Madrid for the weekend!

My friend Darlene from university was planning a trip to Barcelona and Madrid and sent me a message through Instagram to see if I had any recommendations. We hadn't kept in touch but glad she reached out. I offered to meet her in Madrid and invited her to finish her trip in Valencia during Fallas!

I took her to my favorite places in Madrid. 
We took a boat ride in Retiro Park and that was quite the adventure! Homegirl can't paddle! 
I took over and we only bumped a few boats (not my fault lol).
It was all fun and games until it started pouring down rain and we were on the opposite of the pond. WE GOT SOAKED!
There was nowhere to take cover and as you can see from the picture, my umbrella was useless. 
We went to see Madrid's Royal Palace and walked through a few parks. 
Drinks at Mercado de San Miguel. 
Dinner at Restaurante Sobrino de Botin, founded in 1725, is the oldest restaurant continuously operating in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records.
We had a pitcher of Sangria.
Ordered the pig. 
Sang along with the live band. 
I told them it was her birthday so we got cake and chupitos. 
Not bad for a night in Madrid. 
We woke up (definitely feeling all the sangria from last night) and had breakfast at San Gines Chocolateria.
More sights then Circulo de Las Bellas Artes for lunch, drinks and views. 

Back to Valencia, she is coming with me!
GO COOGS!

My favorite thing to do when traveling is using the good 'ole tourist map. I circle my must-see places and make my route. This day trip to Madrid was a whopping 26,976 steps, according to my iPhone Health App. 
Classic places to check out: Plaza Mayor, San Gines Chocolateria, Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, Circulo de Bellas Artes, Real Jardin Botanico, Mercado de San Miguel, Royal Palace of Mardid, and Temple of Debod!