favorite things in Madrid.

Top Reasons to Visit Madrid

  1. World-class museums – Home to the Prado, Reina Sofía (Guernica), and Thyssen-Bornemisza, offering iconic works from Velázquez, Goya, Picasso, and more.

  2. Vibrant culinary scene – From traditional tapas and market fare to Michelin-starred restaurants and innovative street food.

  3. Green, welcoming parks – Enjoy Retiro, Casa de Campo (Europe’s largest urban park), and other serene outdoor spaces.

  4. Rich local culture – Bustling plazas, flamenco, late-night social life, and a famously easygoing "first breakfast at 10 AM" pace.

  5. Accessible & affordable – Excellent public transport, budget flights, and varied hotels make Madrid a smart, enjoyable destination.

Interior of a glass greenhouse or conservatory with intricate metal framework and arched windows, illuminated by warm sunlight.

Top Activities & Sights

  1. Museo del Prado – Premier art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, Bosch; free evenings on select days.

  2. Museo Reina Sofía – Modern art hub housing Picasso’s Guernica; a must-visit for 20th-century art lovers.

  3. Royal Palace & Almudena Cathedral – Stunning architecture, guided tours of lavish interiors, and scenic garden strolls.

  4. Temple of Debod – An ancient Egyptian temple offering beautiful sunset views.

  5. El Retiro Park & Crystal Palace – Elegant park perfect for rowing, picnics, and art installations.

  6. Casa de Campo & Teleférico – Cable-car ride offering panoramic vistas and access to Madrid’s largest park.

  7. Thyssen-Bornemisza: Arts Meet Fashion – Unique exhibition blending classic art and fashion perspectives.

  8. Real Fábrica de Tapices – Historic tapestry factory tours reveal centuries-old craftsmanship.

  9. Mercado de San Miguel – Iconic food market featuring tapas stalls in a striking 19th-century iron-and-glass structure.

  10. Casa de Campo Zoo and amusement area – Great for family outings with wildlife and recreational options

City street during twilight with historical and modern buildings, Christmas decorations, and moving cars creating light trails.

Best Restaurants in Madrid

  1. Sobrino de Botín – Calle de los Cuchilleros, 17 (Centro)
    ‑ Historic tavern, reputedly the world’s oldest restaurant. Serving traditional roast suckling pig and lamb since 1865.
    ‑ Price: €30–€50 per person.

  2. Casa Lucio – Calle de la Cava Baja, 35 (La Latina)
    ‑ Legendary for huevos rotos and rustic classics. Mid-range comfort, a local icon.
    ‑ Price: €20–€40 per person.

  3. Taberna La Carmencita – C/ de la Cruz, 27 (Chueca)
    ‑ Historic tavern focused on organic, traditional dishes in a charming atmosphere.
    ‑ Price: €25–€35 per person.

  4. Arzábal – Paseo de la República Argentina, 7 (Retiro)
    ‑ Contemporary twist on classic Spanish tapas, ideal after a stroll through Retiro Park.
    ‑ Price: €30–€45 per person.

  5. DiverXO – Calle de Padre Damián, 23 (Tetuán)
    ‑ Chef David Muñoz’s 3-Michelin-star whirlwind of avant-garde haute cuisine.
    ‑ Price: €250+ per person.

  6. Santceloni – Calle de Jorge Juan, 58 (Salamanca)
    ‑ Elegant, 2-Michelin-starred dining—fine ingredients, refined presentation.
    ‑ Price: €160–€250 per person.

  7. Ramon Freixa Madrid – Calle de Claudio Coello, 67 (Salamanca)
    ‑ Creative Spanish cuisine in an upscale, artful setting (2 Michelin stars).
    ‑ Price: €195–€250 per person.

Best Cafés in Madrid

  1. Chocolatería San Ginés – Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5 (Centro)
    ‑ Madrid’s iconic, 24‑hour churros & thick hot chocolate café since 1894.
    ‑ Price: €4–€6 per person.

  2. Café Gijón – Paseo de Recoletos, 21 (Recoletos)
    ‑ Historic literary café from 1888, a hub for intellectual conversations and charming terrace vibes.
    ‑ Price: €3–€8 per person.

  3. Café Comercial – Glorieta de Bilbao, 7 (Malasaña)
    ‑ Established 1887, with café tradition, chess club upstairs, and classic hot chocolate & picatostes.
    ‑ Price: €3–€8 per person.

Best Bars in Madrid

  1. Salmon Guru – Calle de Echegaray, 21 (Centro)
    ‑ Iconic neon-lit cocktail bar; pioneering “gastronomic cocktails” by Diego Cabrera.
    ‑ Price: €12–€18 per cocktail.

  2. La Venencia – Calle de Echegaray, 7 (Barrio de las Letras)
    ‑ Timeless sherry tavern since the 1930s; no tipping, no photography, only authentic vibes.
    ‑ Price: €3–€6 per glass.

  3. Santos y Desamparados – Costanilla de los Desamparados, 4 (Centro)
    ‑ Gothic rock‑themed cocktail bar; expertly crafted drinks to a soundtrack of Bowie, Nick Cave.
    ‑ Price: €10–€15 per cocktail.

  4. Ni‑Fu Ni‑Fa – San Joaquín, 14 (Malasaña)
    ‑ Balanced, refined tipples mixing mezcal, whiskey and unusual ingredients.
    ‑ Price: €10–€15 per drink.

  5. 1862 Dry Bar – Calle del Pez, 27 (Malasaña)
    ‑ Classic cocktail purist’s haunt; strong, no-nonsense beverages in a minimalist space.
    ‑ Price: €10–€14 per cocktail.

A sunny pedestrian street lined with apartment buildings and cafes, with trees casting shadows and a few people walking.

Hidden Gems & Experiences

  1. El Capricho Park – Romantic 18th-century garden with a WWII bunker; weekend visits by metro to Alameda de Osuna.

  2. Chamberí Ghost Station – Preserved 1920s metro station with original ads and tiling.

  3. La Tabacalera de Lavapiés – Cultural hub in a former tobacco factory with street art, workshops, performances.

  4. Sorolla Museum – Intimate house-museum of the painter Joaquín Sorolla with lush gardens.

  5. Matadero Madrid – Former slaughterhouse turned arts complex with exhibitions, theater, cinema, and outdoor events.

  6. Rosaleda de Madrid – Serene rose garden in El Retiro, best in late spring .

  7. Casa Museo Lope de Vega – Preserved home of the famous Spanish playwright in Barrio de las Letras.

  8. Campo del Moro Gardens – Hidden English-style park behind the Royal Palace, ideal for quiet strolls.

  9. Zarzuela Racecourse – Elegant races and architectural interest with guided visits.

  10. La Quinta de los Molinos – Almond grove park, especially magical during Feb–Mar bloom

The Metropolis building in Madrid, Spain, featuring a white facade with elaborate architectural details, statues, and a dome topped with a winged statue.