The capital city of Spain continually captivates with its rich cultural heritage and luxurious offerings. Think world-class museums, trendy bars and restaurants, and edgy shopping. Insomniacs feel at home in this town with its late-night tapas bars, as Earnest Hemingway said, “Nobody goes to bed in Madrid until they have killed the night.” Here is our guide to navigate the city’s hot spots and history.
What to see in Madrid?
Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando
Madrid’s heavy-hitting museums like The Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen Bornemisza in the museum quarter are tourist magnets, but if you want to experience a hidden treasure, brimming with Spanish, Italian, and Flemish masterpieces, then the Royal Academy is a must. This former art school, founded in the 18th Century by Fernando VI, to attract the best artistic talent in Europe, is now an art gallery and museum. Located on the Calle de Alcalá, in the heart of Madrid, tourists aren’t aware of the pivotal role it has played in nurturing some of the world’s greatest artists. After all, how many can boast of Picasso and Dali as students? Noteworthy exhibits include a rare self-portrait at the easel by Francisco De Goya (the only one of the artists working at the studio), as well as 12 other seminal works, including The Bullfight and the famous carnival scene.
Banksy Museum
Madrid’s museumgoers can discover the work of mysterious urban artist Banksy at this new cultural institution in the Arganzuela district, which contains Europe’s largest collection of his art. Open every day of the week, it displays over 170 pieces, including life-sized reproductions of some of his most iconic murals, such as ‘Girl with a Balloon’ and ‘The Flower Thrower’.
Where to Shop in Madrid?
In the former Palacio de la Equitativa, a historic building, Galería Canalejas is the latest symbol of style in the heart of Madrid. A luxury shopping- cum- gastronomy experience awaits as three floors of the finest brands (Hermes, Cartier, Rolex, and more) abound. Then there is the Food Hall, which boasts 13 restaurants with an array of cuisines, including Michelin-starred outposts and local stars. Don’t forget to sit under the art deco stained glass in the central atrium and sip a coffee in your new Aquazzura stilettos. No trip to Spain is complete without purchasing a pair of Espadrilles. Head to Pedro Garcia in the stylish Salamanca district – a brand favoured by Penelope Cruz, Queen Letizia. This third-generation family business continues to create unique pieces, almost a century later. Carry home a gift from Mantequeras Bravo, a quaint food store that hasn’t changed much since 1931. Take home a jar of sea-urchin caviar packaged in illustrated cans and Galician oysters in Albariño vinaigrette, all stocked behind the wooden and glass façade. And yes, the finest wines in Spain can be purchased here as well.
Where to Eat in Madrid?
The capital now boasts the newly awarded Michelin-starred restaurants VelascoAbellà, Pabú, Gofio, Chispa Bistró, and Sen Omakase. In its 2025 edition, the renowned gastronomic guide recognises a total of 28 restaurants in the city, alongside four Michelin Green Stars, 13 Bib Gourmand distinctions and 101 recommended establishments. Here are some recommendations:
The Tapas Crawl
The crawl is all about visiting multiple bars or restaurants in one night to sample small plates of food with drinks. Pretend you are a Madrileno, flitting from Tasca to Tasca sampling the small plates – albondigas (meatballs) and zamburinas (small scallops). The greatest concentration of Tapas bars is in the Villa y Corte section - the oldest part of town.
Mercado de la Paz
This is a 140-year-old institution that serves some of the most delectable treats, from wild game to giant Calanda peaches to the juiciest jamón and mouth-watering desserts. Must-try restaurants include the newly expanded Casa Dani, arguably the city's yummiest Spanish omelette, creamiest carbonara and Italian wines.
Sacha
A cozy bistro that locals and chefs frequent, Sacha offers home-style comfort mains – steak tartare, prawn cocktail, and daily specials that include razor clams or sweet breads.
Where to Stay in Madrid?
Madrid is home to many luxury hotels but these two stand out as our top picks.
Hotel Orfila
In the heart of Madrid, this Relais and Chateaux outpost is a palace hotel from 1886 with just 32 rooms, suites, and villas. The green garden courtyard with its trompe l’oeil (visual illusion) effects and period furniture is the ideal place to watch the world go by at your own pace.
Bless Hotel
Enjoy rooftop views of Madrid at this iconic hotel – a must-visit spot for Madrilenians, who come here for a swim and a taste of the Nikkei-inspired cuisine and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
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