K & L's Travel Blog

Madrid, 16 January 2023

Today we delved into the historic city center with a Rick Steves’ walking tour. We’ve followed Steves since 1985 and have learned a lot about independent travel from his writings. This would be the first time we’ve successfully executed one of his audio walking tours.

The nearby Iglesia Metro (line #1) was a straight shot down to Puerta del Sol where the tour began. I ran it off my phone and we shared a set of ear pods. It was overcast with some light rain, but not enough to impact our tour. We set off about 10:00 and between the weather, the time and the season, crowds were limited at the start with more tour groups massing by lunchtime.

I had been reading about Madrid for months, and had listened to the audio tour, studied it and mapped it out so I practically had the details memorized. I’ve even got the main kings straightened out! Still, it’s always great to actually experience these places and sights. It’s one thing to read about the inquisition, but then to see plaques memorializing the violence and realize you are standing at the site of tortures and executions brings it home. 

We had a couple of minor disappointments along the way. At one monastery cloistered nuns will exchange shortbread cookies for cash behind a door. They were closed until next week, so we’ll have to wait to experience that thrill! The central San Miguel Market was being renovated, so the glass and iron roof was under wraps. Still, we enjoyed the market and our snacks. And all that history! I had a great time taking photos.

For lunch we sought out Asian dumplings at the Mercado Barceló in Chueca. The Dumpling House was a basic corner stand that seated six with the food prepared right in front of you by the attentive owner. We ordered two of their €10.00 menus del dia, and had more than enough food for lunch and dinner. By the time we made it home for our siesta, we’d managed over 15,000 steps (about 5 miles) of walking. A full day with a lot to think about.