During my exchange program in Madrid, my best friend from Mexico, Juan, visited me. Obviously, we started in the city of Madrid.

It was midsummer and, as you might know, Madrid streets are filled with sunlight and an unbearable heat; the first thing you need to have is a reusable bottle of water so you can refill it at the water fountains around the city.

Our first stop on a Saturday morning, after breakfast, was the great Museo del Prado, one of the most important pictorial museums in the entire world. Our favorite painting was the famous Las Meninas, an astonishing art work done by Diego Velazquez and definitely something you have to see with your own eyes.

After a long indoor tour, it’s time to breathe fresh air in El Retiro park. It is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon, maybe rest a little under a tree. At first, enjoy the big lake, where you can rent a boat. After a short time in the park, we decided to go find something cheap and fast to eat.

One of our favorite spots in the city, right outside the park, is La Puerta de Alcalá, or Alcala Gate. A lot of people are always taking pictures, so we didn’t stay long, but it is always nice to view. Nearby is a pizza place where we recharged our batteries to continue.

We took the subway all the way to La Puerta del Sol or Gate of the Sun. I know Madrid is full of gates, but here is a public square where you can find the kilometer 0 plaque; the bear and the madroño sculpture, which has a very interesting story; a monument for King Charles III; and other curiosities.

If you love public squares as much as I do, five minutes’ walking and you’ll arrive at Plaza Mayor, a big, red, beautiful square. It may not have the prettiest story, but it is a really nice place to walk around. We stopped to enjoy some tapas before going for more food to San Miguel Market, just outside Plaza Mayor. This market has a variety of food, red wines and other beverages; we sat down inside after buying some snacks and, of course, a good glass of red wine.

Personally, I’m in love with this city, which I consider my second home after living and enjoying it for six months, and it was a total pleasure to share it with my best friend, Juan.

— Mariana Zenizo, account executive & media rep