Tapas, tomatoes and tango – there’s definitely no reason to get bored in Spain. This is especially true for the capital Madrid! After the short impressions and updates on Instagram, here’s a full travel guide of the best hotspots, restaurants and must-sees. Yes, Madrid is definitely worth a trip!
1. Parque del Retiro
The ultimate dose of happiness and colorful gardens – it all comes together in Madrid’s Retiro Park. Actually, you only have to walk through the entrance of the 1.4 km2 big green space and you immediately feel like you are transferred into the world of charm: the birds are singing, couples are paddling in the boats on the azure blue lake and underneath the linden trees, the violin guy plays Beethoven's fourth symphony. Well, sometimes you just have to appreciate those kitschy moments. By the way, to discover the full park as its best – including the stunning glass palace – rent some City-Bikes and there you go! They make it even more fun to head to the next restaurant place.
2. Restaurants Spots
Just as delightful as those tapas, so is the selection of restaurants in Madrid. In the cute neighborhoods like Salamanca you can find a great amount of secret tips. One of them is the "Los Gallos" restaurant. Whether you are around at lunchtime or for dinner, you won’t regret it after reading through the menu – and please have a good look at the interior situation as well! For all the vegetarian healthy-eaters out there – me included though – you definitely have to stop by at the “Superchulo”. With a great selection of bowls, tofu variations and vegan cakes, there is something for every taste – also for the non-veggie friends of course. 🙂
Apparently, the best views can only get better with a drink. So for all the #viewgoals pictures, you should definitely head to one of Madrid's rooftop bars. The “La Suecia” is part of the NHCollection Hotels, located at the Calle del Marqués. On two floors, it provides you a fantastic panoramic view. Just one thing: do not use the main entrance but the side entrance to get direct access to the elevator. For some more terrace vibes, the bar of “The Hat” Hostel is another great spot. Whether you enjoy a fancy drink out of a plastic bag or a yummy peach juice – there are various ways to get refreshed and enjoy the view at the same time!
More Restaurant Tips in Madrid:
„La Galleta“
„Bar Galleta“
Food Market „Mercado de San Ildfonso“
Food Market „Mercado de San Miguel“
More Brunch Tips in Madrid:
„La Bicicleta“
„Maricastana Bar & Kitchen“
3. Gran Vía: Direction Shopping!
With some good food in, it’s time for a good shopping-tour. In Madrid however, be sure to plan enough time. Besides the typical stores (which show up at least five times in the whole city) there are various Spanish labels and concept stores, which are worth a visit. Most of them are easily accessible from the main shopping streets Gran Vía and the Calle de Fuencarral. So be sure to stop by at those shops: Uterqüe, Loewe, the VAS Shoe Shop and for more shoes don’t miss the “Au Revoir Cinderella”.
4. Royal Palace of Madrid – Palacio Real de Madrid
So why not saying hello to the Spanish Royal Family for a second? Well, maybe it is not a personal picnic – but at least you will get a similar feeling after a little stroll around the palace and the royal garden. You might even bump into the violinist from the park again!
5. Louis Vuitton Exhibition
When tradition meets the contemporary world. The Louis Vuitton #LVTimeCapsule Exhibition in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum really shows the connection between the historical days and today. The different stations how the path of the Parisian fashion house and its great impact over the years – from the earliest trunks, which were the first ones to pile on the boats because of their square shape, to the newest unique designs and the background about the handmade craftsmanship. After all, it shows that fashion takes a lot more than shiny fabrics and glamour. By the way, until May 27, the museum also holds the “Sorolla y la Moda” exhibition. It is all about the relation between art and fashion with paintings of Joaquìn Sorolla – a must for all art and fashion lovers out there!
Whether you are out and about in the park, walking around the palace or having a drink at the rooftop bar – it all comes down to enjoy every moment of it. Apparently, you can also spread the “La Vida Loca” vibes if you are not in Spain at the moment. So let’s just forget about all the sorrows for a while and be happy about the beautiful sides of life!
Shop Madrid Looks:
Text by Carmen
Layout by Angela
Photographed by Carmen and the best travel mates!
