Madrid: Your Guide to Finest Places to Stay, Eat, and Play…
After visiting Madrid once, you will dream of when you can return. Its vast and varied collection of galleries and museums displays art dating from prehistory to the present day. Grand, architecturally beautiful buildings frame tree-lined boulevards. And lively parks and green spaces provide a nature-filled respite from the city’s palpable energy.
Epicureans will delight in Madrid’s impressive gastronomic scene. Lively, rustic-chic tapas bars and tabernas serve deceptively simple fare, best paired with a refreshing glass of local vino. Haute cuisine is served in the most unassuming of joints, while elegant Michelin Stars and gourmet markets abound.
Below is a mere sampling of all Madrid has to offer. Connect with me to plan a personalized trip tailored to your interests and travel style. In a city this big and this full of hidden gems and places to explore, I will not lead you astray.
Best time to visit: Madrid can be beautiful year-round. Summers are usually hot, and the busiest time of year for tourists. Spring is lovely, as everything begins to bloom. In March and April, expect some rain here and there. During fall, temperatures are mild and pleasant, while November and December tend to be the coldest and wettest months (although January tends to be the coldest, and may see some snowfall).
The ideal length of stay: Three nights in Madrid is perfect. But if you decide to stay longer — say five to seven days — there is more than enough to see, explore, and enjoy.
Signature dishes: cocido madrileño (chickpea, meat and vegetable stew), tortilla de patatas (egg-and-potato omelet), gambas al ajillo (garlicky shrimp), patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce)
Dress code: put-together, smart, and chic — you can’t go wrong with a pair of Vejas, a crisp button-up, and your favorite statement sunglasses
Sol-Gran Vía, Austrias & La Latina - The heart of Madrid
The bustling Sol-Gran Vía and Austrias neighborhoods are located within Centro, an area home to Madrid’s most popular tourist attractions. Austrias is Madrid’s oldest section, brimming with elegant architecture.
Sol-Gran Vía is delineated by two important landmarks: Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía. The latter is Madrid’s most famous street, alive with high-end shopping, hotels, and classical architecture. (Sol is especially well known for its tree-lined streets and high-end shopping. Don't miss Calle de Serrano, the 5th Avenue of Madrid.) Puerta del Sol, a historic public square, contains several notable statues and a famous clock, housed in the 18th-century Real Casa de Correos.
La Latina, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is fun and dynamic, filled with tapas bars, winding streets, and public squares.
Where to stay in Sol-Gran Vía, Austrias & La Latina
Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. Set in a historic building that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern elegance, this five-star hotel with epic rooftop views boasts exquisite accommodations, world-class dining options, and a wide range of amenities to cater to every need.
Hotel Urban Madrid. Boasting sleek contemporary design combined with intricate Moorish influences, this five-star hotel provides a sophisticated urban retreat for visitors. Guests can indulge in exquisite dining options at the Michelin-starred restaurant and enjoy the rooftop pool overlooking the skyline.
Image Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
Palacio de los Duques. Set in a majestic 19th-century palace, this hotel offers a sophisticated stay experience with elegant rooms, exquisite dining options, and impeccable service.
Pestana CR7 Gran Via. Located on the vibrant Gran Via and steps away from the Royal Palace, this hotel offers state-of-the-art amenities embodying style and comfort for an unforgettable experience.
Image Courtesy of Palacio De Los Duques, A Gran Mellia Hotel
Where to eat in Sol-Gran Vía, Austrias & La Latina
Enjoy fresh fish and fine wine amid exposed rustic wooden beams at the cozy Vinoteca Moratín and seasonal Spanish cuisine at the intimate La Tasquita de Enfrente. Experience Jerónimo, at The Madrid EDITION, for shareable Mexican fare in a sophisticated, vibrant setting. At Oroya, also at the EDITION, Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz prepares seasonal cuisine inspired by the Incas and global cultures (bonito with pickled turnip, salted potatoes with fried cheese…). In La Latina, I would recommend stopping by the bilevel Mercado de la Cebada.
Pro tip: For the traditional meal, do not miss an old-school restaurant Casa Lucio.
Salamanca - Designer Paradise
The most elegant and priciest district of Madrid. If your favorite pastime is designer shopping, then head straight to Salamanca. It’s also very residential, boasting some of Madrid’s most valuable real estate.
Where to stay in Salamanca
Rosewood Villa Magna exudes elegance and sophistication. This luxury hotel offers discerning guests impeccable service, refined accommodations, and an exceptional dining experience. Whether visiting for business or leisure, Rosewood Villa Magna is the perfect urban retreat in the vibrant Spanish capital.
BLESS Hotel Madrid offers a luxurious and sophisticated experience for guests seeking the perfect blend of comfort and style. With impeccable design, world-class amenities, and unparalleled service, BLESS Hotel Madrid promises a truly unforgettable stay.
Image Courtesy of Rosewood Villa Magna
What to do in Salamanca
Shopping is the main draw, of course. However, do not miss the impressive Museo Arqueólogico Nacional, with work from prehistory up to the 19th century, and the Museo Lázaro Galdiano, which shows work from the likes of Bosch and Goya, is also worth a visit.
Where to eat in Salamanca
El Pescador serves the freshest seafood, all of which is wild. Ten Con Ten is a see-and-be-seen haunt, offering elegant Spanish dishes, pasta, seafood, and meats. Inventive Spanish cuisine is served at the casual, cozy Taberna Recreo Espartinas. The menu at the trendy Amazónico features an eclectic array of dishes, from fragrant lamb kofta and fried plantains to char-grilled fish and sushi.
Pro tip: For additional gourmet Spanish cuisine, opt for Tatel, a handsome restaurant owned by Rafa Nadal, Pau Gasol, and Enrique Iglesias.
Off the beaten path in Chamberí
The Chamberí district includes six neighborhoods and is a more residential part of town. It’s also a paradise for gourmands, brimming with hip tapas bars, markets, and Michelin-starred restaurants. You will not find many tourists here, and that’s part of its beauty.
Where to stay in Chamberí
URSO Hotel & Spa is
a luxurious retreat in a beautifully restored palatial building providing guests with a sophisticated and tranquil atmosphere. With exquisite rooms, a serene spa, and exceptional dining options, URSO Hotel & Spa promises a memorable stay in the vibrant capital city of Spain.
Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel offers a sophisticated retreat at the heart of the city. Housed in a 19th-century palace, this luxury hotel boasts elegant rooms, a serene courtyard, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, providing guests with a truly indulgent experience.
Image Courtesy of Urso Hotel & SPA
What to do in Chamberí
Spend time aimlessly wandering in this charming neighborhood. Explore its local boutiques, or jog around the sprawling Parque de Santander, a delightful green space adorned with ponds, fountains, children’s play areas, and more. Browse the work of Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla at Museo Sorolla, located within the painter’s former home and studio. If theater is your thing, a chow at Teatros del Canal will not disappoint.
Pro tip: For something especially unique, don’t miss the Museo Geominero, which displays minerals and fossils from Spanish regions and formerly Spanish-ruled regions.
Where to eat in Chamberí
Chamberí is a foodie’s paradise, and many Madrileños flock to the neighborhood for a fun (and delicious) night out. The community-focused Mercado de Vallehermoso is a must for sampling and purchasing thoughtfully sourced ingredients (spices, butter, sausage, cheese, fruit, fish…). It's also where to find some of the city’s best restaurants, hiding in plain sight. For a gourmet tasting menu experience in a stylish, relaxed setting, head to Bichopalo or La Tasquería. The market-driven Calisto is great for a special occasion dinner, as is the elegant Virrey.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the hip Sala de Despiece which serves ingredient-driven tapas in a lively, casual atmosphere. Try the artichoke with caviar and avocado and the lion’s mane mushroom with leek and honey.
Madrid is Calling…
… and that's where I come in. Connect with me for a tailored trip. I'll work to understand your unique preferences and desires and will design your dream Madrid getaway, complete with VIP amenities and priority status at the city's best hotels.
