A Design Lover’s Field Guide to Madrid</a>

*GRAN VIA ST - PHOTO CREDIT: VICTORIA RUIZ DEL OLMO.*

Most of the time, when I talk about visiting Spain with clients and friends, I find that most of them have been to beautiful Barcelona, but very few people are familiar with Madrid.

Madrid, Spain's capital, is the third-largest city in Europe, and while it has many modern infrastructures, it’s historic elements have been preserved. From the 9th-century Muslim Walls to the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, and many other landmarks, there is a piece of history in every street.

Madrid is a city that’s so full of life, culture, and things to do that it is difficult to summarize in a few paragraphs.

I have lived in this city that I love dearly for fourteen years with lots of friends and experiences to share. I’m excited to take you on a tour of some of my favorite places in the Spanish capital.

Where to stay

Only YOU Boutique Hotel Barquillo, 21

This historic 19th-century mansion is located in one of the trendiest areas of Madrid. The hotel decor by Lázaro Rosa-Violán is bliss for Instagram lovers. Choose between multiple room styles that either overlook the quiet interior courtyard or the city.

ME Madrid Reina Victoria Plaza de Santa Ana, 14

This hotel was famously known for being the place where the "bullfighters" used to stay in Madrid. The 19191 hotel maintained its original façade while completely refurbishing its interior. It now boasts an eclectic decor, combining exclusive designer furniture with contemporary artwork and neutral colors. The rooftop bar, Radio, offers spectacular city views, a place to relax in the afternoon, and a lively atmosphere at night.

*JUNIOR SUITE SPACE CLUB BY ZAHA HADID. HOTEL PUERTA DE AMERICA*

Silken Puerta America Madrid Avenida de América, 41

Nineteen of the architecture's most creative firms were given a floor to design, and this hotel was the result. It’s an extravaganza hotel that gives you the option to choose between very different room styles—featuring designers like Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, Ron Arad, David Chipperfield, and Jean Nouvel, among others.

The twelve floors have a variety of rooms that are vastly different from one another—giving guests the chance to pick what they’d like to experience specifically.

Hotel 7 Islas Valverde, 14

Redesigned in 2012 by Kikekeller’s interior design studio, this family-run hotel mixes a beautiful, curated design with a perfect location. This is the place if you like to stay in Madrid’s downtown without renouncing to a comfortable and quiet environment.

Expend the day shopping around and walk to this oasis between Gran Via Madrideña and the vibrant Malasaña neighborhood.

We love the minimalistic decoration and the lobby bar and art gallery.

Where to eat

Coque Marques del Riscal, 11

This two-star Michelin restaurant will provide a fantastic experience from the moment you walk into the moment you leave. The meal starts with a tour for the restaurant, appetizers in the bar, one-stop by the excellent cellar, and through the kitchen, and finally to your table. Be prepared for a dinner that’s three hours long with a minimum of eighteen dishes. It’s hard to take in the exquisite decoration all at once, with the intriguing mix of materials, colors, and textures.

Yakitoro Reina 41

By Alberto Chicote, one of Spain’s most influential chefs. He is the Gordon Ramsey and Anthony Bourdain of Spain. It is a friendly, bright, and casual tavern that serves a mix of Japanese yakitori and traditional Spanish tapas. The pairing of food with drinks is what makes the restaurant so unique. I love the open kitchen and that every table has an ice basin for easy access to cold drinks from the moment you sit down.

*MARICASTAÑA - PHOTO CREDIT: LUCIA M PHOTO*

Maricastaña Corredera Baja De San Pablo, 12

This little restaurant with a vintage flair, located in the lively Malasaña neighborhood, is a perfect place to sit and enjoy some tapas, coffee, or a glass of wine, with a bright and cheerful atmosphere and an excellent menu. Make sure to order the fried tomatoes and chocolate cake.

*TRICICLO - PHOTO CREDIT: JIMENA ROQUERO*

TriCiclo Santa Maria, 28

A modern take on Spanish cuisine offering simple, local food made of high-quality ingredients that are skillfully cooked. Order a bunch of medium rations and try a bit of everything. You will also love the fresh ambiance, mixing vintage elements with crisp white walls.

Casa de Botin Calle de Cuchilleros, 17

Founded in 1725, this is the oldest restaurant in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. It is famous for its traditional Madrid cuisine and for suckling pig and lamb until slowly browned under the heat of the old oven. This has been in operation since the restaurant was founded. Hemingway, Benito Pérez Galdós, Graham Greene, and María Dueñas, among many other writers, used the restaurant as a backdrop for their novels.

*BODEGA DE LOS SECRETOS - PHOTO CREDIT: BODEGA DE LOS SECRETOS*

Bodega de Los Secretos San Blas 4

The oldest wine cellar in the city was converted into a restaurant and is a magical place to have a romantic and private dinner. The asparagus dipped in fried tempura batter, the grilled octopus with paprika oil, and the Torrija for dessert are all incredible.

Los Chuchis Bar Amparo 82

Do not let the size of this little gem fool you. Located in the Lavapies neighborhood, with a classic bar and four or five tables, it mixes Spanish and British cuisine. You will enjoy the brilliant home-cooked meal feeling, the atmosphere, and the lovely staff. Just be sure to reserve a table in advance.

Where to Shop

*SAN MIGUEL MARKET - PHOTO CREDIT: CARLOS DELGADO; CC BY-SA*

San Miguel Market Plaza San Miguel

This wholesale food market opened its doors 100 years ago. It is not only a place for restocking your pantry and bar but also a great spot to experiment with the Spanish culinary experience.

Iconno O'Donnell 5

The flagship store for SieMatic kitchens and Rimadesio doors in Madrid. The showroom is an excellent place for high-end European furniture, with an in-house team of interior designers and architects to reference. Stop by to learn more if you’re seeking inspiration for your future home.

El Ganso Calle Jorge Juan, 15

You can't miss this store if you are into English-style clothing and sneakers or are just looking to add some variety to your wardrobe.

Kinker Backpack

Tokio Handbag

Nere Denda Castello, 38

This small store sells leather bags with a modern vibe and innovative design. Everything is made in Spain and is all excellent quality.

JOAQUIN BERAO. PHOTO CREDIT: JOAQUIN BERAO

Joaquin Berao Calle Lagasca, 44

Joaquin Berao is one of the most international high-end jewelry designers in Spain. The store showcases beautiful, high-quality jewelry with unique and innovative designs.

Elektra Calle de San Bernardo, 20

This is the perfect spot for all comic book lovers and is up to date with the latest “nerd” fashion. They have anything from Spanish and International publications to comic lover merchandise.

peSeta 9 Noviciado street

Sustainable fashion made in Spain that includes beautiful, authentic handbags. The company focuses on local production and sustainability and values high quality and good design.

What to do

You can’t go wrong if you choose to spend your time walking around exploring the city. There are many interesting neighborhoods downtown and each has a distinct atmosphere.

TOLEDO ST. AND SAINT ISIDRO CHURCH - PHOTO CREDIT: VICTORIA RUIZ DEL OLMO.

Strolling down from the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum.

You will be able to enjoy some of the most iconic architectural elements in the city.

The Royal Square was the center of the city in the year 1500; everything important in the town happened here, from markets, bullfights, political debates, and public executions. Today, it’s full of restaurants and stores, mainly for tourists. Don’t forget to eat a squid sandwich while you’re there. Yes, you heard right, this is the traditional sandwich for the locals.
The Convent of Las Descalzas Reales, a royal monastery from 1564.
The Plaza del Sol is also in the way, the busiest square in the city, full of stores and tourists taking selfies with the iconic statues.
The Palacio de Cibeles, city hall, is one of the most beautiful buildings in Madrid at the Cibeles square, aside from the famous fountain.

Walk around Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter), also known as Huertas.

This seventeenth-century “barrio” was home to the Golden Age of Spanish Literature authors Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Quevedo, Tirso de Molina, and Góngora, among others– hence the name.

Less than a 10-minute walk from Sol, the streets are paved with recognizable quotes from the writers. Enjoy this timeless neighborhood with old architecture and a modern feel that leaves visitors coming back for more. Explore the stores, restaurants, and bustling ambiance both during the day and night.

Go shopping at Fuencarral St.

Perpendicular to the Gran Via, the pedestrian Fuencarral Street is the shopping center for designer brands, as well as some exciting individual designers and small companies. No matter the time of the day, the street is always buzzing with activity.

*PRADO MUSEUM - PHOTO CREDIT: FOUPIC [CC BY 2.0*

Prado Museum, an obligated visit for art lovers.

Plan to visit for as long as you can stand. Four hours is not nearly enough time to explore everything, but if you have to choose, see the rooms dedicated to Goya and Velazquez.

The museum exceeds any expectations, leaving you in awe.

CRYSTAL PALACE, RETIRO PARK - PHOTO CREDIT: VICTORIA RUIZ DEL OLMO

Visit the Retiro Park.

Parque del Buen Retiro is the most famous park in Madrid, created originally as a retreat for the Royal family and opened to the public in the late 1700s. Locals and tourists enjoy walking and running around the gardens, surrounded by elegant boulevards, ponds, fountains, trees, statues, and flowers. Don’t miss the Great Lake, where you can rent a rowing boat and take in the sights around the water, as the monument to Alfonso XII. Check out the art exhibition calendar in the Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace). It is a beautiful metal and glass structure with fantastic art exhibitions.

Explore the numerous fountains like the Galápagos or the Egyptian Fountain and look for the Fallen Angel, located near the Rose Gardens. Thought to be the only sculpture of Satan in the world, it shows Lucifer’s expulsion and is surrounded by a fountain of demonic heads.

End (or begin) your day with Tapas and cañas in the Latina neighborhood.

The narrow and winding streets of this irregularly laid-out area, mostly dating back to the Middle Ages, lead onto a square. Pick a bar with outdoor seating in this square and order a caña (small glass of draft beer) or a delicious Spanish glass of wine and some tapas, like a Spanish tortilla, Ali-Oli potatoes, or some mouth-watering croquettes, and enjoy the lively vibe of the neighborhood. The square is also home to some of the city’s most traditional festivals - verbenas. La Latina’s calendar is packed with celebrations in August. The feasts of Saint Cajetan and Our Lady of the Dove are on the 7th and 15th of August, respectively, and Verbena of Saint Lawrence, in nearby Lavapiés, takes place on August 10th.

A Design Lover’s Field Guide to Madrid