Best of Madrid: A Guide to Eat, Explore and Enjoy

Icon Share

SHARE

Advisor - Carey McDougall
Curated By

Carey McDougall

  • Spain

  • Madrid

  • Food & Wine

  • Arts & Culture

  • Local Food

  • Local Culture

  • Entertainment

A European city street with a red umbrella, buildings with balconies on each side and a yellow archway in the distance.
Curator’s statement

Madrid is the perfect city for a quick weekend getaway, yet you could just as easily dedicate an entire vacation to exploring every nook and cranny. The Spanish capital is bursting with history, art and delicious cuisine to satisfy every taste. A trip to Madrid will fill your heart and your stomach, leaving you longing to return.

The Fora Difference

Book with Carey to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

[object Object]
Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

[object Object]
Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

[object Object]
Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Madrid

Unlock perks by contacting Carey to book your trip.

Things to do in Madrid

A town plaza with a large statue in the middle, people walking around and a building with red detailing and a tower in the background.

Plaza Mayor: Historic central square in Madrid lined with picturesque buildings and restaurants offering up a variety of cuisines making it the perfect spot to satisfy any craving.

Retiro Park: Large oasis in the middle of the bustling city. Spend time renting a rowboat on the lake, walking through the gardens and soaking up the beauty of the Crystal Palace.

Royal Palace: Catch a glimpse into Spanish royalty’s history with the opulent architecture and interiors. Stroll through the surrounding Royal Gardens for yet another escape into nature within the city.

Puerta de Sol: A central square surrounded by shops, restaurants and historical landmarks where you’ll often catch street performers, making it the perfect spot to capture the city’s energy.

Gran Via: Famous central street buzzing with shops, restaurants, movie theaters and more. Its beautiful architecture adds an extra layer of charm making it the ultimate shopping hub.

Prado Museum: A cultural gem showcasing European art with masterpieces from the likes of Velázquez and Goya. A must-visit for art enthusiasts exploring Madrid.

Almudena Cathedral: The official cathedral of the city showcasing captivating architecture. Step inside to admire the stunning sculptures and intricate stained glass windows.

Places to eat & drink in Madrid

A hand holding a churro dipped in chocolate. There is also a white plate full of four more churros next to a white coffee cup on top of a saucer at a cafe.

La Casa del Abuelo: A hidden gem that’s been serving tapas in Madrid since 1906. Most well-known for their mouthwatering garlic shrimp.

Mercado de San Miguel: A large market close to Plaza Mayor where you can indulge in a variety of authentic Spanish dishes and local wines.

Quintin: Make a reservation here for dinner and enjoy a cozy atmosphere with delicious food. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the burrata with sundried tomatoes!

Casa Toni: Legendary restaurant located less than a 10-minute walk from Plaza Mayor serving classic Spanish tapas.

Chocolatería San Ginés: Some of the best churros in the city can be found at this churrería, the oldest in Madrid having been open since 1894. Renowned for serving traditional Spanish hot chocolate along with churros.

La Duquesita: A historic bakery known for their traditional Spanish pastries, in operation since 1914.

Casa Suecia: Rooftop bar located near Gran Vía for stunning views of the city both day and night.

Advisor - Carey McDougall

Travel Advisor

Carey McDougall

Get in touch with Carey

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 Carey within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Madrid.