Madrid, Spain
See + Do
What to see and do
Royal Palace (Palacio Royal)
One of Europe’s largest palaces, the Royal Palace is a must-see. Definitely worth wandering from room to room (there’s over 3,000 rooms!) to see the beautiful decor. Hard to believe the government still holds state functions here. Check out the Changing of the Guard on Wednesdays and Saturdays, weather permitting.
Teatro Real Opera House
The neighborhood around the opera is prime Madrid history. Think cobblestone streets and beautiful buildings with wrought iron balconies. Walk from Plaza Espana down to the opera, stopping at one of the food halls for tapas, then head east toward Puerta del Sol and continue on toward the museums.
El Retiro Park
Madrid’s equivalent to Central Park, but much bigger. A relaxing place to take a stroll, have a picnic, and relax from all the siteseeing.
Plaza Mayor
One of the most beautiful squares (technically, a rectangle) in all of Madrid. There’s a reason it’s so popular with tourists. Walk from Puerta del Sol to the Plaza Mayor, only a few blocks away, and enter the plaza from one of nine entryways.
Puerta del Sol
One of Madrid’s most famous sites, Puerta del Sol is considered the starting point for all major roads in Spain. Should be one of the places you check off your list.
Plaza Espana/Gran Via
Madrid’s major boulevard that cuts across the main part of the city. Start at Plaza Espana, then walk east along Gran Via until you hit Fuente de Cibeles, where most of the museums are a located.
Calle Fuencarral
Popular and lively shopping street in the heart of downtown, runs north and south.
Platea Madrid
The coolest venue in Madrid- a must see. Huge redeveloped theater, with live music, multi level restaurants, bars, clubs.
Salamanca Neighborhood
The most upscale neighborhood in Madrid makes a great place to explore. Start at the Fuente de Cibeles, and walk north up Paseo de la Castellana, the main boulevard. There's so many cute shops along the side streets in this neighborhood, I dream of coming back to Madrid just for the clothes.
Malasana Neighborhood
Trendy, hipster neighborhood with really cool restaurants, bars and shops. Great place to walk around and explore.
El Rastro Outdoor Market (La Latina District)
The most popular open air flea market in Spain, held every Sunday in the La Latina district. Don’t just wander on the main boulevard- the side streets are where the treasures are found. Learn more
Eat
Must eat
Sacha
Considered the best restaurant where Madrid’s top chef’s eat. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood just north of the main city center, take the metro or a cab and you’ll thank us for one of the best dining experiences in Spain. The menu changes seasonally, but they always have Spanish classics. In the summer, the restaurant expands under trees with candlelit tables and intimate atmosphere. Learn more.
Churros con Chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés
One thing not to miss is savoring the oldest churros in the country. A great place to grab a late night snack. Who are we kidding- a great snack any time of day.
Pastries at La Mallorquina
Founded in 1894, La Mallorquina is one of the oldest pastry shops in the city. Try anything your heart (and sweet tooth) desires.
Vermouth at Ángel Sierra
Madrid loves their “vermouth time”. To see what that’s all about, stop by this traditional bar in the heart of Chueca and mingle with locals.
Food Halls
Madrid is known for their food halls, which are located all around the city. Some of our favorites are:
Mercado de San Anton (Chueca) - must see. Modern, 3 floors, rooftop
Mercado de San Miguel (Plaza Mayor)
Mercado de la Paz (Salamanca)
Antón Martín Market
