Living up to its status as the capital of Spain, Madrid overflows with great spots — of all sorts. It’s impossible to mention them all, but we did put together a list, which is just a sampler. Follow the guide.
Cover photo: Abbie Bernet
Where to sleep?
Casa Gonzalez & Gonzalez, a small DIY shop in Madrid, is one of those places where you always find something to buy — and where each object was selected with care. To dive deeper into this universe, the teams set up a small room where you can stay for a night or a weekend. A tasteful and little-known spot, perfect for living like a local.
Casa Gonzalez & Gonzalez – C. de Pelayo, 68, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Photo: Casa Gonzalez & Gonzalez
Where to eat?
In Madrid, there’s no shortage of good restaurants. In recent years, the contemporary gastronomic scene has really taken off — to the delight of Madrileños and tourists alike. During your stay, don’t miss Charrúa, an eatery that serves meat and veg grilled on a barbecue in a modern chalet setting with a welcoming vibe. For a more futuristic space, head to Sala de Despiece 2, one of the last places where you can happily order sharing plates. On the menu: meat, fish, vegetables and seafood — with an inventive touch. As for the world-famous Spanish tapas, you’ll find them at Casa Macareno. Take a seat and ask for a croqueta, pimientos de padrón or patatas bravas. Do the same at Casa Lucio, a family business that offers traditional recipes. At TRAMO, you’ll get a more eco-responsible approach: in a sort of plant-filled greenhouse, the team serves seasonal dishes based on locally sourced ingredients.
Charrúa Madrid – C. del Conde de Xiquena, 4, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Sala de Despiece 2 – C. de la Virgen de los Peligros, 8, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Casa Macareno – C. de San Vicente Ferrer, 44, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Casa Lucio – C. de la Cava Baja, 35, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain
TRAMO – C. de Eugenio Salazar, 56, Chamartín, 28002 Madrid, Spain
Photo: Sala de Despiece 2
Where to grab a coffee?
Lesson No. 1: in Madrid, you (also) choose your cafés according to what food they serve. At lunchtime, the dishes at Hermanas Arce are colourful and delicious … just as tempting as their pastries, which go hand in hand with a hot drink in the late morning or mid-afternoon. For sourdough bread and pastries, try ACID Café, which has an undeniable Scandinavian feel.
Hermanas Arce – C. Marqués de Monasterio, 6, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
ACID Café – C. de la Verónica, 9, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Photo: Hermanas Arce
Where to stroll?
When the sun reaches its zenith, head for the shade at the Thyssen Bornemisza National Museum. Set up in a former palace, this museum holds artwork from the 13th to the 20th centuries, ranging from Renaissance to Pop Art. If the weather’s nice, take a stroll through El Retiro Park, a real oasis designed in 1630 — where you can even rent a little rowboat and glide on the lake.
Thyssen Bornemisza National Museum – P.º del Prado, 8, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Parc du Retiro – Retiro, 28009 Madrid, Spain
Photo: Unsplash / Pietra Cruz
Where to shop?
If you’re looking to avoid those ubiquitous 3D magnets (and other souvenirs that no one wants to collect anymore), set out for one of these shops. At Llop, choose a lovely ceramic piece crafted by a local artisan. At Libraría San Ginés (which has been there for centuries), you can find an antique book in Spanish — a great opportunity to learn the local dialect. And if you forgot anything in your suitcase, don’t panic: the two American Vintage stores in the city are packed with essentials.
Llop Madrid • C. de San Pedro, 9, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Librería San Ginés • Pasadizo de San Ginés, 2, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
American Vintage • C. de Claudio Coello, 45, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid, Spain; C. de Fernando VI, 3, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Photo: @littlenoobtraveler
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.