip, Hugo and I stayed at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House. It was a real treat to stay in a hotel after 32 days in Airbnb’s.

Six days is obviously not enough time to do even a fraction of what’s available in London. It was really expensive, so I’m not excited to go back on my own dime, but I’d love to revel in the city again.

Corner café on Jersey Street with a black-painted façade, a pixel-style sign reading “F*ckoffee,” and a mosaic “Bethnal Green” sign above, with a bench, window display of mugs, and pedestrians passing by on the pavement.Close-up of pale stone statues with draped robes and carved faces, including a bearded figure seated in the foreground and others standing behind, their weathered surfaces and calm expressions giving a solemn, monumental feel against a grey sky.The Shard rising sharply above surrounding buildings, its glass surface reflecting daylight, with crowds gathered along the riverfront below and boats and rooftops filling the lower frame.Row of richly carved stone columns on a red-brick façade, each column wrapped with detailed relief figures and decorative patterns, creating a dense, ornate rhythm along the museum exterior.Street-level view of a shuttered storefront covered in posters and graffiti, topped by an orange banner reading “Shoreditch wasn’t gentrified for you to microwave your dinner,” with taped boxes and layered textures adding to the gritty scene.Wide view of a long brick building painted with the words “Let’s adore and endure,” large illustrated posters in the windows, bicycles parked outside, and traffic passing along the road.View across the River Thames showing modern glass skyscrapers on one side and the historic Tower of London on the other, with boats on the water and people lining the riverside path.City skyline seen through a train window, with tall modern towers clustered near the river, cranes in the distance, and blurred tracks and railings in the foreground suggesting motion.The Albert Memorial standing tall with gilded details and Gothic arches, surrounded by a patterned stone platform, green lawns, and a few people walking nearby under an overcast sky.Close-up of vivid pink tulips with softly curved petals and visible stamens, filling the frame with saturated color against a blurred garden background.

Here are some of my favorite shots from walking around London.

Pictured: Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross, The Ten Bells in Spitalfields, St Dunstan-in-the-West on Fleet Street, the Rivington Street car park in Shoreditch, Leadenhall Market, Regent Street, and Bond Street.

Ornate red-brick Victorian building with a corner tower, white sash windows, decorative stonework, and a steep slate roof topped by a finial against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.Detailed stone facade of a grand Edwardian building, viewed from below to emphasize carved columns, cornices, and sculptural details rising toward a cloudy blue sky.Crowded pedestrian lane lined with converted brick warehouses, long communal tables, hanging string lights, and people eating and drinking outdoors in warm late-afternoon sunlight.Crowd gathered outside The Ten Bells pub in Spitalfields, with people holding drinks beneath the hanging pub sign, leafy greenery on the facade, and a busy street atmosphere.Historic church tower with a large clock face and four stone pinnacles, partially framed by trees, rising above surrounding buildings under a soft afternoon sky.Multi-story concrete car park covered in large, colorful typographic art stacked across each level, with graffiti at street level and traffic cones marking the entrance.Symmetrical view down Leadenhall Market’s covered arcade, featuring ornate painted storefronts, a vaulted glass roof, hanging lanterns, and a quiet cobblestone walkway.Curving sweep of Regent Street at night, with grand white stone buildings lit by storefronts and streetlights, light traffic, and pedestrians moving through the illuminated scene.Evening view down Bond Street with luxury storefronts, Chanel flags, Union Jack banners, passing cars, and pedestrians under a deep blue sky.Upward-looking view along a modern glass-and-steel building, illuminated with blue accent lighting that emphasizes strong lines and geometric repetition against a black night sky.

For our last meal in London, we went to Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, sat at the bar, and enjoyed a delicious meal of oysters, crab, and fish & chips.

Freshly shucked oysters nestled in crushed ice, their glossy shells framing plump, translucent meat, with a lemon wedge tucked alongside for brightness and contrast.A dressed crab presented in its shell, generously filled with sweet white and brown crab meat and neatly topped with chopped herbs and vivid orange roe, with classic sauces and toast on the side.A clear martini served ice-cold in a stemmed glass, garnished with a long ribbon of cucumber curling through the drink, emphasizing its crisp, clean character.Golden battered fish resting over thick-cut chips, the crust deeply crisp and textured, served with mushy peas and a pot of tartar sauce for a classic, comforting plate.The restaurant exterior at dusk, with glowing green neon signage and warmly lit outdoor seating tucked into a narrow London street, creating an inviting contrast against the darkening sky.

On our last full day in London, we had traditional Afternoon Tea at The Park Room in the JW Marriott Grosvenor House.

It was expensive, but a really calm, delicious experience. We took some to go (in a very cute takeaway box) because we had just come from Dishoom.

Hugo and I seated around a white linen table set for high tea, with fine china, polished silverware, and a tiered stand of sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Soft daylight, green velvet chairs, and classic paneling give the room an elegant, relaxed feel.Amber-colored tea fills a delicate patterned teacup and saucer, the surface clear and glowing under warm light. The fine porcelain and gold detailing emphasize the calm, unhurried ritual of tea service.Two open-faced savory bites on a decorative plate: one topped with silky smoked salmon shaped like a rose, caviar, and fresh dill, the other with soft egg, creamy filling, and microgreens. The textures and colors look fresh, rich, and carefully balanced.A pale yellow lemon sorbet served inside a hollowed lemon shell, frosty and crystalline. The icy texture and citrus color suggest a sharp, refreshing break between courses.A three-tier stand arranged with neat finger sandwiches, golden scones with visible fruit, and an assortment of refined pastries. The layers feel abundant but orderly, with glossy finishes and precise shapes that invite lingering bites.A patterned takeaway box labeled Park Room rests on the table, its soft yellow design echoing the tea set. It feels like a thoughtful, indulgent extra meant to extend the experience beyond the table.

For our second-to-last night in London, we booked a reservation for “drinks and light bites in Sky Garden Bars.”

I thought it was going to be a cozy bar—it was actually more of a club! We had a couple drinks and walked around the building to see London at night.

A busy indoor garden bar with a slanted glass ceiling glowing red and orange, where groups sit at tables and lounge seating while others stand near the bar, surrounded by plants and city lights beyond the windows.Two coupe glasses filled with pale sparkling drinks sit on a dark table beside a small lit candle, with a chilled bottle in an ice bucket behind them, creating a low-lit, intimate atmosphere.Night view over the City of London featuring the illuminated Gherkin and a sharp, angular glass tower, their office lights forming geometric patterns against a cloudy sky.A sweeping nighttime panorama of London with the River Thames winding through the city and St Paul’s Cathedral glowing white among dense clusters of city lights.Tower Bridge lit in white and blue spans the Thames at night, its twin towers reflected in the dark water with surrounding city lights stretching into the distance.An elevated indoor garden walkway lined with lush plants and a glass roof lit red, where visitors stroll and stop to look out over the city through floor-to-ceiling windows.

We popped into The Devonshire for Guinness twice during our trip (at the beginning and the end). We didn’t have food, but we enjoyed the liveliness of the cozy bar. Amazing that the building is almost as old as the United States.

Two freshly poured pints of Guinness with thick, creamy heads sit on a small round table, the dark stout glowing slightly under warm pub lighting, with bartenders and a polished back bar of bottles softly blurred behind them. A sign reads “Soho since 1793.”A long evening queue spills down the street outside a pub, packed shoulder to shoulder with people chatting and waiting, while bright red Moulin Rouge theatre lights glow across the road and reflect off the pavement.Two pints of Guinness rest on a wooden window ledge beside a small table lamp and a handwritten menu, while the Moulin Rouge sign shines outside through the glass, mixing pub warmth with busy West End night energy.The green and gold entrance of Carroll and Rogers Freehouse stands open to the street, framed by ivy and glowing panels, as groups of people cluster nearby waiting to get inside on a busy night.

After Notting Hill, we wandered down to The Churchill Arms. It’s so pretty from the outside! The inside was decorated for Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), which was about a week after we popped in.

Corner pub covered in cascading greenery and yellow flowers, Union Jack flags flying from the roof and façade, with pedestrians and parked cars framing the street under a bright blue sky.Crowded bar back filled with spirits, taps, and vintage objects, decorated with VE Day 80 bunting and Union Jack flags, creating a dense, celebratory, and historic atmosphere.Framed portrait of Winston Churchill hanging on dark wood paneling beneath small American flags and a humorous sign for the restroom: “Men to the left because women are always right!”Hugo hugging me outside the pub entrance, standing beside tall potted plants and dark tiled walls, with menus by the door and greenery wrapping the façade.

We made a little trip out to Notting Hill and wandered around without a plan. We saw what is maybe the blue door and took a peek inside the bookshop.

As an aside—I loved seeing the mix of colorful homes and stretches of all-white buildings throughout the neighborhood.

While walking around Shoreditch, we stumbled across Lounge Bohemia, which I can only describe as a retro, speakeasy-vibes, pretentious-but-enjoyable experience.

They “required” a reservation but let us sit down anyway. We tried a few of the tasting menus and the “drinks” were truly unique.

A row of small black droppers set into a white ceramic tray, each capped with a differently colored latex tip and partially covered with crinkled silver foil, suggesting precise, experimental cocktail preparation with a playful, theatrical presentation.A smooth, pale yellow clarified cocktail sphere resting in a tightly woven twig nest, its matte surface and careful placement giving it the feel of an edible sculpture served as part of a tasting course.A glass topped with a thick, glossy cap of white foam, pierced by a tiny metal tap and spoon, creating a whimsical, interactive drink that looks rich, creamy, and meticulously constructed.An open menu listing classic cocktails and five-course tasting menus, including themes such as “naughty childhood,” “nature,” and “west meets east.”

We took a Yeoman Warder guided tour of the Tower of London. It took a couple hours but it was neat to walk around, feel the bloody history, and see the Crown Jewels.

The White Tower and surrounding stone walls rise behind the River Thames under a clear blue sky, with leafy trees lining the ramparts and modern London buildings and cranes visible in the distance, creating a striking contrast between medieval architecture and the contemporary skyline.A long stretch of weathered stone curtain wall and round towers fills the frame beneath dramatic, textured clouds, while the glassy peak of the Shard appears in the distance, emphasizing the contrast between historic fortifications and modern London.Visitors queue beneath a tall arched stone entrance marked by heraldic shields and a royal monogram, with sunlight highlighting the warm tones and textures of the medieval masonry around the doorway.Rugged stone towers and battlements stand in the foreground, their crenellations sharply defined in sunlight, while the Shard rises sleek and reflective behind them against a pale blue sky.Tower Bridge’s twin towers frame the background beyond arched stone walkways and grassy lawns, with remnants of old walls and a crowd of visitors in bright clothing adding depth and lively scale to the historic scene.A lush patch of green grass is scattered with orange poppies and small wildflowers, creating a vivid, colorful meadow that feels unexpectedly soft and natural against the historic setting.

In London, we visited two Dishoom locations (Shoreditch and Carnaby) as bookends to our Europe trip. Expensive, but a delicious treat.

A generous spread of Indian dishes fills a wooden table, with blistered naan stacked in metal tins, bowls of rich red curry glistening with oil, a bright green chopped salad scattered with seeds, and charred lamb chops resting on a banana leaf with lime and mint. The mix of textures, colors, and shared plates creates a warm, abundant, and inviting dining scene.An amber-colored cocktail sits in a faceted rocks glass packed with ice, garnished with a wide curl of citrus peel. The drink catches the light, highlighting its clarity and depth of color against a pale marble surface, giving it a refined and refreshing appearance.Tandoori Lamb Chops with deeply caramelized, charred edges are arranged on a banana leaf, topped with ruby-red pomegranate seeds and served with a slice of lime and fresh mint. The dark crust and vibrant garnishes emphasize the meat’s richness and smoky, aromatic appeal.Soft, golden naan bread with blistered bubbles and crisp char marks rests in a metal tin, brushed with butter and scattered with chopped garlic and herbs. The surface looks pillowy and glossy, suggesting warmth, chew, and indulgent flavor.A bowl of vivid red curry with a glossy surface is topped with fresh coriander and thin strips of ginger. The oil-speckled sauce looks rich and warming, with the bright green garnish adding contrast and freshness to the deeply spiced base.

We made it back up the River Thames and got some great views of iconic London buildings.

We started near Canary Wharf, passed under London Bridge with the Shard nearby, then went by the Walkie-Talkie, Tower Bridge, and finally saw the London Eye before reaching Westminster.

Two smiling men sit on the deck of a boat with Tower Bridge prominently in the background, flanked by the Shard and modern London skyscrapers. Other passengers are seated behind them, enjoying the sunny weather and Thames River views.A cityscape view of central London from across the Thames, showcasing the curved façade of the Walkie-Talkie building alongside several modern glass skyscrapers rising behind a historic stone building and a row of green trees.A wide view of Tower Bridge spanning the River Thames on a clear day, with the sharp silhouette of the Shard on the left and the curved Walkie-Talkie building on the right. The river stretches calmly into the distance.A view of London Bridge with its name inscribed on the stone base, next to a neoclassical building with columns. Behind them, a dense cluster of glass and steel skyscrapers contrasts with the older architecture near the riverbank.Two men smiling on a sunny day aboard a boat, with the towering London Eye Ferris wheel dominating the background. The clear blue sky and vibrant sunlight highlight the details of the wheel and surrounding buildings.The London Eye seen from a distance across the River Thames, its full circular structure set against a deep blue sky. White boats are moored nearby, and a pedestrian bridge extends across the river to the left.A skyline view of Canary Wharf, with a dense cluster of high-rise buildings featuring varied modern architectural styles. The Thames flows calmly in the foreground, and a low line of trees separates the river from the cityscape.A moored Uber Boat by Thames Clippers sits at a dock along the Thames. Behind it, mid-rise residential buildings with light-colored façades line the riverbank under a clear blue sky.A riverside scene with modern and uniquely shaped buildings, including a sharply angled structure with multiple rooflines. A building labeled "Poplar, Blackwall and District Rowing Club" sits near the water’s edge, surrounded by trees and contemporary residences.A striking view of a riverside industrial complex with four tall chimneys, likely the former Lots Road Power Station. In front, smaller brick and white-painted buildings sit along the waterfront, forming a contrast with the industrial structure.

On our first full day, we walked through Greenwich Market and stumbled upon the Armada Portrait at the Queen’s House!

Then we walked through Greenwich Park and uphill to the Royal Observatory. We didn’t go inside but it was cool to see the skyline view and straddle the Prime Meridian (for free)!

A person stands with arms raised and smiling while straddling the Prime Meridian line at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. The line, marking 0° longitude, is clearly visible underfoot, dividing the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. The historic stone marker above their head is labeled “Greenwich Meridian.” The individual’s casual outfit and relaxed pose reflect the lighthearted tourist experience.The iconic Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, displayed against a rich red wall and surrounded by a gilded frame. The queen wears an elaborate gown adorned with pearls and embroidery, one hand resting on a globe and the other near a chair. Her attire and posture emphasize power and wealth. Behind her, the backdrop shows scenes of the Spanish Armada’s defeat, underscoring the historic moment.A large sundial sits on a circular stone plaza, casting a sharp triangular shadow across its surface. Surrounded by a small iron fence and reflected sunlight, the scene captures a peaceful corner of Greenwich Park. In the background, trees, water, and strolling visitors add to the tranquil setting under a clear blue sky.A panoramic view from Greenwich Park looking north over the Queen’s House and the Old Royal Naval College, with the Canary Wharf skyline rising in the distance. The wide green lawn below is dotted with people lounging and walking, and the city’s modern skyscrapers contrast with the classical architecture and open landscape in the foreground.A contemporary textile piece displayed in a gallery space with deep red walls and wooden flooring. The artwork reads “FEELING BLUE” in stitched white letters on a mottled blue background, bordered by colorful embroidered patterns resembling sea creatures and coral. Nautical rope and decorative metal elements at the base add a tactile, whimsical touch to the installation.A smiling person poses with both index fingers pointed upward in front of a scenic overlook in Greenwich Park. Behind them, a sweeping view reveals the Queen’s House and Old Royal Naval College with the towering skyline of Canary Wharf in the distance. Trees and manicured lawns fill the middle ground under a cloudless sky.A leafy frame of flowering branches and green trees opens onto a partial view of the Old Royal Naval College and the high-rise buildings of Canary Wharf beyond. The image captures a layered contrast between the natural greenery in the foreground and the modern cityscape rising behind classical architecture.A weathered sign on a white background reads “Greenwich Market London Est. 1737 This Way,” adorned with vintage-style typography, scrollwork, a pointing hand, and a black cat peeking from the corner. The sign is mounted in a dark green frame on an exterior wall, hinting at the historic and quirky charm of the nearby market.

Take me back to April 28 ✈️ Hugo got us business-class seats on Virgin Atlantic to and from London.

Two men smiling and holding champagne glasses while seated at a bar in an airport lounge with warm lighting and a modern design. The background shows other travelers sitting on plush chairs, some with luggage nearby.Entrance to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LAX, featuring a deep magenta wall with gold lettering and logo, and a glimpse of the sleek interior through the open glass door.Virgin Atlantic aircraft parked at the gate, seen through large terminal windows. The plane's red and green tail fin with the Virgin logo is prominently visible, with other airline tails and airport ground equipment in view.Man reclining and smiling in a lie-flat seat on a Virgin Atlantic flight, bathed in ambient purple lighting. The seat's console, entertainment screen, and personal storage compartments are visible around him.Empty Virgin Atlantic Upper Class seat prepared for boarding, with a leather seat, pillow, and purple mood lighting. The seat is surrounded by storage areas and a folded tray table, emphasizing its spacious and private setup.In-flight menu titled “wakey wakey” held open to reveal post-takeoff meal options including starters, mains, desserts, and cheese selections, all printed in fine text and illuminated by purple cabin lighting.Breakfast tray with chocolate-drizzled pancakes topped with strawberries and hazelnuts on one plate, and a colorful fruit medley on another. Served with coffee, a small pitcher of cream, and a bottle of cold-pressed juice, all arranged neatly on a white tray.In-flight meal of a fresh Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, arugula, pesto, and balsamic glaze, elegantly plated with a glass of white wine beside it. The seat’s entertainment screen shows a flight map with the plane crossing North America.

Spain

Here’s an index of all the cities we visited in Spain:

…and a couple other posts I wrote:

We spent four weeks on the mainland and we absolutely loved it. I’m so glad we were able to spend a week each in València, Sevilla, and Málaga. We only had a few days each in Granada and Madrid; more of a whetting of our appetite for those cities.

I can’t wait to go back one day.

Interior view of Madrid-Barajas Airport’s Terminal 4, showcasing its striking undulating ceiling made of warm-toned wood slats supported by bright yellow steel beams. Natural light streams through oval skylights, while glass walls reflect the structure’s repeating patterns. Travelers fill the terminal below.

We saw anti-tourist art in most of the Spanish cities we visited. I certainly understand the sentiment—housing, gentrification, cultural erosion, etc.—these are real problems. On the flip side, we saw shops and talked to locals that were happy to have the extra business. It’s a tough balance.

Graffiti mural of a large cartoon-style yellow rubber duck painted on a gray metal shutter, with two smaller ducks in the bottom corners. The central duck has been defaced with handwritten black graffiti that includes the words “MATO SUBNORMAL” and “PUTOS TURISTAS,” expressing hostility toward tourists.Graffiti message spray-painted in black on a weathered white wall partially shaded by overhanging green leaves. The message reads “FUCK AIR BNB” with an encircled capital “A” symbol beneath it, indicating anti-capitalist or anarchist sentiment in protest against tourism-driven short-term rentals.Graffiti on a smooth light stone wall between two dark shutters. Spray-painted in turquoise, the message reads “@tourist: Don’t buy culture!” with “2024” and stylized red graffiti tags below. The message critiques commodification of local heritage by visitors.Sticker affixed to a scratched green public surface, likely a recycling container, with bold black text on a white background that reads “TOURIST GO HOME – Your luxury vacation, Our daily misery.” The sticker conveys strong anti-tourism sentiment, highlighting the social impact of tourism on local communities.Simple handwritten graffiti in black marker on a pink and gray stucco wall. The text reads “TOURIST GO HOME” in a casual script, expressing discontent toward visitors.

Madrid

We had so much more to explore in Madrid and so little time.

Here’s what I’ve posted about Madrid:

We were only in Madrid for three nights (and I wasn’t feeling too hot for one of them), so we didn’t get to experience as much as the city has to offer.

The only place we went back to twice was Taberna La Concha, which had great Vermouth and fun servers.

I’m so glad my dad suggested Museo Nacional del Prado—it’s a choose your own adventure with audio guides and worth the time.

I get the sense that our Airbnb was not legal, but that’s for a post for another day.

Overall, Madrid is the easiest city to fly in and out of in Spain, and I’m excited to visit again while coming in and out of the country.

Bronze equestrian statue of King Charles III poised mid-stride atop a weathered stone pedestal encircled by a shimmering reflecting pool in Puerta del Sol, with sunlit neoclassical facades and a flawless blue sky enhancing the majestic scene. Inviting pedestrian street flanked by terracotta and mustard-yellow townhouses whose wrought-iron balconies overflow with potted flowers; midday light casts warm contrasts as locals wander past shuttered windows, parked hatchbacks and tapas signs. Grand stone basilica crowned by three pale-yellow domed towers and baroque statues, its grey façade softly illuminated by the peach and lavender hues of a dramatic Madrid sunset. Sun-drenched historic square with manicured boxwood parterres centered on a bronze statue of Álvaro de Bazán; surrounding sandstone civic buildings display ornate stonework and fluttering red-and-gold Spanish flags while visitors gather around. Shaded residential lane edged by warm brick and cream limestone façades with terracotta roofs; scattered orange trees in wooden planters and a handful of morning walkers create a calm, lived-in charm. Buzzing avenue at dusk where ochre clouds backlight ornate belle-époque buildings; headlights, café terraces and the glowing marquee of Teatro La Latina mingle beneath leafy trees and the red-and-blue Metro sign. Slender one-way street lined with multicolored 19th-century façades, wrought-iron balconies and a vivid red tavern entrance; afternoon light picks out textures as scooters and compact cars rest between granite bollards. Bright yellow tuk-tuk tour vehicle trundles down a cobblestone alley framed by pastel apartment blocks and leafy orange trees, while casually dressed tourists explore shaded sidewalks and tapas bars. Colorful neighborhood block where a large painted rose mural and graffiti-splashed walls meet elegant balconies; scooters idle near sun-dappled benches as people chat and window-shop under a clear blue sky.

Some more shots from walking around Madrid.

It surprised me that Madrid has rolling hills throughout the city—it’s not all flat! It also felt endlessly large—we were only there for three nights, so we didn’t get to explore much more than ~30 minutes walking distance away from our apartment.

Bronze equestrian statue of King Charles III in Puerta del Sol, prominently displayed in front of a fountain and surrounded by a crowd of people. In the background, the iconic Tío Pepe neon sign crowns a white building with black iron balconies and red sunshades under a clear blue sky.Colorful residential buildings with wrought-iron balconies line a gently sloped, narrow cobblestone street. The afternoon sun casts long shadows, and a few pedestrians are visible, emphasizing the peaceful charm and vibrant character of the area.Nighttime view of a historic church tower dramatically lit from below, with soft white lights highlighting its brick facade and architectural details. People are seated on stone benches in the foreground, giving the scene a quiet, intimate ambiance.Graffiti-covered chalkboard with the phrase “Find the art in everything” painted in white and red, framed by a rustic yellow and beige wall. Above, a sign creatively stylized as “apARTment” blends typography and urban aesthetic.Close-up of a historic building with a steep slate roof, Spanish flags, and detailed stone sculptures above the main entrance. A large red and yellow flag waves atop the building against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.Lively pedestrian street at night with people strolling between warmly lit bars and restaurants. Vibrant flower arrangements decorate the path, and colorful facades and glowing signage create a festive, welcoming mood.Large, colorful mural on the side of a building depicts two stylized figures holding a red bowl with green plants. Surrounded by trees and adjacent buildings, the artwork brings bold, expressive energy to the quiet urban setting.Golden-orange sunset casts a dramatic glow across the sky above a busy city street. Cars, buses, and pedestrians move through the scene as historic buildings reflect the warm light, including a theater with a glowing red marquee.Majestic baroque-style church building with multiple domes and ornate stonework, bathed in soft twilight. The surrounding street is quiet with minimal traffic, allowing the illuminated architecture and vivid evening sky to stand out.Ornate brick and stone building with a clock tower and baroque decorative elements, set against a clear blue sky. The well-preserved facade features tall arched windows, balconies, and intricate carvings that highlight the structure’s historic elegance.