ABOUT MADRID
Madrid is the capital of Spain and attracts more domestic visitors than foreign tourists. That's because most tourists go to Barcelona because of the beach. Madrid may not have a beach, but it does have a lot to offer! And although the capital is one of the largest cities in Europe, the authentic Spanish atmosphere can be found everywhere in the city. Madrid is also known for its many cozy bars, museums, and vibrant nightlife. Definitely recommended for a city trip and after living there for half a year, we know all about the best places in the city!
TRAVELING THROUGH MADRID
Madrid's metro network is well organized and makes it easy to reach every place in the city. Even from the airport there is a metro that brings you to the center of the city, but you can also take a taxi for about €25.
Madrid is made up of a number of neighborhoods, each with its own characteristics. Sol is right in the middle of the city and therefore also the bustling center. We walked all the distances and this was easy to do, because there are plenty of terraces where you can take a rest with a cold cerveza.
Axel hotel
THE DISTRICTS
Sol
Sol is the center of Madrid, and even the exact center of Spain! On Puerto del Sol (the city's most famous square) you can find a stone that indicates the absolute zero kilometer point of Spain. Even though it is very touristy in this district, there are several sights that you cannot miss.
Plaza Mayor
What to do around Sol
Visit Puerto del Sol and Plaza Mayor
This are two well-known squares with both a special architecture. Many well-known roads lead to Puerto del Sol and the square is surrounded by beautiful large buildings. Plaza Mayor is a rectangle, surrounded by apartments with balconies, which all look the same. Both places are nice to visit, but don't hang around here for too long, because it is very touristy.
Spent the afternoon at a rooftop pool
During our city trip we spent a whole afternoon at the rooftop pool of the Axel hotel. This is one of the few hotels in the city that allows non-guests on their rooftop pool terrace. However, their own guests do come first, so it is wise to call the reception in advance to make sure it is not too busy. The to access the pool is 30 euros but you get a towel and free drink. The pool may not be big, but from here you have a beautiful view over the city.
Watch the sunset at Templo de Debod
This is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Madrid. Every evening, many people will go to this small hill park to see the temple and to enjoy the sunset. It's also possible to visit this park during the day and go for a picnic, although we recommend going in the late afternoon to get that romantic Spanish sunset vibe.
Mercado San Miguel
Food & Drinks
Mercado San Miguel
This covered market is one where you will want to linger. There are several stalls, each selling their own culinary tapas specialty. From sushi to cheese boards and from sangria to different wines. We enjoyed ourselves here for a few hours by sitting at a bar somewhere and taking turns getting another dish.
Rosi la Loca
A special interior, special menu, and a very special way of serving. At this restaurant everything is over the top, but in a very nice way! The food is super tasty, and the cocktail menu is very impressive. Make sure to book in advance because it is always fully booked. It really is so over the top but so worth it.
Lateral Santa Anna
Lateral is a Spanish tapas restaurant chain where you will also find several branches in Madrid. In our opinion Santa Anna is the best. It is especially pleasant on the square outside where all the restaurants have set out their terraces.
Círculo de bellas artes
This is a cultural institution with one of the most amazing rooftops in Madrid. In the high season you may have to wait for a while and you pay about 5 euros to get up, but in our opinion, it is well worth it. You have a view over Madrid and a DJ plays the best live music.
Círculo de bellas artes
Malasaña
Also known as the hipster neighborhood of Madrid. This is due to the colorful streets, many second-hand clothes shops, and cozy bars. Malasaña is a neighborhood where you can stroll around all afternoon and where you can always find a nice place to eat or have a drink. If you want to be a little more prepared, we have listed all the tips for you.
Food & Drinks
La Pescera
Superchullo
One of our favorite restaurants in Madrid! They only serve vegetarian dishes based on natural organic ingredients in most colorful variants. Ever had a pizza with flowers on it? Probably not.
La Pescera
The smallest ice cream parlor you've ever seen, but don't miss this one. They sell the best waffle ice creams here in the shape of a fish and you can choose all the flavors and toppings yourself.
Ojala
At this place you can have breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks in the evening. You won't find many places in Madrid where they sell white sangria, but at Ojala you will and this one is worth trying. On the terrace you can relax in the sun and in the basement is the bar, that is full of sand.
Amargo
This is also a place where you can eat and drink all day long. Especially the basement, which houses a large bar, is a very nice place for a drink. There is often live music here and the menu consists of tapas as well as whole dishes.
La Latina
This is one of the oldest districts of Madrid and the traditional Spanish life is well reflected here. La Latina consists of streets with mostly tapas restaurants and terraces. Especially on Sundays it is very lively, and the (alcoholic) drinks start as early as possible.
El Rastro
What to do in La Latina
Visit the El Rastro market
The most famous market in the country and even the largest open-air market in Europe! Every Sunday from 09:00 there are hundreds of stalls displayed where everything is for sale. The starting point is approximately at the metro stop La Latina and from there you can wander around for hours if you wish. We recommend going to the market early so that you can also find a terrace in time. These fill up very quickly and it is a shame to stand in line all afternoon. Don’t go here if you don’t like people, though. Because there are a lot of them.
Food & Drinks
Calle Cava Baja
Not one restaurant, but an entire street where you can eat so tasty! Cava Baja is known for its traditional Spanish (tapas) restaurants, which are also popular with locals.
Emma y Julia
This Italian restaurant can be found on Calle Cava Baja. We’ve had a delicious pizza here and the restaurant itself feels very old Italian.
El Viajero
This bar immediately catches the eye because of the colored exterior and the hanging plants along the outside wall. On the terrace you are already at a pleasant crossroad, but they also have a super nice rooftop with a beautiful view!
Sala Equis
For when you are looking for a special location to have a drink. This former erotic cinema has reopened as a bar. No more erotic films, but old black and white films that are played in the background while everyone is chatting with each other.
Retiro
This district is best known for the large 'El Retiro' park and you should not miss this during your city trip in Madrid. Especially if you have a little more time, you can enjoy a whole day in this park because there is plenty to do!
What to do around park Retiro
Templo de Debod
Walk around through the beautiful park
With a surface of 1.4 square kilometers, walking around the park is an activity on its own. You can find beautiful flowers, rose gardens and buildings spread throughout the park. For the children there are also different play areas in the park.
Visit Palacio de Cristal
Take a look at the Palacio de Cristal. This beautiful glass building is free for visitors, although you may have to wait in queue for a while. It is best to go here when the sun is shining because then the glass building takes on a magical effect.
Rent a rowing boat!
You can even rent a boat and row through the artificially created blue lake. Depending on the day, you pay between 6 and 8 euros for 45 minutes. If you do not like this activity, it is also fun to look at the boats from a distance. At the monument in honor of King Alfonso XII, there are stairs where you can sit in the sun and look out over the lake.
Nightlife Madrid
Nightlife plays a major role in Madrid. The people of Madrid like to have fun and there are many international students who like to party. There are a few useful things to know about Madrid's nightlife. The most important one is that you will not be back home before 5 am. The clubs open at 01:00, and between 02:00 and 03:00 the fun begins. For most discotheques you pay for entrance, but you often get coupons for drinks. The price and number of coupons depend on the day, and at what time you enter. You can also try to get in with a special deal. Outside of the clubs you can always find ‘proppers’ who try to get you to their club and often you can enter the club for less entrance money because of this. There is also a door policy in Madrid. For most clubs, you should not arrive in your sports outfit or worn-out sneakers.
Teatro Kapital
Let's start with Madrid's biggest club. It has 7 floors, each with its own music genre. From house music to reggaeton and from dance to karaoke, this club is a true experience.
Teatro Barceló
This is a large and slightly more upscale club. The average age here is somewhat higher and the door policy regarding clothing is also somewhat stricter. Here too there are different spaces with different music styles, one evening you will hear mainly commercial music mixed with house, another evening techno or a bit of reggaeton.
Joy Eslava
This old theater in the center of Madrid has been converted into a club. It is always a party here, with dancers and commercial music. From Thursday to Sunday there is a different party every day and therefore different music. Keep an eye on their site to see what party is going on for the night you want to go.
Moondance
A real Spanish club where a lot of reggaeton and salsa music is played. The door policy is not super strict, and you will encounter many (Madrilenian) students here.
Sala Cool
This club is best known for the F*cking Monday parties for international students. Because why not start the week with a party? If you live and study in Madrid, this is the place to connect with other internationals.
Cafe Berlín
In the evening this is the perfect place for live music of different genres. Later in the evening the seats are pushed aside, and this concert hall turns into a club, with live performances. Here too the music style differs per evening, but there is always a good atmosphere here.
Mondo Disko
This club is special because it is not a big disco, but it does have a very impressive line-up. Artists such as Nina Kraviz and Denis Sulta come to Madrid to play their sets in Mondo. By the way, this does not only happen at the weekend. The club also opens its doors on weekdays. Keep an eye on their Instagram for each month's lineup.
Hi, we are Bren and Tess! We travel to the most beautiful places in the world, and with our video's, we hope you feel inspired to do the same.
