Best hotels in Madrid
Hotel Único Madrid
Calle de Claudio Coello, 28001
A gorgeous boutique hotel set inside a former 19th century palace, Hotel Único is ideally located for shopping in the sleek Salamanca district. Rooms are smart and the in-house restaurant, Ramon Freixa, has two Michelin stars and is regarded as one of Spain’s best.
Room Mate Mario
Calle de Campomanes, 28013
The Room Mate chain specialises in cool, hip hangouts in great neighbourhoods. Room Mate Mario is no exception, close to both the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. Rooms are simple, but colourful and clean, with great bathrooms at this price point.
Aloft Madrid Gran Via
Calle de Jacometrezo, 28013
Whether you’re enjoying the sweeping vistas from the rooftop pool or preparing to plunge into the city’s streets, you’re in an amazing location at the Aloft Gran Via. As the name suggests, it’s situated nearby the Gran Via, with shop and restaurant-lined streets all around.
Where to eat in Madrid
Sobrino de Botín
Calle de Cuchilleros, 28005
The world’s oldest restaurant, opening in 1725, Sobrino is a landmark known for its cast iron wood-burning stove and its legendary suckling pig. The latter was a favourite of Hemingway, who dined here regularly, while the great painter Goya once washed dishes in the kitchen.
Bodega de la Ardosa
Calle de Colón, 28004
There are countless tapas bars in Madrid, ranging from bustling tourist joints, to high end and new wave. The majority sit unfussily in the middle, dependably delivering amazing food. Ardosa has been getting it right since the 1800s, serving delicious beef cheeks, croquettes and tortilla.
DiverXO
NH Eurobuilding, Calle de Padre Damián, 28036
You’ll have to book well ahead to snag a table at perhaps the most avant-garde restaurant in the capital. Creating a unique experience that has the vibe of an interplanetary eaterie, chef David Munoz combines impeccable technique with playfulness and surprises – earning the restaurant three Michelin stars.
Best attractions in Madrid
Museo Nacional del Prado
Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón, 28014
A gallery to rival Paris’ Louvre, the Prado is Madrid’s premier art establishment. For a whistle-stop tour, make sure you take in Velazquez’ Las Meninas, one of the world’s great paintings, and Bosch’s haunting The Garden of Earthly Delights. Rubens, Titian, El Greco also feature heavily too.
Parque del Buen Retiro
Plaza de la Independencia, 28001
Once a royal park, Buen Retiro is now open to all Madrilenos. There are fantastic statues, a crystal palace and the ever-popular lake, which sits next to the Alfonso II monument. Seek out a quiet corner and smell the flowers in the green heart of Madrid.
Teatro Real
Plaza de Isabel II, 28013
Originally opened in 1850, the city’s main theatre has been shuttered often in its long life, even being used for gunpowder storage at one point. Thankfully, the city elders eventually saw sense and restored it to its former glory. Now it plays host to numerous events, in an imposing room that’s perfect for opera or ballet.