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This article is part of the Hipmunk City Love project. I’ve teamed up with Hipmunk to research destinations I want to visit, in the way in which I would like to explore them. Then I get to share my findings and plans with you!

Though I have been to most of southern and eastern Spain, I have somehow missed Madrid on my way through the country. Since I will be in Spain this coming May, I decided to jot down 5 authentic Madrid experiences I would absolutely love to have.

Photo by Stuart Jamieson via Trover.com

Visit Bernabeu Stadium

I know a tour through Bernabeu can be pretty tourist-y, but as a football (the soccer kind of football, US) fan, and a previous follower of La Liga, I could never miss a visit to one of the most famous stadiums in the world. If I could get tickets to a match at Bernabeu Stadium, even better. Though I always supported Barcelona over Real Madrid, there’s no denying Real is a great, historic team with a legendary stadium. Also, how can you truly have a Spanish experience without attending at least one futbol match?

Watch Flamenco at Casa Patas

I took flamenco for 8 years, and fell in love with the passion and attitude of the dance. Attending a flamenco show in Seville is one of my most vivid memories of Spain. At Casa Patas, you can dine on local food, or just book a reservation to watch the flamenco show (flamenco en vivo) at 10:30 PM. Flamenco represents such a beautiful mix of Spanish and gypsy culture, it would be a shame to miss it.

A Night of Tapas

Although tapas have become pretty popular as a dining option throughout the world, I would bet that nothing can beat eating the real thing in Madrid. You can find a lot of great tapas options in Madrid hotels, but if you want to venture further outside your comfort zone, check out La Castela or Celso y Manolo. I know that’s where I will be as soon as I make it to Madrid.

If you want to combine delicious tapas with a beautiful neighborhood to stroll through, stop at one of the many tapas bars on Barrio de las Letras, an old literary neighborhood that has recently been reinvented.

Soak in Culture on the Paseo del Prado

The Paseo del Prado is one of the most famous streets in Madrid thanks to its overflow of museums and art. This is the center of culture in the city, and it includes Madrid’s three most important art museums: the Prado, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. With a Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) pass, you can explore them all.

If you want to take a break from admiring the Spanish capital’s culture, the Jardim Botanico is just a few steps away from the art museums. Head to the relaxing green area to take a rest.

Dance and Drink in the Outdoors

Summers in Madrid can get pretty scorching, but after the sun sets, the nights are beautiful. A lot of bars and clubs open up outdoor areas at this time, so people can enjoy their drink and the soothing summer night breeze at the same time.

Head to the rooftop bars of the hotels in Madrid, or take a stroll down Castellana, Le Cabrera at Casa de América, or the Mercado de San Antón in Chueca to find the bar that’s perfect for you and your friends.

What experiences would you recommend in Madrid? Anything you would do that I left off the list? Comment below!