With its rich artistic and natural heritage, its outstanding transport network, the quality of its accommodation, its excellent gastronomy, and the passion with which the people of Madrid enjoy both the day and the night, the capital of Spain is one of the most attractive cities in the world.
New openings and events welcomed over the past two years prove it’s well deserving of its status as a trendy destination.
Wander Around the Landscape of Light
Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape. Known as the “Landscape of Light,” the site’s inscription in UNESCO’s list is a testimony to its singularity as an area that unites nature, culture and science in an urban setting, something that made Madrid Europe’s first sustainable capital city back in the 16th century.
As you wander the area, you’ll find not just Madrid’s three major art galleries — Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and Reina Sofía Museum — but also other historical and architectural gems like Royal Botanical Gardens, Puerta de Alcalá gate, and Cibeles and Neptuno fountains.
Prado Museum © Madrid Destino
New Museums!
This year (already inaugurated in June 2023) you can see the opening of Gallery of Royal Collections, an incredible seven-story building next to the Royal Palace that will hold different collections of paintings, decorative arts, weaponry and documents from Spain’s vast and extremely rich heritage.
Remember, also, just a few years ago, Liria Palace, the Duke of Alba’s Madrid residence, opened to the public for tours. Visitors to the fantastic palace right in the city center can wander through lavish rooms full of artwork, including a library that even displays documents signed by Christopher Columbus himself.
To enjoy music and the closeness of its performers, there is nothing better than listening to it live in small venues. In Madrid, you will find live music venues where you can not only be delighted by performances from established artists, singer-songwriters, and rock and jazz groups, but also discover many new talents.
Flamenco Show © Madrid Destino
Magical, mythical and with duende. Yes, the night of Madrid also has duende, manifested through flamenco, an artistic expression full of passion declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. You have at your disposal a wide range of theaters, bars and tablaos where you can appreciate the best of flamenco singing and enjoy the best gastronomy at the same time. This is the case of Corral de la Morería, the only flamenco tablao in the world with a Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant.
El Retiro Park © Madrid Destino
Discover Madrid’s Culinary History
Did you know the city is home to the world’s oldest restaurant, according to Guinness World Records? Founded in 1725, with almost three centuries of history, Botín is truly worthy of this title, making it one of the most authentic dining options in the Spanish capital.
Eating in a Market
If you want to experience Madrid’s gastronomy in all its breadth, try visiting its markets. You will find traditional cuisine, tapas, avant-garde dishes and cuisines from around the world. In addition to the famous San Miguel Market, visit San Antón Market in the Chueca neighborhood or Vallehermoso Market in Argüelles, both full of culinary proposals and a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends.
Enjoy a Tapas Route in True Madrid Style
Gastronomy has a strong presence in all of Madrid’s neighbourhoods and wandering around them on a tapas crawl is an experience not to be missed. If you’re looking for something new and exciting, we suggest you visit the Chueca, Conde Duque and Malasaña areas, where many Madrid residents head to enjoy the city’s gastronomy in a casual atmosphere; or the area of Lavapiés, whose international flavors never fail to surprise.
© Madrid Destino
Treat Yourself to a Signature Cocktail
To finish off your exploration of Madrid’s diverse, fantastic gastronomy, what could be better than a signature cocktail? The Spanish capital is renowned for mixology, and is home to establishments that have received major international recognition, such as Diego Cabrera’s bar Salmón Guru. According to The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021 list, it boasts the best service and hospitality in the world. It is also ranked 16th on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list.
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