The best tips for an ultimate trip to Madrid

I was talking with a friend of mine this week (well, talking... half crying) after the match of Ajax – Tottenham Hotspur. This particular friend had bought tickets for the final in Madrid in all his enthusiasm. The final that we are not attending. And unfortunately, cancellation insurance does not cover lost matches of your favorite sports team, to which I said that Madrid is actually a really nice city, so you will definitely have fun there. He hesitated. I did not. So whether you are also a victimized Ajax fan or just in the mood for a getaway: Madrid is where you want to go. I have compiled the best addresses and tips for you. If you act quickly, I bet you could get there very cheaply around June 1st. Go go go.

The nicest neighborhoods in Madrid

Chueca: This neighborhood is known for its nice cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. You will also find many lovely terraces here, so a day of terrace hopping is definitely on the agenda. This neighborhood has also been known for years as the gay neighborhood of Madrid, because since same-sex marriage was legalized in Spain, many couples have settled here.

Malasaña: Every city has one, and this is Madrid's: the hipster neighborhood. So don't expect any well-known chains here, but mainly vintage shops and cafes with a cozy living room vibe. It's a bit smaller than Chueca, but definitely worth it and lovely to wander through for a day.

Salamanca: Well, if you are indeed looking for the well-known chains, especially the more expensive ones: you are in the right place. This is the Upper East Side of Madrid. The Spanish P.C. Hooftstraat. The Notting Hill of... Well, you get where I'm going. Bring your credit card and start shopping.

Sol & Huertas: Literally the heart of the city and also the most famous neighborhood. The most famous museums, squares, and sights can be found here. Touristy, that's for sure, but a visit to Madrid is of course not complete without it. Even in the evening, it remains lively here for a long time, with many terraces (and a lot of sangria), live music, and bars. Funfunfun.

La Latina: Street performers, flea markets, visiting Retiro Park or one of the beautiful churches. La Latina is not really in the direction, but you can walk from Sol & Huertas. Taking a taxi is of course also possible. In any case, it's a nice neighborhood to spend an afternoon.

The best cafes, restaurants, bars, in short: hotspots in Madrid

Celso y Manolo (Chueca)

Yes, tapas. And what tapas. Well, when in Spain you only go for the best of the best when it comes to tapas, of course (and sangria, that too). Unfortunately, this is no longer an undiscovered gem, so making a reservation is advisable. The interior is nicely styled in a 50s style and the menu has a lot of delicious dishes besides the ‘standard‘ tapas. I mention grilled bluefin tuna with avocado, mango, and papaya. Yes, please.
Calle Libertad, 1

Bunny’s Deli (Chueca)
The vegan hype has also arrived in Madrid. So for a vegan breakfast, a fresh juice, or a granola bowl, you are in the right place. Oh yes, and also gluten-free. And, not unimportantly: also very tasty. Besides breakfast, they have lunch, snacks, and desserts. I found the banana bread here a must-try and it can be had for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dessert. Also quite convenient, as it can be to go.
Calle San Gregorio, 17

Vacaciones (Malasaña)
Weekend getaways or vacations guarantee cocktails for me. Treat yourself when you're away, right? Well, and you want to drink those cocktails here, in the hipster neighborhood, on a cozy square. From the outside, it looks a bit like a lunch spot, but appearances can be deceiving. They are actually open until late at night, and besides cocktails, you can also order some good food here.
Calle del Espíritu Santo, 15

Gracias Padra (Salamanca)
Fiesta Mexicaña in Madrid. They call it a taqueria, so you can assume that the tacos here are good. Colorful, cheerful interior and oh, before I forget: the frozen margaritas, you absolutely have to try them here. They also close late, so post-drinks (and/or late dining) is definitely a thing here.
Calle de José Ortega y Gasset, 55

Ojalá (Malasaña)
Across from Vacaciones you will find this spot. So fun: the entire ground floor has been transformed into a kind of beach (if you have a bit of geographical knowledge, you know that Madrid doesn't have one), complete with a beach bar. And at that beach bar, you should definitely drink sangria. It is really so delicious here. They are also open until late at night, perfect for a beach party or something that comes closest to it.
Calle de San Andrés, 1

La Terrazza de Oscar (Chueca)
Yes, I really love rooftop bars. A combination of view, cocktails, vacation vibes, and a bit of luxury, I think. Because rooftop bars are often not the cheapest, but they are almost always worth it. This one too. A 360-degree view (love it), a rooftop pool (love it even more), and Balinese beds (yes, please). That pool is only open in the summer (the bar is open all year round), so definitely bring your bikini if you go there during that time.
Plaza de Pedro Zerolo, 12

Bosco de Lobos (Chueca)
Funny spot with super tasty food. By funny, I mean the interior: they have a cute little garden, a bar, but also a bookshelf and a modern yet cozy interior. A bit casual chic. Popular among locals and probably soon among us: this is a recommendation.
Calle de Hortaleza, 63

DSTAgE (Sol & Huertas)

Has two Michelin stars, so you know what that means: this is going to be a treat. And a full evening program, that too. And compared to Dutch Michelin-starred restaurants, it is also very affordable: €135 for 14 (!) courses. If you really want to go all out, you can opt for the 17 courses. With a wine pairing, of course.
Calle de Regueros, 8

Bite Me Café (Las Delicias)

Donuts, yes, and I love that. And the donuts here are also very vegan friendly. Let me just say that I anything but vegan. In fact, I often have a bit of an aversion to vegan pastries or vegan sweets. But I must honestly admit: these donuts are really delicious. Come early, because it's definitely a case of first come, first served.

Plaza de la Beata María Ana de Jesús, 2

Frida (Chueca)
Cheerful hotspot in Madrid where you can enjoy tapas with wine or sangria. Simple (but sunny) terrace out front and an interior without too much fuss. I always find ‘no-nonsense’ sounds a bit silly, but it fits this place well. Just good food, good price, and nice wine. Sometimes that's all a person needs, right?
Calle San Gregorio, 8

Toma Café (Malasaña)
Ideal spot for lunch, breakfast, or just coffee in between. There’s all sorts of things hanging on the walls, like bicycles, the baristas are covered in tattoos, and it all looks a bit messy, but that's intentional. Organized chaos. You guessed it: this spot in Madrid can be found in the hipster district. But they have good coffee, so a spot on this list is definitely deserved.
Calle de la Palma, 49

The Lobstar (Malasaña)
Ultimate comfort food. As the name suggests, they have lobster rolls here (inspired by the lobster rolls from Maine, USA), but also shrimp tacos, sweet potato fries, and super sweet desserts. In the background, American hits (singing along is allowed), an open kitchen where you can watch, and a few diner-like seating areas. Fun.
Calle de Carranza, 4

In these hotels in Madrid, you want to sleep

Only You Boutique Hotel (Chueca)
This hotel is recommended pretty much everywhere on the internet as the place to stay in Madrid, and I can tell you: everyone is right. The location is great and the hotel itself is so nice. The biggest plus is that you can just come here all day for breakfast. And that breakfast is also nice for vegans, by the way. This hotel used to be a palace and it still feels that way.
Calle del Barquillo, 21

The Hat (Sol & Huertas)
Here you really find all ages and types of people, because you can book a room in a mixed dorm or just enjoy one for yourself. Now, the whole hostel life isn't really for me (diva, I know), so I would definitely go for the private room. You meet the rest of the people at the rooftop bar here, which they have, and is also the highlight of this hotel. Cozy and friendly rooftop bar where you can really enjoy yourself.
Calle Imperial, 9