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Photo by Andres Alagon
by
Well Traveled
10 months ago
Once a small and sleepy town, Madrid started to rise in prominence after being named Spain’s capital in the 1500s. Then after a military dictatorship that ended in 1975, Madrid began to flourish as Spain’s cultural capital.
Since then, Madrid has become one of the best cities in the world for the arts, dining, and just living life to the fullest. When you visit Madrid, get ready for late nights, afternoon siestas, and long meals spent on sunny patios taking in the city. Here’s our list of where to eat, sleep, and play.
We don’t know your grandma, but we know we love the old-school home cooking that grandmas around the world are famous for whipping up. That’s the vibe at San Mamés: It’s been run by the same family since 1950. Rustic, homey, hyper-local, and absolutely delicious.
A restaurant running this long could be a cheesy imitation of what it once was. That is not the case here. The world’s oldest, continually-open restaurant has never sacrificed its quality of food or its ambiance. The roast suckling pig and roast lamb are the famous dishes here and you better believe that they are must-haves.
The most extravagant meal in Madrid. This two-Michelin-star restaurant only has four tables so the experience, based on Basque cooking, is intimate without feeling stuffy. Watch expert flamenco dancers as you enjoy the best of Madrid’s fine dining, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After lunch and dinner, it is time for a treat. This Chocolateria will be busy and chock full of tourists and locals alike because the churros here are just that good. Pick between fluffy or crispy churros and don't be afraid to drink the delicious dark chocolate sauce after the churros are gone.
In the high-end Salamanca neighborhood, this hotel, once a 19th-century palace, is unadulterated luxury. Inside, there are suites with marbled bathrooms, inviting, plush bedding, and tall windows. Not to mention, there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant, an elegant library and cocktail lounge, and a private garden all within the hotel walls. Outside, some of the best shopping in Madrid awaits.
Located within Madrid’s Art Walk, this luxury hotel is just steps away from the museums and cultural institutes of the city. The restaurant is particularly special with a stained glass dome and a focus on serving local, organic foods and a live Opera brunch. The bar was once frequented by Dali and Hemingway. Wood-paneled, it has a secretive Old World charm and is the perfect place to hide away for a cocktail.
Known for its distinguished, and famous guests, the Mandarin Oriental knows how to extend the royal treatment. Everything about this hotel is opulent from its wellness spa with crystal chandeliers and its light-filled rooms overlooking the Prado, to its grand dining room offering "historical" and "contemporary" tasting menus while overlooking the Ritz garden.
The most relaxing spot in all of Madrid: this hotel is perfect when it's time to retreat from the bustling city. With a Thai Wellness room, a hidden historic garden, a rooftop pool that has a sundeck and cocktail bar, and the impeccable RedLevel service available for guests, this palatial hotel is an experience in and of itself.
The heart of cultural Madrid, Sala Equis features a cinema room, a bar, a play area, and a lounge all in one. Come here for concerts, movie screenings, live theater, or even a drink. Make it the full Madrid experience, and watch a Pedro Almodovar movie during one of the salon’s cycles.
Now TikTok and Instagram famous, IKONO will let your inner child run free with their ball pit, confetti exhibition rooms, and different sensory exhibits. There are professional photographers available for free, so be sure to get dramatic photos in the neon-filled rooms. It will feel like you’re on a photo shoot for your own album cover.
The most well-known market in the city, prepare to be overwhelmed with delicious food options available from every stall. Alongside the famous Plaza Mayor, the market has everything from coffee, cocktails, tapas, and even a stand that exclusively specializes in tuna.
A 200-year-old art museum that rivals more famous museums like the Louvre or the Met. It is the authority on Spanish art from the 12th century to modern times. You could spend days here taking in the thousands of paintings and sculptures and we would recommend staying for at least a few hours to be fully immersed in the collections.
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