![Icon [object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-copy-url.3ada483d.svg?w=16&q=90){kind=icon}
![Icon [object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-check.bc62b17c.svg?w=15&q=90){kind=icon}
Curator’s statement
Madrid is a dream destination because of the culinary delights and architectural beauty. The city's food scene is a gastronomic paradise, with tapas bars, bustling markets, churros con chocolate and tortilla de patatas that will rock your world. Madrid is centrally located, has vibrant culture and lively late night atmosphere, it is an adventurer's dream destination that will leave you wanting to travel Spain again and again!
The Fora Difference
Book with Alyssa to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
![[object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-travel-perks.a0f68fb9.svg?w=42&q=90){kind=icon}
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
![[object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-recommendations.4eafc2de.svg?w=42&q=90){kind=icon}
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
![[object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-inside-knowledge.e706581a.svg?w=42&q=90){kind=icon}
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Madrid
The Madrid EDITION
Stylish hotel in the middle of Madrid with a state-of-the-art gym and spa as well as an outdoor rooftop pool.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
URSO Hotel & Spa
The award-winning restaurant is just one attraction at this foodie favorite, with a pampering spa and huge suites, in posh Justicia.
Fora Perks
- ★
$50-100 hotel / resort credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Unlock perks by contacting Alyssa to book your trip.
Things to do in Madrid
Mercado de Anton Martin - I bopped around during the day and checked out this market! Awesome jamon/cheese and fruit booths. Fun food restaurants as well. I went around noon and about half of the booths were not open...
Casa de la Vela - One of the most magical facades full of stories - on the left side, there is a sundial that perfectly marks the time and a legend of how it was made and on the right is a small main view of the houses on the different floors.
Playa de Madrid Rio - Take a stroll down on the river front and see many great city sites, bridges and architectures.
Catedral de la Almudena - Beautiful cathedral known for its colorful chapels and Romanesque crypt and museum - LOOK UP!
Royal Palace of Madrid - Stunning palace that is very much still in use - the palace is the official home of the King of Spain and his family (they don't actually live here though) - at nearly 1.5M square feet!
Mercado de Vallehermosa - Awesome market with local and fresh foods - great restaurants as well!
Plaza de Cibeles - a square of complex marble sculptures with fountains that has become a symbol for the city of Madrid.
Plaza Mayor - Cafes and restaurants line the arches of this stately square with Philip III’s statue in the center. A little tourist, but worth walking through!
Golf Olivar de la Hinojosa - Went golfing here at this public golf course - 20 minutes from downtown. 59 Euros (Greens Fee) + 10 Euros (Electric Push Cart) + 25 Euros (Callaway Golf Club Rentals) + 1 Euro (Bucket of Range Balls)
Day trips
Would need more than a day trip but we flew to Mallorca after and had an island vacation paired with a city break. Great combo!
Places to eat & drink in Madrid
Restaurants:
Bodega de la Ardosa - AWESOME tavern known for its pilsners, Spanish vermouth on tap, salmorejo (a cold tomato soup topped with hard-boiled egg and ham, hata croquettes and tortilla de patatas. One of the oldest bars in Madrid!
Los Galayos - Tasty restaurant located at the Plaza Mayor - beautiful views with delicious dining! Try the Cochinillo lechón Asado (suckling pig roasted traditional style)
Taberna La Fragua de Vulcana Madrid - Was told this was a good Spanish experience for food, a good mix of locals and tourists when I visited. Good portions, central location and friendly staff - wine started at 1.8 Euro, beer was 3 euro.
Cuenllas - Family owned hidden gem! Catch the sunset nearby at Debod Temple. Get the canned goods, fresh foie gras, jamon, stewed snails, and out-of-this-world toasts topped with bone marrow, eel and shrimp! A MUST HAVE IS THE BLACK TRUFFLE RISOTTO - out of this world! One of our favorite meals on this trip for sure, maybe ever...(go later in the night we were there around 8 p.m. and we were the first ones but when we left at 10 p.m. it was packed)
Washoku - nice lunch spot with a lunch special at the Mercado de Vallehermoso!
Bars:
Azotea del Círculo - Rad rooftop bar with a 360 view of Madrid! Located in a nondescript museum lobby (need to buy a ticket for rooftop access!)
Dessert:
Chocolateria 1902 - Churros and Chocolate - MUST TRY!
Need to know
Things to Try (We didn’t)!
Dick Waffles - Saw this walking the streets - phallic treats that are revolutionizing the environment and “We are in everyone’s mouth”
Sobrino de Botin - Oldest restaurant (1725) - famous for its roast suckling pig mentioned in a Hemingway novel.
Museo Nacional del Prado - Art museum with Valazquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces in vast 12th to 19th century collection.
Bar El Brillante - Humble eatery dishing up Spanish classics & calamari sandwiches (plus wine and beer).
Jardin El Capricho de la Alameda de Osuna - manicured 18th century landscaped gardens with sculptures and water features.
Salmon Guru - Adventurous international dishes served alongside funky cocktails at this dark, retro-style bar.
Temple of Debod - Ancient Egyptian temple & museum moved from Aswan & rebuilt in lush parkland with awesome sunset views! Grab a bottle of wine and enjoy the view!
San Mames - Local traditional food spot from EATER!
1862 Dry Bar - Signature & classic cocktails serves in an elegant street-level bar or in a cozy vaulted cellar!
Many of these ideas are from the TimeOut blog about Madrid.
Travel Advisor
Alyssa Gordon
Get in touch with Alyssa
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Alyssa within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Christina Gales' guide, The Ultimate Guide to Madrid: Tapas, Art, and More.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Madrid.