Don't Skip Madrid. The Ultimate Guide to Spain's Capital City
A guide to one of my favourite cities in the world! Where to eat, drink, shop, and dance the night away like a Madrilenian.
Inside this Edition:
where to eat & drink
where to stay
where to play & shop
why madrid?
Two summer’s ago I unexpectedly found myself living in Madrid. For my study abroad semester I always believed I would end up in London, but a last minute decision, my brother’s suggestion, and desire to do something different and learn a new language - I found myself in Spain’s capital, Madrid.
Madrid not only happens to be the sunniest capital in Europe, it is also filled with the best gastronomy scene, incredible bars, world class art museums, cool concept stores, and of course, endless tapas.
I hate to use this word but Madrid is so chic. Not only are the streets beautiful, but the women walking them are just as, if not more, elegant.
It also happens that one of my first articles to be published in print was my guide to Madrid! Aspects of this guide are taken from my article published in Style Magazines.
where to eat & drink
True locals eat at 9pm. Don’t be surprised if the restaurant is empty at 8pm (for them that’s like a 5pm res). While I was overseas I kept a running notes list of all the places I ate which totalled to well over 100 places. It’s pretty hard to narrow down the best of the best but these spots are very well deserving.
* side note: visit La Latina for the best tapas
Tramo - eco conscious restaurant with contemporary dishes using ingredients from local Spanish farmers
Charrúa - cosy intimate steakhouse with the best meats from Argentina and Uruguay
LOS 33 - book in advance !!!
Casa Salesas - my fave restaurant slash bar slash club
Pizza Pronto - by the same owners as Almad (need I say more?)
ARAIA - for a moody experimental dinner
focacciamo - my favourite sanwich store in Madrid - go to the Trafalgar location and sit by the fountain
Bunny Chao - if you need your hit of Asian street food
More dinner: JAM, MANIFESTO 13, CASA PEI+, MO DE MOVIMIENTO, Casa Isabella, Parking Pizza, Akiro Hand Roll Bar, Pink’s, Allegra, Quispe, HER, Casa Dani, Robata, Honest Greens
GILDA HAUS - funky bar with great interiors serving, of course, Spanish gildas
MACERA - best espresso martinis & writing on the wall
Masa Vins - natural wine store that plays vinyl all night long
More bars: Fun Fun, Barbara Ann, GASTÓN, CORCHITO, GOTA, Jack’s Library, Bar Trafalgar
Slow Cafe - post El Rastro market feed - make sure to get the set brunch menu and enjoy a three hour feed
Toma Cafe - specifically the Olavide location was where you’d find me any given day
Bô Coffee - the best pancakes you’ll ever have
Alma Nomad Bakery - pick up a sweet treat from one of the city’s best bakeries
Mazal Bagels - true NYC bagels found here + we spent Thanksgiving here (another spot is SI SI BAGELS)
Watts Cantina - best brekky burrito and classic pancakes
Bocado - avo toast & coffee in the AM, smashed burgers & win in the PM
Chocolatería San Ginés - 24/7 churro shop
More cafes: Natif Coffee & Kitchen, casa neutrale, El Gordito, En Bruto, osom coffee, CUADRA, Clima Cafecito, Acid, Religion Coffee, Jade Matcha Gallery, AMAZONIA AÇAÍ, MYKA Greek (the YoChi of Spain)
where to stay
Admittedly I lived in Madrid, but I did a few staycays and recommended places for my friends.
The Madrid EDITION - my go to. for the famous spiral staircase and electric blue pool table you will be posting.
Only YOU Boutique Hotel - nineteenth century mansion in the street of Calle Barquillo
Brach Madrid - boutique hotel on Gran Via designed by Philippe Starck.
Rosewood Villa Magna - elegant rooms in the heart of Salamanca
where to play & shop
Madrid is the European capital of culture. Known for the Golden Triangle of Art, you can find world-renowned museums – the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum – all in walking distance. You can’t miss Madrid’s Central Park, El Retiro, an escape from the metropolitan chaos. Get lost amongst the pristine gardens, spot peacocks, visit the Crystal Palace, or hire row boats for just four euros. You can’t miss the classic historical sights of Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel.
One thing about Madrilenians is they know how to party, which is why they take a siesta mid afternoon. After a quick nap, it’s back to socialising with the terraces filled with people drinking and laughing. For a night out hit up Victoria or Istar – the coolest people will be there and the best djs will be playing. But if wholesome is more your vibe, Madrid has the most beautiful workout studios that require no-to-minimal Spanish to follow along. My favourite is gorgeous Batelier studio off Retiro Park or in Chamberí.
The most stylish women are found in Madrid (check out Madrilenians in Madrid if you don’t believe me). Spanish women know elegance, mastering the art of building outfits that are both polished and effortlessly relaxed. So, shop like a local with these hidden (and not so hidden) gems.
*side note: Salamanca district and Justicia are the areas to hit
Ekseption Madrid - curated luxury good store - where you’ll find Paloma Wool & gimaguas
Flabelus - for my favourite Spanish shoes
WOW Concept - Madrid’s version of Selfridges
Massimo Dutti - the upscale Zara
AMLUL, TWOJEYS, Alohas, Casa Loewe, Pez, Neare Clothes Vintage Shop, EXOTICA
Happy exploring & lots of loveeee,
Ella x
Saving this for exchange, what an amazing guide !!
immediately booking a trip