Destinations > Europe > Spain > Spain
Madrid
Situated in the geographical heart of Spain, Madrid was established as the capital city by King Phillip II in the 16th century because of its location and good climate. Later monarchs added their imprint with opulent palaces, elegant boulevards and world-class art collections. During the mid 20th century, Madrid suffered 30 years of cultural and social repression under dictator Francisco Franco – upon his death in 1975, Madrid reacted to its new-found freedom with a countercultural movement known as La Movida. This wave of hedonism and cultural expression still echoes in the city’s art, theater and music, in bohemian neighborhoods like Cuecha and Malasaña, and in the Madrileños’ reputation for partying late into the night. Yet the old squares and barrios have kept their charm, and the magnificent buildings are as impressive as ever.
21st-century Madrid is a fascinating mixture of tradition and modernity. Here you will find some of the best art museums in the world, lavish Baroque architecture, great food, exciting nightlife, high-end shopping and a warm and lively atmosphere. Vibrant street life is the city’s trademark, whether in the cobbled lanes of Old Madrid or in the sleek new districts.
topOld Madrid
With the beautiful Plaza Mayor as its hub, much of this charming quarter dates from the 15th through the 18th centuries. Notable sights include the Palacio Real (Spain’s Royal Palace), the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales, the lively Puerto del Sol and the Plaza de Villa, lined with historic buildings. In between are narrow streets filled with inviting cafes and tapas bars – perfect places to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or a sangria and soak up the atmosphere.
Plaza Mayor
A legacy of Spain’s Habsburg rulers, this elegant, arcaded 17th-century square has seen a lot of activity over the centuries – beatifications, bullfights, trials and executions. Today it is a popular meeting spot, ringed with cafes. A coin and stamp market is held here on Sundays.
Puerto del Sol
Eight streets converge on this bustling square, the place from which all distances in Spain are measured (a plaque marks Kilòmetro 0). It’s also home to the famous clock whose bell marks the eating of the Twelve Grapes, a traditional celebration of the New Year. On one corner is a statue of the heraldic symbol of Spain, a bear eating the fruit of the madroño (strawberry tree).
Plaza de la Villa
Some of Madrid’s most historic buildings surround this picturesque square. The oldest is the 15th century Torre de los Lujanes, with its Mudejar arches. Also of note is the Baroque Casa de la Villa, or town hall.
Palacio Real
Calle de Bailén 2
Tel: +34 91 454 88 00
Open Apr 1-Sep 30, Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sun and public holidays 9am-3pm. Oct 1-Mar 31, Mon-Sat: 9:30am-5pm; Sun and public holidays 9am-2pm. Closed Jan 1 and 6, May 1 and 15, Oct 12, Nov 9, Dec 24, 25, 31.
Used today by the king for state occasions, this vast palace was built with Bourbon-style opulence on the site of a former Moorish fortress. It was used as a residence by the royal family until 1931. Highlights include the ornate dining room and ballroom, the Porcelain Room (a small salon with walls and ceilings of porcelain), the throne room and the Gasparini Room, lavishly decorated in chinoiserie. The Pharmacy Museum, Royal Armoury and the magnificent gardens are also worthwhile. A ceremonial Changing of the Guard takes place in the courtyard the first Wed of every month at 12 noon.
Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales
Plaza de las Descalzas 3
Tel: +34 91 454 88 00
Once a medieval palace, this building was turned into a convent by the sister of King Felipe II. A rare example of late 15th-early 16th century Madrid architecture, it's rich with artistic treasures, including the Hall of Tapestries, decorated chapels, frescoes, and works by Titian, Ruebens and Caravaggio.
Royal Monastery of the Encarnación
Plaza de la Encarnación, 1
Tel.:+34 91 454 88 00
Open Tue-Sat, 10am-2pm and 4-6:30pm. Sun and public holidays 10am-3pm. Closed Mondays, Jan 1 and 6, Easter Week, May 1 and 15, July 27, Nov 9, Dec 24, 25 and 31.
Founded in 1611, this Augustinian convent is decorated in old Castilian style. The main attraction is the reliquary chamber, with dozens of reliquaries including a vial holding the dried blood of St. Pantaleon (which, according to myth, turns to liquid each year on the anniversary of the saint’s death).
topBourbon Madrid
The reign of the Bourbon dynasty in Spain began in 1701 and continues to this day. The 18th century monarchs (particularly Carlos III) put their stamp on this area east of Old Madrid, filling it with grand monuments and elegant squares. Paseo del Prado was built as a center for arts and sciences, and is now home to some of the world’s most famous museums.
Prado Museum
Paseo del Prado
Tel: +34 91 330 28 00
Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun and holidays 10am-7pm. Closed Jan 1, May 1 and Dec 25. Closes at 2pm Jan 6, Dec 24 and 31.
Easily one of the finest art galleries in the world, the Prado Museum holds an incredible collection of arts from the 12th to the 19th centuries. Their collection of Spanish paintings is beyond compare, along with a vast display of works from the Flemish and Italian schools. Goya, Velázquez, Tintorretto, El Greco, Hieronymous Bosch, Ribera, and Dürer are all represented, among many others. The museum has organized routes of 15, 30 and 50 of the most important works to help visitors choose among the thousands of masterpieces.
Thyssen-Bomemisza Museum
Palacio de Villahermosa, Paseo del Prado 8
Tel: +34 902 76 05 11
Open Tue-Sun from 10am-7pm. Closed Mon.
Based on the personal collection of the Thyssen-Bomemisza family, this museum represents the best of Western art from the past 800 years. Opened in 1993, it is considered by many to be the world’s greatest private art collection. Artists on display include Dürer, Hans Holbein, Bernini, Tintoretto, Delacroix, Goya and Constable, along with more modern painters such as Degas, Gaugin, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso and Renoir.
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Calle Santa Isabel, 52
Tel: +34 91 774 10 00
Open Mon-Sat, 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm. Closed Tuesdays, Jan 1 & 6, May 1 & 15, Nov 9, and Dec 24, 25, & 31.
Opened in 1990, the National Contemporary Art Museum is located in the former site of the 18th San Carlos Hospital. The highlight of the museum’s world-class collection is Picasso’s Guernica – the rest of the collection is strongly focused on Spanish art from the 20th-21st centuries, with works by famous painters like Salvador Dali, Joan Miró, and Juan Gris. Non-Spanish artists such as Mark Rothko, Francis Bacon and Henry Moore are also featured.
Parque del Retiro
This 350-acre park once surrounded the palace of Felipe IV. The ornate 17th-century royal gardens are a pleasant place to recuperate after a long day at the museums.
Royal Tapestry Factory
(Real Fabrica de Tapices)Calle Fuenterrabía, 2
Tel: +34 91 434 05 50
Open Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm, guided tours every 30 min. (last tour 1:30pm)
This factory was founded in 1721 – visitors can watch the tapestry-making process in the factory-museum and admire the collection of 18th, 19th and 20th-century tapestries, carpets and paintings.
topOutside the City Center
Basilica de San Francisco el Grande
San Buenaventura 1
Tel: +34 91 365 38 00
Open Tue-Sat 10:30am-12:30pm and 4-6pm. During Aug, Tue-Sun 11am-12:30 pm and 5-7pm.
Built in 1760 on the former site of a Franciscan convent (supposedly founded by St. Francis) this Neo-Classical building has a sober façade and the largest dome in Spain. The interior is lavishly decorated with fine works of art, most notably an early fresco by Goya, which includes a self-portrait.
Sorolla Museum
Paseo del General Martínez Campos, 37
Tel: +34 91 310 15 84
Open Tue-Sat 9:30am-8pm, Sun and public holidays 10am-3pm. Closed Mondays, Jan 1, May 1, Dec 24, 25 and 31.
This museum houses the painter’s best works, along with other highly varied collections: sculpture, ceramics, furniture and jewelry. The building is a unique example of a bourgeois Madrid house from the early 20th century, with a lovely small garden.
Goya’s Pantheon
Glorieta de San Antonio de la Florida, 5
Tel: +34 91 542 07 22
Open Tue-Fri 9:30am-8pm, Sat-Sun from 10am-2pm. Closed Mon and holidays.
The tomb of this renowned painter is located in this small chapel, decorated with magnificent frescoes by Goya himself.
Costume Museum
(Museo del Traje)Avenida Juan de Herrera, 2
Tel: +34 91 550 47 00
Open Tue-Sat 9:30am-7pm, Sun and public holidays 10am-3pm. Thu (Jul-Aug), open till 10:30pm. Closed Mon, Jan 1 & 6, May 1, May 15, Dec 24, 25 & 31.
This well-organized museum explores the history of costume in Spain and how it developed from ancient to modern times. Collections include historical, contemporary and traditional clothing, jewelry and accessories, as well as exhibits on Fortuny, the influential Spanish fashion designer.
topFarther Afield
El Escorial
Avenida de Juan de Borbón y Battemberg (28 miles NW of Madrid)
Open Oct-Mar, Tue-Sun 10am-5pm; Apr-Sep, 10am-6pm. Closed Mon.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 16th-century royal palace and monastery was built by Felipe II in an austere style that suits its rather bleak location at the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama. This style was a reaction to the opulence of previous monarchs, and is the first example of what would be known as Herrerian architecture. Within, the decoration is more elaborate, featuring a basilica with 45 chapels and a lavish altarpiece, and the circular Royal Pantheon, with walls lined with gilded tombs, final resting place of all the Spanish monarchs from Charles I to Alfonso XIII (with the exception of Felipe V and Fernando VI). The library contains some 45,000 precious books and manuscripts from the 15th and 16th centuries, including the world’s largest collection of Arabic manuscripts. The Museum of Paintings displays important masterworks from artists like El Greco, Velazquez and Titian.
topClassic Experiences
Visit the Palacio Longoria, now home of the Sociedad General de Autores S.G.A.E. building located at number 4, Fernando VI Street. This palace is the finest example of Art Nouveau that you will find in Madrid. Next door is the La Duquesita Pastry Shop. This 100-year-oldl shop offers some of Madrid’s best traditional pastries and sweets.
Have breakfast or pre-dinner cocktails at the Circulo de Bellas Artes. The building is notable for the power of the composition, in both plan and elevation, and the airy lightness of the open spaces.
Buy some freshly made churros or patatas fritas (Spanish chips deep fried in olive oil) at the Fabrica in Augusto Figueroa St. or Santa Teresa St., and eat them at the small park at the nearby Plaza de las Salesas, where Almodovar’s actress Marisa Paredes walks her dog.
Buy picnic supplies at Mallorca (Number 6, Serrano Street) and have lunch in beautiful Retiro Park.
Visit the Templo de Debod at sunset. This Egyptian temple was rebuilt in Madrid in 1968 following the UNESCO international call to save the temples at Aswan, Egypt. From here you'll enjoy romantic views over the Royal Palace.
Walk the beautiful tree-lined boulevard that crosses Madrid north to south. Its name changes as you walk from Paseo de la Castellana, to Paseo del Prado to Paseo de Recoletos. The loveliest part runs from Atocha train station to the Nuevos Ministerios.
Enjoy a typical Madrileño breakfast – Chocolate con Churros San Ginés – at San Gines Square number 5.
Have roasted chicken with cider at Casa Mingo, located at 34, Paseo de la Florida.
Check out El Rastro, a gigantic flea market held each Sunday that attracts several thousand people.
topHotels
Hotel Villa Magna
Paseo de la Castellana 22
Tel: +34 91 587 1234
This award-winning hotel has been recently renovated and is now more luxurious than ever, offering stylish modern décor and excellent service together with easy access to the best the capital has to offer.
Hotel Ritz
Plaza de la Lealtad, 5
Tel: +34 91 701 67 67
With its leafy garden and elegant terrace, the Ritz is a magnificent example of the Belle Époque style. Guests are mere steps from Retiro Park and the Prado. Each of the 167 bedrooms have been individually designed, and the highly acclaimed Goya restaurant offers wide selection of international cuisine as well as Spanish specialties.
topRestaurants
topAperitifs & Tapas
Estado Puro
Hotel NH Paseo del Prado, Plaza Cánovas del Castillo, 4
Tel: +34 91 330 24 00
Michelin-starred Chef Roncero offers outstanding creative and tradicional tapas and dishes at a fantastic price in this very centrally located restaurant. Great for a bite to eat after visiting the Prado and also fantastic for dinner.
Alkalde
Calle Jorge Juan, 10
Tel: +34 91 576 33 59
Open daily
Basque pintxos - their Spanish omelet with peppers is one of the best in the city.
El Bocaito
Calle Libertad 4
Tel: +34 91 532 12 19
Open Mon-Fri 1pm-4pm and 8:30pm-midnight, Sat 8:30pm-midnight
Truly traditional place serving great tapas near Chueca.
Jurucha
Calle Ayala, 19
Tel: +34 91 575 00 98
Open Mon-Sat 8am-11pm
One of our favorites, with a long bar offering many different tapas/pintxos to choose from.
Delic
Costanilla San Andrés, 14
Tel: +34 91 364 54 50
Open Mon 7pm-2am, Tue-Thu and Sun 11am-2am, Fri-Sat 11am-2:30am
Hip place with a nice terrace located in the heart of the old quarter. Wonderful place for lunch on weekends.
topTrendy & Affordable
La Kitchen
Calle Prim, 5
Tel: +34 91 360 49 74
Open Mon-Sat 1:30-4pm and 9pm to midnight. Closed Sun.
Spanish bistro with a great daily menu. Fantastic value. The food is good, the decor is incredible and it is one of “the” hip places in Madrid.
Alkalde
Calle Jorge Juan, 10
Tel: +34 91 576 33 59
Open daily
Excellent tapas but also an outstanding special menu based on good Basque specialties, including fish and meat. We recommend dining in their wonderful basement.
Clarita
Corredera Baja de San Pablo 19
Tel: +34 91 522 80 70
Café/Bar/Restaurant serving well-priced food and drinks in a chic, casual environment. Truly hip!
topTraditional Spanish Cuisine
Botin
Calle de Cuchilleros, 17
Tel: +34 91 366 42 17
Open daily 1pm-4pm & 8pm-midnight
Founded in 1725, Botin was declared the world’s oldest restaurant by the Guinness Book of Records. Traditional Castilian specialties.
Iroco
Calle Velazquez, 18
Tel: +34 91 431 73 81
Open daily
New York-style restaurant in the heart of Madrid. International food at reasonable prices. Summer nights, book a table in the garden.
La Manduca de Azagra
Sagasta, 14
Tel: +34 91 591 01 12
Open Mon-Sat 1:30-5:30pm and 9:15pm-1am. Closed Sun, holidays and August.
The owners grow vegetables in their gardens in northern Spain and bring them to their restaurant in Madrid's Chamberí district. Locals come here for the best Navarran food.
Julián de Tolosa
Calle Cava Baja, 18
Tel: +34 91 365 82 10
Open Mon-Sat 1:30-4pm and 9pm-midnight, Sun 1:30-4pm
Basque restaurant in the old quarter offering great grilled meat. Try the baked beans too.
Principe de Viana
Calle Manuel de Falla, 5
Tel: +34 91 457 15 49
Open Mon-Fri 1-4pm and 9-11:30pm, Sat 9-11:30pm. Closed Sun and August.
This was the favorite restaurant of the father of King Juan Carlos I. Basque cuisine, served in a very elegant environment.
topNew Spanish Cuisine
La Broche
Calle Miguel Angel 29-31
Tel: +34 91 399 34 37
Open Tue-Sat 2pm-3:30pm and 9-11:15pm. Closed Sun, Mon and holidays. Reservations required.
This upscale restaurant’s Catalan chef trained under Ferran Adrià, but adds his own spin to a menu of imaginative, seasonal dishes.
La Terraza del Casino
Calle Alcalá, 15
Tel: +34 91 532 12 75
Open 1:30-4pm and 9-11:45pm. Closed Sat for lunch, Sun, public holidays and Aug.
Ferran Adrià created the ever-changing menu at this swank restaurant on the top floor of the Casino de Madrid. Amazing panoramic views. Two Michelin stars.
Santceloni
Paseo de la Castellana, 57
Tel: +34 91 210 88 40
Open 2-4pm and 9-11pm. Closed Sat lunch, Sun, public holidays and Aug.
Market-fresh, well-crafted cuisine under the direction of Chef Santi Santamaria. Two Michelin stars.
Goizeko Wellington
Calle Villanueva, 34
Tel: +34 91 577 01 38
Reservations essential. Closed Sat for lunch, Sun, public holidays and second and third weeks of Aug.
Located in Salamanca across from the Retiro Park, this restaurant serves traditional Basque cuisine with a modern twist.
Dassa Bassa
Calle Villalar, 7
Tel: +34 91 576 73 97
Tues-Sat 1-3:30pm and 9-11pm. Closed on Sun, Mon, and holidays.
Reservations required.
This Salamanca district “in” spot offers creative Spanish/Portuguese dishes from celebrity chef Darío Barrio, served in a striking, vaulted underground room.
topDesserts, Confections & Delis
Cacao Sampaka
Calle Orellana, 4
Tel: +34 91 319 58 40
Open Mon-Sat from 10am-9;30pm. Closed Sun. Cafeteria closed Aug.
Fantastic chocolates. They also offer hot chocolate.
Embassy
Paseo de la Castellana, 12
Tel: +34 91 435 94 80
Open daily 9:30am-11:30pm. Closed Sun in summer.
Great assorted delicatessen, from the best Jabugo Iberian Ham to an incredible choice of tarts and sweet desserts. It’s a Madrid tradition for ladies to come here for afternoon tea and for businessman to have a Champagne cocktail here in the evening.
Mallorca
Calle Serrano, 6
Tel: +34 91 577 18 59
Velázquez, 59
Tel: +34 91 431 99 09
Ideal for a quick lunch or for buying picnic supplies to take to the park. Very good quality.
topShopping
Designer clothing shops can be found around Calle Serrano in the up-market Salamanca district. For alternative designers, visit the Calle del Almirante and Calle de Piamonte in the Chueca district, Madrid’s gay neighborhood, filled with interesting restaurants and architecture. The hip Malasaña district, known for its lively nightlife, is the place for grungier, street-inspired fashion. The streets around Old Madrid have many small, interesting shops, and no one should miss El Rastro, the massive flea market held each Sunday just south of the city center.
topShopping Centers & Department Stores
Mercado de Fuencarral
45 Calle de Fuencarral (Chueca)
Tel: +34 91 521 4152
Open: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm
Trendy three-story shopping center specializing in urban fashion.
El Mercado de San Miguel
Plaza de San Miguel (Old Madrid)
Tel: +34 91 548 12 14
Open Mon, Tues, Wed, Sun 10am-midnight; Thu-Sat 10am-2am
Upscale, newly renovated food hall in a beautiful 1916 wrought-iron building.
El Corte Ingles
Plaza de Callao, 2 (Old Madrid) and other locations
Tel: +34 91 379 80 00
Open: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 11am-9pm. Closed Dec 25.
Spain’s largest department store chain has several locations throughout Madrid, selling everything from clothing to electronics. There’s also a supermarket and gourmet food shop.
topDesigner Clothing
Amaya Arzuaga
Calle Lagasca, 50 (Salamanca)
Tel: +34 91 426 28 15
Flagship boutique of a well-known Spanish designer. Fashion and accessories for men and women.
Pedro del Hierro
24 Calle Serrano (Salamanca) and other locations
Tel: +34 91 575 69 06
Open: Mon-Sat 10am-8:30pm
Elegant women’s fashions from an internationally recognized designer.
Sybilla
Callejón de Jorge Juan, 12
Tel: +34 632 749 776
Successful Spanish designer offering several collections: elegant and top quality; wedding gowns; and a more affordable line for younger women.
Egotheraphy
Calle Nuñez de Balboa, 16
Spanish designer Carmen March joins Juanjo Oliva to create these well-detailed designs that fit like a glove.
Purificación García
Calle Serrano, 28 (Salamanca) and other locations
Spanish designer selling classically cut fashions for men and women
Agatha Ruiz de la Prada
Calle Serrano, 27 (Salamanca)
Tel: +34 91 319 05 01
This popular designer creates innovative and original styles of clothing for kids, men and women.
Mabel Sanz G-O
San Lorenzo, 5
Tel: +34 91 308 34 47
Creator of picture hats for designers like Jesus del Pozo, Devota & Lomba, Sybilla, Juan Duyos, David Delfín, Alma Aguilar, and Carmen March among others.
Carmen Mazarrasa for “Pensil y Persea”
Calle de Covarrubias, 7
Tel: +34 91 444 21 80
Bespoke jewelry. By appointment only. Not to be missed.
Acosta
Calle Hermosilla, 20 (Salamanca)
This factory has been creating exquisite handbags and belts for three generations.
Pez
Calle Regueros, 15
Tel: +34 91 310 66 77
Small boutique where you can find everything from fashion jewelry to dresses by Anna Sui and Paul & Joe.
Piamonte
Calle Lagasca, 28
Tel: +34 91 575 55 20
Come here for fabulous handbags of every type. The shop also stocks hats, shawls by Armani and other famous brands, and designer jewelry.
topFor Kids
La Rana Gorda
Paseo de la Habana, 13
A long-established store that stocks high-quality clothing for boys and girls up to 16 years old. The Villalobos brand is exceptionally good. Reasonable prices.
Nicoli
General Arrando, 5
Fun, original and comfortable shoes and clothing for kids from 0 to 14 years old.
topBooks
Casa del Libro
29 Gran Via (Old Madrid)
Tel: +34 902 026402
Open: Mon-Sat 9:30am-9:30pm; Sun: 11am- 9pm
Madrid’s largest and most comprehensive bookstore.
topHandicrafts
El Arco de los Cuchilleros Artesania de Hoy
9 Plaza Mayor (Old Madrid)
Tel: +34 91 365 2680
Open daily 11am-9pm
In an area filled with cheap tourist shops, this is the shop to visit. Their high-quailty arts and crafts come directly from artisans around the country.
topTraditional Spanish Goods
Capas Seseña
23 Calle de la Cruz
Tel: +34 91 531 68 40
Velvet-lined capes, from simple wraps to clásicos (with a capelet over the shoulders and front panels that are embroidered or plain).
Cristina Castañer
Calle de Claudio Coello, 51
Tel: +34 91 578 18 90
Founded in 1927 and considered by many the best maker of espadrilles in Spain.
Maty
Calle Maestro Victoria, 2
Tel: +34 91 531 32 91
This shop is where nearly every professional flamenco dancer in Madrid comes to get outfitted. It also offers pumps, hoop earrings, haircombs, and fabric flowers.
Casa Mira
Carrera de San Jerónimo, 30
Tel: +34 91 429 88 95
Sweets store, owned by the Mira family since 1845, offering turrón (traditional nougat).
Guantes Luque
3 Calle Espoz y Mina
Tel: +34 91 522 32 87
This eccentric old shop carries hundreds of gloves.
topMarkets
El Rastro
Sun 9am-3pm
On Sundays, this huge and legendary open-air market is held on Calle Ribera de Curtidores and the surrounding blocks. You’ll find antiques, clothing and every other type of goods for sale. (Beware of pickpockets.)
Plaza Mayor
A coin, postcard and stamp market is held here on Sunday mornings.