Trust us: Madrid is more fun than Rome and Paris combined
(and you must be at these hotspots)
Although we really can't complain about this reasonable weather, I really miss summer. Enjoying a walk through winding streets with the sun at your back. Sitting on a terrace in a warm country with an aperol spritz in one hand and a disposable camera in the other. Yes: I totally understand if you want to sneak away right now. I secretly want that too, but where do you go? So last minute? Not to the busy Barcelona or Rome where you have to get up at five in the morning to get a photo with just five people at the Trevi Fountain. No... I want to go to the most desired destination of this year: Madrid. And honestly? I would be quick. Right now you can still get the full Spain experience without having to fight with eighty people for a spot at that one trendy restaurant. Why you want to feel like a real trendsetter and rush to the big crowd, we will explain to you.
These are the ultimate hotspots
Madrid is a city where anything can happen. Within a few hours, you find yourself on boulevards where you feel just like Carrie Bradshaw in Paris, with all those shops where you can shop. Or you dive as quickly as that into the nearest tapas bar. What I love about this trip? That you can leave your coat at home. Here in the Netherlands, it's still ‘should I take that coat or leave it at home’ weather. Yes, in Spain the sun always shines. Thanks for those wise words, Bassie and Adriaan. But yes. Then you have impulsively booked a plane ticket and you find yourself at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. And then... Where do you go? Where do you sleep? Or more importantly: which wine are you going to drink? Well: just pay attention:
Walk through the old town and the Royal district
The Royal district may not sound particularly cozy, but it certainly is. Besides the fact that this area looks like you're walking through a postcard, you can also visit the large Mercado de San Miguel food hall here. Grocery shopping like a local? You do that here. Tasting real Spanish delicacies, no tourist traps. Then walk through the central Puerta del Sol square, the Almudena Cathedral, and end your afternoon here with a visit to – how could it be otherwise – the Royal Palace. This is so grand that you almost think you've landed in France at the Palace of Versailles. You know, those big white walls decorated with stained glass and ornate details that you don't see anywhere anymore. If you've already taken a hundred photos of the outside, you'll enjoy even more of the inside. Here you can get a tour for €24 through the palace. Walk in dance halls where Spaniards with blue blood once danced or set your eyes on the crown that is so heavy you would fall over if you put it on.
@morton.films Stepping straight into Spanish royalty🕊️ 📍The Royal Palace of Madrid 📱Captured on iPhone 16 Pro Max #disney #madrid #traveltok #fypシ #iphone16promax
Bridgerton-like parks
Have you seen the castle? Then you can wander through the Sabatini gardens. That gives you Versailles vibes. And even better: here you even have a terrace where you can brunch with a view. Have you finished exploring the Sabatini gardens? Then you can go to Retiro Park like a real Spaniard. This is not a castle garden, but a park as big as Efteling. There are no attractions, but there are kilometers of perfectly trimmed trees, ancient pillars, a glass castle (which is unfortunately closed for now), and a lake where you can row in boats. Okay, it's a bit touristy, but very beautiful at sunset. Or you follow the tradition and plop down on the green grass with some wine and snacks. This way you can check a romantic picnic off your wishlist.
@sorlos.escapes Such a beautiful park 😍 #visitmadrid #madrid #madridtravel #madridtravelguide #mustseemadrid #madridguide #thingstodomadrid #elretiromadrid
Among the locals at the market
What’s another fun tip? Absolutely the El Rastro market. This is not just any market, but an experience. Think of wooden stalls with locally made jewelry. Streets filled with people laughing, talking, and listening to live music. Because yes; that’s also there.
Okay, I’m already talking way too much, so just a quick overview of some places: the Reina Sofía museum, vintage shopping in the Malasaña neighborhood, shopping in Galería Canalejas and Capas Seseña, and go bowling in the secret section of restaurant Salvaje. Really: the possibilities are endless.
@marilene.engel loved this market, save this for your next trip to Madrid! 💖 #madrid #madridmarket #madridelrastro #elrastro #market #fleamarket #madridfleamarket #madridthingstodo #madridtips
Tapas, drinks, and all the goodies in Madrid
If there’s one thing I enjoy on vacation, it’s good food. Oh, you can’t pull me away from all those aesthetically pleasing spots. Drinking cocktails on a terrace somewhere on a corner of the street where the sun is just shining nicely. Finally trying paella (yes, sorry. Shame, I know) at such a traditional restaurant where it has been made the same way for fifty years. I’m loving it. That’s why I’ve of course looked up where you can enjoy the best, most fun, and prettiest culinary experiences:
Breakfast & Lunch
Acaï? You eat it best at Bruma. For a ‘regular’ sandwich or salad, locals flock to Bonaza. If you prefer a sandwich on-the-go, then at Puccias you can find freshly made sandwiches with the freshest fillings. Do you never manage to eat a sandwich at Chun in Amsterdam? Then Revuelto is a good second choice, only now it's even better because you're eating it in Madrid, of course. Norah, Bô Cafe, Casoná, and Beatae are also definitely worth noting.
Want to drink the best coffee? You do that at Junta Café. Are you more into matcha? Then you can eat every matcha under the sun and filled croissants that seem to come straight from Italy at Kōhī.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DUV9lKxDFxW/
And, and, and... A trip to Madrid is not complete without Churros, right? Please stop by Chocolate Madrid. I dream of these churros. Really.
Evenings dining
Eat a real Spanish tortilla at Casa Dani. Do you want to dine in a dark little café that feels like you've stepped into a jazz film from the 1920s? Then you can reserve at Casa Salesas. And you really can't miss the famous truffle risotto at Aarde. Another delicious Spanish classic: croquetas. You get the best ones at La Retasca or Casa Julio. At the latter, you can also stick around for drinks. Oh yes: and one more thing you mustn't forget... patatas bravas. You really have to try those at Docamar.
Drinks at the coziest bars
Places like La Gilderia, Hermanos Vinagre, Txirimiri, and El Doble are known for the best gildas & bites in the city. Do you prefer to stay in one area? Then the Chueca district is known for its bars. This is where all the Madrilenians come. Go wine drinking at Golda or Frida and please step into El Jardin de Arzábal, Nómade, and Coque. Here you are guaranteed success. Want a real jazz night? You get that at El Internacional.
Looking for something more special? Then you can also drink wine in a hidden speakeasy. Just like a long time ago, this one is hidden from the naked eye. What looks like a florist from the outside is, inside, a 17th-century library where you can drink cocktails in the dark, yellow light among the books.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DP6sw-4DJU2/
And finally: where do you sleep?
The best place to stay is in Centro, near Sol/Gran Via. This is, as the name suggests, the most centrally located. By staying here, you are just a short metro ride or walk away from all sorts of hotspots. For example, go for Vincci Via 66, a modern four-star hotel on Gran Via in Malasaña. This is not the cheapest hotel, but you can stay here for two nights for €676 in style. Just four minutes away, you can stay together at the Inhala Hotel Garden for €446. That already saves you some money.
So. Do you now have enough proof that Madrid is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway? I know what I'm going to do...
