Madrid
Day 1
Day 2
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
Dessert & Snacks
Brunch & Lunch
Cafe de la Lux
V
VE
Cozy cafe near Gran Via. Can get everything from breakfast to dinner. Also has really good coffee!
$$
Menu
Eat My Trip Brunch & Cocktails
V
VE
GF
DF
A great place to grab brunch after touring the Royal Palace. We recommend the pancakes and avo toast. They have a location in Malasana and also in Barcelona.
$$ - $$$
Menu
Federal Café
V
VE
GF
Best brunch spot, salads, oat milk latte, avo toast, yogurt, brioche
$ - $$
Menu
HanSo Cafe
V
VE
GF
Amazing avocado toast options, coffees, avocado toast with scrambled egg and parm is great. Can get crowded on weekends.
$
Menu
Honest Greens
V
VE
GF
DF
Flower child vibes bowls/plates w sides (so yum). It is probably worth downloading the app if you are living here. Open till 11PM Sun-Thu and 12AM on weekends.
$
Menu
Juana La Loca
V
VE
GF
DF
INCREDIBLE tapas! New find and new fave. 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, all the potato dishes and the "ravioli." Have lots of vegetarian and gluten free options.
$$
Menu
Il Morso
V
"Arguably one of the best sandwiches I have ever had in my life! Open late!
Rating: 10/10
Rating: 10/10
$ - $$
Website
Mercado de San Miguel
V
VE
GF
DF
Absolutely worth checking out! Can get a variety of food.
$ - $$
Website
Roots Lamarca
V
VE
GF
Go after 1PM for create your own bowls (NY vibes, cute activewear shop attached)
$
Menu
Zenith
V
VE
GF
DF
Great for brunch, smoothie bowls, eggs, pancakes, etc. Not expensive, but super busy on weekends and no rez. They have a ton of vegan options.
Rating: 10/10
Rating: 10/10
$
Menu
Dinner
Amazónico
V
GF
Amazing!! Some people say it is their best meal in Madrid. Also has an awesome Jungle Jazz Club! Get nigiri, spicy tuna roll, the best chicken salad ever, lamb (Insane!) and the sea bass which was mid. But you must come here even if it's just for drinks. Get wine because it is more economical than getting drinks!
Rating: 10/10
Rating: 10/10
$$$
Menu
Akiro
V
GF
INSANE!! Sit at the bar for the full experience. They open at 8pm but there was already a line at 7:45pm. Everything is so amazing and fresh. The chefs are the real deal!! Best miso soup with pieces of yellow tail!!!! Get the hand rolls, sashimi, premium salmon nigiri with truffle (get 2!!). They are very allergen friendly too!
Rating: 100/10
Rating: 100/10
$$
Menu
Beata Pasta
V
VE
GF
DF
New find! Great pasta and pizzetta to start. Must try when in Madrid. From the chefs behind the Big Mamma group. Great prices and a great experience.
$$
Menu
Bel Mondo
V
GF
DF
Part of Big Mamma group, so delicious, amazing moscato. We love the truffle and vongole pastas!
$$ - $$$
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
Fratelli d'Italia Chueca
V
VE
GF
Cute and affordable Italian in Chueca. Good for lunch or dinner
$$ - $$$
Menu
Hotaru Sushi
GF
Absolutely amazing! Has a Michelin star and is on the expensive side but it is worth it.
$$$
Menu
Lamucca
V
VE
GF
Several locations (we ate at Del Carmen) Calamari, steak and empanadas were so good and vibe was great.
$$
Menu
La Musa
V
VE
GF
DF
Amazing and so fun! Get the calamari, pad thai and dumplings. They have a regular menu plus a special menu that changes daily.
Rating: 10/10
Rating: 10/10
$$ - $$$
Menu
Numa Pompilio
V
GF
Great option for dinner or lunch with parents. Lots of options on menu for vegetarian, meat or fish lover. Has gluten free options
$$$
Menu
Pestana CR7
V
"Christiano Renaldos Hotel on Gran Via. Great location. The food was amammmmaaazing. We loved everything! The eggplant parm was in chip form and it was sick. Get jello shots at the end of the night!" Located in the hotels pizzeria.
$$ - $$$
Website
Quintin
V
GF
Great spot to bring parents. Cutest atmosphere and varied menu. We loved the quinoa with caviar, avocado salad, artichoke and steak. Same group that own Ten Con Ten
$$$
Menu
Sala de Despiece
V
GF
Food they make in front of you. Steak, octopus, shishito peppers and artichoke were all very yum.
$$
Menu
Steakburger
V
VE
GF
DF
Casual chain around Madrid but literally so delicious and good vibes.
$ - $$
Menu
Sushita
V
VE
GF
Good sushi, they have many different branches that differ in fanciness and cost so check before you go
$$ - $$$
Menu
Takos al Pastor
V
Casual spot that usually has a mega line but for good reason - so cheap and delicious and food comes out fast.
Tatel
V
VE
GF
Traditional Spanish with a twist. New find! Get the burrata and the risotto. "Tuna carpaccio was a must and the miso cod was one of the best I’ve ever had." They have live music too.
$
Menu
Ten Con Ten
V
VE
GF
DF
Super yum, must go, get the risotto and green truffle pasta. Also loved the monkfish ten con ten and the chicken tika. Good for when your family comes bc expensive. Has lots of vegetarian options too.
$$$
Menu
Villa Capri
V
GF
A more casual version of Bel Mondo, cheese wheel pasta and truffle croquettes, great for lunch or dinner.
Rating: 10/10
Rating: 10/10
$$
Menu
Dessert & Snacks
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
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
Club Malanaña
Great spot on the weekends
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
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 groceries
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 groceries
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
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
Faves
Coffee
Hanso Cafe
Ambu Cafe
ACID Cafe
Pum Pum Café
Ambu Cafe
ACID Cafe
Pum Pum Café
Lunch
Honest Greens - make. your own bowls and plates
Roots Lamarca - go after 1pm for "create your own bowls"
Greta - custom salads (Chop't vibes)
Mazal Bagel - amazing bagels!
Federal Cafe - great toasts and pancakes
Focacciamo - good sandwiches
See full lunch list on Madrid page
Roots Lamarca - go after 1pm for "create your own bowls"
Greta - custom salads (Chop't vibes)
Mazal Bagel - amazing bagels!
Federal Cafe - great toasts and pancakes
Focacciamo - good sandwiches
See full lunch list on Madrid page
Dinner
Red Project Sushi - get everything with truffle!
Bar Tomate - Mix of Italian and tapas
NAP - great pizza, chill vibes
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
NAP - great pizza, chill vibes
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
Mazal Bagels
Tierra Burrito - Chipotle of Madrid
Oakberry Acai Bowls
Tiki Taco - Good margs and €1 tacos
Sushi Mix
Mazal Bagels
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
Kapital - 7 story club, sceney
Icon - classic, fun but smaller
Salmon Guru - cocktail bar
Dubliner - Irish pub bar with funny shots
Espit Chupitos - BEST shot bar! Either location!
See our full nightlife list on Madrid page
Kapital - 7 story club, sceney
Icon - classic, fun but smaller
Salmon Guru - cocktail bar
Dubliner - Irish pub bar with funny shots
Espit Chupitos - BEST shot bar! Either location!
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
Wow Concept - sick department store
El Corte Inglés - spanish Nordstrom
Calle De Serrano - Salamanca
Fuencarral - street with cute stores
El Rastro - flea market on Sundays
Wow Concept - sick department store
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.
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
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
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
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 the Tuscan countryside!
*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 the Tuscan countryside!
