To help fight the dreaded January blues, Katie and Annelot traveled to Madrid for a long weekend, and it was the ultimate blend of culture, fun, sightseeing, and delicious food.
We spent our first day touring a few beautiful local hotels (more on that later), breaking our day with a long, leisurely lunch. Throughout the weekend, we spent our days wandering through the lively streets of Malasaña and Chueca, where our hotel was situated. This happening area had streets lined with coffee shops, bakeries, and tapas bars. In the evenings, we enjoyed delicious dining experiences at local restaurants and wine bars. A perfect mix of history, style, and cuisine, Madrid promises an excellent getaway filled with endless new memories and experiences.
Where to eat: we loved our dining experience at Osa. Tucked away into an unassuming building within a residential street, Osa is truly a hidden gem (for now!). The restaurant seamlessly blends minimalist decor into their intimate, warm, and inviting dining room. While this one-Michelin star spot obviously offers an elevated dining experience, it’s still informal and relaxed, with a menu that highlights fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. We especially loved the wine pairings they offered us – both from local, female-owned and run wineries.
Where to drink: Madrid is absolutely buzzing with cozy bars, trendy rooftop bars, nightlife, and classic tapas spots. We recommend a vermouth at a traditional Spanish bar in La Latina, or a creative cocktail at one of the many incredible hidden gems. We loved our dimly lit wine bar experience at Corchito, though there are many, many fantastic spots to choose from in Madrid.
Best shopping: step aside, Paris and London! Madrid is a shopper’s paradise that offers everything from high-end shops to unique local boutiques. We’re definitely on the ‘unique local’ boutiques side, and would recommend the neighbourhoods of Malasaña and Chueca, where you can discover independent boutiques, vintage shops, and one-of-a-kind pieces. And on Sundays, don’t miss El Rastro, the city’s famous open-air flea market!
Must do: catch an authentic Flamenco show. Flamenco is an unforgettable cultural experience, offering a passionate and beautiful celebration of Spanish dance tradition. The city is home to numerous venues where you can witness this art form at its finest, from intimate rooms to grand theatres. We have a few great suggestions for experiencing a more authentic Flamenco show, so be sure to reach out when you’re ready to plan your trip and we will share all of our favourite spots!
As we wrap up our whirlwind tour of Madrid, it is abundantly clear to us that this beautifully vibrant city can offer something unique and special to every traveler. Whether you’re looking for museums, art, tapas, flamenco, elevated dining, boutique shopping, or more, Madrid will make you want to plan another trip back before you’ve even left!
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