Madrid´s hot!

There we go: we officially reached the hottest period of the year. Time of ice creams, slowing down your rhythm and air conditioning, loads of air conditioning. Everyone knows that the capital´s biggest frustration is that it doesn´t have a beach. So we go in search for refreshment in other places.

Some ideas we wanted to share with you:

1. In the Madrid Río park (alongside the Manzanares river) you´ll find a beach without sea and without sand, but with loads of fountains, playing kids and sunbathing moms.

La Playa de Madrid

2. Inside the biggest park of Madrid you´ll find the most popular swimming pool-option of town: queue first, stay all day and eat grilled chicken in the picnic area.

Swimming pool Casa de Campo

3. Get into your car (if you don´t have a car, rent one or find yourself friends with a car) and drive to these places:

Natural pools close to Madrid

Get to know our Madrid-style dinners!

The only thing we've got is an address of a "madrileña" when we ring the bell at a door in just another street in just another barrio in Madrid. We don´t know what to expect. Then the door sweeps open and Naima welcomes us. While we enjoy the food, we peek into the daily life in Madrid at first hand.

We dine at a beautiful house, decorated in Moroccan style. Naima was born in Morocco and 24 years ago she came to Spain in search of a different culture. By opening her house Naima doesn't only want to immerse the guest with flavours, but also in the traditional aspects of her country.

Naima: “I like to bring people from different countries together, to discuss themes that mutually enrich us. I love to cook the traditional Moroccan cuisine, but also Spanish dishes and to experiment with new flavours. I want to share my home and culture through the art of cooking.”  

Tired of dining in restaurants and curious to see how the houses in Madrid look from the inside? This is definitely the most original way to get to know the city in a whole different way!

The details of home-made meals:
Day & Time: Depending on availability, in general every day/time of the week
Duration: 3 Hours
Minimum/Maximum: 2 - 12 people
Price: Depending on preference and menu selection
Meeting Point: Depending on availability. Houses are in barrios Lavapies, Chueca, Retiro and La Latina.
Information, reservation and a tailor-made proposal: Through info@madwaytomadrid.com

GET TO KNOW MADRID WITH MADWAY!

MadWay is a company that organizes alternative experiences in Madrid and that discovers with you the hidden spots of the city in a passionate way.

Every year we organize a free activity for all our loyal clients and for everyone who still doesn't know who we are and what we do.
 
Join us on SATURDAY the 5th OF MARCH on our route through Madrid and let us surprise you through the city that inspires us already for seven years!
 
Departure: 10:30 AM from la Plaza de Chamberí (Andén 0) 
 
Theme: A walking tour from the “ghost station” of Chamberí to the chique neighbourhood of Salamanca
 
Sign up: Before the 2nd of March on info@madwaytomadrid.com
 
(free entry)

The way to Madrid's heart is through its stomach

New tour for foodies in Chueca neighborhood

Eating local food is the fastest way to discover what fascinates people somewhere, and what they like. Apart from its famous museums, beautiful parks and sparkling nightlife, Madrid is the place to be foodwise. What better way to get to know the city then to literally taste it?

With more bars per capita than any other country in the EU, Spain is a treasure trove of possibilities when it comes to delicious food. Thanks to immigration Madrid is a melting pot of typical food from every region of Spain. Andalucian bars offering gazpacho sit alongside Galician restaurants advertising heaping plates of pulpo gallego (octopus). Every corner of Spanish gastronomy is represented here in Madrid (one bar or restaurant for every 192 residents), and on top of that the capital also boasts a host of dishes that are very madrileño.

New trend in Madrid is the rise of gourmet markets: often places that combine traditional products with new initiatives that have to do with food tasting.

Chueca, the modern gay district of Madrid, is full of narrow and intimate streets where there's a cosy mix of trendy restaurants and street cafes, rainbow flags, precious art galleries and a whole street for shoeshopping. It is also the perfect area to discover the best gourmet stores and get to know the flavours of Chueca.

Our new Gourmet Tour will start with a tasting of cold cuts, cheese and wine in a gourmet store specialized in products from the region north of Madrid (Castilla & León). We will continue our route with a tasting of real extra-virgin olive oil (and products made with olive oil). And as a dessert… a sweet touch in our favourite chocolate shop of Madrid!

More info on: http://www.madwaytomadrid.com/en/trips/gastronomy

How to survive January in Madrid?

December is over. In January there's no broadcasting of Love Actually, no Christmas market at the Plaza Mayor, no Nativity Scenes. Last month you have seen your family more than normal – and maybe more than necessary – and you have celebrated New Year's Eve. Now the Christmas tree has silently left the house. It's 2016 (Happy New Year by the way) and things can go back to normal.
So what to do in January in Madrid? And what are our hopes (or wishes) for the New Year? Three of our colleagues tell you.  

HOW TO SURVIVE THE POST-FIESTAS IN MADRID?

Sjoukje (partner MadWay): Ah, back to normal! I am not a fan of big crowds, so as long as you avoid the rebajas (sales) on the weekends it´s great to enjoy the city of Madrid after the busy holiday-crowds have gone!
Enjoy a rainy Sunday morning drinking vermouth with friends to catch up, it´s great to see everyone again after they come back from their family visits. And get back to your sport routine to get rid of the holiday-weight!

Neeltje (Madway-guide, nurse and coordinator at Dutch Students Abroad): It´s easy, going to work again. It feels good to have a chill and healthy month after the fiestas :)

Marijn (Madway-guide, coach, tour director and visual artist): And back to normal! That’s how I feel these days after the three kings have left the capital again. This month motivates me to focus again on the things I would like to do, especially after the lovely fiesta weeks that where (of course) also a social obligation.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING IN MADRID IN JANUARY?

Sjoukje: If you are lucky and you can go shopping during the week, the sales of Madrid are the best. They last for weeks and the shops really try to get rid of their stock so they will offer great discounts. Try to go on a morning during the week though, to avoid getting trampled by discount-hunters!

Neeltje: Also in January the city is awake. There are sales everywhere, so it´s nice to go shopping and drink a cup of coffee in a nice bar afterwards. 

Marijn: So what can I think of? Riding my bike! Temperatures are mild, there's still lots of sunny days with temperatures up to 17 degrees. I go to the Casa the Campo where the spectacular views of the city and the Royal palace is a true treat every time. Also I enjoy the lovely Madrid Rio park that surprises me over and over again. Here the impressive Matadero complex lays right next to the river. To enjoy a local and cultural atmosphere this is the perfect place. By bike all the best of Madrid is easily reached meanwhile it's relaxing, refreshing and physically active. In one word great!

Also, besides enjoying the menú del día (set meal) at two o'clock, I will enjoy the temporary exhibitions of the big three: Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen Bornemisza. The queues of the museums have slimmed down again and Thyssen is even free on Mondays!

WHAT DO YOU THINK/HOPE WILL CHANGE IN MADRID IN 2016?

Sjoukje: I hope the BiciMad system (public e-bike system) will keep improving as it's a great way to get around the city. Also, I hope the municipality will keep taking measures to improve the air quality as it was a big problem in the fall. If they can also arrange the temperatures to be a bit lower in summer life would be perfect ;)

Neeltje: I hope there will be more jobs for the people of Spain in their own profession. 

Marijn: For 2016 I hope that we can all focus on the things we have to offer and really want. Being sincere to yourself and without judgement, there's so much to discover.