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what we would do in madrid if you came to visit me
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items welcome to my favourite city in the world! you know as a sagittarius, i am a big leisure traveler, but i also have lived in 5 different countries & in over 6 different cities. by far, i have found the best and most perfect place for me & would love to share my recommendations, as well as my favourite places… you might even find me there & if you do please say hi! NOTE: that i am always editing and adding places to this list, enjoy! x
Map
Sections
7
Outdoor Activities
Terraces
Restaurants
Coffee & Brunch
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Outdoor Activities
my favourite parks and spots to watch the sunset… most if not all of these are pet friendly, some places to go hiking and sight seeing!
this is such a magical place in the middle of the city. i swear the effect it has on anybody who steps in there is surreal. see for yourself!
El Retiro Park (Parque de El Retiro)
this is my go-to park for walking my pup and it is so lively! they have outdoor salsa and bachata classes and i love to watch all the people who join in and dance. there is also a café called café del río.
Madrid Río
best market sets up every sunday in barrio la latina. you can find so many cute clothes, trinkets, accessories, and many more!
El Rastro / Fray Ceferino González
i love sitting by the cathedral and look down at the view of madrid. the inside is also so beautiful.
Catedral de la Almudena
great area for picnics and not so busy!
Western Park (Parque del Oeste)
such a big and lovely park. the rowboats are not as busy as the ones in retiro park and they are lovely.
Casa de Campo
if you want to watch the best sunset this is the perfect spot. you will find a bunch of young locals (like me) who will meet up with friends to watch the sun go down and chat away on a picnic blanket.
Temple of Debod (Templo de Debod)
Path 8.5Km & Hike duration - around 3:00 hrs
Puerto de Navacerrada - Puerto de Navacerrada
beautiful hike and you can leave to it from Plaza Castilla
Siete Picos
beautiful sight-seeing of one of the wonders of the world! it is a lovely monastery but you can hike around the town as well
San Lorenzo de El Escorial - Madrid
such a lovely town, feels out of a fairy tale because it is mostly all made of stone and very medieval… love it! get to it from Plaza Elípstica on the ALSA bustrain
Toledo
this is such an important town to visit and you can get to it from Avenida América– Bus Interurbano 223
Turismo en Alcalá de Henares Ciudad Patrimonio de la ...
travel to one of the most beautiful towns in madrid by Bus Interurbano 337 from Conde De Casal
Qué ver en Chinchón, uno de los pueblos más bonitos de Madrid
visit by train Cercanías C3 or C3A leaving from Atocha
Aranjuez
visit by train Cercanías C2 leaving from Atocha
Guadalajara
visit from Plaza Castilla on Bus Interurbano 724
Turismo en Manzanares El Real - Patrimonio Histórico y ...
Terraces
this is THE THING to do in madrid!! you cannot say you visited madrid if you did not enjoy an evening of the famous “terraceo”… yes the translation if literally terracing (we even turned it into a verb!) there are so many along La Gran Vía but these ...
terraces are THE THING in madrid! if you are looking for a drink and a snack or a full course meal you cannot miss a good sunset and a good time on these
11 Nudos Terraza Nordés
if you are looking to spot a celebrity on a terrace THIS is the place!!
Picalagartos
this one is free to go up, so if you do not wanna pay those extra 8-10 euros for a nice view of Gran Vía this one is a must
Sky 44 Rooftop Terraza & Bar Madrid
best view of madrid 100% guaranteed! it is around 10 euros to go up and there is usually a big line BUT it is TOTALLY WORTH IT! i recommend it for sunset and at night for a better and unforgettable experience
Hotel Riu Plaza España
this one is also free to go up and iconic!! there is a variety of food to choose from and you can enjoy a view of the famous schweppes building
Terraza de El Corte Inglés de Callao
had the best non alcoholic mojito here! great ambience
LE TAVERNIER
if you are a sports fan you have got to visit this one!!! you know how much the spaniards love their cristiano ronaldo when he played for real madrid
Planta 9 CR7 - Rooftop & Sports Bar
enjoy the best view of El Círculo de Bellas Artes
Azotea del Círculo
another great one for a nice dinner and a view
Casa Suecia
amazing place to enjoy a drink with friends terraceo style but in the middle of El Retiro Park (skip to nightlife for a surprise because there is a club inside this place too! and it is so so cool)
Florida Park
Restaurants
ranges from a variety of prices but i 100% guarantee anywhere you will eat DELICIOUS!!
grab a snack and go, gelato, a glass of wine or even some tapas!!
mercado de san miguel
welcome to our version of a chain restaurant like the cheesecake factory BUT spanish-style with paella, tortilla de patata & more
LATERAL Restaurants - LATERAL
MY FAV sushi place in madrid!!! if you go please try the shrimp croquetas as an appetizer… i promise you there is nothing like it in the world!
Monsieur Sushita
sushi time? this one is GREAT
Ponja Nikkei
fancy and delicious! def a bit pricier but very worth it
El Pimiento Verde: Home
greatest italian restaurant, make sure to make a reservation!!! get the truffle pasta YUM
Bel Mondo
fancy italian home-made pasta and pizza restaurant!! very high class chef will not let you alter anything from the menu but it is so SO delicious you will not need to
Lettera Madrid
there is a variety of this place around the city but i have gone to the one by principe pío and it is very lovely! there is one in calle del carmen and calle del pez as well so be on the lookout!
La Mucca
amazing huevos rotos, tortilla de patata & my #2 go to place for the best tarta de queso!!! a bit pricier but AMAZING FOOD
La Maruca Santander en Madrid
very quirky place to eat with a variety of food and in front of El Retiro Park
El Perro y La Galleta Retiro
a bit pricier and everyone says a must go. i got the pasta with i believe it was burrata and a steak and the quality was GREAT
Restaurante Ten Con Ten
hands down best burgers in town!!!
GOIKO: Hamburguesas gourmet con chorreo por siempre
there are also so many of these all around madrid centre and it is the closest you will get to affordable mexican food with the original taste of mexico (approved by yours truly an authentic mexican) tacos are literally 1 euro a piece
Tiki Taco
a fancy mexican restaurant with authentic elevated cuisine!!! a great place for a drink as well as their cocktail menu is DELICIOUS!
La Cosecha: Home
want a fresh shrimp cocktail? THIS IS YOUR SPOT!! i always get the fish quesadillas and they have been my favourite thing since i was like 4 years old
Fisher's Madrid
Coffee & Brunch
my two favourite words and where you will absolutely find me. you should know if you wanna work at a café there are some places where you have to ask for a specific table to use your device (it is a weird rule here in spain), and some of these places...
#1 place for the BEST tarta de queso in the WORLD not only in madrid!!! make sure you go early or call to put one on hold because they will run out
Alex Cordobés
my favourite place for brunch, to grab a coffee with friends or to go get some work done!! always order an iced latte with oat milk and my go-to croiffle YUM
HanSo Café 2
BEST iced latte & chai latte in town!!! perfect for your on-the-go caffeine fix and amazing specialty coffee spot!
East Crema Coffee®
such a delicious variety of eggs, pancakes, toasts and delicious coffee!
Zenith Brunch & Cocktails - Valverde
amazing for a late coffee, brunch or lunch time… love that it opens till late and you can always find a bunch of international people here!! perfect place for working on your laptop (also pet friendly)
Café Federal
best croissants and bread in all of madrid!!! make sure to visit on a sunday before heading out to explore El Rasto flea-market at it sets up right by this place… 2 birds one croissant and latte (;
Novo Mundo
this one is such a jem!!! best lemon and lavander bread, iced lattes & such creative versions of toasts ranging from avocado to tomatoes and cheese or even some sweet french toast!! MUST VISIT (also pet friendly)
COFI. (café de especialidad)
this place is my go-to for picking up a nice pastry and an iced latte before heading to the salon to get my hair done!! coffee is specialty and so perfect!
Natif Coffee & Kitchen
i used to spend my uni days here having a quick brunch or grabbing a coffee before class, the menu has a variety of items and it is pet friendly (they even have cookies for your pup)!!!
The Fix
if you are looking for a fancy dessert that makes you feel like you are in paris THIS IS YOUR PLACE
Balbisiana Velázquez
tiny specialty coffee place for grabbing a cup to go. it is super close to cathedrals and little parks around Barrio La Latina
PASTORA – Café & Botillería
this is close the metropolitan gym and very laptop friendly so sometimes after a workout it may be convenient to grab something to eat (highly suggest the bagels) and a cup of coffee while getting some work done. ALSO has the coolest concept store wi...
BRUTAL Specialty Coffee
great for pastries and to enjoy a nice cup with friends
osom
looking for an original japanese-styled pastry? look no further!! make sure to go early because if you show up around 7pm you will find just one croissant left
Umikobake
best place to go work until late! has the biggest space to set up with your laptop and great coffee to get you on roll
EN BRUTO | Foodmakers (@enbruto__)
AMAZING affogato and gelato! best place for a late coffee (opens until 10pm unlike all other café spots in madrid)
Cora Gelato & Coffee Culture
Arts & Entertainment
museums? theater? movies? want an original plan? art galleries? wanna go look at a random expo for free? no worries, i got you!
must see museum!!! look for its free entrance times and dates online to avoid paying to go in (many museums do this!!) i believe it is mondays from 12-4pm for this one
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
also one of the most important museums in town! check for free entrance dates and times (i believe for this one its on monday to saturday from 7pm-9pm– closes on tuesdays and sundays 12:30pm- 2:30pm)
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
if you are a fan of money heist this is probably already on your bucket list (free entrance: tuesdays to fridays from 10:00am - 5:30pm– closed on mondays & check for sundays and festive days from 10am to 2pm)
Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT)
this one is A MUST!! so iconic, huge museum & worth it if you like seeing lots of art pieces of different periods (free entrance monday to saturday from 6-8pm and sundays & holidays from 5-7pm)
Museo Nacional del Prado
contemporary art fan? this one is for you (check online for free entrance days and times)
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
this one is amazing because it has free random expositions that change every now and then and it is FREE to go in and check them out!
Palacio de Cibeles- Palacio de Comunicaciones
if you are a fan of the theater make sure to make a stop here to check out the local talent performing to your favourite plays and musicals!
Teatro Calderón
if you are looking to catch a film this is the place! movies are also shown in english here!!
Cine Yelmo Ideal
this is such a cool place if you are into indie films or catching any blockbuster titles that you may not find in your regular theaters atm. has amazing drinks and food!!
Sala Equis
BEST PLAN!!!!! my friends love it here, you get to paint your own ceramic piece of your choosing and enjoy a cup of coffee, maybe some cake or a cookie, or a fresh lemonade while letting your creative unleash! (make a reservation!)
MAMA POTTERY
if you are into board games with friends i so recommend you check one of these places out!! i have the time of my life there
5 bares para jugar a juegos de mesa en Madrid - Guía del Ocio
if you are a sports fan… specifically soccer… or as we call it here "fútbol", you definitely need to book some tickets for a game here and visit the museum for the real madrid team
Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
check out one of the top art galleries!
VILLAZAN Gallery
get a record or check out cool art in this hip gallery!!!
La Fiambrera Art Gallery
funky art here!! such a cool place to browse in during a city stroll
Galería Échale Guindas
such a fun one to visit!!
Galeria De Arte | La Causa Galería | Madrid
super quirky contemp art to look at!
Cerquone Gallery
this is not your regular van gogh so worth a visit!
VAN GOGH Art Gallery
worth a look around if you are an art enthusiast!
WE COLLECT
Local Favorites
if you wanna go shopping during your visit, get your hair done while you are at it, workout, meditate, or even book a spa day here are my recommendations!
a stroll around gran vía is like no other!! you must go shopping here and live the dream in madrid because you deserve it!
Calle Gran Vía
if you wanna feel like you are walking on the spanish upper east side this is you spot! and there are lots of shops around here too
Barrio de Salamanca
you need to walk around this are and visit vintage shops if that is your thing & honestly even if it is not
Barrio de Malasaña
fun concept store to look around
ANCLADEMAR
you will never know what you might find here or any other concept store, so i definitely will say it deserves a visit
DESPACIO CONCEPT STORE
another really cool concept store!
AMEN
for design lovers i promise you will want to leave with the entire store!
El Moderno Concept Store | Objetos de deseo para amantes del diseño
maybe this is more your style but you will finds such cute pieces here if you are a fan of decoration and design
DOOC - Madrid
this is such a fun one and such a hidden jewel i am willing to share with you all but omg just walking in is such an experience!!
WOW Concept
if vintage is more your style you will love this one
Amarcord Retro Concept Store
if you are more of a fashion gal then this is your place to make a stop at!!
Ekseption
this is not called “house of the blondes” for nothing… best hair stylists in THE WORLD (ask for adrian!!)
Espacio Q
this is one of the pricier gyms in the city but it is so worth it if you basically live there and like to enjoy other amenities like jacuzzi/ whirpools, vapor room and sauna, among a variety of classes offered and a clean nice smelling place to worko...
Palacio Santa Ana
my favourite place in the city!! come meditate with us (donations start at 6 euros per session but these people work out of the goodness of their hearts and to spread dana with all of us who wish to connect spiritually with a community) meditations a...
Sala Dāna
my favourite spa turkish-style!! pamper yourself after long walks around the city… come back & thank me later!
Hammam Al Ándalus Madrid
Nightlife
you know the spaniards love a good party and it does not start until at least 1am and ends the next morning… here are my favourite places for a GREAT TIME!
private karaoke cabins and GREAT cocktails (get the salado if you are a fan of tequila!!) i swear i have never had so much fun on a night out with friends like i did at this place!!
BAM Karaoke Box I Karaoke Reinventado
come do karaoke like you have never before! piano man will play any song for you and hand you a mic while the entire bar sings along with you
Toni 2 Piano Bar
hands down best night club in madrid!!!! thursday nights there are the BEST
VANDIDO
this one is pricier but so worth it if you are looking for a night of fun!
Discoteca Gunilla Club
LOVE IT! this one is filled with internationals and locals but if you are an english speaker i can promise you will make friends here
Rubicon
this one is huge! if you saw the series elité this is where they shot it & it is always a great international party (i recommend you get there early but the party does not start anywhere until 3am… free entrance i believe is before 1am on certain...
Teatro Barceló
making 2 posts about this place because there is the disco inside the restaurant/ bar in the middle of El Retiro Park… how ICONIC
Florida Park