Madrid, Spain is a beautiful city rich in culture, art, and architecture. Even with limited time, it’s possible to enjoy the most interesting things that the city has to offer. Google maps, Google Earth, Rome to Rio, Spain’s official tourism website, and Facebook groups are valuable resources to get around the city since many locals can’t speak fluent English.

Museum Reina Sofia

Museum Prado

Rare art piece by Salvador Dali

We thought of visiting Las Ventas yet it was not the right season to do so. Thus, we decided to explore some of the popular museums in Madrid: Museo Nacional del Prado and Museo Reina Sofía. The Museo del Prado is considered the most important art museum in Madrid as it beholds precious art masterpieces in history with renowned old art masters like El Greco, Goya, Rubens. The Museo Reina Sofia housed a massive collection of 20th century and contemporary artworks, including rare pieces of Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miro.

A variety of churros

El Rastro Flea Market

El Rastro flea market is a popular Sunday attraction for tourists, but be careful of the pickpockets despite the presence of the police.

Botin Restaurant – the oldest restaurant in the world

Dining in the Botin Restaurant is an ultimate culinary experience not to be missed. Botin Restaurant is the world’s oldest restaurant according to the Guiness Book of records. The signature roast suckling pig and lamb here are a must-try and the venue itself is a historical gem.

Hop on hop off bus tour

To have a quick wrap up of the Madrid tour,  we opted for Madrid-Hop-On-Hop-Off bus service that covers all the top attractions in Madrid. It’s a good way to get a good view of the city, especially the rooftop architecture.

Since we had limited time, we decided to take a day trip to Valencia only. Euro train tickets were pre-booked via the Omio app. 

 Valencia’s Old Town

Valencia’ s city view

Valencia has an interesting cityscape with spectacular modern architecture, the old town, beaches, and the natural park. Valencia is also the home of Paella, ideal for strolling around, and having a good break.

The City of Arts and Sciences including Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe –  an interactive three-floor science museum that currently runs the exhibition of MARS expedition, L’Hemisfèric, and L’Oceanogràfic – the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe. We tried Paella while having lunch at Submarino Restaurant in L’Oceanografic. The dining area is surrounded by an aquarium, but the food was overrated.

 L’Oceanogràfic

With only a week, we managed to enjoy most of Madrid’s exquisite attractions, including a fantastic day trip to Valencia.

Stunning architecture of La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

The World of Frozen made its debut at Hong Kong Disneyland on November 20, 2023, offering guests a magical and immersive experience in the beloved kingdom of Arendelle with breathtaking landscapes, iconic characters, and state-of-the-art attractions.

“Come Celebrate Summer Snow Day” as you step into the world’s first and largest Frozen-themed land – and the first of three at Disney’s international theme parks. Inspired by Disney’s Frozen, the biggest animation hit of all time, this wonderland features landscapes that merge together with the Lantau mountains, and characters from the movie; Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Oaken, wandering the streets of Arendelle throughout the day, creating more spontaneous and immersive character interactions.

The park pays homage to the real-life nature, arts, culture, and architecture of Norway, reflecting its 19th-century “Dragestil” (dragon) and Bellstrand’s asymmetrical style, with rose-melting flower paintings and the kingdom’s golden crocus flower incorporated into designs, showcasing the meticulous collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Iconic film locales like the North Mountain, Arendelle Castle, the Clock Tower, the Bay of Arendelle, Elsa’s Ice Palace, Friendship Fountain, Northern Delights, and the Golden Crocus Inn transport you to the heart of Arendelle.

The Arendelle experience is highlighted by two revolutionary attractions: Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, a family rollercoaster ride through the rocky landscapes of Arendelle Forest with a view of the Arendelle Castle, and Frozen Ever After, a delightful, song-filled boat trip around the kingdom. It is Hong Kong Disneyland’s first attraction to feature Walt Disney Imagineering’s most advanced, all-electric Audio-Animatronics® figures, which bring to life characters such as Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf with amazing likeness.

The attention to detail extends to merchandise, with Tick Tock Toys & Collectibles offering a myriad of irresistible ‘all things Frozen’ keepsakes. Dining options to enjoy Arendelle cuisine include the Golden Crocus Inn, which serves a good selection of Nordic-inspired dishes, and Northern Delights, with Frozen-inspired quick sweet treats and desserts on its menu.

“The World of Frozen” promises an immersive journey into the heart of the Frozen universe, and as the first Frozen-themed land to open internationally, it sets the stage for similar experiences at Walt Disney Studios in Paris and Tokyo DisneySea’s Fantasy Springs expansion, bringing the magic of Frozen to fans around the world. With Frozen 3 and 4 already in the works, Hong Kong’s World of Frozen is just the beginning of Frozen fever for Disney Experiences. 

Images by Laughing Place Inc.