The Carry-On Edit

Madrid was the perfect way to end our Spain trip. While Seville stole my heart and Marbella gave us that dreamy resort life, Madrid delivered history, energy, shopping, and some of the best people-watching I’ve experienced anywhere. ✨

🏡 Our Airbnb near Plaza Mayor was absolutely perfect. Being able to walk almost everywhere made exploring so easy, and the location couldn’t have been better. Morning coffee, afternoon shopping, evening tapas—it was all right outside our door.

🏛️ The Royal Palace is a must-see. The scale, the architecture, the history… it’s stunning. We also spent time wandering through Madrid’s incredible churches, each one feeling like its own museum filled with artwork, history, and beautiful details. ⛪✨

🛍️ Let’s talk about the shopping. Madrid may have officially won my award for “Most Damage Done to My Credit Card” on this trip. 😂 Between the boutiques, department stores, leather goods, and unique finds, I somehow managed to fill every inch of my suitcase.

Actually… scratch that. 😅

🧳 I bought a brand-new suitcase in Madrid for only €42 to bring home all my treasures. One of the best purchases of the trip and worth every euro!

🍷 Now let’s discuss Plaza Mayor. I know some travelers dismiss it as too touristy, but I completely disagree. In the late afternoon, with a glass of wine in hand and a few tapas on the table, there may not be a better place in Madrid to sit and simply watch the world go by. The energy is relaxed, the people-watching is elite, and the atmosphere is exactly what vacation memories are made of.

⚡ Puerta del Sol is the opposite kind of energy—busy, lively, and buzzing from morning until night. Street performers, shoppers, locals, tourists… it’s the heartbeat of Madrid.

🍽️ And then there’s Botín. If you’re planning a Madrid trip, make reservations early. Really early. The world’s oldest restaurant lives up to the hype, and I’m so glad we planned ahead. It was one of those experiences that feels uniquely Madrid.

❤️ Madrid gave us history, architecture, incredible food, amazing shopping, and countless moments simply sitting back and soaking it all in. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable Spanish adventure.

🇪🇸✨ My advice? Tour the palace, wander into every church that catches your eye, reserve Botín months ahead, and don’t let anyone convince you to skip an afternoon wine in Plaza Mayor. Trust me on that one. 🍷❤️

Cheers!

Amelia