Seeing Madrid, Both Old and New

By Margot Black

At the heart of Spain, dynamic Madrid effortlessly combines Old World charm with vibrant modernity. I spent time studying in the city during my college years and had long wished to return with my husband and teenage son. Our recent trip didn't disappoint: The city remains a captivating blend of old and new, offering experiences that span from historical landmarks to contemporary luxury.

Madrid is the capital of Spain and its largest city, with a population of more than 3 million people. As the country's political, economic and cultural center, it stops at nothing in its ambition to honor its history while simultaneously dazzling you with its modern elegance, taste and style.

Visitors are spoiled for choice with attractions that include the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace, Retiro Park and Grand Via, a bustling thoroughfare that has been called "Spanish Broadway."

Our memorable stay began with a hop-on-hop-off open-top bus excursion, giving us an immediate and fantastic overview of the city. Plunging straight into its culinary heart, we joined an Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour with City Experiences, sampling everything from Jamon Iberico and Tortilla Espanola to churros and chocolate. This immersive experience was a fantastic introduction to Madrid.

The city was busy, so booking our tours in advance proved to be a clever move. A highlight was the magnificent Prado Museum tour combined with lunch at Botin, which has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest restaurant in the world.

Cassie, our guide, met us at the famed statue of Goya opposite the museum's ticket office. She helped us to navigate its many masterpieces, which included "The Three Graces" by Peter Paul Rubens and Rembrandt's "Judith at the Banquet of Holofernes." The collection is vast, and we were hungry after we saw it.

Madrid is known as the birthplace of the world's first book of recipes, the "Libro de Cozina." Dating back to the 16th century, it is one of the earliest examples of the genre, and the Spanish take their food seriously. It was no surprise, then, that lunch at Botin proved to be a splendid journey back in time as we dined on dishes that have been served since it opened in 1725. Their whole suckling pig, a specialty, was a standout. And when I say you eat a whole pig, they literally bring you everything from nose to tail, providing us with much hilarity at the table. It was all delicious, and the restaurant's historical significance made this a must-do experience.

On our final day, we booked another glorious excursion via City Experiences to explore Madrid's royal heritage on a walking tour of the Royal Palace. The palace was extravagant, expansive and beautiful. Its opulent rooms and stunning architecture are a testament to Spain's rich history. Once again, our guide provided insightful commentary, making the visit both educational and enjoyable. This was a six-hour experience so not for the faint-hearted, but there was so much to see, and we loved the churro-tasting part of the tour. Each bite was divine, rich and velvety.

With so much to see and do, a little clever planning means visitors won't miss a thing -- and that includes the food. Here are some of our best tips for enjoying this rich city.

Don't be afraid to try the local delicacies and tapas, because you won't be disappointed. Try it all, and trust me, with all the walking, you'll burn off any extra calories in no time.

Book all of your tours in advance, especially in high season. The lines were long, and many of the attractions were sold out on the day.

Enjoy the luxury of having a tour guide. Having someone else take care of the details meant that we could all relax, and their local knowledge was invaluable. It was very easy to book and connect via the City Experiences app.

Reflecting on our time in Madrid, we think its charm lies in its ability to blend the old and the new seamlessly. You really can't ask more from a city visit -- but you can always order another bowl of churros.

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WHEN YOU GO

The centrally located Hotel Montera Madrid, a Curio Collection by Hilton property, is a mix of bohemian and eclectic styles that creates an upscale haven -- from the suite in which we stayed to the restaurant and bar, the gym facilities and the rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city: www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mademqq-hotel-montera-madrid/gallery.

Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour: www.cityexperiences.com/madrid/madrid-ultimate-spanish-cuisine-tour

Prado Museum: www.museodelprado.es/coleccion

Botin: www.botin.es

City Experiences: www.cityexperiences.com/madrid

Royal Palace: www.patrimonionacional.es/visita/palacio-real-de-madrid

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Margot Black is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.