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.

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

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.

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