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
Snap Shot Wednesday: Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid
Today on our photography special, we are featuring Madrid’s iconic gate: Puerta de Alcalá. Standing at the crossroads of the city’s arteries – Calle de Alcalá and Alfonso XII – the gate used to be the main entrance to the walled city.
One of the most important kings in Spanish history, King Carlos III, ordered the construction of this monumental gate, to function as a yesteryear’s red carpet. In 1778, the gate was inaugurated.
Today, the neo-classical monument stands...
March 24th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Day Trip from Madrid: Skiing in Navacerrada
Spring might be here, but the snowy peaks of Navacerrada are still blanketed in white powder. Navacerrada (map), just 1 hour’s drive away from Madrid, is gorgeous especially at this time of the year. Ski season is almost over, the crowds are dissipating and climate’s at its best with pleasant temperatures and bright sunshine.
Cradled within the mountain range north of Madrid, Puerto de Navacerrada offers a panorama of the region and the neighbouring province of Segovia. Set amidst...
March 23rd, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
BMX World Championship Comes to Madrid
This March, adrenaline junkies will be in for a treat. The BMX Supercross World Championships held on the 27th March will be drawing in sports fans from all over the world to Madrid. The Palacio de Deportes (map) in downtown Madrid is staging the event. Thousands of spectators are expected to flood the gates of the sports stadium. In 2008, over 6000 turned up for the championships.
This year, the adrenaline will be pumping as the world’s best bikers maneuver the stadium’s challenging...
March 19th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Snap Shot Wednesday: The Royal Palace of Madrid
This stunning image features a Renaissance fountain that stands before the majestic Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in Madrid’s city center. This official residence of the King of Spain (although he doesn’t live there) is only used for state ceremonies and is opened to the public.
History
With hundreds of chambers embellished with royal jewels, the Palace is testiment to the Spanish history. Royal armoury and the famous throne room are the main highlights of the palace. It also houses...
March 17th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Sip to a View at the Penthouse Madrid
Poised above a phalanx of gothic architecture and interweaving alleys in downtown Madrid, the Penthouse flaunts spectacular views of the city. Madrid’s trendiest and most exquisite rooftop bar is a symbol of the city’s progressive culture and forward thinking.
Situated on the roof of ME Madrid Hotel, the Penthouse stands gloriously over Plaza Santa Ana, just steps away from the hopping nightlife of the city. The building itself is worth millions, drawing attention with its stark white...
March 17th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Celebrating St Patrick’s Day: 15 Irish Pubs in Madrid
With St Patrick’s Day just around the corner (17th March), there’s another reason to party again. Every Irish pub in Madrid is decked out in green, preparing for the celebrations with endless flow of Guinness and traditional cuisine. To kick start the celebrations, here’s a roundup of twenty of the best Irish pubs in town:
1. La Ardosa. Colón, 13. Tel: 91 521 49 79. (map) Claiming to be the pioneer in St Patrick’s Day celebrations, La Ardosa is one of the oldest Irish bars...
March 11th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Snap Shot Wednesday: Nightlights of Downtown Madrid
This is the first of my upcoming Snap Shot Wednesday series where I’ll be showcasing some of the best shots taken in Madrid or around the city.
Today’s feature brings us through the snazzy night lights of Gran Via in downtown Madrid.
Gran Vía: the main drag that runs through the heart of the city erupts with energy in the day and puts on an elegant glow by night. Madrid’s trendiest boutiques and stylish hotels line the boulevard while retro stores, independent design studios and...
March 10th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Madrid: Spanish Comfort Food for 2€
Bocadillo de calamares
If Madrid were a dish, it would be the bocadillo de calamares: crunchy deep-fried squid sandwiched in a thick loaf of baguette. Simple and easy to assemble, the result is an outrageously flavourful and indulgent delight.
But Madrid and seafood?
A city located hundreds of kilometers away from the nearest sea having the best squid sandwich in Spain? It might come as a surprise to many, but the Madrileños adore their bocadillo that much that they’ve made it their own. The...
March 8th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
5 Sunday Activities in Madrid
For a nation that prides itself on living la vida loca, Sunday is a day of leisure and laid-back calm. Even in the hectic Spanish capital, the daily mad rush slows down to a relaxed pace. On Sundays, Madrileños head to these various corners of the city for some rolling good times.
Retiro Park
1. Sample churros at San Ginés
The Spaniards are serious about their national breakfast: golden crisp flour dough sticks dipped in thick, lathery melted chocolate. Ask any local and you’ll be directed...
March 7th, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
Viva Madrid!
Flamenco shoes? Check.
A craving for some tapas and sangria? Check.
A hunger for culture and art? Check.
With these pointers in hand, I’ll be bringing you on a journey through Spain’s vibrant capital bursting with culture, history and latest happenings.
My name’s Nellie Huang, PlanetEye’s new Madrid local expert and full-time travel writer. With a love for all things Spanish (including my other-half who happens to be a Spaniard), I’m proud to say that Spain flows...
March 2nd, 2010 | Madrid | Read More
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