In this blog I´ll show you where to find some very famous cafes and my seleccion of the very best.

Did you know where this hot chocolate and churros tradition cames from?

Ederly habitants of “Castilla y León” explain better than no one else the true story. They tell that shepherds lacked of the time to prepair daily baked bread due to their grazing work.

They for sure were using their bonfires to warm themselves on winter days, and somehow they discover another way to have some kind of fried bread cooked in those bonfires instead: the churro.

It was tasting, cheap and easy to prepair.

From decades this was extended to all Spain, and nowadays there is no amusement park, or verbena not having these churros.

Also ingredients ar simple: flour, olive oil, sugar, salt and water. But even if it may be easy to prepair, it´s not that easy to get that final touch crispy but soft and tender inside at once.

Basically small tips make a big difference and lifelong churrerías hold that secret recipe for such a delicious snack.

What about hot Chocolate?

Hot chocolate is the perfect accompaniment for churros, and the tradition data from the XIX Century. In fact every Sunday afternoon in Madrid all types of social statements used to go out for a walk, and visit these “Churrerias” specially in winter time.

What if we stop by and have a Hot Chocolate and Churros after our CaptureMadrid shooting session?

Where to have it?

There are a few great places to have a hot chocolate and churros, may be the most famous one in Madrid, full of tourists is San Ginés, founded in 1894.

This store was a small but centric place but today it become a very famous atraction with tourists from all over the world, and advertisement in every gastronomic guide. Here you can find all the information.

Another one not so well known but really worth visiting, specially by locals is “Los pinchitos”. Great quality hands down in calle Esparteros.

The “chocolatería” “Formula Nietos” in Embajadores (see the link), is a small coffe place, but owns, in my opinion the best hot chocolate in town.

And last but not least, my best choice is no hesitation: chocolatería 1902.

This store was founded in 1902 and nowadays the business is run by the fourth generation!

A family business that has been renewed and optimized always being loyal to the original recipe. They even has their gluten-free products available.

Waiters all in white, are lovely and give you a warming welcome. While you order you can see the artisan pastry cheff through the windown, making churros and porras (churro´s cousins).

A unique show that makes imposible for you to leave without try them…

Douglas, the artisan shows this delicacy as well as dexterity, preparing the mass and frying it step by step. The result is worth tasting.

Carmen is a waitress serving the hot chocolate, basically with the perfect temperature and texture, and Héctor one of the fourth generation of owners was looking at his doughter delighted with the churros. He´d love if little Candela would keep going with the family tradition.

If I were you I wouldn´t miss this hot chocolate and churros in 1902, and a shooting session with CaptureMadrid. The perfect combination! and really close to our main city sets; Plaza de la Opera and Royal Palace. CaptureMadrid.

Finally I would say there are many places to have this delicatessen in Madrid but, better make a good choice, because there is a big difference between the long lasting places and the brand new ones. Enjoy it!

La entrada Hot chocolate & churros in Madrid se publicó primero en Capture Madrid.

In this blog, I´ll give you some tips about best places with Christmas light, so you can take beautiful photos or book one of our private outdoor Photo Sessions. Also I´ll recomend some nice places to stop and have a bite.

BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHT

Surronding Plaza Mayor, you´ll find some interesting points for Christmas light decorations. In Plaza Mayoy itself there is a charming Christmas market and every entrance arc is also decorated.

A few steps away you´ll get to Puerta del Sol, recently rehabilitated with a huge Christmas tree. From there take Arenal street full of stores light and street life.

Walking from Puerta del Sol about 150m throuhg calle de Alcalá, you´ll get to Plaza de Canalejas, and Hotel four Seasons Madrid, with stunning Christmas light in it´s spectacular main facade. The hotel has its own gourmet space free admission, to eat something.

Keep on walking down the street to Cibeles and Town Hall Square. You´ll be surprised with its light and colour setup. Take photos!

Now its time to take Gran Vía, one of my must in Madrid, full of life, ligh, colour and Theater options for the whole family, specially Musicals. let me give you some links to my favorite ones;

Rey León, at teatro Lope de Vega, Tina at teatro Coliseum, or Mama mía at teatro Rialto.

Halfway in Gran Vía, you´ll get to Callao Square, with our main mall “El Corte Inglés” and it´s roof top Gourmet experience, totally worth visiting Nice view from there to Gran Vía, and variety of good food.

Keep on walking down Gran Vía and you´ll get to our beautiful Plaza España, where a huge Christmas light tree, the three kings decorations and a Christmas market are waiting for you. Even an ice rink! for children´s delight.

Now you are only 10 minutes away walking from the most spectacular lihts and sound exhibition in plaza de la Armería between Palacio Real and Catedral de la Almudena. If I were you I wouldnt miss it. espectáculo efímero de bolas

TIPS TO TAKE GOOD PHOTOS BY NIGHT

It´s important to be aware of the use of flash on regular smartphones or cameras. It only works in short distances, but will never reach a whole monument or scene.

In this case, you should low the shutter speed ,use a higher ISO (600-800) or open the diaphragm as much as possible. The use of tripod is necessary for speed lower than 1/30.

If you are using a reflex camera, don´t forget to set the colour temperature into 300-400 kelvin degrees to avoid those yellowish light.

But if you want to just enjoy while visiting all these attractions, let us be the ones who immortalize you in the city. Outdoor photo sessions.

WHERE TO EAT

Here I am giving you some ideas:

Beginning in Plaza mayour, try our widle famous “bocadillo de calamares”. There are like 15 different bars offering this typical bite of Madrid. My favorite: “La ideal”.

From Puerta del Sol, a little bit hidden in calle Tetuán 12 (besides El Corte Inglé mall), you´ll find Casa Labra, one of our classic for “croquetas” and “cod fish”, simply delicious.

As I mentioned above, in Gourmet experience Callao, I would try some “pintxos” at “La Máquina” but they have plenty of kiosks specialized in cuisines of the world.

By the way, it´s crowded on a regular basis, be patient….

In Gran Vía, it´s hard for me to decide wich place is better, you´ll find tapas and pintxos verywhere, and if by chance you prefer a heathier option, try “Faborit” in Plaza España, specialized in salads, sandwiches and fresh juices.

¡Enjoy your night walk in Madrid!

La entrada Christmas light in Madrid se publicó primero en Capture Madrid.

Un paseo por el parque Madrid rio, siempre merece la pena. Este parque, a priori no es una de las principales atracciones turísticas de la ciudad, sin embargo es muy frecuentado por los madrileños, y en mi opinión es otra zona de Madrid que  merece la pena conocer.

En éste blog puedes consultar toda la información relativa al parque, y yo te contaré  mis sitios favoritos para comer, qué hacer y puntos de interés para fotografiar.

Información de interés.

En Febrero de 2020 se inauguró el centro de interpretación Madrid Rio, que abre los fines de semana, de 9.00am a 14:00pm donde puedes obtener toda la información sobre la historia y biodiversidad del parque.

¿Qué cosas hacer?

Un paseo por el parque Madrid Rio es ideal y accesible para toda la familia, puedes  pasear y hacer deporte, diariamente encontrarás  gente, sobre todo local, corriendo en bici, patinando o incluso en segway. Podrás  alquilar bicis o incluso contratar una visita guiada en segway. Hay numerosas agencias de alquiler en el parque.

De paseo por el Madrid Rio, encontrarás una variada fauna . En primavera puedes ver patos y gansos egipcios con sus polluelos navegando en el rio tranquilamente, donde nadie les molesta. A los niños les encanta!

Además hay una entrada, desde el puente del Rey por donde puedes acceder a la Casa de Campo, el parque natural más grande de Madrid, y llegar en 20 minutos paseando al Lago, y si te apetece alquilar una barca o seguir paseando en plena naturaleza, hasta el Zoo o el Parque de atracciones. Pero hablaré ampliamente de la Casa de Campo otro Blog.

Puntos de interés para tomar fotografías.

Mientras haces tu paseo por el Parque Madrid rio, te recomiendo llevar tu cámara al atardecer, donde el cielo  va tomando colores anaranjados, y las sombras de los edificios se suavizan.

Para fotografiar desde los puentes, te recomiendo, si llevas una cámara réflex bajar la velocidad del obturador  para captar las estelas de los coches que pasan por el puente de Segovia, por ejemplo. Ahora, en invierno, es perfecto el tramo entre las 5:30pm y las 6:00pm.

Desde el puente de Segovia puedes captar fotos panorámicas de la Catedral de la Almudena y el Palacio Real y al fondo la Plaza de España.

Otro punto interesante es el Puente de Toledo, uno de los más antiguos, con unos bonitos arcos de piedra y fuentes a la entrada. Igualmente el atardecer es el mejor momento del día, cuando encienden las farolas. Es lo que los fotógrafos llamamos “la hora azul”.

El más moderno es el puente monumental de Arganzuela , de estructura metálica, que aparece en numerosas campañas publicitarias por su original diseño vanguardista. Si te gusta el skateboarding, hay un circuito muy cerca al aire libre, y practican tanto los principiantes como los más veteranos.

Encontrarás a lo largo de todo el recorrido, zonas verdes, plantas y flores para fotografiar y si te apetece tener la típica foto de las letras de la ciudad, también puedes hacerlo justo al lado del café del Río, uno de mis favoritos que te comentaré a continuación.

Y siempre puedes contar con Capturemadrid y confiarnos tu sesión de fotos privada, mientras disfrutas de tu paseo por Madrid Rio.

Dónde comer

Para desayunar, comer o cenar, el Café del Río siempre tiene la cocina abierta. O si simplemente quieres tomar un café o una copa, es perfecto, alejado del tráfico rodado y con dos amplias terrazas exteriores, una a pie del paseo y otra en la primera planta desde donde puedes ver el Palacio Real y la Catedral de la Almudena. Tienen una carta variada y muy mediterránea. Un indispensable, para descansar después del paseo.

 La Taberna de Lucientes, está un poco más escondida, para llegar allí debes ir hasta el puente de la Reina Victoria, y se encuentra 50m más adelante a la derecha. Tienen una pequeña terraza y el salón interior es también pequeño, por lo que te recomiendo reservar si vas a comer o cenar. Pero es un sitio que a mí particularmente, me encanta. El personal es muy amable y la cocina deliciosa, no te pierdas las croquetas de rabo de toro, exquisitas.

Además puedes visitar la Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida con unos preciosos frescos de Goya!, a tan solo 50 m.

Casa Mingo

Muy cerca y en la avenida de Valladolid (paralela al rio) está uno de los clásicos de Madrid, data del año 1950 es famoso por su pollo asado, y la sidra natural. Si vas, es justo lo que te recomiendo. Aunque no admiten reservas, es bastante grande, y no te será demasiado difícil encontrar mesa, en el salón, o las terrazas. ¡Feliz paseo por el Parque Madrid Río!

La entrada Paseo por el Parque Madrid rio. se publicó primero en Capture Madrid.

Whether it’s your first time doing a photo shoot in Madrid or if you are already used to this experience, you will have doubts about what it’s like to do it with Capture Madrid. 

In this article, I’ll tell you about one of my favorite experiences, taking photos of a unique couple. 

Getting to know each other 

A Romanian couple, I’ll call them F and L, have booked their first photo shoot. They are looking for original couple photos to commemorate their time in Madrid.  

I’ve arranged to meet them in the city center, so we are only a few meters away from Madrid’s best places for photo shoots. 

They arrive early, and they are a bit nervous. They had never had their photos taken professionally and privately as a couple before, and we had never met in person, so how could they not be nervous? 

We greet each other at last. F and L are a young and friendly couple. Although I explained to them via e-mail how the photo session would be, what clothes would be the most suitable, schedules, locations, and more details, you could feel their nervousness. Sensing this, I decided to explain to them how their photos in Madrid would be. From there, everything flows. They smile and breathe a little more relaxed. There’s nothing like seeing each other in person, connecting, and trusting.

The adventure begins

For me, photography is art, and art is to be enjoyed. So I always start by saying that I want them to enjoy every minute, to act naturally, and that little by little, the pictures will come out by themselves, more and more spontaneously. 

As we spend more time together, I can tell they are really in love. The complicit glances, smiles, and affectionate gestures allow me to take beautiful couple photos in Madrid. 

They say they have never posed before, apart from wedding photographs and family reunions, but the truth is that they do a great job as we walk through our itinerary; F and L look professional and surprise me. Although F is a bit shy, they have spontaneous and witty gestures that make for an enjoyable photo session. We are halfway through our photography route in Madrid, and they are more and more at ease and relaxed. My only job becomes that of a guide; I show them which profile is best for the camera, how to lean on a specific spot, and where to direct their gaze. As a result, we manage to build confidence.

We change locations to take advantage of the best light conditions and even change costumes to match the new sites (the clothing for the photo shoot is agreed upon beforehand). Then, we visit important monuments, hidden corners, and parks while walking the streets of Madrid. They tell me they are having a great time, and before we know it, two hours have passed, and their photo shoot is over.

We’ve got it Captured!

Time to relax

Although it wasn’t planned, since we had no fixed plans after the couple’s photography session, we went for a coffee on a sunny and charming terrace in Madrid de Los Austrias. We are accompanied by some unexpected visitors: royal turkeys! We chat a lot and get to know each other better. We talk about customs, lifestyles, and leisure in Spain and Romania, so different and yet so similar simultaneously. So there is a good connection and no rush. 

For me, it is essential to know what they thought of the experience; fortunately, they say they had a wonderful time. I also tell them how much each client surprises me during the photo shoots. This comment made them curious, as they assumed that given my vast experience in photography in Madrid, I should be used to all kinds of profiles. However, contrary to what most people think: the more work I do, the more you are surprised. Each person is a world and has their light. In my photo shoots, I strive to capture each person’s unique and different light. 

There is no better way to start a Sunday for me. Working on what I am passionate about and bringing happiness to others with my humble art. What more could I ask for?

Time for results

When we said goodbye, we agreed that I would send them my selection of photos. Of course, there will be many more in the shared gallery, but, at first, they trust my judgment to select the best thirty. Although, perhaps, after seeing the whole gallery, they will decide to extend the order. Every session’s photo is shared for free in a gallery, but I edit only the selected photographs depending on the order. 

A few days later, I edited photos of the couple, and there was everything: color photos, black and white photos, close-ups, more open shots with the landscape, them together, them separately.

La entrada <strong>How is a private photo shoot with Capture Madrid?</strong> se publicó primero en Capture Madrid.

Autumn in Madrid is one of the most beautiful times of the year to capture your mind and soul. As a photographer, I must also portray Madrid in autumn in photos. And one of my favorite places is Retiro Park. 

Below I will tell you about my walk in the Retiro, visiting, photographing, and experiencing art, nature, and culture.

A stroll through the Retiro Park

I live in a beautiful city... That’s the first thing that comes to my mind when I stroll Retiro Park this afternoon, admiring the changing colors of the leaves on the trees that announce the imminent arrival of autumn. 

Nature is always inspiring and invites calm and relaxation, but this park has more than just vast nature; it reflects the diverse and joyful character of the people of Madrid. Behind the Retiro gates are people taking pictures, playing sports, riding boats, strolling through its gardens, reading, and more. 

Even if you go on your own, artists are always playing near the Palacio de Cristal and the Embarcadero, who will accompany you on your journey. On my rare idle afternoons, I love to sit on the monument’s steps to Alfonso XII and listen to the musicians who usually accompany the sunset with their melodies by the lake. It is Relaxing and inspiring.

As you can see, there are endless activities and possibilities in this green space that Madrid has to offer. Of course, you can do whatever you want in the Retiro, but if you need help figuring out where to start, I’ll share my must-sees with you.

What to do in the Retiro Park?

Art

There are artists for all tastes, from musicians, painters, and exhibitions to magicians, mimes, and tarot artists. You’ll find shows every day throughout the Park, but especially on Sundays, by Retiro Lake, you can see a puppet show that children love.

History

Madrid has a vast history, and Retiro Park reflects it. To immerse yourself in it, I recommend visiting the Palacio de Cristal, the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez, the Parterre, the Embarcadero, the Palacio de Velázquez and the Exhibitions of the Casa de Vacas. All while enjoying the natural surroundings of Madrid in autumn.

Boats

The Retiro Lake is vast, natural, and peaceful. You can take a stroll around it on your walk in the gardens or hire one of the famous Retiro boats to complete your Madrid experience. 

Eat

Having a drink on a terrace is part of the Spanish culture, and you can’t miss it as a way to close your visit to Retiro Park. When I have finished my visit, my ritual is to go out the Puerta de Alcalá entrance, cross the street and sit down for a drink in one of my favorite cafés in Madrid, Rodilla. A simple place, a Spanish franchise that opened in 1939 and specialized in cold sandwiches of all kinds. My recommendation? Don’t miss the smoked fish sandwich, the chicken curry sandwich, and the cod brandade sandwich, which is delicious. 

To find out more about the history of our Park and the numerous activities available at any time of the year, I recommend you visit the following addresses:

• Madrid Happy People
• Madrid.es
• Cultura Inquieta
  

What day to visit Retiro Park?  

As I mentioned before, Sundays are the busiest days of the year. But unfortunately, this movement is reflected in more than just a greater variety of exhibitions and events and a more significant number of people.

You’ll find lots of people strolling everywhere, as tourists are joined by locals enjoying their day off. So, if you decide to go on a Sunday, arm yourself with patience and be prepared to wait in queues to hire a boat, see an exhibition or have a drink on one of the terraces. 

Regardless, Retiro Park is a worthwhile place to visit. If you are visiting Madrid for the first time, you should take advantage of a walk here; if you already know it, seeing the Retiro in autumn will dazzle you even more.

Get up early, even on holidays, to take advantage of the cooler weather and fewer people. And if you can, come here one day at sunset and enjoy the wonderful light for photography, especially in autumn. You can’t miss it.

Madrid in Autumn photos

When I was very young, we used to prepare choreographies, practice them, and dance in the car park of Retiro Park, while people threw us some coins. Of course, it wasn’t allowed, but we used to rehearse outside the Casa de Vacas Cultural Center, and the sworn guards (charming, to tell the truth) turned a blind eye to leave a group of young people full of illusions and passion alone. 

Years later, as a professional photographer, I did a photo shoot for the flamenco show “Como el agua” by the Spanish dancer Helena Martínez. It was presented in Florida Park, a scenic space within the Retiro, where you can enjoy a show, dinner, or a drink. A warm atmosphere and a benchmark of the Madrid evening.

Nowadays, Retiro Park is one of my favorite places in Madrid to take portraits of my clients or even landscape photos. Here, the hustle and bustle of the big city stops for a moment, and you forget that you are surrounded by traffic and asphalt. Instead, you find yourself in a parallel reality: immersed in the city but so far away from it simultaneously. Our park is known as the lung of Madrid, and no wonder considering its extension of 125 hectares, that although it is not as big as Central Park in Manhattan, it is a place to get lost and disconnect for a few hours.

This article brought back a flood of memories. It’s like a trip back in time that makes me smile. So I hope I’ve got a smile on your face and convinced you that it’s worth visiting Retiro in autumn. And if you want someone to retrace your visit to this unique park in Madrid, contact me.

La entrada A walk through the Retiro Park. se publicó primero en Capture Madrid.

The first thing you will see when you walk through Puerta del Sol, or Plaza Mayor, are the thousands of tourists taking photos at kilometer zero. Specifically, in front of the clock that marks a New Year every year and where people gather to eat twelve grapes, one at each stroke of the clock at midnight on 31 December. However, there are other things you will find in this square. Puerta del Sol is an icon in the heart of Madrid, and here are some of my favorite places so you can catch them. 

In this square, you’ll meet people from all over the world, from lottery sellers, young Instagrammers or tiktockers and even older Madrilenians. They can’t imagine their daily life without walking around. 

You can go shopping, see street artists, have a beer on a terrace, a piece of fried cod at Casa Labra, or have a snack at La Mallorquina.

Shopping and Souvenirs: Casa de Diego

In La Puerta del Sol, you will find shops for all tastes and preferences, but a classic you cannot miss is a visit to the Casa de Diego shop. 

It was opened in 1823 and had a particular charm. It specializes in handmade fans, but you will also find shawls, combs, castanets, umbrellas, walking sticks, and other cultural items from Madrid. 

Any of their products can be purchased in their online shop. But, if you have enough time, the experience of entering the shop is mind-blowing. Observing and admiring each item’s fabrics, colors, and textures make it a wonderful experience full of Spanish culture.  

(ALT TEXT = coffee shop in La Puerta del Sol)

Tea time: La Mallorquina.

“Wherever you go, do as you see” There will be no one better to recommend to you what to do and where to go than the locals. Like any good Madrileña, I know my city, and I can assure you that having a coffee and a pastry at La Mallorquina is one of the experiences you can’t miss during your stay in Madrid. 

It is one of the oldest bakeries and cafés in the city, open since 1873. You’ll recognize it as soon as you approach it, as the smell of freshly baked pastries wafts up and down the street, and it’s honestly hard to resist going in. 

My favorites? The Neapolitan cream, the chocolate palm, and the tortel. In any case, all their cakes have in common such a simple and delicious cream that makes them unique. It is challenging to choose with so much variety available, making you want to try each of their delicacies. 

I recommend going in the morning (less crowded) or mid-afternoon for Spanish-style tea time. A mid-afternoon drink is essential in Spain because we don’t have dinner until at least 9 pm, and in summer, it’s closer to 10 pm!

Carrera de San Jerónimo

From Puerta del Sol, several streets with their personality lead to exciting and very different parts of Madrid. I will select just two of the ones I like the most, starting with Carrera de San Jerónimo.

This alleyway starts as a commercial street, with emblematic places like the Lhardy Restaurant. Inaugurated in 1839, it is a place with a classic and stately style, exquisite decoration, and refined haute cuisine dishes. The star dish is always the Cocido Madrileño, a typical dish in which chickpeas are the main ingredient, accompanied by vegetables, meat, and pork bacon with some other sausage: chorizo or black pudding. It is usually served in three parts, called “vuelcos”: the broth, the chickpeas, and the rest of the ingredients. Hearty and delicious, it is a must-try.

Continuing along the walk, you will come to the Congress of Deputies in Madrid, better known as the Palace of the Cortes, on your left. You will see its two bronze lions, Daoiz and Velarde, heroes of the May 2nd Uprising. A symbol of national sovereignty and Spanish politics. 

You will come to the Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo, a little further down the promenade. This square has the fountain of Neptune in its interior, along with the sculpture of the same name. Built between 1782 and 1786 by Ventura Rodriguez, it is a fountain in a neoclassical style that will leave you in awe. 

Hopefully, you are not tired by now, as the Carrera de San Jerónimo will take you directly to the Paseo del Prado, where the famous and acclaimed Prado Museum is located. Madrid’s most precious treasure and one of the most emblematic museums in the world, which deserves a blog just for it.

Plaza Oriente

Let’s go back to Puerta del Sol, this time to take Arenal street. A much shorter and more commercial street than Carrer de San Jerónimo, but without a doubt, just as beautiful. 

The first stop will be the beautiful Plaza de Isabel II with the imposing Teatro Real, behind which you will find one of my favorite places in Madrid: Plaza de Oriente. This square has beautiful royal gardens surrounded by the sculptures of the 10 Gothic kings and the majestic Royal Palace presiding over it. 

The Royal Palace of Madrid was built in the 18th century and had 135.000 square meters of pure art. In front of it is the equestrian statue of Felipe IV. This square is well worth a few good photos or a complete photo session!

To contemplate this spectacle of unparalleled art in peace, I recommend you have a drink on one of Madrid’s most legendary terraces:

• La Taberna del alabardero, with a great variety of pinchos and typical dishes.
• The Café de Oriente with a more French style. 
• La Botillería, delicious croutons, and hot chocolate for a good breakfast or snack.
• Quadra Panis, is a small bakery with delicious homemade bread, pastries, and cakes. 

Photographing Madrid

You may have noticed that I enjoy talking about my favorite things: Madrid landmarks, typical food, Spanish culture, and photography. 

I hope this article will serve as a guide to help you get to know the treasures that we Madrileños have. And if, along the way, you need someone to photograph you as you pass through Madrid, contact me!

La entrada <strong>A Tour around Madrid: From Puerta del Sol to the Royal Palace</strong> se publicó primero en Capture Madrid.