Travelling 10,000 km north from Buenos Aires to Madrid may have not been the most rational thing to do. Escaping long sultry summer days for short, chilly winter evenings and 5 pm sunsets?

Crisp fresh air, sparkling Christmas lights, bustling city streets and room to move, not to mention incredible wine and tapas at reasonable prices. — We love this town.

Our stay in Spain’s capital was brief, just a 36-hour stopover on our way to visit friends in England but it was fantastic. Here are a few pictures of what we stumbled into on our short tour. You will have to go and savour the food and wine yourself.

It was our first time travelling during the holiday season, and although we don’t miss the frigid temperatures back home, we do miss the holiday decor of the season. Madrid’s historic centre was bright in magical holiday lights, and at Plaza Major, the Christmas Market created the festive mood we yearned for.

The Spanish capital is home to many of the greatest pieces of art in the world. The Renoir special exhibition (no photography allowed) and the permanent art collection at the El Museo the arte Thyssen-Bornemisza impressed us, Ginette even found her knight in shining armor.

My knight in shining armor.

Exhibition hall of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Contemplating art.

Outside the museum, we found our way on foot. The heart of the city has many elegant plazas and quaint narrow streets, all pedestrian friendly.

On Calle de la Sal, the whimsical El Carillón chimes the hour in style.

The hardest decision of the day was deciding where to indulge in the Spanish gastronomy from the thousands of tapas bars and restaurants.

We liked Spain so much that we came back for another visit…but that is another post.