FLT Managers Series, Part 1: Exploring Madrid with Raúl
In the first part of our Managers Series, we are exploring Madrid with Raúl! Born and bred in the Spanish capital, Raúl loves to share his passion for his hometown, its culture and its food on every food tour. In this post he tells us about his favorite places in Madrid, the best food, and also why everyone needs to visit Madrid. So let’s dive in and get the inside scoop on Raúl and his hometown!
Full name:
Raúl Martín Fernández
About me:
I’m Spanish and I’m a very passionate person: about food and about Madrid, my lovely hometown.
How long have you lived in Madrid? What drew you to it?
I’m born and raised here, nobody is perfect, you know? Haha!
What do you love about Madrid? What is your favorite neighborhood? What are some of your favorite things to do here?
Madrid is one of the friendliest cities in the world, so for that it’s in top ten every year. That’s what I love the most. Also, Madrid is a very clean and safe city. Public transportation is easy, quick, and cheap, too.
The Literary Quarter is my favorite one; it’s called that because writers used to live there many years, and even centuries, ago. Some examples are Lope de Vega, Cervantes, Calderón de la Barca, Quevedo, Góngora, to name a few. In this district, you can go for tapas, and there are famous formal restaurants, as well. You can also enjoy some of the theaters. In the summertime, it has a really lively atmosphere with a lot of outdoor terraces.
See more: FLT Managers Series, Part 1: Uncovering Portuguese Culture with Thomas
What things should visitors in Madrid see and do during their stay?
When exploring Madrid, visitors should obviously go for tapas, visit one of the many famous restaurants, and see the sunset from a rooftop. Visit Templo de Debod, the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Mayor Street and of course, visit Prado, Reina Sofía (modern art) and Thyssen Museums. Shopping in the city center could be interesting, too!
What is the foodie scene like in Madrid?
Madrid’s foodie scene is really huge, because it’s a good combination of trendy and traditional bars and restaurants. Also, we have several Michelin-starred restaurants and thousands of bars and restaurants for all different pockets.
In Madrid we have true masters giving a modern touch to traditional recipes, which is the highlight of the current cuisine in Madrid. Don’t miss it!
What’s your favorite local dish in Madrid?
It’s very difficult to pick just one of them in Madrid! Despite being an inland city, we have very good fish, the freshest seafood, and the best meat and vegetables. If I had to choose one, I’d pick croquetas de jamón ibérico. This dish is béchamel with Iberian ham, breaded and deep-fried in extra virgin olive oil, delicious!
What is something about Madrid that you want people to know?
Madrid, as the capital city, is ready to welcome people, and travelers are always well-received. Because we are very social, we love to help in any way and make people feel comfortable. Come to Madrid and you’ll realize at once that people are the most valuable asset of Madrid!
Want to start exploring Madrid, one bite at a time with Raúl? Then join Food Lover Tour in Madrid for an unforgettable culinary experience you’ll never forget. Taste the best Spanish cuisine and discover the essence of the Spanish capital in the best company!
