Madrid

Madrid unfolds in neighborhoods with distinct personalities, each telling a chapter of its history.

The historic heart beats around Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, monumental squares where the buzz never weakens. Habsburg architecture sits alongside the ornate facades of the Bourbon era, witnesses to centuries past. The cobbled streets of Madrid de los Austrias invite strolling between artisan shops and centuries-old taverns.

The Paseo del Arte forms the essential cultural axis. This promenade connects three titans of world art: the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Impossible to imagine a more impressive concentration of masterpieces. Velázquez's Las Meninas, Picasso's Guernica, Goya's most striking works... Hours wouldn't be enough to take it all in. The surrounding Barrio de las Letras breathes culture, with its old bookstores and literary squares. It's clearly too charming to miss.

Malasaña embodies Madrid's rebellious and creative spirit. Once a bastion of the 1980s movida, this bohemian neighborhood today vibrates to the rhythm of vintage shops, innovative cocktail bars and bold street art. Its shaded squares host a cosmopolitan youth that transforms every evening into a spontaneous celebration.

Chueca, meanwhile, proudly displays its identity as Europe's most festive LGBT+ neighborhood. Its colorful streets are full of lively terraces, fusion restaurants and trendy concept stores. The atmosphere is resolutely joyful and inclusive, particularly during Pride (in summer), which sets the entire neighborhood ablaze!

For breathing space, Retiro Park offers 125 hectares of aristocratic greenery. Madrileños gather there on Sundays to paddle on the Great Pond, stroll among the rose gardens or admire the Crystal Palace, a transparent greenhouse turned contemporary art gallery. The atmosphere is deliciously nonchalant.

The San Miguel market, a gastronomic temple under a modernist glass roof, introduces visitors to Iberian flavors in a preserved Belle Époque setting. Hanging hams, aged cheeses, exceptional preserves and glasses of vermouth are shared standing up in a convivial atmosphere typically Madrid.

• Prado Museum: Exceptional collection of European paintings. Our advice: start with the Velázquez and Goya rooms, then let yourself be guided by your favorites. Avoid weekends, prefer the last two hours of opening when crowds diminish.
• Royal Palace: Sumptuous official residence (although the royal family lives elsewhere). The state apartments rival Versailles in splendor. Visit early in the morning to enjoy the light in the salons and avoid groups.
• Retiro Park: Royal green lung turned popular garden. Ideal on Sunday mornings to observe Madrileños in their natural element. Rent a rowboat on the pond or find an improvised street performance.
• El Rastro Flea Market: Every Sunday morning, this legendary market transforms the La Latina neighborhood into a giant bazaar.
• Temple of Debod: Authentic Egyptian temple offered by Egypt, reconstructed stone by stone. The sunset from its gardens offers one of the most beautiful views of Madrid. Free and magical.

• Savor the Cocido Madrileño! The cocido madrileño represents the very essence of Castilian cuisine: generous, comforting and convivial. This Madrid pot-au-feu simmers for hours, bringing together melting chickpeas, various meats (pork, beef, chicken), seasonal vegetables and smoked chorizo in a fragrant broth. Tradition dictates serving it in three stages: first the broth with fine vermicelli, then the vegetables and chickpeas, finally the meats. This progression transforms each meal into a true family ceremony. Traditional houses prepare it according to recipes passed down from generation to generation, each family jealously defending its secret proportions. 

  Our advice: Head to historic taverns like Malacatín or La Bola (since 1870) to taste authentic versions prepared in earthenware pots. Avoid tourist restaurants in the center that offer watered-down versions. Order it on a day when you have time: impossible to rush through a cocido!

• Bocadillo de Calamares: Fried squid sandwich, beloved Madrid specialty. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, served in crusty bread.
• Huevos Rotos: Broken eggs on a bed of fried potatoes and Iberian ham. Apparent simplicity for a sublime result. The runny yolk makes all the magic of the dish...
• Churros con Chocolate: Hot fritters dipped in thick creamy chocolate. Traditional Madrid breakfast or snack. Chocolatería San Ginés has served them since 1894, 24/7.
• Vermouth de Grifo: Vermouth on tap, sacred Sunday ritual before lunch. Served with olives, gilda and chips. The quintessential castizo aperitif that defines Madrid's art of living.
• Rosquillas de San Isidro: Artisanal treat that perpetuates popular pastry, these traditional donuts are shaped like rings, and are one of the popular specialties of the May festivals. "Tontas" (plain) or "lisas" (lemon glaze) versions.

• Sunset from a secret rooftop: Rooftop terraces are multiplying, but some remain confidential. The rooftop of the RIU Plaza España hotel offers a breathtaking 360° view. Cocktail in hand facing the illuminated Royal Palace, magical experience guaranteed.
• Night visit to the ghost metro of Chamberí: This 1960s station, closed and preserved intact, can now be visited. It offers a fascinating dive into underground Madrid with vintage advertisements and period tiles.
• Authentic flamenco in a traditional tablao: Forget tourist shows. Villa Rosa or Corral de la Morería offer visceral flamenco played by real artists. The pure emotion of Spanish duende will seize you from the first notes.
• Vallehermoso gastronomic market: Less touristy than San Miguel, this neighborhood market mixes traditional stalls and modern stands. Locals do their shopping there before having lunch at the counter.
• Cable car ride above Casa de Campo: The cable car crosses the immense Casa de Campo park, offering surprising views of the city. At the terminus, explore this gigantic park by bike or relax on a terrace. A unique perspective, far from classic circuits.