Círculo de Bellas Artes

I think it's fair to say that I have a new favorite rooftop bar in Madrid... let alone in the entire world. Boasting breathtaking panoramas of the city skyline, La Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes undoubtedly offers the most spectacular views of Madrid. We arrived at dusk just in time for the golden hour, and proceeded to sip our suprisingly affordable white wine while admiring the sublime views of Banco de España, Plaza de Cibeles and Gran Vía. We marveled at the scenery as the sun lazily melted into the skyline, setting the sky ablaze with colors. The views were just as incredible after sunset as the city sparkled at night. Suffice it to say, it was the perfect autumn evening in Madrid.

La Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes

Calle Alcalá 42

Metro: Banco de España, Sevilla

Holy Toledo

Toledo exudes romantic Spanish history and old world charm. This medieval hilltop town is one of the most sublime and picturesque views into Spain's glory days. While Toledo can easily transport you back into a captivating past, it is also still brimming with the lively flavor of Spain's present.

While there are certain mandatory attractions to be seen in Toledo such as the Catedral de Toledo and the Museo de Santa Cruz, our favorite moments were spent simply just wandering about the charming streets and getting lost within the city.

Toledo was the perfect day trip and escape from the city. (That said, I know I must really love Madrid because I'm always excited to come back.) I can't wait to continue exploring this beautiful country. Hopefully Toledo is just a taste of what's to come!

Tasting Our Way Through Toledo

Café con leche

Pan tostado con tomate

"Breakfast"

Tortilla española: a classic

Marzipan, Toledo's famed traditional dessert

Tinto Time!

Honey mustard calamari.  I obviously took no part in this breaded seafood nonsense. 

On Sunday we took a day trip to Toledo, Spain's charming former capital outside of Madrid. While the cathedrals, museums and picturesque winding streets are abound with beauty, history and culture, one of the most enjoyable parts of our day was sightseeing though our tastebuds.

Toledo is such a quintessentially Spanish city, so it only made sense that we indulge on typical Spanish food. Café solo and café con leche, pan tostado con tomate, tortilla española, and tinto de verano & cañas that are served with free tapas (including jamón, obviously) were some of our top picks of the day. Not pictured are our mouthwatering dishes from La Abadia, a traditional Spanish restaurant without a tourist in sight. I devoured a savory, rich plate of grilled meat and vegetables, while my friends feasted upon huevos rotos and a delectable assortment of regional tapas.

I'm lucky I didn't gain 5 pounds in one day, because I could have easily just kept eating my way through the city without stopping. I've recently come to the conclusion that Spanish food is the ultimate comfort food, and what it sometimes may lack in spice and flavor it easily compensates with reassuring simplicity.

I can assure you that I did more than just eat and drink in Toledo... but I'd be lying if I told you that this wasn't one of our highlights.