STAY.
Set in the heart of the city, the hotel is only a ten minute walk from some of the most worth while Madrid attractions like the Prado and Retiro. The hotel boasts modern touches throughout, yet managing to retain its old world charm. High ceilings and large windows are just a couple of the room highlights, but the real draw is the rooftop terrace with the most breathtaking view of Madrid.
SEE+DO.
Museo del Prado - Spain's finest art library housing the best collection of European art. You can find works by Goya, Valásquez, Tiziano and other legendary artists from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Tip: Free admission after 6PM.
Centro de Arte Reina Sofía - Madrid's premier contemporary art museum.
El Retiro Park - One of the most beautiful city park's filled with landscapes gardens and marble monuments.
Mercado an Antón - In the heart of the Chueca neighborhood, the 3-floor sustainable market features a delicious selection of local goods, a gourmet food hall, a tavern-wine bar, a kitchen and rooftop. Can be describes as a cooler Eataly.
Mercado de San Miquel - This is one of Madrid’s oldest and most beautiful markets. Perfect place to go from counter to counter tasting Spain's best jamon, olives, caviar, candy, etc.
Plaza Mayor - Madrid's grand central square, a rare but expansive opening in the tightly packed streets of central Madrid, is one of the prettiest open spaces in Spain.
Plaza de Santa Ana - A delightful confluence of elegant architecture and irresistible energy. It presides over the upper reaches of the Barrio de las Letras.
Círculas de Bellas Artes - For some of Madrid’s best views, take the elevator to the 7th floor and you'll find yourself looking directly over the Edificio Metrópolis dome.
The Botanical Gardens - Although not as expansive or as popular as Retiro, Madrid’s botanical gardens are also beautiful in the center of town.
Neighborhoods -
La Malasaña - Such a cool funky neighborhood filled with vintage shops and small coffee outposts. Really fun to walk around.
Chueca - A fun neighborhood known to attract the LGBT community with a handful of great bars and restaurants.
Barrio de las Letres (Huertas) - A favorite neighborhood with lots of history and cobblestone streets. We stayed here and were able to find some of the best jamon restaurants and little boutiques.
SIP.
Amazonico - Great for cocktails.
Kikekeller - A fusion of art, retail and cocktails.
La Fragua de Vulcano - Good spot for vermouth pre or post dinner.
La Contraseña - A really cool spot for drinks on Ponzano Street. Walk into an intimate bar up front, as you walk further back another door opens to a beautiful room a gin bar.
Roof at Principal Madrid Hotel - Across from Circulas de Bellas Artes, so you'll get the same amazing view less the crowd.
Mercado de Antón - Similar to an eataly with rooftop drinks.
Círculas de Bellas Artes - Rooftop drinks with one of the best views of Madrid.
Macera - Cocktail bar in Malasana area.
Bar Corazon - Cocktail bar in Malasana area.
La Bicicleta - A café actually inspired by bikes, coffee shop by day, cocktail bar by night in the Malasana area.
Federal Cafe - Your cool chic cafe in Spain that looks a lot like Australian cafes. Acts as a shared workspace with wifi too.
Toma Cafe - Cosy, hipster spot for coffee in the heart of Malasana.
**Malasana has a huge coffee culture, so if you just walk the drinks you'll find somewhere to grab a drink.
SNACK.
Alimentacion Quiroga - This was a fav. Amazing jamon, perfect for a late afternoon snack and wine. Open all day and night.
Tenconten - Trendy restaurants, more of a splurge dinner but worth it.
Vinoteca Moratin - Super intimiate, romantic with a real Spanish feel in the city center.
El Impercial - A very modern pretty spot in La Latina serving European favorites. Think marble tables green florals.
Bar Gallata - An amazing spot in Malasaña with good food and great vibes.
Tricolo - Not your regular Spanish tapas place, but delicious farm to table food. We did the nine course meal which was amazing.
Txirmiri - Amazing for tortilla, several locations in Madrid.
Vinos y Quesos - Amazing old school jamon spot.
Vinos de Ballota - Spanish spot on the outskirts of Retiro. Try the Salmonergo and Noodle Paella after walking in the park. There's also a bunch of outdoor restaurants nearby to grab a drink before or after.
Maricastaña - A shabby chic rustic resto serving modern European cuisine.
Lamíak - Laid back atmosphere with delicious tapas and wine in La Latina.
La Musa de Espronceda - Relaxed atmosphere with great tapas. Are for pinchos in the front, a sit down in the back and a separate performing arts room.
Juana la Loca - Creative tapas, a bit more modern in La Latina.
Fide - Super casual Spanish style hangout with sit down area in the back.
La Charla, La Maquina Salade Despiece - All tapas spots near Ponzano Street.
Levadura Madre - Organic bakery in Malasana.
SHOP.
popi + hafner - Minimalistic womenswear in Barrios de las Letres. Made in spain.
Adhoc Flores - A cool mix between flower shop and clothing boutique.
The Corner - Modern mens and women's clothes with a selection of various brands in Barrios de las Letres.
Le Integral - Range of unique clothing and home decor pieces in the Barrios de las Letres area.
Le Circus - Great women's store in the trendy Malasana area.
El Moderno - Homeware in Malasana.
Dröm Shop - Cute shop in Malasana.
Tipos Infames - Half bookstore, half wine bar.
Mercado de Fuencarral - An awesome market boating creative up and coming designers in Malasana.
**For vintage shopping you go to Malasana.
