Madrid
Day 1
Day 2
Day 1
10:00AM
Café Federal
Brunch. Food is yummy but sometimes line is long. Multiple locations so check where you are going.
11:15AM
Mercado de San Miguel
Food hall for breakfast or lunch. Go here as your first stop of the day if you prefer a quicker meal and skip a sit down brunch. Whether you eat here or not, it's fun to see!
11:30AM
Plaza Mayor
Huge square with lots of touristy tapas bars on the streets around it.
12:45PM
Royal Palace
Try to get tickets to the royal kitchen if you can! Really cool to see.
6:30PM
Hotel to rest and refresh
111:45AM
Prado Museum
Goya and Velasquez, very old art. Las Meninas is very famous painting.
4:00PM
Malasana
Thrift shops to shop and browse (and if time go to Salamanca too or instead of Malasana)
7:00PM
Hotel to refresh
Brunch & Lunch
Dinner
Brunch & Lunch
Brunchit
V
VE
GF
Unreal brunch food. We love the sweet potato fries and vegan pancakes
Multiple Locations
$ - $$
Menu
Roots Lamarca
V
VE
GF
Amazing create your own bowls with a variety of proteins and toppings. They also have cute activewear shop attached
$ - $$
Menu
Federal Café
V
VE
GF
Great brunch spot with salads, oat milk lattes, toasts, and sandwiches
Multiple locations
$ - $$
Menu
$ - $$
Menu
HanSo Cafè
V
VE
GF
Amazing toast options, coffees, and bagels. Pesto toast and avocado toast with scrambled egg and parm is great. Can get crowded on weekends
Multiple Locations
$
Menu
Zenith Brunch & Cocktails
VE
GF
Great for brunch, smoothie bowls, eggs, pancakes, etc. Not expensive, but can get busy on weekends and they only take walk-ins
Multiple Locations
$ - $$
Menu
Honest Greens
V
VE
GF
DF
Great healthy bowls, salads, and plates. It is probably worth downloading the app if you are living here!
Multiple Locations
$
Menu
Juana La Loca
V
VE
GF
DF
INCREDIBLE tapas! Must get in line about 20 minutes before they open to get a table but there are standing room options. We loved the sea bass with truffle, and the "ravioli"
$$
Menu
Divorare
V
"Arguably one of the best sandwiches I have ever had in my life!" They're also open late
Multiple Locations
$ - $$
Menu
$
Menu
Watts Cantina
V
VE
GF
Amazing pancakes and eggs. No reservations and they're closed on Wednesdays
$ - $$
Instagram
Eat My Trip Brunch & Cocktails
V
VE
GF
DF
A great place to grab brunch after touring the Royal Palace. We recommend the pancakes and guacascramble.
Multiple Locations
$$ - $$$
Menu
Mercado de San Miguel
V
VE
GF
DF
Absolutely worth checking out! large food hall market with a wide variety of food options.
$ - $$
Website
$
Menu
Panther
V
VE
GF
DF
Joe & the juice in Madrid! Literally the same menu just under a different name and logo
$
Menu
$
Menu
Falafeleria
V
GF
Great make your own falafel sandwich or salad with lots of options
Multiple Locations
$
Menu
Dinner
Tiki Taco
V
VE
Great 1 euro tacos and margarita's! Quick, easy, and cheap dinner
Multiple Locations
$
Menu
Amazónico
V
GF
Great sushi, steak, meats, salads, and vibes! Also has an awesome Jungle Jazz Club attached. It's on the expensive side but is SO worth it. Make a reservation in advance. Part of Paraguas restaurant group
$$$
Menu
Akiro Hand Roll Bar
V
GF
Some of the most fresh hand rolls, sashimi, and nigiri in Madrid! They open at 8pm and it's first come first serve so we recommend getting there on time They are very allergen friendly too!
$$ - $$$
Menu
Ten Con Ten
V
VE
GF
DF
Super yum and a must go. Get the truffle risotto and green truffle pasta. Great family restaurant because it's on the expensive side. Make a reservation in advance. Part of Paraguas restaurant group
$$$
Menu
Fayer
V
VE
GF
DF
Has a Michelin star but not as expensive and worth every penny. Get the fattoush salad, hummus, and falafel
$$
Menu
Bakan
V
Such yummy Mexican food. Spicy margarita is great and the vibes are phenomenal. Good place to go before going out—make a reservation before
$ - $$
Menu
Circolo Populare
V
GF
DF
Insanely good Italian restaurant in the Big Mamma group. The decor in this place is beautiful
$$ - $$$
Menu
Tatel
V
VE
GF
AMAZING! Get the red salmon and truffle milanese. They also have live music.
$$ - $$$
Menu
Bar Tomate
V
VE
GF
Mix of really great tapas and Italian! Get the guacamole and salmon
$$ - $$$
Menu
Bel Mondo
V
GF
DF
Part of Big Mamma group, so delicious, amazing moscato. The BEST truffle pasta and great pizza's.
$$ - $$$
Menu
Villa Capri
V
GF
A more casual version of Bel Mondo with the same menu but it's easier to get reservations here! Part of Big Mamma group
$$
Menu
Chambao
V
GF
DF
Amazing steakhouse and great for a birthday! They have dancers and live music, so fun!
$$$
Menu
Coctelería Inclán Brutal Bar
V
Tapas and drinks served in whimsical containers. So cute. New add!!
$ - $$
Menu
My Pasta Room
V
Great build your own pasta dishes with a lot of pasta shapes and sauces to choose from. Great for takeout as well
$ - $$
Menu
La Unica
V
VE
GF
DF
Amazing underrated Mexican food with a big menu. They also have so many types of authentic tequila here (Rare for Spain!) Easy to get a last minute res here
$$ - $$$
Menu
Restaurant Her
V
GF
Amazing Italian/Mediterranean. You have to get the fried eggplant dish—it's incredible
$$
Menu
Hotaru Sushi
GF
Absolutely amazing sushi. Has a Michelin star and is on the expensive side but it is worth it.
$$$
Menu
La Musa Malasaña
V
VE
GF
DF
Great local tapas in Malasańa. They have a regular menu plus a special menu that changes daily.
$$
Menu
Roostiq
V
VE
GF
DF
Really good steak, pizza, and vibes! They have a DJ and fun bar as well
$$ - $$$
Menu
Mune
V
VE
GF
DF
Amazing mediterranean food with 2 locations in Madrid. we recommend getting a variety of dips and meats
$$
Locations
Numa Pompilio
V
GF
Great dinner option for parents. Great option for dinner or lunch with parents. Lots of options on menu for vegetarian, gluten free, meat or fish lover. Part of Paraguas restaurant group
$$$
Menu
Pestana CR7
V
"Christiano Renaldos Hotel on Gran Via. Great location. The food was amammmmaaazing. We loved everything! The eggplant parm was in chip form and it was sick. Get jello shots at the end of the night!" Located in the hotels pizzeria.
$$ - $$$
Website
Ultramarinos Quintín
V
GF
Great mediterranean spot to bring parents. We love the quinoa with caviar, avocado salad, artichoke and steak. Part of Paraguas restaurant group.
$$$
Menu
Boom Boom Ciao
V
VE
Great fun restaurant. They have a large menu and really fun drinks. Great to go here before going out
$$
Menu
Sala de Despiece
V
GF
Food they make in front of you. Steak, octopus, shishito peppers and artichoke were all very yum
$$
Menu
Sushita
V
VE
GF
Good sushi, they have many different branches that differ in fanciness and cost so check before you go
$$ - $$$
Locations
Takos al Pastor
V
Casual spot that usually has a mega line but for good reason and it usually goes fast. So cheap and delicious and food comes out fast.
Totó
V
VE
DF
Italian/Mediterranean by the same owners as Tatel. Every pasta dish is insane!
$$ - $$$
Menu
Chocolateria San Gines
V
Most famous churros in Madrid! Get churros and the hot chocolate (not like American hot chocolate!)
$
Menu
$
Menu
Dosis Cafe
The BEST chocolate chip cookies! Also has good specialty coffee and matcha
$
Website
Old School Bakehouse
YUM gooey cinnamon rolls and other great bakery items!
Sights
Activities
Sights
Chueca
Great food and dessert places, right next to Malasaña
Gran Via
Street to shop and walk around, tons of stores, restaurants, bars, etc. You'll find Zara, Pull and Bear, H&M, Loewe, and others
Malasaña
Cool neighborhood, walk around, good for thrift stores. Filled with bars, shops, restaurants, thrifting, cafes (similar to the lower east side in NYC)
Museo de Prado
Such a famous museum, lots of famous European art works (Goya and Velazquez, etc.)
Plaza de España
Zara is here
Puerta de Sol
Very busy public square, all the big stores you know are there, crowded
Reina Sofia Museum
Another great museum, more modern and contemporary than the Prado (has a Warhol exhibit)
Retiro Park
Amazing, so pretty in city center, see Crystal Palace, boat around the garden, see the Peacock Garden
Salamanca
Good area for shopping. Designer shops, nice restaurants, Calle Serrano is the fancy posh street
Temple Debod
Ancient Eqyptian temple, great spot for sunset
Thyssen Museum
3rd art museum that completes the museum triangle (with Prado and Reina)
Activities
Eco Tuktuk Tour
Such a great way to see the city! Highly recommend!
Ranking - 9/10
Ranking - 9/10
Free Tour
Learn the essentials during this free tour of all the "musts." (Don't forget to tip your guide though!).
Paella & Tapas Cooking Class
All we can say is yum! Such a fun night with friends!
Tapas & Wine Tour
There is really no better way to get a feel for the culture than eating and drinking in the Latin Quarter!
Budget
Average
Splurge
Budget
The Generator Hostel
Near Grand Via. Doubles approx $50-$60 per bed nightly
Latroupe Prado
Private rooms are around $125 per person per night
The Hat Madrid
Private rooms are around $80 per person per night
Average
Aloft madrid
Gran via $275 per night
H10 Hotel Puerta de Alcala
In a good location near Retiro Park. Doubles approx $97 per night, per person.
H10 Hotel Villa De La Reina
A nice boutique hotel option near Gran Via! Doubles approx $115 per night, per person.
Hotel Luz
Around $230 per night for a double
Hotel Regente
Gran via $230 per night for a double
Innside
Approx $275 per night for a double
Westin Palace hotel
Approximately $250 per night
Villa Real
Approx $275 per night for a double
Splurge
Hospes Puerta de Alcala
Near Parque Retiro - $450 per night for a weekend
Cool Rooms Madrid
Approximately $450 per night for a weekend
Vincci the Mint
Approximately $375 for a double
Bars & Clubs
Bars
Clubs
Bars & Clubs
Bars
The Madrid Edition
Great bar to hang out. Good vibes and amazing drinks.
Rating: 8.8/10
Rating: 8.8/10
Mauz
Great cocktail bar. There is a bar in front and a private area in the back with seats and tables. Espresso martini is great!
Clubs
Istar
Super fun vibes. Get a table! Good on Tuesday and Wednesday nights!
Ranking: 9.5/10
Ranking: 9.5/10
Kapital
One of the most popular clubs in Madrid. It's huge with 7 floors and different music in each area. Good scene on Friday and Saturday nights.
Rating: 9/10
Teatro Barcelo
Really fun. Play a lot of authentic Spanish music.
Good To Know
Living Set Up
Navigating
Study Spots
Faves
Shopping
Good To Know
1. It's often easier to get a taxi vs an Uber, although ubers are relatively inexpensive.
2. It can get pretty cold in the winter months so bring a warm jacket
3. Make your dinner reservations for 8:30/9pm. And tipping isn't really a thing.
4. There is a siesta between 3-5pm every day.
5. Going out after 1am is prob the best time to go out but a lot of clubs will give you free entry and drinks if you show up between 12 and 1am.
2. It can get pretty cold in the winter months so bring a warm jacket
3. Make your dinner reservations for 8:30/9pm. And tipping isn't really a thing.
4. There is a siesta between 3-5pm every day.
5. Going out after 1am is prob the best time to go out but a lot of clubs will give you free entry and drinks if you show up between 12 and 1am.
Living Set Up
El Cortes Ingles
Really great option for all your household needs. You can get towels, sheets, kitchen supplies, etc.
Flying Tiger
Also great option for necessities. They have a bunch of locations throughout Barcelona.
Ikea
Your typical Ikea but has a lot and prices are pretty good. There are several locations.
Groceries
Mercado de San Miguel - 20 stalls with a variety to choose from. Good for fresh fruits
Anton Martin Market - also stalls with fresh produce, meats, etc.
Mercado San Antón - bottom floor as a good selection of groceries and top has tapas and fast food
San Fernando Market - has a nice variety of foods to choose from
Mercado de la Paz - popular indoor marketplace
They are all "stall" style and very similar so just pick the one closest!
Corte Ingles - more of a Whole Foods style market. You can also get things like garbage bags, ziplocs, etc. here. There is more than one location.
Dia - good for everyday groceries
Carefore - also good for everyday groceries.
Eroski
Colmado de Bienes- great health food store
Anton Martin Market - also stalls with fresh produce, meats, etc.
Mercado San Antón - bottom floor as a good selection of groceries and top has tapas and fast food
San Fernando Market - has a nice variety of foods to choose from
Mercado de la Paz - popular indoor marketplace
They are all "stall" style and very similar so just pick the one closest!
Corte Ingles - more of a Whole Foods style market. You can also get things like garbage bags, ziplocs, etc. here. There is more than one location.
Dia - good for everyday groceries
Carefore - also good for everyday groceries.
Eroski
Colmado de Bienes- great health food store
Navigating
Carlos - driver
Use him for airport pickup - €35 for a small car, €50 for a big van. Also good for early flights or if traveling alone.
+34 696 85 80 39
+34 696 85 80 39
Study Spots
HanSo Cafe - good vibes and great toast too
La Bicicleta - in Malasaña - good if you have a lot to get done
Pum Pum Cafe - good spot and the carrot cake is amazing!
Federal Cafe - good place to do work with friends. Near Icade
Osom Coffee House - desks with a large setup to do work
Gosto Cafe - have a downstairs section with big tables and places to plug in your devices while doing work!
La Bicicleta - in Malasaña - good if you have a lot to get done
Pum Pum Cafe - good spot and the carrot cake is amazing!
Federal Cafe - good place to do work with friends. Near Icade
Osom Coffee House - desks with a large setup to do work
Gosto Cafe - have a downstairs section with big tables and places to plug in your devices while doing work!
Faves
Coffee
Hanso Cafe
Noboru Specialty Coffee (best cold brew)
Good News (one of the few places in Madrid that makes a good iced caramel latte)
Ambu Cafe
Roots Cafe (great matcha)
ACID Cafe
Pum Pum Café
Noboru Specialty Coffee (best cold brew)
Good News (one of the few places in Madrid that makes a good iced caramel latte)
Ambu Cafe
Roots Cafe (great matcha)
ACID Cafe
Pum Pum Café
Lunch
Honest Greens - make. your own bowls and plates
The Fix Cafe - great salads
Roots Lamarca - go after 1pm for "create your own bowls"
Greta - custom salads (Chop't vibes)
Mazal Bagels - amazing bagels!
Federal Cafe - great toasts and pancakes
Divorare - good sandwiches
Zenith - great sandwiches, salads, bowls, and toasts
See full lunch list on Madrid page
The Fix Cafe - great salads
Roots Lamarca - go after 1pm for "create your own bowls"
Greta - custom salads (Chop't vibes)
Mazal Bagels - amazing bagels!
Federal Cafe - great toasts and pancakes
Divorare - good sandwiches
Zenith - great sandwiches, salads, bowls, and toasts
See full lunch list on Madrid page
Dinner
Tiki Taco - quick and easy dinner and good to eat before going out
Bar Tomate - Mix of Italian and tapas
Akiro Hand Roll Bar - best sushi in Madrid
Ten Con Ten - on the expensive side but amazing and worth it!
My Pasta Room - a must!!
See full dinner list on Madrid page
Bar Tomate - Mix of Italian and tapas
Akiro Hand Roll Bar - best sushi in Madrid
Ten Con Ten - on the expensive side but amazing and worth it!
My Pasta Room - a must!!
See full dinner list on Madrid page
Take Out/Quick Bites
Order on Glovo or Uber Eats
Sushi Mix
Focacciamo - great sandwiches
Tierra Burrito - Chipotle of Madrid
Oakberry Acai Bowls
Tiki Taco - Good margs and €1 tacos
Sushi Mix
Focacciamo - great sandwiches
Tierra Burrito - Chipotle of Madrid
Oakberry Acai Bowls
Tiki Taco - Good margs and €1 tacos
Bars & Nightlife
Fucking Mondays - every Monday! Buy in advance for cheaper, they come out on Thursdays at 7pm
Istar - go on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, really good music and they bring in famous DJs
Kapital - 7 story club, sceney, good on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Salmon Guru - cocktail bar
Dubliners - Irish pub bar with cheap shots, great pregame spot
Espit Chupitos - BEST shot bar! Either location is great to pregame
Macera - good for a bar hopping night
See our full nightlife list on Madrid page
Istar - go on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, really good music and they bring in famous DJs
Kapital - 7 story club, sceney, good on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Salmon Guru - cocktail bar
Dubliners - Irish pub bar with cheap shots, great pregame spot
Espit Chupitos - BEST shot bar! Either location is great to pregame
Macera - good for a bar hopping night
See our full nightlife list on Madrid page
Shopping
Local Favorites
Gran Via - has lots of stores like Zara, HM, etc
El Corte Inglés - spanish Nordstrom
Calle De Serrano - Salamanca
Fuencarral - street with cute stores
El Rastro - flea market on Sundays
Kinda Kinks - cool, curated vintage
Wow Concept - sick department store, salamanca location is the best
Malasaña - best vintage shopping
El Corte Inglés - spanish Nordstrom
Calle De Serrano - Salamanca
Fuencarral - street with cute stores
El Rastro - flea market on Sundays
Kinda Kinks - cool, curated vintage
Wow Concept - sick department store, salamanca location is the best
Malasaña - best vintage shopping
Workouts
Hair & Nails
Brows
Workouts
Gymage Lounge Resort
Typical gym with machines, classes, etc. Pay €49.99 monthly. Rooftop is sick for when it gets warm.
Tracy Anderson
Amazing classes and a gorgeous studio! You do not need a membership to take a class and you can book on the Mind Body app
BeatCore
AMAZING pilates for all levels. You can book through the website or on ClassPass. They have a location in Salamanca and Chamberi
Solid Studio
Similar pilates to Solidcore. You can book through the website or on Class Pass
Fit Club Collective
Great class options! They have pilates, hit, and yoga and a cafe with great coffee attached. You can book through the website or on Class Pass
Fit Up
Lots of class options and machines and weights. Have a bunch of different pass option from monthly to weekly to daily. Have several locations
Hair & Nails
Daniel Romero
Great option for blow-drys and even color. They love American's and could not be nicer. In the Salamanca district.
Brows
Mirame
Good option for threading
Distance From Madrid
Toledo - 33 min train, 50 min drive
Cordoba - 1 hr, 50 min train
Valencia - 2 hours by train
Valencia Page
Seville - 2.5 hours by train
Seville Page
Granada - 3.5 hour train
Use Trainline to figure out your best travel options!
Madrid With Family!
Below please find a small selection of some of our favorite hotels, activities and restaurants that may be great to enjoy when family visits.
To get our full recommendation list and enjoy hotel amenities and personalized service, with no financial commitment, please contact our partner, Betsy Polatsch with Smart Flyer!
Virtuoso amenities often include:
*Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
*Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
*$100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
*Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
*Complimentary Wi-Fi
Please mention GTGabroad to reap the most rewards!
To get our full recommendation list and enjoy hotel amenities and personalized service, with no financial commitment, please contact our partner, Betsy Polatsch with Smart Flyer!
Virtuoso amenities often include:
*Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
*Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
*$100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
*Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
*Complimentary Wi-Fi
Please mention GTGabroad to reap the most rewards!
Lodging
Four Seasons Hotel
Incredible hotel in the heart of Madrid! They have multiple dining/bar options, a gorgeous gym and amazing rooms.
Mandarin Oriental Ritz
In a great area right next to the Prado Museum. Five start luxury at its finest!
Rosewood Villa Magna
Located in a quieter area of Madrid but walking distance to many more bustling areas.
Edition
Part of the Marriott group. A newer hotel in Madrid that has a lot of great buzz
Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá
Great perks for American Express card holders and in a great location (Salamanca)
Activity Ideas
What Betsy Recommends!
Some fun, interactive and memorable activities that are great to do with families!
*Food tour of Mercado San Anton
*Day trip to Toledo
*Visit to Prado and Royal Palace
*See a flamenco show at Cardamomo or Corral de la Moreria
For extensive descriptions and to book please contact Betsy at SmartFlyer.
*Food tour of Mercado San Anton
*Day trip to Toledo
*Visit to Prado and Royal Palace
*See a flamenco show at Cardamomo or Corral de la Moreria
For extensive descriptions and to book please contact Betsy at SmartFlyer.
Dining Musts
*Ten Con Ten - it's the food. It's the vibe. This is an absolute must in Madrid!
*Amazonico - Asian, Mediterranean & Brazilian cuisines meet in an Amazon-themed space with live jazz.
*Numa Pompilio - amazing Italian when you just can't take anymore tapas!
*Tatel - traditional Spanish food with a vintage clube vibe.
*Santerra - great option if you want to do a tasting menu!
Contact SmartFlyer for all of GTGabroad approved dining in Madrid!
*Amazonico - Asian, Mediterranean & Brazilian cuisines meet in an Amazon-themed space with live jazz.
*Numa Pompilio - amazing Italian when you just can't take anymore tapas!
*Tatel - traditional Spanish food with a vintage clube vibe.
*Santerra - great option if you want to do a tasting menu!
Contact SmartFlyer for all of GTGabroad approved dining in Madrid!
