1. MORNINGS: WHERE TO KICKSTART YOUR DAY
Rise early to maximise every minute spent in Madrid - with so much to see and do, it’s truly a city that keeps on giving. Naturally all adventures start with a healthy breakfast, and you can fuel up at an eclectic mishmash of coffee shops, cafés, confectioneries and patisseries. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the city’s centuries-old pastisseries are a good place to start, with all manner of literary greats and cultural icons walking through their hallowed doors to feast on turrón (nougat) at Casa Mira, Roscones de Reyes (Epiphany ring cakes) at Antigua Pastelería del Pozo, alfajores (almond, honey and nut confections) at Viena Capellanes, and bocaidentes (egg yolk confections with icing sugar) at El Riojano.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, head to Breakery, run by prestigious pastry chef Oriol Balaguer, for his award-winning croissants, Spanish omelette or artisan baguette with turkey, brie and rocket. For something playful, try Cereal Hunter’s Café – the first in Madrid – which allows diners to have breakfast like they would at home; or for creative vegan food, head to Chilling Café.
2. MID-MORNING: THE CULTURE VULTURE ADVENTURE
Once your appetite has been sated, it’s time for a little cultural awakening. When the sun is shining, the best way to soak up the artistic side of the city is to stroll along Paseo del Arte. Known as the ‘Art Walk’, it stretches just over one kilometre, along which you’ll find the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum, as well other cultural buildings and highlights worth viewing peppered along the way.
Art aficionados should also make a beeline straight to the Royal Collections Gallery, which is housed in Madrid’s Royal Palace Complex. Inaugurated in June this year, it takes visitors on a journey through the history of the Spanish Monarchy and the artistic tastes of its most prominent figures, from the first reigns of the Middle Ages right up to Juan Carlos I. Other cultural must-sees are the 18th-century Liria Palace – the official Madrid residence of the House of Alba; and the collection of museums found in former mansions known as ‘House Museums’, such as Sorolla Museum, Lázaro Galdiano Museum, Cerralbo Museum and Romanticism Museum.
3. LUNCH-TIME: FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If there’s one thing Madrileños know how to do well, it’s eat good food, and with the city’s gastronomy scene exploding, you won’t be left wanting come lunchtime. There are myriad ways to sample authentic Spanish cuisine, but a favourite has to be at one of Madrid’s many markets. You’ll find traditional cuisine, tapas, and avant-garde dishes, as well international plates. Most visitors head straight to Madrid’s famous San Miguel Market – and for good reason – but a few others to add to your route map are San Antón Market in the Chueca neighbourhood, or Vallehermoso Market in Argüelles, both brimming with Spanish fare and a buzzing atmosphere, especially on weekends.
If tapas is on your hit-list, stroll around Ibiza Street or Ponzano Street to find a traditional taverna – or neo-taverna. For a five-star gastronomy experience, you have 23 Michelin-star restaurants to choose from, including the 3-Michelin-star DiverXO helmed by Dabiz Muñoz, two-star Ramón Freixa, Coque and Deessa. And for something new to the city, make a reservation at either Velascoabellà, a restaurant created to feel like home; chic Italian eaterie Allegra Mad; or the eclectic, circus-inspired La Morenilla.
4. EARLY AFTERNOONS: THE OTHER SIDE TO THE CITY
If you need to walk off your lunch, there’s plenty to see and soak up wandering through the Madrid’s new pedestrian areas, such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Olavide or Plaza de España. If you’ve got sport on your mind, the brand-new Legends: The Home of Football museum is well worth a visit, as it features the most comprehensive collection of historical football memorabilia in the world. You can also take a tour of Atlético de Madrid’s modern stadium, Civitas Metropolitano or Real Madrid’s home ground of Santiago Bernabéu.
If a side-order of shopping is on the list, you’ll be in designer heaven at Galería Canalejas, with its roster of luxury brands, or scouring the shelves at new WOW Concept store, with its eclectic edit of home décor. For something family-friendly and fun, pay a visit to the Museum of Illusions, the immersive Ikono gallery or Real Teatro de Retiro, which has a children’s and youth section, centred around the performing arts. To see Madrid’s green side, walk around one of its 200 parks and gardens, with Retiro Park and Casa de Campo two of its most well-known. Or venture off the tourist track and visit the lesser-known Palacio del Príncipe de Anglona Gardens, Quinta de los Molinos or El Capricho Park.
5. AFTER-DARK: DINNERS WITH A DIFFERENCE
Flamenco fans the flames in the hearts of Madrileños, with hundreds of places to experience this quintessential Spanish tradition. Visit one of the city’s tablaos (Flamenco venues), such as Flamenco de Leones, Tablao de la Villa or Tablao Flamenco 911, where the dancing is combined with incredible gastronomy, elevating the concept of ‘dinner and a show’. For something new on the capital’s restaurant scene, book a table at El Club Allard for its 13-course tasting menu; El Albéniz for its authentic Madrileñian cuisine; Playing Solo for an evening of Japanese Izakaya with a Madrid twist; or El Puertito for its specialist offering of oysters from around the world.
6. AL FRESCO SIPS: A DRINK UNDER THE STARS
No night in Madrid is complete without a stroll around the city to experience the Madrileñian bar scene. And if you think the city is unique at ground level, you’ll find it even more so from the vantage point of one of its rooftop bars. From one of these, you can toast Madrid’s skies from dizzying heights, witnessing its intense blue velazqueño by day and flaming pinks come sunset. On Gran Via, pop into one of the city’s old favourites, such as the rooftop at Circulo de Bellas Artes or The Penthouse by WOW, or venture to Four Seasons Madrid, for drinks with a view from the terrace of Dani Brasserie, with a mixology menu inspired by Spanish culture and tradition.
7. NIGHT-TIME: BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO BED DOWN IN
Every night in Madrid deserves to end with the most beautiful sleep, and with over 35 five-star hotels across the city, you’ll certainly be spoiled when it comes to sweet dreams. The perfect starting point is the grand Four Seasons Madrid with its stunning façade and palatial Royal Suite, or Hotel Montera Curio Collection, which recently opened its doors on Gran Via avenue. It has 93 beautifully appointed rooms, eight of which are bright, spacious suites with unbeatable city views. The hotel also has a pool, solarium, three open-air terraces, two private lounges and works of art by Madrid-born artist Miguel Caravaca, amongst others.
Another new addition to the city is JW Marriott Madrid, which is a stone’s throw from the city’s best sights and attractions. Inspired by the principles of mindfulness, and a focus on reflecting and recharging, it’s perfect for some urban escapism. El Patio JW Garden is a botanical oasis that uses homegrown ingredients, while QÚ, helmed by two-Michelin-star chef Mario Sandoval, spotlights Spanish produce with dishes like clams in Albariño sauce and glazed Galician cow ribs. When it’s time to turn out the light, you can rest assured that you’ve made the most out of Madrid, before waking with the knowledge that another day promises to bring another adventure. That’s just the magic of Madrid – no two days will ever be the same!