Filled with colorful markets, historical streets, and super-charged nightlife, we’re diving into everything you need to know about how Madrid became Europe’s most talked about cool kid.

The Spanish capital is a truly fascinating fusion of modern European living dipped in a deep reverence for tradition and history. In addition to being an easily walkable city with one of the world’s most established art and culinary scenes, it’s also one of the most inclusive destinations to go to right now. With our friends in Madrid, we’re here to help you break down how to make the most of your trip to the capital city.

How to prep for a trip to Madrid

Packing for Madrid is a breeze thanks to its rather temperate climate. While temperatures tend to slightly dip in the winter months, this is the ideal destination to show off your layering skills. Think light coats, long trousers, and flowy tops that you can mix and match depending on the season. We also recommend bringing just a couple of statement pieces, as there will be plenty of opportunities for those bold, emblematic pick-ups on your trip (more on that later). And while the local population uses English, we advise learning a few Spanish phrases to help you navigate the city; while the Spanish that you may have learned in school will be helpful, note that there are key differences in how Latin America and Spain use the language. Did someone say Duolingo?

Where to stay in Madrid

Madrid is home to some of the most buzzed-about luxury hotels to open globally in recent years. For instance, two Spanish mainstays remerged after extensive renovation. Fans of Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid and Rosewood Villa Magna are sure to be astounded by these two properties’ impressive new looks. The Mandarin Oriental Ritz – originally the Ritz Madrid – has been a nexus for Spanish society for over a century. Located just a short walk from Retiro Park, this restored palace is home to five restaurants and bars, as well as suites designed with a Spanish-Parisian twist. For a slower, more local vibe, Rosewood Villa Magna is located just outside of the city center in Madrid’s Salamanca. Here, guests can indulge in local experiences from shopping to dining.

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is the brand’s first foray into the Spanish capital, set across seven separate historic buildings expertly combined. Guests who elect to unwind here will be treated to meals cooked by celebrity chef Dani Garcia and a four-level spa. The Madrid EDITION also made its debut recently. This sleek, Ian Schrager-designed property is opposite the Convent of Las Descalzas Reales. This newcomer to the EDITION collection boasts the brand’s eye for cutting-edge minimalist design found throughout their public spaces and accommodations.

An overview of the Madrid shopping scene

From handmade treasures found peppered across outdoor markets to your crème de la crème brands, Madrid is one of the most vibrant shopping destinations in Europe. The potential to hone your unique style in the Spanish capital is seemingly endless, whether it’s classic vintage and bohemian looks or more cutting-edge alternative fashion. Even the street names pay homage to the city’s history of artisan guilds like Calle de Bordadores (“embroiderers”), Calle de Curtidores (“tanners”), and Calle de Botoneras (“button-makers”). To help you catch your bearings as you plunge into the city’s shopping potential, we’ve put together a route to take you through our favorite highlights.

Start in Centro

Kick off your shopping spree in Centro,  a neighborhood in the heart of Madrid. This is the ideal locale to explore some of the open-air shopping centers lined with household name shops such as Calle Gran Vía, Calle Carmen, Calle Preciados, and Calle Arenal. Think of the likes of Spanish brands like Loewe, Sanz, and other household names. For a true one-stop-shop experience, we recommend checking out Galería Canalejas, a new complex between Calle Alcalá and Calle Sevilla that has already become a synonym for luxury in the heart of Madrid. Here you’ll find over forty shops offering apparel, handbags, fragrances, and fine jewelry by the world’s most prestigious brands.

Shop the local gems

As discerning shoppers shift their focus to more sustainable brands, Madrid has seen a boom in locally made goods. Neighborhoods like Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter) and El Madrid de los Austrias are home to establishments that have been serving their communities for over a century, such as the linen home goods found at Matarranz, and Capas Seseña, Sombrerería Medrano, and Guitarras Ramírez that respectively sell capes, hats, and guitars. Glent serves as an example of how modern fashion in Madrid has evolved with this focus on locally sourced materials, like Javier Medina’s handmade shoes made of materials like bamboo. For jewelry enthusiasts, we highly recommend checking out the necklaces and bracelets Andrés Gallardo creates in his studio shop in Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras.

Bask in bohemian Madrid

Looking to get ahead of the trend cycle? Head north via private car – arranged by your trusty SmartFlyer travel advisor – to Las Salesas. This neighborhood offers an off-the-beaten-path alternative in contrast to the city center and the neighboring Golden Mile. We love closing out our Maps app and getting a little lost here; it’s the perfect opportunity to stumble upon a new favorite local restaurant, enjoy a cocktail, and get an up-close look at the artisanal work of up-and-coming designers and artists. Just west of this area lies Chueca and Malasaña, two neighborhoods that blend contemporary styles with an avant-garde take on the modern Madrid fashion scene. If you’re looking for shopping outside of fashion, then head over to Conde Duque, a distinctive artists’ quarter filled with open studios and boutique shops lined with anything from gallery art to vinyl records.

Our essential Madrid pick-ups:
Fashion accessories: capes and Manila shawls perfect for layering on the plane home
Home goods and décor: Meninas figurines for art lovers or handmade crockery for the at-home-chef
A taste of craftsmanship: fans, guitars from local luthiers, or fresh violet sweets to satiate your cravings

Experiencing Spanish Art

If you’re looking to dive deeper into Madrid’s rich history, dedicate time to exploring the array of museums and art galleries that pepper the city. With the help of your SmartFlyer travel advisor, you can maximize your time in Madrid by partnering with a knowledgeable art historian or scholar. This individual will provide you with highly personalized tours of the iconic cultural institutions that best match your unique interests.

To begin dipping your toes into the world of Spanish art, start with The Art Walk at Paseo del Prado. We particularly love Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum’s collection of 13th through 20th-century artworks, as well as the Reina Sofía Museum’s edgier modern works that grace these stunningly-constructed establishments. There are also special tours at the Liria Palace, the official Madrid residence of the iconic House of Alba. The palace is home to over six centuries of aristocratic art collections including names like Goya and Rubens. For a deep dive into the art of Spanish textiles, visit the Royal Tapestry Factory which just celebrated its 300th anniversary.

How to explore Madrid’s diverse landscapes

For those seeking open-air after your immersion into the art scene, Madrid allows you to transition seamlessly into its surrounding natural beauty. Nearby the Art Walk is the Landscape of Light, a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing Paseo del Prado and El Retiro Park. This unique setting melds culture, science, and nature together with 190 hectares of green space. If you’re seeking other landscapes, consider other gems like National Museum of Decorative Arts, the Royal Observatory of Madrid, and the Real Jardín Botánico.

This unique setting melds culture, science, and nature together…

In addition to an influx of capital into hotel projects, in recent years, Madrid has received an infusion of investment to make the city a greener one; with a walk through its streets, you’re sure to notice that there have been over a thousand trees planted in addition to an expansion of the size and protection of many of its parks and gardens. The Sorolla Museum, the Lázaro Galdiano Museum, and the Museum of Romanticism serve as examples of how the city uses sustainability to enhance its experiences. For idyllic views of Manzanares River, head over to Madrid Río Park which was recently restored to protect the ecological diversity found throughout the space. Once an urban motorway, visitors can now enjoy a variety of recreational areas such as open-air galleries, outdoor performances, and even a beach during the warmer months.

Where to see the best of Madrid’s performing artists

It’s no secret that the Spanish performing arts scene is one of the most vibrant found throughout Europe. The capital is an excellent place to experience one of Spain’s major contributions to the world of music and dance: flamenco. One of our favorite flamenco clubs is Corral de la Morería which is one of the longest-standing “tablaos” in the world, and a Michelin-starred restaurant to boot. Madrid also has an extensive range of musical productions, many staged on Gran Vía which echoes the likes of New York’s own Great White Way. If you’re looking for an excuse to dress up, then head to the Teatro Real Set, a key venue on the international opera house circuit.

Where to eat in Madrid

Food has always been the lifeblood of the city.

Whether it’s a local haunt that’s been standing for centuries or Michelin-starred tapas with a gastronomic twist, there are seemingly unlimited culinary offerings in Madrid. Food has always been the lifeblood of the city, which is embodied by historical eateries like Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant. Founded in 1725, this restaurant epitomizes the city’s rich relationship with food and the people who craft it. Here, you can enjoy Spanish classics such as Madrid cocido (chickpea stew), callos (tripe), soldaditos de Pavía (battered cod strips), potato omelette, and oxtail. Definitely don’t miss out on the delicious suckling pig and lamb, roasted Castilian style and served with a well-poured beer or vermouth on tap.

If you’re seeking a unique experience that combines culinary history and culture, consider taking  a guided tour of the Royal Palace Kitchen. It is one of the best-preserved historic kitchens in any royal European residence with many of its facilities intact after its renovation dating back to 1861. Walking under the vaulted ceilings and taking in the stunningly preserved copper tools and ovens fully immerses you in the culinary history of the country. Another regal experience is a private tour of Liria Palace. With the help of your SmartFlyer travel advisor, you can combine your tour of the historical building with tastings of gourmet artisan products from the House of Alba such as Ibérico ham, homemade cheese, and Spanish wine.

Looking for a quick visual guide to the oldest culinary experiences in Madrid? Click here for an illustrated map, provided by our friends in Madrid.

A brief guide to a self-guided tapas tour, Madrid-style

Cultures across the Latin world have a variety of takes on tapas, so we love going back to the origin of small plates. Madrid’s tapas scene is one of the best ways to get your fill of delicious classics like cured ham and croquettes. With so many options to choose from, here are our top tips for how to make the most of your self-guided tapas tour:

• Go later in the day. Siesta – a mid-day respite – is still commonly practiced across the country, meaning many establishments close midday and reopen for the evening rush. Your SmartFlyer travel advisor will help you plan your day accordingly, as well as assure you access to the best tapas across the city.
• Pick a lane. The ultimate self-guided tapas tour involves hopping from one place to the next on foot. The best way to accomplish this is to pick a specific location and plan your route based on the locale. Neighborhoods like Chueca, Conde Duque, and Malasaña are local favorites, while Lavapiés offers a blend of international flavors. For a buzzier atmosphere, Calle de Ponzano in Chamberí is a classic stomping ground.
• Know your portion size. Depending on the size of your group (and your appetites), it’s important to know how much food you’re actually ordering. Tapillas is the smallest portion size, often used to ask for a specific meat or ingredient in addition to larger plates. Pintxos are a northern Spanish style of eating: bite-sized cheeses and meats on picks that are shareable amongst friends. Raciones is the classic way to share and the most common type of tapas served at bars and is the preferred way of dining for Spanish natives.
• Embrace regional diversity. Because Madrid is an international hotspot for dining, no restaurant or bar will have the same tapas menu. Due to Spain’s regional differences, you’ll find plenty of restaurants that specialize in specific dishes. The Madrid classic is the bocadillo de calamar (fried calamari sandwich). Other restaurants will include regional dishes like the Mediterranian pan tumaca from Catalonia or sobrasada from the Balaerics.

Need a kickoff spot to begin your tapas tour? Here are some SmartFlyer-vetted tapas recommendations:

• Celso y Manolo: 1950s-era tapas bar serving reworked classics. Must-tries are grilled organic Cantabrian veal ribs with chimichurri and the chuletón de tomate.
• Bodega de la Ardosa: established in 1892, this local favorite continues to serve delectable dishes with old-world charm. Must-tries are the tortilla española and sherry-braised beef cheeks.
• La Tape: thanks to their rotating craft beer menu, this is the hotspot to visit for all our beer lovers. Must-tries are the ensaladilla rusa and the artichoke tempura.
• Casa Gonzales: part gourmet grocery shop and part tapas stop, this is a no-frills establishment promising customers the local experience. Must-tries include their charcuterie assortment and conservas.
• Los Huevos de Lucio: a family-owned gastrobar with a buzzy atmosphere. Must-try is the house special huevos estrellados
• Cinco Jotas: A part of the esteemed Spanish line of Osborne Restaurants, this is a go-to eatery for their ibérico Must-try is the acorn-fed 100% ibérico jamón.

Our top picks for fine wining and dining in Madrid

For Spanish cuisine that pushes the gastronomic envelope, we recommend working with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to reserve a table at one of these eclectic dining establishments – some even boasting Michelin stars. If you’re looking for some inspiration to begin your booking adventure, here are some tapas-sized factoids for each establishment on our list:

Restaurants

• Comparte Bistró: a fusion of Andalusian-French cuisine served up by two up-and-coming restauranteurs Mario Sánchez and Charlotte Finkel. Their seasonal menus are always a delight; keep an eye out for their steak tartare with croissant and Béarnaise.
• Araia: craving a taste of the seaside Mediterranean? We highly recommend reserving a table here for its locally-sourced produce. The restaurant features the freshest ingredients from local seafood markets in dishes like the spicy octopus with artichoke and walnut cream.
• DiverXo: run by innovative chef David Muñoz, this three-Michelin-starred haute cuisine features dishes based on the concept of “flying pigs.” Think incredibly flavorful and contrasting dishes in an equally modern and otherworldly space.
• Coque: helmed by the Sandoval brothers, this spot has been awarded a Green Star for its commitment to sustainable gastronomy. The vegan-vegetarian “Eñe” menu is a truly delectable take on Spanish classics that retains its rich original flavors and earned the restaurant two Michelin stars.
• El Jardín de Arzábal: located near a historical lighthouse and marine reserve, this restaurant located within the Reina Sofía Museum boasts a lush, jungly terrace and an impressive selection of seafood dishes.
• La Vaquería Montañesa: for the romantics looking for a cozier, more intimate vibe. The candlelit ambiance and elevated dishes make for an ideal date night in the Chamberí neighborhood.

Bars

• Jack’s Library: a speakeasy-style cocktail bar crafting creative drinks behind the guise of a flower shop. Dark academia enthusiasts will adore the interior lined with books.
• Lula Club: the epitome of “good vibes only,” this is the spot in town to shake your worries away in a Seventies-inspired dance hall – and perhaps clock a celebrity or two doing the same.
• Salmon Guru: at this bar bathed in neon light, presentation and taste are cranked to eleven. This cocktail bar led by Diego Cabrera fully embodies the mixologist’s love for rock and roll and all things pop art.
• 1862 Dry Bar: named after the year the first book on cocktails was published, you can enjoy elegant, classic mixes in the heart of Malasaña. The Viejísimo Adonis with amontillado, sherry vermouth, and orange bitters is a must.
• La Santoría: we point all those with an eye for all things gothic in the direction of this mystical haunt. In addition to their cocktails dressed as magic elixirs, you can also have tarot readings done at the bar every Thursday night.
• Bad Company 1920: for a truly memorable speakeasy experience, check out this Prohibition-inspired bar. Their decor evokes scenes from shows like Boardwalk Empire and Peaky Blinders. The drinks are just as theatrical, with cocktails like the creamy Apple Pie being served inside glass pie trays and pumped with cinnamon-infused smoke.

You can take it home with you

There are few better ways to combat post-travel depression than taking home a little bit of the destination with you. One of the best ways to accomplish this in Madrid is to bring back some of your favorite ingredients to remind you of the dishes you enjoyed during your stay. Many of the ingredients used in long-standing and Michelin-starred restaurants are easy to come by thanks to the extensive network of markets, such as San Miguel, San Antón, and Vallehermoso. In addition to stowing away one or two bottles of their acclaimed wines in your checked bag, we recommend another world-famous product: extra virgin olive oil, an essential ingredient in many if not all Spanish dishes. Other local classics include artisan cheese from Aranjuez and honey from the Sierra de Madrid mountains.

Craving more Madrid? Contact your SmartFlyer travel advisor now to begin planning your own Spanish adventure.