🇪🇸 10 Must-Do Experiences in Madrid 🔥

1️⃣ Puerta del Sol: Ground Zero 🐻 Bear & Strawberry Tree: City emblem (east entrance). Pro tip: Shoot before 9AM for empty shots! 📍 Kilometer Zero: Spain’s road network starts here (in front of Post Office). 2️⃣ Royal Palace Adventure 👑 Must-see rooms: Throne Room (gold ceilings!), Porcelain Room (blue-white walls), Royal Armory (13th-century armor). 🆓 Free entry: Mon-Thu 5-7PM (last entry 6PM). 📸 Hidden spot: Sabatini Gardens (east side) for palace + sunset shots. 🎟️ €14 (book online). Audio guide app: "Palacio Real Audio Guide" (Chinese available). 3️⃣ Retiro Park Magic 🚣 Rowboats: €8/45min (swans gather near Alfonso XII Monument). 💎 Crystal Palace: Best light before 11AM for glass reflections. 4️⃣ Art Golden Triangle 🖼️ Prado (2hrs): Velázquez’s Las Meninas, Goya’s Naked Maja. 🎨 Reina Sofía (1.5hrs): Picasso’s Guernica. 5️⃣ Mercado de San Miguel Food Hunt 🍖 Zone A: Jamón Ibérico (€3/slice). 🦐 Zone C: Paella Valenciana (€6) + olive skewers (€1.5). 🍫 Zone D: Croquetas (€2) + churros (€4). ⏰ Go at 2PM or 8PM to avoid crowds! 6️⃣ Santiago Bernabéu Pilgrimage ⚽ Player’s Tunnel: Touch locker-room seats + match-day lights/sounds! 🏆 Trophy Wall: 14 Champions League cups + 2022 Ballon d’Or. 🎟️ €25 (book "Bernabéu Tour + VR" 3 days ahead). 7️⃣ Flamenco Nights 💃 Budget pick: Cardamomo (€25 with drink). 🌟 Luxury pick: Corral de la Morería (Michelin-starred, €50+). 8️⃣ Sobrino de Botín Feast 🐷 Order: Cochinillo Asado (roast pig) + Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp). 📅 Hemingway’s table: Book the cellar seat online! 9️⃣ Café Gijón: Literary Vibes ☕ Dalí’s drink: Café Bombón (espresso + condensed milk, €3.5). 📸 Photo ops: Velvet booths, vintage phone booth, signed mirrors. 🔟 Plaza Mayor Gems 🛍️ Sunday market: El Rastro (antique watches from €20, Sanmao’s books at Plaza de Cascorro). 🍽️ Eat: La Campana (black paella €12 + sangria €4). 🌃 View: Rooftop of northwest bakery (free panoramic shots!). #MadridBucketList #SpainTravel #HiddenGems