Although it’s often overlooked in favour of Barcelona, the Spanish capital is packed with great spots to visit and things to do. Here are a few good reasons to plan your next weekend there.
Cover photo: Alex Vasey
1/ For the variety of the local cuisine
When you think of Spain, you think of tapas. In Madrid, there are countless bars dedicated to these savoury morsels. A few that stand out: Hermanos Vinagre, which has several locations in the city, and Sala de Despiece, a former butcher shop converted into a restaurant with mouth-watering dishes. For those of you with a sweet tooth, make a final stop at La Duquesita, an artisanal pastry shop with vintage decoration.
Hermanos Vinagre — C. De Narváez, 58, 28009 Madrid
Sala de Despiece — C/ de Ponzano, 11, 28010 Madrid
La Duquesita — C. de Fernando VI, 2, 28004 Madrid
2/ For the cultural treasures
Velásquez, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró … The list of world-famous artists exhibited at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum goes on and on. Make the most of your visit and stroll through the corridors of the Prado Museum (which includes European painters from the 14th to the early 19th centuries) and the Museo Reina Sofia (which focuses on contemporary art).
Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum — P.º del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid
Prado Museum — C. de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid
Museo Reina Sofia — C. de Sta. Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid
3/ For the expansive green spaces
In the centre of Madrid, you will find the lovely El Retiro Park and its lake (where you can rent a rowboat), not to mention the Sabatini Gardens, decorated in a Neoclassic style, and the Madrid Río Park, an urban garden set up on the banks of the Manzanares River. Nature lovers will also be delighted to discover the Royal Botanical Garden, home to over 5,000 different plant species.
4/ Bonus: shopping at American Vintage!
In May, American Vintage inaugurated a new store in Madrid with clothing for men, women and kids!
American Vintage Madrid, Fernando VI
Calle Fernando VI, n°3, 28004 Madrid
AMV Journal is a space dedicated to encounters, discovery and travel. Every week, explore the musts, portraits and inspirations of American Vintage and its creation studio.