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National Geographic

How to spend a perfect day in Madrid

For years, Madrid fell in the shadow of its Catalan sister, Barcelona, overlooked by travelers who favored the bohemian city's coastal beaches and laidback vibe. In recent years, amid growing anti-tourism protests in Barcelona, Madrid is stepping into the spotlight and claiming its place as the country's cultural and culinary city. The vibrant capital dazzles with world-class art institutions, including Museo del Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, while also luring food lovers with its gourmet prestige highlighted by 29 Michelin-starred restaurants, including the three-Michelin-starred DiverXO. 'I was fortunate to experience the famous Movida Madrileña, a cultural revolution that transformed the city,' says Lázaro Rosa-Violán, principal in Lázaro Rosa-Violán Studio, who has led several major projects in Madrid including Metropolis, Vega nightclub, and The Library Wine Boutique and Cuisine. The movement began in 1975 after the death of dictator Francisco Franco, when Spain transitioned to a democracy. 'Even though our main studio is based in Barcelona, two years ago my partner Mar and I decided to open a studio in Madrid because we didn't want to miss out on the vibrant energy the city is experiencing right now,' says Rosa-Violán. 'And without a doubt, it was the right decision.' Wandering through Madrid reveals a blend of the past and present with bustling tapas bars and charming neighborhoods at every turn. 'You can discover it in layers: from the Habsburg Madrid to the brutalism of the 60s, from century-old shops to new artisan workshops. It's not a postcard city; it's a city for exploration,' he says. Whether you're looking to explore the flourishing culinary scene or dive into the world of art, here's how to spend the perfect day in Madrid. CaixaForum Madrid—located in Paseo del Prado in a former power station—is a cultural center that hosts temporary art exhibitions, cultural events, and it's also home to Spain's first vertical garden. Photograph By Cathrine Stukhard/laif/Redux For foodies Morning Start your morning with a sampling of Madrid gastronomy. In a city full of food halls, Mercado Antón Martín stands out with three floors of street food vendors that locals love. Look for Caracola, a stall that specializes in Spanish tortillas and rich Basque-style cheesecake with flavors such as pistachio, Oreo, classic, and dulce de leche. For other sweet treats, Chocolatería San Ginés has been a local institution since 1894, serving crispy golden churros with hot chocolate for dipping. Originally from Portugal, Manteigaria Pasties de Nata, is worth a visit for its irresistible custard-filled puff pastries that are nearly impossible to stop at just one. Afternoon With two locations across the city, Formaje is a beautifully curated cheese shop run by a local husband-and-wife duo. Sign up for a two-hour cheese tasting where you can sample regionalvarieties paired with Spanish wine. In the late afternoon, join locals for an aperitif hour at Casa Mortero, a restaurant and bar with a rustic-modern aesthetic in the city center. Snack on traditional tapas such as creamy croquettes, Iberico ham, and Gilda pintxo. Evening During sunset hour, head to Cornamusa Cibeles, a discreet restaurant and bar located above a postal office that serves Spanish fare with panoramic views of the city. If you prefer a buzzing scene, high-profile celebrities and socialites flock to the trendy Ten Con Ten for Spanish dishes with a contemporary twist. For your final pour of the night, Salmon Guru is a playful and inventive cocktail bar, ranked among the World's 50 Best Bars, that crafts cocktails using unexpected ingredients such as pickle juice and fish sauce. (Where to eat in Madrid: discover the city's most authentic markets and local restaurants) A bartender prepares an elaborate cocktail (called the 'Mate') at Salmon Guru, widely considered to be amongst the top cocktail bars in Madrid. Photograph By Ben Roberts/Panos Pictures/Redux The style and wellness explorer Morning Savor a leisurely start to the day at the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid spa. The urban oasis boasts a striking indoor pool and rooftop terrace with postcard-worthy views that will instantly put you at ease. Head to the lobby bar afterward for small breakfast bites with a side of cava or the signature hot chocolate, and enjoy people-watching as stylish locals pass through. Afternoon Stroll along Calle de Claudio Coello and Calle de Serrano in the quaint Salamanca district, where you'll find a mix of high-end designer brands and local boutiques such as Castaner for typical Spanish espadrilles and Paris/64 for stylish, made-in-Spain handbags and accessories. Nearby, Calle de Jorge Juan is another fashionable street home to both international and Spanish labels. Rosa-Violán enjoys walking through El Rastro. '[It's] Madrid's most iconic open-air market, a Sunday ritual where antiques, vintage treasures, and contemporary curiosities meet in a vibrant mix of tradition and trend,' he says. Evening Nightlife options in Madrid are endless. For a high-energy night, global hot spot Amazónico is a jungle-inspired restaurant with live entertainment and a jazz club. With two locations in the city, Bar Manero is an intimate but upscale tapas bar that pairs classic Spanish small plates with a refined ambiance, vintage-inspired décor, and an extensive selection of wines and vermouth. (Nine experiences to do before leaving Madrid) For the culture seeker Morning Start your morning with a walk through Retiro Park, a beloved green space popular with local families, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site designation shared with Paseo del Prado. Stroll past the sculptures, manicured rose and Japanese gardens, tranquil fountains, and a man-made lake where you can rent a row boat when the weather is pleasant. Afternoon Walk around the pedestrian-friendly Barrio de las Letras, Madrid's historic Literary Quarter, where iconic writers Cervantes and Lope de Vega once lived. The neighborhood is lined with century-old shops, charming boutiques, and taverns. Get your art fix nearby at the Museo Nacional del Prado, often dubbed the 'museum of painters' and home to an extraordinary collection of art from Spain's 16th- and 17th-century monarchy. Evening Watch an authentic flamenco show at Corral de la Morería, a one Michelin-star restaurant paired with an entertaining performance. Request a table near the stage for the best views. In Plaza de Oriente, Teatro Royal is a breathtaking 19th-century opera house known for its opulent architecture, rich history, and world-class acoustics. (The real city that never sleeps: Discovering nightlife in Madrid) Getting around Madrid Madrid offers several direct flights from major U.S. cities. Delta Air Lines operates nonstop flights to Madrid from JFK and ATL and JetBlue runs a seasonal daily nonstop route from Boston to Madrid. Iberia Airlines, Spain's national carrier, has daily direct flights from several cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, Boston, and Orlando. The best way to get around Madrid is on foot or by public transportation. There is a user-friendly metro system, and taxis are also available via the Uber or Cabify app. For U.K. travelers, there are several airlines including British Airways, Ryan Air, Iberia Airlines, easyJet, and Air Europa that offer direct flights to Madrid from London. Nonstop flights operate from major airports including London Heathrow and London Gatwick to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport and the flight is approximately two hours and thirty minutes. (The essential travel guide to visiting Spain) Where to stay in Madrid The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel underwent a massive two-year restoration that breathed new life into the historic building. Families traveling with kids will appreciate the chic Neptune Suites for its spacious and sun-drenched accommodations. The hotel's prime location in the Golden Triangle of Art, home to the top arts and cultural institutions, also makes it an ideal base for travelers who prefer to explore on foot. Sit under the mesmerizing dome of 1,875 colorful glass panes, carefully restored one piece at a time, and enjoy a complimentary vermouth tasting (for hotel guests) every Thursday at 5 p.m. Overnight guests are also treated to a complimentary signature cocktail every day at 6 p.m. at 27 Club, a speakeasy-style bar that serves drinks named after the luminaries who once stayed there, such as Hemingway. Guests looking for a family-friendly hotel should consider staying at The Palace, a luxury hotel located near popular attractions such as the Royal Palace of Madrid and Retiro Park. Photograph By y Todamo/Shutterstock Brach Madrid is one of the city's newer hotels to open. The design-forward hotel, helmed by Philippe Starck, is located on the lively Gran Vía, adjacent to Chueca, a bohemian and LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood worth visiting for its cafes and shops. (10 of the best hotel is Madrid for every type of traveler) Leila Najafi is an LA-based luxury travel journalist who covers travel, food, and wellness. Follow her on Instagram.