Travelling on Constitution Day: And Why It Was Nothing Like What I Expected in The Spanish Capital!

I caught a bus to Madrid on the 6th of December 2023, Spain's Constitution Day and a National Holiday. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but my hunch was a very quiet, closed city. How wrong was I?....
Filmed on 6th/7th December 2023
Music courtesy of epidemicsound.com
Thumbnail designed using Canva
This video is not sponsored and all opinions are my own
I don’t pretend to be a travel expert, but I love what I do and would be honoured if you came along with me. My channel focusses on the wide-eyed wonder and excitement of finding somewhere new, and my genuine reaction to it. You may not get a history lesson in my videos, but who knows, you might pick up some useful travel tips along the way, add a few destinations to your bucket list and hopefully be entertained by what you see. Thanks for watching, it means a lot to me :)
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I was born in Glasgow but have lived in Carnoustie, Dalgety Bay, Stonehaven, Edinburgh, Montrose, and further afield (Salamanca, Spain & Devonport, New Zealand)
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#SteveMarsh #Madrid #Spain

[@enriquegonzaga3865]

I am from Madrid and never never never go to central Madrid those days. It IS fully crowded.

[@georgesfeydeaufeydeau6235]

😂 I wish I could have warned you. In December I steer clear of the tourist center of Madrid. I can handle Retiro Park, and I flee to the Big parks surrounding the city. The crowds have become intractable in recent years. Thoroughly enjoyable video, in spite of your mental agony.

[@davidcrespo8026]

Im a londoner and Madrid is a super cooool global city. I loved it when I was there. This architecture is superb and the city is a total madness. Great great video

[@RS-ln3ns]

IT'S JUST LIKE THE WEST END, IN CENTRAL LONDON.

[@mrmullett1067]

What a lovely city and some very magic scenes, thanks Steve.

[@nachofernandezramudo1900]

Central Madrid is much bigger than the district called "centro". Centro is what we could call Old Madrid. So do not be confused. Other districts like Malasaña, Chueca, Arguelles, Chamberi or Salamanca are also "central", have a lot of XIXth century glamour and are far less crowded on holidays. You also missed going to Plaza de Oriente and the Royal Palace gardens, Sabatini and Campo del Moro, a ten/fifteen minutes walk from Plaza Mayor. A beautiful area where there are people and tourists but not those inmense crowds. Madrid is a big city and cannot be compared to Salamanca. Some people like big cities, others don´t.

[@Jorrocks1703]

The trees are encinas (Holm Oak). Basically it´s an evergreen oak and is common allover the interior of Spain and Portugal. Very significant to Spanish cuisine for two reasons. 1. the Iberian Blackfoot pig graze those pastures and eat the encina acorn. That´s what makes Spanish jamon so special. 2. The wood of the encina is used to fire ovens that make the best roast lamb and suckling pig etc.

[@saltburner2]

Have had wild boar - Javali - in Portugal. Quite delicious.

[@johnlocke5585]

I believe the “encinas” (holm oaks) together with the “olivos” (olive trees) are the two defining plants of Spain.

[@robert111k]

@@johnlocke5585, there are many defining plants in Spain because there are very different climates and soils throughout the country. In addition to olive trees, holm oaks, or cork oaks (which produce the acorns that Iberian pigs are fed with), there are also spectacular beech forests, oak groves, Spanish fir forests, palm groves, the dragon trees of the Canary Islands...

[@darwinsfish]

Stayed in Madrid with a lovely Spanish couple we met in Morocco. They had an apartment high above a quiet street. One evening they called us to the balcony and we watched a young man serenade a girl opposite us. He was down in the street with his mates playing guitars. It was heartfelt and just seemed so Spanish. The modern version of courting probably involves social media 😢. If you’re in Madrid the famous Prado is worth a visit.

[@michaelbruchas6663]

What a mass of humanity there. New York City’s New Year’s Eve festivities pale to those crowds in Madrid!!!

[@145Nudel]

Didn’t know a bus could be cute until I saw that dinky blue one 🚎

[@yomismo688]

¡MADRID ES HERMOSA!😍🇪🇸❤️

[@Kurrotako]

............I agree Steve, smaller places rather than capitals. That is why I chose Weymouth, Dorset, instead of London or any other major city in the UK . Many English friends I made in the UK always told me that capitals are places for lunatics, lol. I must confess that watching your video about Madrid tears started running down my chicks, as I am from a nice location called ARANJUEZ, 47 km. south Madrid. Do you remember the concert?, And guess what, the name of the main street of my hometown is Stuart St. ( Estuardo ) . Does that ring a bell to you?. Happy journeys as always.

[@123pgq]

Hi, Steve. You chose possibly the worst time of the year to visit Madrid - locals avoid the city centre like the plague. Since there is a long holiday from the 6th until the 8th of December, many people use these days to travel. However, this year it was especially rough - Madrid was so crowded it even made headlines nationwide. I hope you can come back at a quieter time - December is definitely not it. On a different note, you seemed to be curious about the etymology of Peñaranda de Bracamonte. To be honest, the name itself doesn't really say anything to me as a native speaker. "Peña" is a big rock or small mountain and "monte" means hill, but that's about it. According to Wikipedia, the "Bracamonte" part comes from a local aristocratic family (the Bracquemonts) that came from France in the 15th century. Hope this helps!

[@kaitak1757]

Madrid is one of my favorite cities in europe. You took the wrong time. The crowd of people looks like an evening in Hongkong. I am soon back in Madrid for a few days.

[@paulg9302]

I'm supposed to be decorating, but saw the notification that Steve had uploaded a new video. So, when I get shouted at by my wife, I'm blaming you, Steve.

[@williamdom3814]

@paulg9302 You've definitely got your priorities right. 🙂

[@TheUluxian]

Happy wife, happy life... ..except when Steve is on..lol

[@therookeryvanlife5612]

😂

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

😂A lot better than decorating or DIY. We have to get our priorities right. Actually I discovered that my wife likes watching Steve. Should I be concerned?😂

[@vivellasmum]

😂

[@satanishangover]

The problem is you went on one of the busiest times of the year. The 6th of Dec. being a Holiday, the 8th being a Holiday, many Spaniards combine both to travel to Madrid, as well as many locals go out to do the Xmas shopping, just two weeks away. That was also the reason for such high hotel rates. I used to live right in Plaza Mayor, and it was nuts around Xmas times. Most other times of the year you can enjoy Madrid much better. Additionally, you went to the very center, and Madrid has other very nice area off the center. If I was to travel to Madrid, I'd choose April to early June, or mid September to mid November.

[@barvdw]

Yep, that's the plan for the end of the year, I love Madrid and it has been too long.

[@Natalia-pc7fm]

Looks like you didn’t do much research before the trip. You came to Madrid on one of the busiest holidays hence the hotel room prices, and went for one bang in the middle of Fuencarral, one of the busiest commercial streets, and then went looking for something to eat in Plaza Mayor, an infamous tourist trap. Glad you enjoyed yourself, though. Come back at a better time of year.

[@carolinegreenwell9086]

crowds like that are my worst nightmare

[@waramatt1]

We had a week in Madrid a few years ago, in October. We stayed near Pl. de Tirso de Molina. Our home town has about 300,00 people and I swear there were times when every street between Sol and Pl. Mayor had more people than that. Every morning I’d walk to Retiro or catch metro out to Lago to go for quiet runs away from other humans! I still make Bocadillo de Calamares to remind myself of that trip. Thanks Steve for another ripper.

[@egutiguti3337]

En Madrid, durante el mes de Diciembre suele haber bastante gente, turistas extranjeros y españoles que vienen en Navidad. Las colas para comprar lotería también es solamente en Navidad , es una lotería muy tradicional para los españoles, que intercambian con familiares y amigos ( solamente esta de Navidad) el sorteo se celebra en el teatro real y es televisado todos los años, se hace como se hacia desde el siglo XIX, con unos enormes bombos donde están todas las bolitas con los números y van saliendo, todo esto cantado por los niños del colegio de San Ildefonso. Es muy muy tradicional y marca el comienzo de la Navidad para los españoles, es por lo que has visto tanta cola de gente comprando esa lotería. También tiene su encanto, recibir el nuevo año en La Puerta del Sol tomando las doce uvas, una por cada campanada que anuncia el nuevo Año. Pero si quieres disfrutar de la ciudad de un modo más tranquilo sin tanta gente, mejor visitarla en primavera o en otoño, en el 2023 la visitaron 14 millones de turistas, siempre hay gente, pero merece la pena conocer la ciudad.

[@mats7492]

The Salamanca tourist office should employ you. You have nothing but praise for that city 🙂

[@mimic4901]

Salamanca is one of beautifoul cities of Spain.

[@TheUluxian]

Can't really blame him. .. looks like just a lovely city

[@vasto11]

Has ido a Madrid cuando más gente hay, se junta el puente y viene mucha gente de fuera a ver las luces de Navidad. Mala elección de fechas.

[@ageoflove1980]

There is an Ibis Budget in Vallecas that's decent and near a metro station. The area is nice too, very working class and hardly any tourists, so lots of cheap and authentic places to eat. They even have their own football club, Rayo Vallecano.

[@ColinSlocombe]

Sorry to say as I never been to Spain but your doing a great job 👍

[@tanyabassett8287]

Wow, I've spent a week, four times a year for the past five years in Madrid and I've never seen so many people in the centre. I have spent many an afternoon in Retiro Park to get away from the heat it's beautiful there. It's a wonderful city for a woman alone ( husband in meetings ) to wander around all the different areas and feel really safe plus the Madriliens ? are so friendly and helpful. I love it there but Vitoria-Gasteiz, Burgos, Salamanca, segovia ( just magnificent but too touristy ), are where I'd live if I had to live in a city.

[@Jana-wz7dr]

Love the giant park, some great features and plants.

[@Ulysses1707]

£250? No way. When in Madrid I usually stay in the same hotel which is close to the Bernabéu stadium. It's of a similar standard to Premier Inns or Travel Lodge. I'll be there again in a couple of weeks. I never pay more than £75 per night. For a hostal like the one you stayed in I wouldn't expect to pay more than £25. Great video btw. Keep up the good work.

[@satanishangover]

It was because the 6th and the 8th people "join them", and make them a minivacation time along with early Xmas shopping. Probably the one you stayed at it's close to Hotel Cuzco.

[@sheilahammond4260]

How lovely to see clean streets with no litter flying around🙃😊

[@leonb2637]

I was in Madrid in early December 1985 and also had issues with some places closed due the holidays. I was also there in November 2019, only months before the pandemic kicked in. I lucked out with an awesome en-suite room in a small 'boutique' hotel for $125 USD in a nice neighborhood nor far from a number of decent and fair priced restaurants (booked via Travelosity) . Madrid is a good walkable city. I also spent time in both parts of the Pardo (classical and modern) and another great art museum as that is my interest. I also use suggested walking tours in the travel books of USA based Rick Steves. A good day trip from Madrid is to Segovia. About an hour by fast train, it is on the main line to Leon. A Roman aqueduct greets you after the bus from the train station, you can visit the castle famous for the birthplace of Queen Isbella, you can see distant mountains and the lands below it. Just below the city was a village with a church carved into the rock. Very quiet, no other tourists and interesting, worth the walk down (and back).

[@ianfox6106]

I remember that road tunnel on the highway from Madrid to Salamanca, it was loooooong.

[@Antizyr]

Great video Steve! I was a bit confused why your coach decided to travel on smaller country roads instead of the motorway, which there is between Salamanca and Madrid, but then I remembered there's a route that stops in smaller towns along the way, so that's probably the one you took. Anyway, the trees you referred to at 06:04 are usually oaks, according to wordreference cork oaks and holm oaks mainly (alcornoques and encinas in Spanish respectively) and are the most common trees in the dehesa landscape which is mostly found in central Spain and Portugal. Also, have to completely agree that Madrid is very very overwhelming compared to Salamanca. Madrid is really hated among Spaniards (as all capital cities tend to be) but from my experience having lived in both cities Madrid is just simply way too much for me, my quality of life was so much better in Salamanca, there's just no place to sit down, relax, and enjoy life in Madrid, I get that it's a hectic city, but I feel like it makes me behave hectic as well even though I don't want to. Madrid is also a much more car-centric city compared to most other Spanish cities so that certainly makes it more unwelcoming in my book. And the queueing... There's just so much of it in Madrid! Even on a relatively quiet Saturday going anywhere to eat meant waiting in a queue for an hour or so, can't imagine how awful it was during Constitution day. Anyway, hope you enjoyed your stay all things considered, and again it was a great vid, keep up the good work!

[@rsnankivell1962]

Is Madrid "a much more car-centric city compared to most other Spanish cities"? Really? If you say so... Let me tell you that "anti-car measures in the city centre" in Madrid are the most restrictive and harsh in Spain... The fines too! Madrid is not a car-centric city... It just happens that there are more cars there than anywhere else in Spain, because it's maybe an agglomeration of 7 million people? Because of the long distances that have to be traveled compared to the rest of the Spanish cities? But according to you none of that matters, it shouldn't influence, I guess... And from what I see you also don't take into account its fantastic public transport system, in all aspects. Btw, in all the great Spanish tourist places queueing is common, not only in Madrid. So, are you comparing Madrid with Salamanca? Really? Incredible, I'm speechless! Maybe you should compare Salamanca with another city of its size... pls, don't cheat. Forget the cliché... Madrid is one of the most liveable and vibrant big cities in the world. I agree with you on two things: Madrid is too much for you and you are one of many Spaniards who hate it for no reason... or yes... Out of envy, maybe.

[@Antizyr]

@@rsnankivell1962 Relax, I don't hate Madrid as you say, never said I did. I dislike many things, and love many others, just as any other place. If I really hated Madrid I wouldn't have chosen it to be my home for half a decade. I will not argue back because much of what you've said is just as meaningless or even less so than my original comment, and honestly I really doubt I could have a decent conversation with you, but I will say that for having typed such a long comment on how butthurt I am, it really does seem like it's the opposite here. Hope you have a nice day.

[@rsnankivell1962]

​​​​​​​​@@Antizyr Primero relaja tú el paternalismo que destilas, no te pongas tan estupendo/a y rebate mis argumentos, no te vayas por las ramas ni me psicoanálisis, muchacho/a. Tu exagerado comentario lleno de prejuicios, topicazos y medias verdades acerca de Madrid, además comparándola odiosamente con Salamanca, es el que me ha obligado a contestarte. Pero si no te gusta que haya dejado en evidencia tu desconocimiento y tus prejuicios acerca de Madrid, piensa antes lo que escribes, no es mi culpa. Además creo que con tu segundo comentario está claro que eres tú quien ha demostrado que serías incapaz de mantener un mínima conversación coherente y decente; conversación que conste, en ningún momento he pretendido continuar contigo viendo el percal. ¿Solo aguantaste 5 años en Madrid? Lo que decías, demasiada ciudad para ti. Por cierto, la extensión de mis comentarios la decido yo, no tú. Hablando de comentarios largos, con un: "Soy de Bilbao, pero prefiero vivir en Salamanca que es una ciudad pequeña y muy tranquila. También vivi en Madrid, pero me fui porque me parece una ciudad demasiado grande e intensa", el comentario habría quedado divino, el resto de perogrulladas irrelevantes acerca de Madrid sobraban. Habrías evitado el tener que contestarte, rebartir punto por punto tus flipadas y escribir un comentario tan largo, dos comentarios tan largos. Pasa el día de sábado que te mereces. FIN

[@Antizyr]

​@@rsnankivell1962 Lo dicho, por mucho que te empeñes no estoy dispuesto a combatir contigo, ten un buen día.

[@Tajarim88]

Ah, Madrid ❤️ mit dem wunderschönen Prado mit der hübscheren Mona Lisa 😊

[@brucemateer2630]

Interesting insight into Madrid. I understand the Spanish enjoy a party but that seriously would have done my head in. Very brave of you. Salamanca here we come = slow travel

[@williamelgin6873]

When I lived in Madrid in the 1970s, the garden area was where the long-distance trains arrived and departed.

[@The67Felipe]

Peñaranda de Bracamonte? well, Bracamonte comes from the french "braquemont" , very similar to the english, break the mountain. Peñaranda consist of peña that means boulder, and aranda meaning meadow. So the complete sequence is something like ...the boulder in the meadow that breaks the mountain.

[@rsnankivell1962]

Bracamonte comes from the French surname "Braquemont" introduced in Spain by Rubin de Braquemont, Major Admiral of France who came to Spain to serve under king Enrique II of Castile.

[@jimdale6001]

Thanks Steve. Good to see Madrid hasn't changed to much, except for those high rises near the bus station.👍🇦🇺

[@james7149]

I’m with you Steve, Madrid has beautiful architecture, parks but way too many people for me. What a contrast to Salamanca! (Now I’m craving a calamari roll😉)

[@RS-ln3ns]

IT'S THE SAME IN ALL CAPITAL CITIES, IN EVERY COUNTRY, IN THE WORLD. LONDON IS A LOT MORE OVERCROWDED THAN MADRID, BELIEVE ME. IT'S SO UNBEARABLE.

[@biguenzo]

Has ido a Madrid en los días que más gente la visita. Muchos Españoles van el puente de la Constitución a la capital para ver las luces de Navidad. Aún así espero que lo disfrutases.

[@leonlowe]

Thanks for a nice introduction to Madrid. My first glimpse of the city and I was positively impressed.

[@markfinlay9615]

Your trip to Madrid justified what I don't like about the city. Too many people and crowded. I have lived in Spain for 14 years now and love it. Madrid and Barcelona are full of tourists, and I have so many other options, so I will visit places that are off the tourist trail. I'm looking forward to next weeks video.😊

[@BoadiceanTruth]

Crowds notwithstanding, Madrid was lovely as all of Spain is anyway! X😁

[@rockodromo89]

The long long weekend of the Constitution is a long one in which Madrid is crowded with Spaniards who come from all the provinces before Christmas to do their Christmas shopping. The streets that Steve shows are the most crowded streets of the tourist centre where the main Christmas attractions are placed. It is impossible to walk on the bank holiday of the Constitution in that area in fact the Madrileños do not set foot in that area during those days.

[@tombillotto6335]

I'm with you, Steve. Wonderful to see all those people enjoying the holiday but I get stressed/claustrophobic in large crowds. Great job, as always.

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

Was in Madrid in 2008 on my way to Alicante by high speed train Loved Madrid even in a depression

[@MariaMGuerrero-eh2jj]

Great video but a bad time to travel to Madrid because a lot of People from every coner of Spain travel theree to do their Christmas shoppings. Gracias por el video

[@iandalby4273]

Thank you Steve for your vlogs they are better than most Tv these days, look forward to each and everyone!!

[@philgray1023]

Exactly right. We would watch Steve any day when compared to long pocketed celebrities swanning around the world with as much contact with reality as Donal Trump.

[@AnaFrost-z8n]

One summer, I got to experience a layover in Madrid. Since I prefer to meander alone I was free to wonder. So happy to see that majestic glass palace in this video. It reminds me of that summer day where I laid myself down on a nearby park bench soaking up the Spanish sun! Mucho Gracies!

[@patriciafuchs5970]

I can see why you like to sit behind the driver, the view is great! That botanical garden is lovely. My goodness, Madrid is bustling and full of life. It’s beautiful. Your hotel room is utilitarian to say the least. The streets are so crowded I think I would have panicked. The next day seems better.

[@rsnankivell1962]

It wasn't a hotel, it was a kind of hostel, called in Spain HOSTAL or PENSIÓN.

[@jsmorenus8038]

Hi Steve, the December "puente" is one of the busiest days in Madrid. Since it is a holiday in the whole Spain, many people come from other cities in Spain and also is the beginning of the Christmas Season and all that is the perfect combination for the streets of the center be packed with people.

[@Juanfernandez-sm8jl]

👍👍👍👍👍👍The most abundant tree in Spain, if we look at the number of specimens, is the holm oak (Quercus ilex) followed by the Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica), the beech (Fagus sylvatica), the gall oaks (Quercus faginea and Q. canariensis), the oaks (Quercus robur and Q. petraea) and the eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)

[@jamesburt6520]

Hi Steve, Madrid looks a lovely city,really enjoyed the video. Excellent as usual.Thanks again.

[@danielchance2217]

Good morning, everyone from lovely Syracuse, New York.😂❤

[@Fan652w]

Thank you Steve for a very interesting video. One more general comment about this recent Spanish series of videos. I am a bus enthusiast, and I am impressed by both the size and quality of the bus stations you have shown us!

[@donstravelsandrants.]

That was mental crowds. Loved the lit up Christmas trees. Super cool park. 👍😊🇮🇪🇪🇸

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers mate!!!

[@mimic4901]

Franco llegó al poder en 1939,tras la guerra civil española,(1936-39),y sometió España a una dictadura fascista hasta que murió en 1975. La Constitución se votó en referendum y aprobó en 1978.En solo 3 años,España pasó de una larga dictadura a una democracia,sin ningun conflicto.Desde entonces,España fue recuperando el atraso al que la sometió el franquismo,y hoy dia es la 4 economia de Europa.Creo que es justo reconocer el esfuerzo de estos casi 50 años.06:01,esos arboles son encinas (quercus ilex),muy resistentes al calor y al frio,incluso brotan tras arder en un incendio.Una maravilla de la evolución vegetal. Su fruto es la bellota,con la que el cerdo iberico se alimenta y da un excelente jamón.Greetings!!

[@andrewwalker3350]

I always enjoy your videos Steve , and I like the way you include practical details for others wishing to follow in your footsteps! I have lived in Madrid for 30 years but I wouldn't recommend visiting the city (especially the centre) at that time of year as you found out yourself ! and although it can be busy at weekends it is normally not like that! In my opinion ,the best time to visit the city is between April and June before it becomes unbearably hot up to 40º C and also avoiding Semana Santa (the week which includes Good Friday so it's the week before UK Easter week,)unless you want to see the religious processions which are good but not as spectacular as Sevilla's. With some exceptions eg Catalonia, Easter Monday is not a public holiday! The trees you mentioned are called encinas (ilex) They produce a type of acorn which are foraged by a special breed of pig called pata negra which are free range and produce a very exclusive and expensive cured ham. All the best Andy Walker

[@MrGreatplum]

I’ve never been to Madrid - I think I’ll make a note not to go on a public holiday - that was crazy busy! The park at the end though was magnificent (and huge!)

[@ianmcdonald819]

This is funny Steve - a few weeks ago Corstorphine where I grew up and now Madrid where I lived for a couple of years some time ago. I'm wondering what might be next... I completely share your enthusiasm for Salamanca and you could always spend some time in Segovia on another visit.

[@JoséLuisLópezLópez-h9g]

Great video Steve, although you chose the wrong weekend to come to Madrid.

[@johnathandaviddunster38]

Small tip when queuing in Spain its normal practice to ask who is the last ( quien es el ultima ) the Spanish as a rule aren't shy so shout bless them....❤

[@agadoin]

Shouldn’t that be “ultimo” rather than “ultima”? El ultimo or la ultima.

[@johnathandaviddunster38]

@@agadoin or you can say " soy una cabron" it means am I last ...

[@agadoin]

@@johnathandaviddunster38 What a charming idea. But you got the gender wrong again.

[@rickiecheese36]

WOW!! I've been to Madrid a few times and have never seen it that busy. I feel your stress with all the crowds. Another great video, thanks Steve.

[@RS-ln3ns]

IT'S THE SAME IN EVERY CAPITAL CITY, IN THE WORLD, WHEN IT COMES TO BEING OVERCROWDED. LONDON IS A LOT MORE OVERCROWDED THAN MADRID.

[@daviddoyle5291]

Wife bought a 20 euro ticket for the Christmas Lottery and won 20 euro, nos gusto mucho Espana y Los Espanoles. Cevceria Montiditos great cheap beers and great value for food.

[@ozgirl45]

Another amazing video! Madrid was certainly busy but that park was a lovely oasis.

[@michaelsaayman2802]

Great video Steve. The gardens in the station is very cool, but that hotel room is the smallest i ever seen Lol. The crowds were madness but the park looked like a lovely place to stroll about. Thanks Steve

[@rsnankivell1962]

It wasn't a hotel, it was a kind of hostel, called in Spain HOSTAL or PENSIÓN.

[@RedStickHistorian]

You did a wonderful job of showing the center of Madrid and the park, thanks! The people of Madrid are lucky to have such a beautiful park in the center of their city. I'm looking forward to your next Spanish adventure.

[@123bwlch]

Steve what is a Calamares ? #inform

[@RedStickHistorian]

@@123bwlch Squid is eaten in many cuisines; in English, the culinary name calamari is often used for squid dishes. There are many ways to prepare and cook squid. Fried squid is common in the Mediterranean.

[@johnallan4826]

I agree with you Steve, I hate crowds, I would always wait in my seat till the crowd gets low after a show, never see the point in forming a queue at the foyer and bus stop. If I book a room for £50 in London I expect a “cell”, and to be honest it was, tiny window you can’t see from and very narrow, but for the price, a fifth of a average, it’s still a bargain, it’s all about mental attitude, lol silly me, didn’t notice till now the bus exit door are on the other side, for obvious reason. What’s it like on the wrong side of the road. Enjoyable though, why skip the bus journey best part

[@ScottishT]

Top class as always mate. Great to see bustling Madrid on the holidays.

[@sandrabruce9754]

Loved Madrid steve so much to see and do 😊 anyone else press the like button right away just because you know it's Steve and it will be a cracking video 😂😂😂😂

[@micheleerba]

Thanks for visiting my city Steve. Why don't you walk the Camino the Santiago? It would be an amazing series. Cheers.

[@steve-marsh]

I’d love to!

[@maste3423]

I love the views out the windows as you travel through the country side. Thank you!

[@vebetka8333]

As always, great video. Your room reminded me of a London "cell" I once stayed in. Tiny. Tiny. Tiny. I could barely turn in the bathroom and the corner sink was the smallest I had ever seen. I kept laughing each time I used it. Many, many floors up yet could feel a rumble from the underground passing in the bowels of the earth. Was a most wonderful long weekend of walking and discovering. Much like what you do for us. Thanks again, Steve. You're a National Treasure 😊

[@houseclearance7509]

Sounds like the Regent Palace Hotel?

[@onlyoneamong300]

They have the same tiny, little rooms in Japan, as well, but they come with all kinds of modern gadgets to disguise the fact that they're just outrageously expensive cages! So, tourists are all praises for "Japanese inventions and genius!" Whereas Westerners can't stand the same thing in Europe or the Americas where there's more than plenty of room for building ample accommodations!

[@gs3298]

FLIP small world! In Madrid a few years ago I stayed across the road at no 26 above the shops. Love to go back.

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

Brought back a lot of fond memories The Palacio Krystal in the park especially

[@johnglover1717]

I've been a couple of times to Madrid and never have I seen it as busy as that. Those crowds looked mental! There's a fantastic cake shop in Puerta del Sol. I'd hate to think what the queue must have been for that but I would have queued all day just to sample it's wares!

[@cristinaravet3706]

Si el centro de Madrid te parece lleno. Tienes que ir al Retiro en primavera o verano. Un domingo por la mañana paseando por el estanque o perderse por sus caminos. Es una delicia el Retiró

[@jamessmith6402]

Thanks Steve great to see a bit of Madrid 👍

[@robinengland5799]

What an amazing, beautiful city! Thanks for showing the sights. I don’t think I would get along well in those crowds. Never seen such beautiful buildings!

[@gelman1000]

Quercus rotundifolia, the holm oak or ballota oak, the acorns are eaten by the Black Iberian pig which in turn gives Iberian Ham it's distinct flavor.

[@SparkySenor]

It was great to see Madrid again, Steve. I've not been since 2008, I flew to Malaga, spent a week, then took an overnight bus to Seville for about 5 days, then an overnight bus to Madrid, I didn't enjoy my first couple of nights but moved area and stayed another 5 nights or so, then another overnight bus to Barcelona for a couple of days. It's about time for a revisit and it's good to see they have a 100 Montaditos branch (I'm just back from Faro and only €2 for 500ml of Super Bock on draft).

[@sebastianfowles7813]

I've lost count of the times I have passed through Madrid to work or in transit elsewhere, but I have never taken an opportunity to explore the city. I love the regional towns and cities of Spain and Madrid always looks and feels too big. One day I will take time and explore, but I am so pleased that you went through Constitution Day so that I don't have to... I've lived in London all my life, but the scale of those crowds gave me the shivers 😆 But - right now - I could murder a Bocadillos de Calamares!!

[@rsnankivell1962]

I don't understand that for someone who has lived in the 'little' city of London all his life, Madrid always looks and feels too big. Madrid is one of the most livable and vibrant big cities in the world.

[@sebastianfowles7813]

@@rsnankivell1962 - Ha. I know. The irony is not lost on me. It's clearly a 'me' issue. And I cannot really explain it. 😃 I have no doubt that a couple of hours strolling around Madrid would sort out my reticence. I'd do what I do in London; get off the main streets and find those hidden gem neighbourhoods. And I would certainly expect to find it similarly 'livable' as London because most places are... Perhaps 2024 will be the year. But I am always drawn to smaller towns when I travel - Bilbao, Cadiz, Cordoba, Seville, Granada etc - perhaps, in part, to escape the bustle I associate with my home city.

[@rsnankivell1962]

​​​@@sebastianfowles7813 OK. I get it. Plus, (almost) everything in life is a matter of taste...

[@sebastianfowles7813]

@rsnankivell1962 - Feel free to buy me a drink when I visit 😜

[@rsnankivell1962]

@@sebastianfowles7813 Sorry, but I don't usually live in Spain all year round, let alone in summer. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@robertblechle6365]

As always thanks for your work. Love Spain , and Madrid is a world city and amazing. However your comment is spot on. Go to smaller cities. True in Spain and anywhere else. Get out of your comfort zone , learn a few phrases and get lost lol

[@ColinOBear]

It was so good to see Madrid - I was last there in 1985! WAY too many people for me though!! 😮😮😮

[@reesestevenson5492]

WOOOHOOOOO. Lets go! Up early on a Saturday morning (5:00am) laying in bed and a new video. 😊

[@davedacigarguy]

Hi Steve Watched the video, and I was amazed at the number of people in Madrid during Constitution Day! Yikes! I don't have a fear of crowds but seeing that many people in one place? I think I would be just a tad uncomfortable, Mate! Cheers!

[@olimpusm]

Yes, a city where families go out for walks at night. How horrible! I prefer deserted streets, and if I find a group of 7 or 8 people with hoods, it would be perfect!

[@jeronomosp]

Haha - that Police Van would be bigger than your room for the night!!

[@JonTanOsb]

Yeah, but he didn't have to share his room. :) Jon in rural BC, Canada

[@Chris_Carini]

Madrid is one of my favourite destinations, although in Spring and Autumn. La Latinas is my go to for rooms. Great vlog again. Have you visited the railway museum near Atocha? It is superb (if you're a rail fan 😃).

[@BlairNZ7881]

Crowds like that would be my worst nightmare, but that park is a haven . Lovely video yet again 👍

[@cabottaxi]

Great video. Madrid now home to a Spanish bus driver who used to stay in your home city Steve. He stayed in Leith and returned back 4 years ago. Small world.

[@barball3955]

I hate to say this Steve, you are getting old!! I used to love busy places but now give me the peace and quite of the parks. Hotel may have been 'small' but it was a bed for the night, what more do we really want?, you go somewhere to see the destination not the inside of a hotel, that can be done down the road. Thanks again for a great video.

[@guadalupesanchezherrera5670]

Creo que es un resumen gráfica de Madrid bastante bueno. Greetings to Escocia.

[@RichardFelstead1949]

As always, a very interesting video Steve. I like the way you could speak Spanish. Greetings from Australia.

[@johnmullaney4626]

Madrid is a beautiful city loved the food market just outside the plaza major 👌👌

[@petergoddard1960]

I'd have freaked out in all those crowds. Not for me I'm afraid. Salamanca on the other hand...

[@utahutahutah1]

Your video on Madrid was topic of conversation at my local Tesco superstore customers services counter on Monday. Lady on duty came from Spain.

[@williampalmer4556]

I enjoyed that tour of Madrid

[@spriggy40]

boss vid steve , i have great memories of madrid and also alcala des heneres from back i 2019 , plus loved your salamanca vids looks a boss place , love spain my favorite place is alicante , and i went on the high speed train from atocha to alicante , and also seen those amazing gardens in atocha , boss mate keep these coming love it 👍👍👍👍

[@167curly]

What a happy memory it was for me to see that Madrid station after about eighteen years from where we travelled to Barcelona via Zaragosa. We had a few days in pleasant Sitges, and then joined the western Mediterrean repositioning cruise from Barcelona where we had visited the amazing Sagrada Famila cathedral and Maritime Museum, ending in Miami.

[@simonwhitlock9189]

Like you I do not enjoy large crowds so the centre of the city would have me walking out very quickly, love the park you went to very much my style. Thanks for taking me along and stay safe and well,cheers.

[@douglashouston81]

Oh no no no 😢. Give me a quiet Scottish Glen and day. Well done surviving that 😅

[@rosag668]

Welcome to my city! I don't dare to go to downtown during long weekend or Christmas!!

[@sheilam4525]

The train station looked like the Botanic Gardens in Glasgow inside😂 So many people but the atmosphere must have been great😊

[@brewsterkits]

That was a noisy one!!! So many people!! Park was nice, certainly better than your cupboard hotel 😳