Hey guys, welcome to the first chapter of Wandering in Madrid. I hope you will enjoy those short stories. When I started visiting Madrid, I felt a little bit lost. There were so many stuffs to see (and of course, so many foods to taste…)! It’s quite understandable: the capital of Spain is such a big city, it’s considered as the third largest cities in Europe, only surpassed by Berlin and London.

Therefore, I’m writing those small guides to help you enjoy your semester or year abroad. All the places featured in this article have been tried and approved by FarFromHome Team (be reassured, we’re also coffee aficionados).

Start the day, by enjoying a good coffee

“A good day is made by a good breakfast”, it’s a mantra that I’ve been practicing for the past few years. And as a coffee love (tea lover will like it too), I know a very nice place where to enjoy your breakfast with your friends, working mate or family: The Ruda Café.

Craving for a freshly brewed coffee? The Ruda will make it with a lot of passion. Situated in a calm street at 11 Calle Ruda, just steps away from the Latina metro you’ll enjoy the cosy atmosphere of this special café owned by coffee lovers.

These guys offer a wide variety of drinks to choose from whether you’re more a cappuccino aficionado or you like a strong espresso you’ll be more than satisfied. And even though you’re not that found of coffee they do offer proper tea!

Cafe Madrid Tea Peanut Butter Latina Breakfast

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention their homemade pastries! Personally/I myself, I fell for the peanut butter toasts topped with bananas and granola. If that was not enough to convince you I’d recommend you check their Instagram page, it will definitely tempt you.

a nice marketplace : cebada

Once you’re full of energy, start by walking around the streets, la Latina is the district perfect place for that. I advise you to stop by Cebada’s marketplace: vivid noise and colors, mouth-watering smells, local products at affordable price…You’ll find yourself enchanted by all of these. Noise, colors, smells, beautiful products at affordable prices are what you will experience. In a nutshell, a typical Madrid market that could provide the perfect ingredients for your next meal. If you haven’t succumbed to the appealing restaurants on your way, I have one more surprise for you…

Some tapas to end the day

Walk for a while to the north of the center after Sol to reach the district of Justicia. Prepare your taste buds to be blasted. The place you’re about to enter doesn’t boasts artificial expensive meals but rather traditional tasty ones. La Bodega de la Ardosa represents the great effervescence of an authentic tapas bar.

It’s crowded with regular customers who are having their lunch break and if you manage to cut a path through the busy waiters you will not be disappointed.

Seize the opportunity to try local specialties like Spanish jamón, artichokes, croquetas and please do yourself a favor, try the tortilla. One of the best one you could have in the city.

Hope you enjoyed our travel story, don’t hesitate to share yours with us!