FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Exploring Madrid from La Latina

by Patricia Vanikiotis

Apr 18, 2020

The end of our Iberian road trip brought us to Madrid Barajas Airport, where we turned in our rental car, said goodbye to our travel companions as they headed to a safari in South Africa, and hopped the Metro to take us into the heart of Madrid and the apartment that would be our home for the next three days. A word to the wise (which I would not count my husband and I to be in this particular instance): Do not assume every subway station will have working escalators and elevators between levels to make moving around with luggage easy. They won’t; get a taxi or ride share!

Our accommodations were in the La Latina neighborhood, just a few blocks from the Metro station and a pleasant stroll to Plaza Major. We checked in with the property manager who then showed us to our very roomy one-bedroom apartment on the third floor. The building, like most on this narrow street, was four to six stories tall, probably built in the early 20th century  Madrid, Spain   and featured some elegant touches of wood and ironwork.     Madrid, Spain   The ground-level shops featured small restaurants, coffee shops, convenience stores and an assortment of small businesses, with apartments ranged above. It felt very much a typical neighborhood rather than a touristy hot spot while at the same time offering convenient access to all the major sites in the city.

After settling in, we strolled the streets with an eye out for a dinner spot and came across this amazing shop, a luthier with the most beautiful instruments on display and for sale. Madrid, Spain Félix Manzanero is one of the most acclaimed guitar makers in Madrid, and his instruments have won international awards. His collection of antique instruments shares the space with some of his own highly crafted works. The detailing awed us; such beauty!

Madrid, Spain Madrid, Spain Madrid, Spain

The next morning we made our way to Mass at a nearby church, passing the impressive Puerta de Toledo, one 19 city gates. Madrid, Spain  Then it was off to tour the Palacio Real, one of Europe’s great royal palaces (and the largest by square footage) and still used for state ceremonies. We purchased our tickets in advance online and avoided having to stand in long lines. We rented the self-guided audio-visual device which provided interesting details and additional or close-up pictures along the route. Knowing I couldn’t do the space justice, I didn’t take a great many pictures, but these will give you some sense of the elaborate ornamentation and 18th-century architecture. Madrid, Spain Madrid, Spain  Madrid, Spain. Madrid, Spain Rather than taking the separate tour of the Royal Armory and the Royal Kitchens, we grabbed lunch at the on-site cafeteria and scrolled through those “tours” on our devices as we ate.

Afterwards, we crossed the immense plaza before the main entrance, admiring the black and gold lampposts Madrid, Spain and views of the Jardines del Campo del Moro to the west of the palace Madrid, Spain  before circling the imposing Catedral de la AlmudenaMadrid, Spain It’s a relatively new church, begun in 1868 and only completed and consecrated in 1993. I was especially taken with the enormous sculpted doors along the exterior. Madrid, Spain     Madrid, Spain Madrid, Spain     Madrid, Spain

We decided to make our way leisurely on foot back to our apartment, enjoying the chance to peek into a variety of shops along the way. It made for a very pleasant, low-key way to end our sightseeing day in Madrid.

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Jul 18, 2025

Hôtel de Sers Reopens in Paris

One of Paris’ most elegant addresses has reopened following a full renovation. Hôtel de Sers, part of the B Signature Hotels & Resorts portfolio, was once the private mansion of Henri-Léopold Charles, Marquis de Sers. Located within the illustrious Triangle d’Or, close to the Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne, the property’s refined décor and original Haussmannian architectural elements have been carefully preserved. These include a spectacular marble staircase and the structure’s original carriage entrance, along with period features such as wrought-iron details and magnificent moldings and ceilings of the original salon de réception.

Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination

Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.

Global City Guidebook: Rome

With its rich culture, storied history, delicious food and excellent wine, it’s no wonder travelers flock to Rome. The Eternal City takes visitors back to the Golden Age as they explore the beauty, monuments and remains of ancient Rome.

Daily
Jul 18, 2025

Historic Washington, D.C., Hotel Unveils Renovations

Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. recently unveiled its reimagined guestrooms and suites. The design project pays homage to key moments in American history across its 335 restored accommodations, including 69 suites and 14 signature suites.

Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November

Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.

July 2025
Jul 18, 2025

Global City Guidebook: Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is not only one of the capitals of South Africa but also the oldest city in the country. Cape Town hugs the Port of Cape Town in Table Bay, extending to the Hottentots Holland Mountains. The city endured years of segregation during apartheid, including uprisings. Today the city continues to rebound in a post-apartheid era, with many major companies headquartered in the city center, popular beaches teeming with visitors in warmer months, engaging museums and aquariums, and a thriving tourist industry promoting the city’s culture and natural beauty.

eFlyer Reviews
Jul 16, 2025

Hotel Saint Augustine Review

Blending with its Montrose neighborhood like the indigenous and cultivated plants hugging the property’s walkways, the newly built Hotel Saint Augustine opened mid-January 2025. The first Bunkhouse hotel in Houston, Texas, is easily mistaken for garden apartments. Seventy-one guest rooms and suites encompass a tree-lined block. The hotel’s buildings are only two stories tall and also house a lobby, lounge, restaurant and event space. Tucked into a corner of the grounds sits a circular outdoor pool.

Smarter Business Travel: 12 Tips from IHG Business Edge

For small- and mid-sized businesses, travel is often a necessary part of growth — helping to strengthen client relationships, explore new markets and attend key industry events. But with rising costs and limited resources, keeping business travel efficient and budget-friendly is more important than ever.

eFlyer News
Jul 16, 2025

UNESCO Adds New Sites to World Heritage List

At UNESCO’s 47th World Heritage Convention, it announced 26 new inscribed properties to its World Heritage list, with many sites reflecting a greater focus on conservation and the natural environment.