Guidebook for Madrid
Food Scene
Probably the best restaurant in town!
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Restaurante Las Tortillas de Gabino
20 C. de Rafael CalvoProbably the best restaurant in town!
Fismuler
29 C. de SagastaThe namesake of the shop, “The Little Duchess” is a statue mounted on a wall that has been there since they opened their doors in 1914. Catalan pastry chef Oriol Balaguer took over La Duquesita in 2015 to keep it from closing down. While he has introduced delicious modern pastries, he’s also worked to maintain the traditional essence of the shop, and the traditional pastries that have been served there for over 100 years!
What to try here: Texturas Duquesita and the croissants! Their signature “Texturas” cake features four different textures of chocolate and their croissants are to die for!
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Duquesita
2 C. de Fernando VIThe namesake of the shop, “The Little Duchess” is a statue mounted on a wall that has been there since they opened their doors in 1914. Catalan pastry chef Oriol Balaguer took over La Duquesita in 2015 to keep it from closing down. While he has introduced delicious modern pastries, he’s also worked to maintain the traditional essence of the shop, and the traditional pastries that have been served there for over 100 years!
What to try here: Texturas Duquesita and the croissants! Their signature “Texturas” cake features four different textures of chocolate and their croissants are to die for!
Perhaps Madrid’s most famous pastry shop, La Mallorquina has been crafting a huge variety of sweet treats for more than 100 years. Juan Ripoll, a Mallorcan man, founded the cafe in the mid-1800s. The name of the bakery means “the woman from Mallorca.” The pastry shop moved from its original location near Gran Vía to a prime spot along the Puerta del Sol in the early 1900s when the plaza was renovated.
What to try here: Napolitana con chocolate. You’ll find a hefty helping of soft dark chocolate inside these flat, croissant-like pastries.
107 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Mallorquina
8 Prta del SolPerhaps Madrid’s most famous pastry shop, La Mallorquina has been crafting a huge variety of sweet treats for more than 100 years. Juan Ripoll, a Mallorcan man, founded the cafe in the mid-1800s. The name of the bakery means “the woman from Mallorca.” The pastry shop moved from its original location near Gran Vía to a prime spot along the Puerta del Sol in the early 1900s when the plaza was renovated.
What to try here: Napolitana con chocolate. You’ll find a hefty helping of soft dark chocolate inside these flat, croissant-like pastries.
If you're into Thai food, this is the best Thai restaurant Madrid has to offer! Make sure to try their Mango Sticky Rice.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Krachai - Thai Cuisine
11 C. de Fernando VIIf you're into Thai food, this is the best Thai restaurant Madrid has to offer! Make sure to try their Mango Sticky Rice.
More food court than traditional market, this venue is in the LGBT-friendly district of Chueca, known for its nightlife and shopping. Its 22 vendors sell everything from fresh produce and meats to cooked regional specialities. La Imperial offers Andalucian-style calamari (€9) and cocido madrileño (€10), a rich chickpea stew with vegetables and meat. Affordable regional treats include an assortment of Basque pintxos at Puturrú de Foie, such as risotto of foie gras and mushrooms (€3), or a glass of Asturian cider (€1) with a variety of cod-based tapas at La Casa del Bacalao.
498 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mercado de San Antón
24 C. de Augusto FigueroaMore food court than traditional market, this venue is in the LGBT-friendly district of Chueca, known for its nightlife and shopping. Its 22 vendors sell everything from fresh produce and meats to cooked regional specialities. La Imperial offers Andalucian-style calamari (€9) and cocido madrileño (€10), a rich chickpea stew with vegetables and meat. Affordable regional treats include an assortment of Basque pintxos at Puturrú de Foie, such as risotto of foie gras and mushrooms (€3), or a glass of Asturian cider (€1) with a variety of cod-based tapas at La Casa del Bacalao.
Tasca Celso y Manolo
1 C. de la LibertadRestaurante Bocaíto
6 C. de la LibertadBarra Atlántica
17 C. de GravinaUnveiled last summer, the former Carlos III cinema in Plaza Colón has been converted into a spectacular food market with restaurants, bars and stalls of myriad kinds, all overseen by three Spanish chefs with a total of six Michelin stars between them. Try Mexican, Japanese, Italian and Peruvian cuisine, and listen to live music most evenings. While this isn’t a budget destination, you can enjoy a drink (beer and wine by the glass from €2.50) and tapas (mini-salmon burger with wasabi, €2.50), without breaking the bank. Cocktail bar El Palco, on the second floor, offers views of the space. There is also a small fresh produce section on the main level.
143 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Platea Madrid
5 Calle de GoyaUnveiled last summer, the former Carlos III cinema in Plaza Colón has been converted into a spectacular food market with restaurants, bars and stalls of myriad kinds, all overseen by three Spanish chefs with a total of six Michelin stars between them. Try Mexican, Japanese, Italian and Peruvian cuisine, and listen to live music most evenings. While this isn’t a budget destination, you can enjoy a drink (beer and wine by the glass from €2.50) and tapas (mini-salmon burger with wasabi, €2.50), without breaking the bank. Cocktail bar El Palco, on the second floor, offers views of the space. There is also a small fresh produce section on the main level.
StreetXo
47 C. SerranoDrinks & Nightlife
Macera Taller Bar
21 C. de San MateoSalmon Guru
21 Calle de EchegarayThe Dash
5 C/ de MurilloParks & Nature
Combine lush greenery, period architecture and a stunning lake with some market stalls, live music and the occasional tapas hut and you have the perfect inner-city retreat. The main entrance is on Plaza de la Independencia.
2341 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque El Retiro Madrid
7 Plaza de la IndependenciaCombine lush greenery, period architecture and a stunning lake with some market stalls, live music and the occasional tapas hut and you have the perfect inner-city retreat. The main entrance is on Plaza de la Independencia.
Sightseeing
The iconic streets of La Latina are home to the city’s best traditional food spots, bars, bustling plazas and an outdoor Sunday market (el Rastro) – all of which seem to best define the unique Madrileña way of life. The best starting point is Metro La Latina.
444 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Barrio de La Latina
The iconic streets of La Latina are home to the city’s best traditional food spots, bars, bustling plazas and an outdoor Sunday market (el Rastro) – all of which seem to best define the unique Madrileña way of life. The best starting point is Metro La Latina.
Translating as the ‘Gate of the Sun’, Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid’s busiest squares. There are lots of famous attractions around this square including the Tio Pepe lighted sign, the statue of a bear and a madrone tree which is the symbol of Madrid, and it’s also the exact centre (0Km) of Spain.
151 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Puerta del Sol
Translating as the ‘Gate of the Sun’, Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid’s busiest squares. There are lots of famous attractions around this square including the Tio Pepe lighted sign, the statue of a bear and a madrone tree which is the symbol of Madrid, and it’s also the exact centre (0Km) of Spain.
Just off of Gran Via where Calle de Alcala meets Paseo del Prado you will find the site of one of Madrid’s most iconic images – Plaza de Cibeles. Unlike most of the other city squares, this view has to be admired from the footpaths as the centre area where the fountain lies is actually one of the city’s busiest traffic hubs.
267 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plaza de Cibeles
Just off of Gran Via where Calle de Alcala meets Paseo del Prado you will find the site of one of Madrid’s most iconic images – Plaza de Cibeles. Unlike most of the other city squares, this view has to be admired from the footpaths as the centre area where the fountain lies is actually one of the city’s busiest traffic hubs.
Perhaps the fanciest of Madrid’s plazas, this popular city square is enclosed by buildings with nine entrance archways. It’s surrounded by cafes and restaurants, a tourist office and its centrepiece is a bronze statue of King Philip III on a horse.
1659 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plaza Mayor
Plaza MayorPerhaps the fanciest of Madrid’s plazas, this popular city square is enclosed by buildings with nine entrance archways. It’s surrounded by cafes and restaurants, a tourist office and its centrepiece is a bronze statue of King Philip III on a horse.
Not too far from Plaza Mayor you will find the picturesque Plaza de la Villa. This pretty square is also one of the quieter ones and is home to Casa de la Villa, the former Town Hall.
64 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plaza de la Villa
Not too far from Plaza Mayor you will find the picturesque Plaza de la Villa. This pretty square is also one of the quieter ones and is home to Casa de la Villa, the former Town Hall.
The best time to explore this popular Madrid square is once the sun goes down and both locals and tourists come out to play. Plaza Santa Ana is a popular area in the city for nightlife with lots of great bars and restaurants in the plaza and surrounding streets. Also, the square becomes one big terrace for tables and seats which makes for a great atmosphere.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plaza Santa Ana
Plaza de Santa AnaThe best time to explore this popular Madrid square is once the sun goes down and both locals and tourists come out to play. Plaza Santa Ana is a popular area in the city for nightlife with lots of great bars and restaurants in the plaza and surrounding streets. Also, the square becomes one big terrace for tables and seats which makes for a great atmosphere.
As you wander through Gran Via keep an eye out for another city plaza – Plaza del Callao. This busy square is bustling with people and cars, but take a moment to take in its surrounding art-deco architecture, particularly that of the Callao Cinema Building and the Carrion Building with its neon Schweppes billboard.
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plaza del Callao
Plaza del CallaoAs you wander through Gran Via keep an eye out for another city plaza – Plaza del Callao. This busy square is bustling with people and cars, but take a moment to take in its surrounding art-deco architecture, particularly that of the Callao Cinema Building and the Carrion Building with its neon Schweppes billboard.
One of our favourite plazas in Madrid, Plaza España can be found on the western end of Gran Via. It’s a great place to cool off on a bench under some trees and take in the fountains along with the famous monuments. The centre monument is dedicated to Spanish novelist, poet and playwright Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and includes a bronze sculpture of Don Quixote.
433 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plaza de España
Plaza de EspañaOne of our favourite plazas in Madrid, Plaza España can be found on the western end of Gran Via. It’s a great place to cool off on a bench under some trees and take in the fountains along with the famous monuments. The centre monument is dedicated to Spanish novelist, poet and playwright Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and includes a bronze sculpture of Don Quixote.
This open square is set against the stunning backdrop of The Palacio Real de Madrid (The Royal Palace of Madrid). This plaza has a relaxed vibe with its gardens and trees to the side making it the perfect place to take in the palace, particularly at night when it is illuminated.
218 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plaza de Oriente
This open square is set against the stunning backdrop of The Palacio Real de Madrid (The Royal Palace of Madrid). This plaza has a relaxed vibe with its gardens and trees to the side making it the perfect place to take in the palace, particularly at night when it is illuminated.
The best of the barrios. The Madrid district of Alonso Martínez is where you go for charming shops, restaurants and cafés. The junction where two other areas that are like chalk and cheese, Chamberí and Chueca, meet up is in this colourful square dedicated to the lawmakers and politicians of Spain. Out of this fusion of neighbourhoods have sprung the markets, bars, restaurants, and shops with charm sprinkled throughout the streets of Alonso Martínez. At night indie, rock, and jazz steal the show in this barrio.
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Alonso Martínez
The best of the barrios. The Madrid district of Alonso Martínez is where you go for charming shops, restaurants and cafés. The junction where two other areas that are like chalk and cheese, Chamberí and Chueca, meet up is in this colourful square dedicated to the lawmakers and politicians of Spain. Out of this fusion of neighbourhoods have sprung the markets, bars, restaurants, and shops with charm sprinkled throughout the streets of Alonso Martínez. At night indie, rock, and jazz steal the show in this barrio.
Arts & Culture
The broad appeal of the permanent and temporary collections make this gallery a local favourite.
1498 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
8 P.º del PradoThe broad appeal of the permanent and temporary collections make this gallery a local favourite.
Essentials
After five years of renovations, Mercado de Barceló opened its doors in September 2014 with several newcomers, including a sushi stall and a shop selling oriental delicacies such as Turkish delight. The market has some excellent speciality stalls: El Imperio Extremeño sells culinary gems from Extremadura, including the prized jamón ibérico de bellota (acorn-fed Iberian ham), and Tía Corina, a cream of anise liqueur. At Mama Cora, an Argentinian bakery, the dulce de leche croissant (€1.50) is seriously decadent.
62 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mercado de Barceló
6 C. de BarcelóAfter five years of renovations, Mercado de Barceló opened its doors in September 2014 with several newcomers, including a sushi stall and a shop selling oriental delicacies such as Turkish delight. The market has some excellent speciality stalls: El Imperio Extremeño sells culinary gems from Extremadura, including the prized jamón ibérico de bellota (acorn-fed Iberian ham), and Tía Corina, a cream of anise liqueur. At Mama Cora, an Argentinian bakery, the dulce de leche croissant (€1.50) is seriously decadent.
Shopping
In the posh Salamanca barrio, the art nouveau Mercado de la Paz was built in 1879 and is one of Madrid’s oldest markets. Despite its glam location, it is a neighbourhood market with friendly stall owners who’ve been there for generations. There are fish, charcuterie and cheese stalls as well as a huge selection of gourmet products, such as mojama (salt-cured tuna loin), and every variety of salted cod known to man. For eat-in fare, try Casa Dani with its daily-changing menu, including fabada asturiana (white bean stew), Spanish omelette with octopus or pork ribs, all using ingredients from the market, plus light bites such as classic pintxo de tortilla (€2.40).
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mercado De La Paz mercado
28B Cl. de AyalaIn the posh Salamanca barrio, the art nouveau Mercado de la Paz was built in 1879 and is one of Madrid’s oldest markets. Despite its glam location, it is a neighbourhood market with friendly stall owners who’ve been there for generations. There are fish, charcuterie and cheese stalls as well as a huge selection of gourmet products, such as mojama (salt-cured tuna loin), and every variety of salted cod known to man. For eat-in fare, try Casa Dani with its daily-changing menu, including fabada asturiana (white bean stew), Spanish omelette with octopus or pork ribs, all using ingredients from the market, plus light bites such as classic pintxo de tortilla (€2.40).
This behemoth is the largest municipal market in Europe, with 200 stalls where locals stock up on regional specialities such as suckling lamb from Burgos, jamón from Extremadura and, at Casa Serrano, an impressive variety of spices including saffron from La Mancha and pimentón (paprika) from La Vera region. While the best time to buy provisions may be earlier in the day, the market buzzes with life in the after-work hours.
An old Madrileño saying goes: “Si buscas algo, vete a Maravillas. Si no lo encuentras, es que no hay.” (If you’re looking for something, go to Maravillas. If you can’t find it, it doesn’t exist.) You only have to spend an hour here to see the truth in it.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Community of Madrid
122 Calle de Bravo MurilloThis behemoth is the largest municipal market in Europe, with 200 stalls where locals stock up on regional specialities such as suckling lamb from Burgos, jamón from Extremadura and, at Casa Serrano, an impressive variety of spices including saffron from La Mancha and pimentón (paprika) from La Vera region. While the best time to buy provisions may be earlier in the day, the market buzzes with life in the after-work hours.
An old Madrileño saying goes: “Si buscas algo, vete a Maravillas. Si no lo encuentras, es que no hay.” (If you’re looking for something, go to Maravillas. If you can’t find it, it doesn’t exist.) You only have to spend an hour here to see the truth in it.
In the bohemian district of Huertas, bordering the immigrant barrio of Lavapiés, Mercado de Antón Martín is one of the most traditional markets in the city, in use since 1941. Its 63 stalls sell just about everything: shoes, clothing, cutlery, organic produce, herbs, wine, and regional specialities at reasonable prices. Donde Sánchez, offering high-quality Spanish ceramics and other gifts along with a tasting counter (and recommendations from the friendly owner) is a good choice.
The market also offers outstanding eat-in fare: sushi at Yokaloka and Italian speciality porchetta at La Saletta.
148 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Best of Britain
5 C. de Sta. IsabelIn the bohemian district of Huertas, bordering the immigrant barrio of Lavapiés, Mercado de Antón Martín is one of the most traditional markets in the city, in use since 1941. Its 63 stalls sell just about everything: shoes, clothing, cutlery, organic produce, herbs, wine, and regional specialities at reasonable prices. Donde Sánchez, offering high-quality Spanish ceramics and other gifts along with a tasting counter (and recommendations from the friendly owner) is a good choice.
The market also offers outstanding eat-in fare: sushi at Yokaloka and Italian speciality porchetta at La Saletta.
Lavapiés is perhaps the most creative, multicultural neighbourhood in Madrid, and its Mercado de San Fernando hangs on to its working-class roots. After falling into disrepair, the market was revived through the efforts of local people and businesses a few years ago. Its shops and services attract everyone from grannies to hipsters, At the traditional vendors and speciality stalls such as La Buena Pinta, a craft-beer shop and La Siempre Llena, you can have Spanish wine bottled and corked in front of you for less than €5. Try a tortillita de camarones (prawn fritter, €1.50) at El Mochuelo, or the pintxo bacalao (€2.50) at Bond40.
181 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mercado San Fernando
41 C. de EmbajadoresLavapiés is perhaps the most creative, multicultural neighbourhood in Madrid, and its Mercado de San Fernando hangs on to its working-class roots. After falling into disrepair, the market was revived through the efforts of local people and businesses a few years ago. Its shops and services attract everyone from grannies to hipsters, At the traditional vendors and speciality stalls such as La Buena Pinta, a craft-beer shop and La Siempre Llena, you can have Spanish wine bottled and corked in front of you for less than €5. Try a tortillita de camarones (prawn fritter, €1.50) at El Mochuelo, or the pintxo bacalao (€2.50) at Bond40.