Nellie Huang: With a love for the unknown and an eye for adventure, Nellie is a modern-day nomad who writes to keep herself on the road. Hailing from Singapore, she has traipsed through continents to find home in Spain, for now. She is currently working as a full-time travel writer. Her work has been published in print media namely Food&Travel, Lifestyle, Jetstar Asia in-flight magazine, TODAY newspaper and STONE magazine; as well as online media CNNGo, National Geographic IT blog, WEND blog and Travel+Leisure Asia blog. Follow Nellie on Twitter @WildJunket
Uncover Madrid through Tapas and Wine
What’s considered an excellent night out in Madrid? Definitely the presence of divine wine, exquisite tapas and a stroll through Madrid’s historical center! With the lethal combination of these three factors, you can’t go wrong with a tapas and wine walking tour through the historical center of Madrid.
At Walks of Spain, a qualified wine-tasting guide will guide you through the old streets of Madrid, introducing you to the representative dishes and drinks of the country. From acorn-fed jamón...
May 30th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Madrid’s Skyline from a Cable Car
Many are surprised to know that there is a cable car line operating from the green lungs of Madrid to its historical city center. The scenery along the way provides an interesting perspective of the city and makes for some of the best views in town. Surprisingly, not many know about this secret, but once you hop on to the cable car, you’ll know what you’d been missing out on.
From the Arguelles district, the cable car ascends above its skyscrapers, and flies over the bustling center of the metropolis....
May 29th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Rock in Rio Comes to Madrid!
As if there are not enough music festivals to entertain the crowd this summer, the biggest mega music festival is hitting Madrid this June. Claiming fame as the biggest music festival in the world, Rock in Rio has its roots in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where it all started in 1985. It then took the stage in Portugal in 2004 and 2008 before deciding to make its first Spanish edition in Madrid in 2008. Since then, it’s been a huge hit among music lovers from all over the Mediterranean.
City of Rock
An...
May 28th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Daytrip from Madrid: Medieval City of Toledo
It’s been known as the jewel of Central Spain, as well as the medieval center of the country. Poised on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding valley, the city of Toledo is blessed with both history and natural beauty. As one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, Toledo is definitely a quintessential stop during any visit to Spain. What’s best is that it is located just 70km from the Spanish capital of Madrid, an easy 25-minute train ride away.
Toledo was proudly declared a World Heritage Site...
May 26th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
An Art House With A View
Poised at the cross-junction of Madrid’s two major roads is the iconic building of Círculo de Bellas Artes (Circle of Fine Arts). A characteristic edifice symbolic of the city’s Renaissance architectural past, the building that houses the arts house is more than just an architectural marvel. Encompassing various aspects of arts and culture in Spain, the CBA is a one-stop centre for arts enthusiasts.
As the most active cultural center in Madrid, Círculo de Bellas Artes (map) has played a vital...
May 23rd, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Madrid Nightlife: Top 5 Clubs to Party!
As night falls, the streets of Madrid come alive, pumping with energy and groove. Erupting into a massive party town, the city center of Madrid gyrates with style. Fashion-forward urbanites put on their best dancing shoes and get ready to paint the town red. Whether you’re into techno, salsa, jazz or funk music, there is always a nightspot that suits your liking. If you’re a party animal, Madrid definitely does not disappoint. But be warned, the Spaniards are nocturnal creatures who...
May 22nd, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
A Summer Rooftop Retreat at El Mirador
With summer creeping in quickly, temperatures are soaring sky high. The Spanish capital suddenly becomes a ghost town – I’m not exaggerating, summertime Madrid is quiet – as people head out to the breezy coastline for their month-long vacation.
For those stuck in Madrid, you’ll be comforted to find that there are still a few rare retreats here. At El Mirador (map), escape the heat and unwind on its rooftop terrace and lush garden. Besides serving as a sort of oasis in the...
May 21st, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Exotic Madrid: Indulge in an Arabic Bath
In the midst of cosmopolitan Madrid, it’s hard to imagine an oasis like Medina Mayrit(map) exists. With gushing fountains, an ancient Arabic decor and mellow Sufi music in the background, it brings you into a different world – one of harmony and tranquility.
Literally translated to mean City of Madrid, Medina Mayrit is specially designed to resemble Al Andalus, a mixture of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures. This magical concoction is now manifested through candle-lit chambers, aromatic...
May 20th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
5 Green Parks in Madrid
Unknown to many, Madrid is sprinkled with patches of green zones, providing the bustling metropolis with bouts of fresh air and gorgeous lounging grass. Now that spring is in full glory, these neat patchworks of nature are blooming, along with meadows of multi-hued sunflowers and hibiscus. From the outskirts of Madrid to right smack in the city center, a plethora of beautifully-sculpted parks are scattered throughout Madrid. Adding to the list of things to do on a Sunday in Madrid, a visit to these...
May 16th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
International Museum Day
18th May marks the annual International Museum Day, when museums around the world are opened to the public free of charge. Madrid will be participating in the event, opening up its major museums to visitors and tourists. Throughout the day and night, selected museums are free to visit, so make use of this opportunity to explore your favorite museums! Here is a list of participating museums in Madrid:
Museo del Prado
An impressive museum of historical art pieces, showcasing Spanish arts and history...
May 14th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
San Isidro Festival in Madrid
The biggest festival in Madrid is right around the corner! In 2 days’ time, on the 15th May, the whole city is coming together to celebrate the annual festival of their patron saint festival in style. With fiestas and carnivals going on the whole week, celebrations have started on the 12th May and will last till the 16th May. An exciting range of festivities will be taking place through out Madrid: from open-air concerts to traditional dances, urban music festival and parades of gigantes y cabezudos....
May 13th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Like Where You Play? Why Not Stay!
Imagine waking up to a view of rolling olive groves or clear azure waters – from the comfort of your own holiday home. Dreaming of buying your own holiday villa or ski property but don’t know where or how? Whether it is a Tuscan villa surrounded by yellow sunflower meadows or a cozy wooden lodge perched on the powdery slopes of the Alps, a holiday home is often a dream come true. There are plenty of properties for sale, if you look hard enough, you’ll be able to find a good deal. Here are some...
May 12th, 2010 | adventure | Read More
Snap Shot Wednesday: Atocha Train Station, Madrid
This week, we’re back with the Snap Shot Wednesday feature. Showcasing Madrid’s most important transport terminal, the photo above gives you a glimpse of the interior of Atocha train station. Besides connecting Madrid to various destinations all over Spain and the rest of Europe, Atocha plays an important role in Madrid’s infrastructural development.
From the outside, the Atocha train station is an outstanding landmark. The brown brick exterior, typical of Spanish traditional edifices, complements...
May 12th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
HipHop Festival Cultura Urbana
As summer lurks around the corner, music festivals are popping up all over the country, one of which is the Cultura Urbana. The biggest international hiphop festival in Spain, Cultura Urbana, will be stirring up quite a storm in Madrid come 15th May. With lineups of local and international hiphop artistes, as well as urban art showcases and breakdance battles, it is expected to be an all-night long party.
Winner of MTV’s top Spanish hiphop artiste, Cres, will be strutting his stuff alongside pioneering...
May 10th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Skydive Madrid
There are thousands of ways to see Madrid from above – but of course, the most thrilling one would have to be skydiving. For the dare-devils, leaping off a small jet at 4000m above the ground will surely feed your thirst for adrenaline and give you an alternative perspective of the city. Whether you are looking for something out-of-the-ordinary or simply experience the Spanish outdoors, skydiving in Madrid might just be the thing for you. Thrill seekers would enjoy free-falling at 200km/hr above...
May 9th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
A Taste of Hawaii in Madrid
At Hawaiano Mauna Loa, prepare to be swept off your feet, into the warm waves of tropical Hawaiian heat. Decked out in rattan walls, wooden furniture and multi-colored flower garlands, Mauna Loa transports you into a completely different world – one where smooth ocean music and relaxing vibes surround you. Enter into the lush greenery and mystical caves of Hawaii within Mauna Loa. In such restricted space, you’ll be surprised by how much effort is put into packing all of Hawaii into Mauna Loa.
Even...
May 8th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
WOMAD Cáceres 2010
One of the world’s biggest international music festival is taking Spain by storm this weekend! WOMAD will be held from 6th to 9th May in the historical center of Extremadura’s capital Cáceres. With an impressive line-up of international artistes, endless rows of merchandise stalls and a huge party atmosphere, WOMAD will surely rock your world.
WOMAD stands for World of Music, Arts and Dance and is internationally recognized for the array of performances from all over the world. With...
May 7th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Bookworms Alert! Cosy Second-hand Bookstore in Madrid
One of my personal favorite hangout in Madrid is the J&J Bookstore in downtown Madrid. A self-confessed bookworm and guidebook buff (don’t ask me why!), I spend hours holed up in J&J’s basement, scoaring through the enormous collections of books it has.
Chillout Cafe
From recently published novels to English-teaching guide, the whole store is chalked full of interesting reads and a cosy ambiance. For a cuppa of latte, lounge around in its cafe, devouring a brownie while reading...
May 2nd, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Flamenco Show in Madrid
Corral de la Morería sets the golden standards for flamenco tablaos in Madrid, with performances by the finest artistes and performaers from all over the country. Frequented by high-profile celebrities and ministers, this is where you go to see the creme de la creme of the flamenco world.
How
Dating back to 1956, the tablao has gained a royal following since its early years. Designed to resemble the 18th century tablaos, the Corral de la Moreria evokes traditional Spanish performing arts flare....
May 1st, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Unusual Hotel Stay: Cappadocia Cave Hotel
Amidst Cappadocia’s magical fairy chimneys and unworldly landscape, you’ll find several cave hotels that are unique in design, decor and setting. Carved out of volcanic rocks, these hotels give you the rare opportunity of sleeping in an extraordinary setting. Imagine waking up to the view of mountain cliffs, bizarre rock formations and rose canyons and lounging around in your private rustic cave: Yunak Evleri gives you exactly that experience.
At Yunak Evleri, nature meets comfort. The cave...
May 1st, 2010 | Istanbul | Read More
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