Madrid – the capital city with a thousand option, it is indeed one of Europe’s most interesting cities:
- iconic spots full of culture and leisure at any time
- capital of food, fashion and nightlife
- vibrant shopping centers, restaurants and nightlife
- a city of museums and contemporary street art and full of parks, gardens and unbelievable landscape
Highlights of the city:
- Almudena Cathedral
- Plaza Mayor – built in the 17th century, this arcaded square located in the historical center of the city is the heart of Hapsburg Madrid
- Royal Palace – the largest royal palace in Western Europe
- Plaza Puerta del Sol – centrally located on the south side of town (pedestrian area with large stores; you can easily get to Plaza Mayor)
- The Trail – in the old part of town (El Rastro – a market with stalls selling everything you can imagine)
- El Escorial – considered by some to be the eighth wonder of the world (monastery, two palaces, a church, two cemeteries, an extensive library and many works of art)
- Old Town Hall
- Prado Museum – one of the largest museums in the world
- Toledo – the old part of town declared a National Historic Landmark
- Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
I’ll leave a touristic map for you here to get some more ideas and inspiration: https://www.esmadrid.com/sites/default/files/documentos/mapazonasturisticasmadrid.pdf
Accommodation:
- Gran Hotel Ingles – in the middle of the city, brings a whole new level of luxury to the Madrid hotel scene, with stylish Art Deco design, sumptuous rooms, a quietly excellent restaurant and a superb spa
- The Pavilions Madrid – elegant boutique hotel, non-touristy location (Plaza de Colón) and well-designed rooms
- Generator Hostel Madrid – plenty of double rooms as well as dorms, industrial design, a groovy rooftop bar and a friendly vibe
- Room Mate Alba – situated in the real heart of Madrid, this hotel has an excellent location score of 9.8
- Pestana Plaza Mayor – 600 m from Puerta del Sol, Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid offers amenities including rooftop bar and a fitness centre
- CoolRooms Atocha – 800 m from Puerta del Sol, CoolRooms Atocha features accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a bar and a garden
- VP Plaza Espana Design – located in Gran Via, in Madrid city centre, VP Plaza España Design offers 5-star accommodation with parking, a wellness centre
Restaurants:
- Botin – according to the Guinness Book of Records, Botín is officially the oldest restaurant in the world; unsurprisingly, Botín is very popular with visitors, but eating here is a quintessential Madrid experience so don’t let that put you off
- Fonda La Lechuga – brasserie-style restaurant is hidden away on a little street behind the Plaza Mayor
- Taberna Los Huevos de Lucio – traditional tavern run by the younger generation of the family behind the renowned Casa Lucio across the road, and is great for either a quick bite at the bar or a proper sitdown meal
- Bodega de los Secretos – is not only on a quiet side street but is also hidden away in a labyrinth of underground wine cellars that date back to the 17th century
- Cabreira – this tapas bar and restaurant with traditional décor and terrace tables on Plaza Dos de Mayo is found in the boho Malasaña area, and is a popular local haunt
Nightlife:
The nightlife in Madrid continues into the early hours of the morning. Lots of pubs are located around the Plaza Dos de Mayo in the area known as Malasaña.
- Teatro Kapital – this huge and wildly popular club is set in a former theatre and sprawls over seven galleried floors with a different vibe on each level
- Clamores – musicians from Spain and all over the world perform at this basement club in the Chamberí neighbourhood
- Sala La Riviera – down by the Manzanares river, La Riviera is a landmark venue with a large stage, a huge circular dance floor, nine bars and an outdoor space too
- Museo Chicote – Madrid’s most famous cocktail bar opened in the 1930s and still has much of its original décor
- La Fisna – traditional bodega, with a wooden frontage, iron columns, open-brick walls and a metal counter in the Lavapiés neighbourhood
Travel tips:
Most points of interests can be found in the city center and are easy to explore on foot.
An amazing money saver is using Madrid Explorer Pass or Tourist Travel Card.
Tourist card: for one person. Unlimited travel on the metro, bus and train network. There are several op
The Tourist Ticket (also known as the Tourist Travel Pass) can be used on all types of public transport in the Region of Madrid. Allowing you to take unlimited trips within your chosen timeframe, it is a practical and inexpensive way to get around Madrid.
I loved this city so much that I would go back for every vacation, no joking! If you plan your vacation here, I hope this guide will help you and of course, DM me with your feedback or any other info that you find relatable.
Yours Sincerely, Thea 