Welcome to Madrid, a city that has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s top destinations for city breaks. Once overlooked, the Spanish capital is now known for its vibrant neighborhoods, exceptional cuisine, and dynamic nightlife.
Madrid serves as both a political and cultural hub, offering visitors an authentic experience of Spanish life. The culinary scene is diverse, featuring everything from traditional tapas to innovative dishes crafted by renowned chefs. Markets showcase local ingredients, while Michelin-starred restaurants push culinary boundaries, making Madrid a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
As night falls, the city’s nightlife comes alive. From stylish rooftop bars with panoramic views to intimate flamenco venues, Madrid offers an array of options for evening entertainment. The friendly nature of Madrileños makes it easy to connect with locals and fellow travelers, enhancing the overall experience.
Madrid is also home to a growing luxury lifestyle sector, with high-end shopping, art galleries, and exclusive events redefining the city’s appeal. Trendy boutiques and artistic spaces cater to those seeking sophistication and style.
Our Eat, Do, Sleewill help you navigate the many layers of Madrid, from its rich history to its contemporary offerings. Join us in exploring one of The Luxury Editor’s favorite city-break destinations, where tradition meets modernity in a welcoming atmosphere.
Eat
Bar Manero Marques de Cuba
Bar Manero, since originally opening in Alicante, has established itself as a stylish and luxurious gastronomic lifestyle brand, with a total of 4 venues in Spain. The latest opening is the new Bar Manero Marques de Cuba. To call this dining and drinks destination a bar is somewhat an understatement. The reality is an extraordinary venue, offering layers of experiences for each mood of the day and night. Found in Calle Coello, this new venue boasts over 400 square metres of exquisitely curated spaces, beginning with a flamboyant, yet cosy bar (with a magnificent mosaic floor) where one can enjoy high quality tapas like the homemade Russian salad and club sandwiches and wines by the glass. If you feel extravagant the menu lends itself to indulgence with fine wines champagnes and platters of fresh seafood and dishes garnishes with generous dollops of caviar. As you proved deeper into Manero Marques de Cuba you discover bistro dining spaces, including private dining areas and even a private karaoke lounge. Every detail is thoughtfully executed, complemented by bold Murano glass chandelier, vintage lamps, and noble materials of wood and marble.
The Library
This is Madrid’s most spectacular temple to wine, an elegant boutique, bar, and restaurant opened on Calle Serrano by the acclaimed Paraguas Group. As soon as you enter The Library you become immersed in the world of wine, with access to some 3,500 wines, as well as the opportunity to pull up a stool at the bar and indulge in a glass of champagne or wine by the glass. There’s an intimate dining area too, while in the basement is a private members club including climate-controlled wine storage for a select number of clients.
https://thelibraryboutique.com/
Mallorca Pasteleria
Dating back to 1931, Mallorca Pasteleria has become a culinary institution, the go-to, trusted brand for classic Balearic pastries, including the famous ensaimadas, to classic pastries, and seasonal treats. The Mallorca stores are also perfect for light bites, lunchtime snacks and home delivery including generous breakfasts tailored to your taste.
https://www.pasteleria-mallorca.com
Hotel Principal Madrid
This is an iconic boutique hotel in the very centre of the Spanish capital, with the warmth and intimate welcome of a real home from home. Wherever you might choose to stay in Madrid, a visit to Hotel Principal Madrid is recommended to enjoy the splendid roof terrace with views over Gran Via. Inside is the stylish top floor restaurant of the Africa, offering timeless Spanish cuisine, whilst outside is la Terraza and La Pergola, offering crafted cocktails, tapas, and light bites.
https://www.theprincipalmadridhotel.com/en
Ginkgo Restaurant & Sky Bar
If you looking to enjoy the best sunsets, the best cocktails and the tastiest bites in Madrid, then we suggest you check out the newly opened Ginkgo Sky Bar. Madrid’s fabulous 5-star luxury hotel VP Plaza de España Design has created a new urban gourmet destination, on its 12th floor – the Gingko Restaurant & Sky Bar. Gingko Restaurant celebrates the best of Spanish flavours with an on-trend touch of Asia; whilst Gingko Sky Bar offers great cocktails, with live music. In fact, we believe that the Sky Bar is taking Madrid’s cocktail scene to new heights, with hipster mixologists who really know their stuff.
Romantic Dinner at Bodega de Los Secretos
This is the sort of place you just stumble across but if you take the time to look for it, this treasure is worth finding. Bodega de los Secretos is tucked down a quiet side street and is formed by a maze of underground wine cellars dating back to the 17th century. The menu features some great modern Mediterranean classics including oxtail roll, Bluefin tuna, and grilled octopus. Don’t expect lots of room in a space that is more than 400 years old, but the intimacy of this architectural gem just adds to its charm. Our top tip? If you can, book a table in one of the super romantic arched alcoves.
Rooftop drinks at Azotea
For one of the best views of the city skyline Azotea at the Circulo de Bellas Artes is unrivalled. From the rooftop bar, you can view a 360-degree panorama of Madrid, from the Sierra de Guadarrama to the north to the Cerro de los Angeles in the south. The Circulo de Bellas Artes is worth a look around too, a building bursting with art, literature, interesting exhibitions and cultural workshops. Once you have had your cultural fill, ascend the glass elevator to the top floor of the building and be greeted by the beautiful urban landscape stretching out before you. We recommend just heading up for cocktails but the TarTan Roof restaurant is a great date spot too!
Do
Distrito 41 – Madrid’s Salamanca district
Get the inside track on Madrid’s most stylish district with this in-depth neighbourhood guide of the Barrio de Salamanca, The Place to Be in Madrid. Bringing together the finest retail, hotels, restaurants, and art galleries of the area ‘under one roof’ allows visitors to plan their visit and get the very best out of the Salamanca district. You can arrange private transfers through the site, and book a personal shopper, and lots more.
The organisation also works with luxury travel designers to offer guests personalised tours of the region, with a variety of themes, from gastronomy, art, interior design, and fashion.
LA Studio Interiors
This contemporary art and interior design boutique, at Calle Castello 8, is the essential stop for inspiration and unique shopping. Founded back in 2001, LA Studio is a one stop shop for iconic furniture, art, and design pieces from the 20th century. Here you will find limited edition, one-off and vintage works that will transform a space. The studio also offers interior design consultation, bespoke sourcing of pieces as well as furniture hire for select events.
Prado Museum
As one of the world’s premier galleries, any art aficionado worth their salt will want to see this place. But even if you aren’t an expert, the museum’s collection of more than 7000 paintings (of which only 1500 are currently on display) will have you mesmerized. The museum offers a unique look into Spanish history featuring works from masters such as Velázquez, Goya, Rafael, and Rubens. The building itself was originally the neoclassical Palacio de Villanueva, before becoming a cavalry barracks for Napoleon’s troops during their occupation of Madrid. In 1814 King Fernando VII decided the palace would become a museum for the extensive collection of royal artworks. Purchase tickets in advance to avoid long queues outside the museum and if you are looking for a slightly quieter time to peruse the collection we recommend going between 2 pm and 5 pm to beat the majority of the crowds.
National Archaeological Museum (NAM)
Admittedly, for many the thought of visiting an archaeological museum doesn’t sound too exciting, yet this gallery is oh so worth the visit. It’s an extraordinary collection from across Spain and her islands, with iconic pieces that tell the story of the Iberian Peninsula. A guided visit is recommended to savour the richness of storytelling here, including prehistory pieces, through the Phoenician and Roman times to Al Andalus and the modern era, as well as pieces collected from across the world.
https://www.man.es/man/home.html
Sleep
Hotel Unico
In the leafy Calle de Claudio Coello, in Madrid’s chic Salamanca District, is Hotel Único, one of the capital’s most iconic boutique properties. Recently this sophisticated hotel unveiled its new guest rooms and suites, thoughtfully reimagined with timeless elegance by designer Maria Santos.
A flagship member of the Unico Hotels Group, the charming Hotel Único offers the quintessential boutique guest experience in the Spanish capital. This is a place to truly feel at home, to relish privacy, as well as discreet and friendly service. You can read Our Expert Review here.
https://www.unicohotelmadrid.com/en
JW Marriott Madrid
Set in a 19th-century building which was once one of the oldest perfumeries in the capital (and retains many original features), the JW Marriott oozes all things fragrance; from the lobby aroma to the personalised olfactory journey curated for each guest in collaboration with the Spanish Perfume Academy, to wellness treatments and El Patio JW Garden, where many of the botanical and herbaceous ingredients used in the food and drink, are grown. Taste those uber-local flavours in the QÚ restaurant which is headed by the two Michelin-starred chef Mario Sandoval. The JW Marriott is a place to immerse in some of Madrid’s history and discover a unique part of its heritage.
The Thompson Madrid
The Thompson Madrid is located on Calle De La Montera, which connects the city’s famed main square, Puerta del Sol, to the theatres, cinemas, and boutiques of the lively Gran Via Street. The hotel combines traditional Madrid architecture with Thompson Hotels’ contemporary style and comprises 175 guest bedrooms and suites which have floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces. Guests can enjoy three different dining concepts including the all-day bakery and bistro and the Rooftop, which as you may have guessed, alongside creative cocktails boasts stunning views across the city. The rooftop infinity pool, is the place to relax and the open-air courtyard, fitness centre, and 24-hour boutique are all available for guests to use at their leisure.
The Madrid EDITION
The 200-bedroom Madrid EDITION follows the launch of the brand’s Barcelona property back in 2018. Encapsulating the city’s spirit and essence, the fashionable interiors are by Ian Schrager Company, with unique pieces crafted using salvaged and recycled materials, along with rich fabrics and artistic handicrafts. There are two restaurants; Jerónimo, and the rooftop Oroya serving Peruvian-influenced fare, as well as a seductively decorated nightclub and atmospheric bars. Just across from the very centre of the country (Kilometre Zero) EDITION offers views of a 16th-century Royal Monastery and close access to the city’s highlights. Stay in the hotel’s top room – Madrid Penthouse – for a private infinity pool and eight-seater marble dining table. Read our expert review here.
Rosewood Villa Magna
Villa Magna a historic treasure located on Madrid’s most coveted boulevard is reborn as the capital’s leading luxury hotel. Located between the distinguished Salamanca neighbourhood and Paseo de la Castellana number 22, Rosewood Villa Magna is writing a new chapter in its story with the international hotel group Rosewood Hotels and Resorts. The Rosewood Villa Magna is located in an unbeatable setting, an enclave for shopping, business, gastronomy, and art. With easy access to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum and the so-called ”Landscape of Light” (of El Prado and El Retiro), declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rosewood Villa Magna has four distinct concepts offering guests and locals alike a variety of gastronomic offerings at any time of the day. The property has 101 rooms and 53 suites that embody the hotel’s refined, residential style. Read our expert review here.
The Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid
The gilt, palms and fan-shaped mirrors of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz make clear the Art Deco influence on the decor. It’s the work of French designers Gilles and Boissier, who have augmented this loose theme with lashings of modern opulence. The building dates back to the Belle Epoque era of 1910, but underwent a recent grand refurbishment, giving the 153 rooms a new lease of luxurious life. Opt for the higher-end suites to receive dedicated butler service (although all guests receive VIP treatment). The Mandarin has five venues in which to eat and drink, including the glamorous Champagne Bar and the contemporary Deessa fine dining restaurant, offering gourmet dishes.
For more luxury hotels in Madrid, read our luxury hotel guide.
