Things To Do
Museo Nacional del Prado
The Prado Museum, the main Spanish national art museum nestled in the heart of Madrid, is a dreamy dive into the country’s artistic soul, where royal masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, come to life! Be sure to check out the very famous painting, Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez.
El Retiro Park
Stroll into El Retiro Park, where tree-lined paths, hidden gardens, and lazy fountains invite you to slow down and soak it all in. Channel your inner romantic and rent a row boat on the grand pond, just €6 per person on weekdays and €8 on weekends and holidays. It’s the perfect spot for daydreaming, people-watching and enjoying nature.
Mercado de San Antón
A locals’ affair tucked away on a side street in the Chueca district and just a nine-minute walk from Hotel Regina. From the outside, Mercado de San Antón resembles an ordinary multi-level concrete mall, but inside, the atrium-style interiors are designed to evoke a Whole Foods–like experience, for better or worse. What it lacks in historic authenticity, it makes up for in modern convenience and, refreshingly, a relative absence of tourists. Have a glass of Verdejo and order tapas like chanquetes (tiny fried whitefish) and padrón peppers from the chalkboard menu at La Imperial. Or take your picks from the market’s fishmongers and butchers up to the rooftop restaurant, where the chef will happily turn them into dinner.
Royal Palace of Madrid
Wander through the Royal Palace of Madrid, where chandeliers glitter, marble staircases swirl, and velvet-lined rooms whisper stories of kings, queens, and centuries of royal drama. With over 3,000 rooms, it’s Europe’s largest functioning palace and every gilded corner feels like a scene from a fairy tale. Explore the grand halls and don’t forget to peek at the throne room, it’s pure regal magic! Don't forget to head to the La Almudena Cathedral directly across from the Palace afterwards.
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Calling all modern art lovers! The Museo Reina Sofía is Madrid’s dreamy haven for the bold, the surreal, and the wonderfully strange. Housed in a grand old hospital turned contemporary art palace, it’s home to Picasso’s iconic Guernica (prepare to be awestruck), alongside masterpieces by Dalí, Miró, and other rule-breaking geniuses. Every hallway feels like a portal into wild imagination and radical ideas, perfect for wandering, wondering, and getting delightfully lost in color and chaos.
Chocolatería San Ginés
Tucked down a charming alleyway, Chocolatería San Ginés has been Madrid’s go-to chocolate paradise since 1894. Step inside for a cozy swirl of marble tables, golden churros, and thick, dreamy hot chocolate that feels like a warm hug from the past. It’s a must-stop for sweet-toothed dreamers, day or night!
Malasaña
Malasaña is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Madrid, where vintage closets spill onto the street, kitschy boutiques combined with neon‑fueled bars, and every corner crackles with creativity. Rooted in the rebellious energy, its narrow lanes are now a treasure trove of retro finds (think leather jackets from the 70s, thrifted vinyl tees, and quirky upcycled gems). At dusk, the district hums: indie cafés, cocktail speakeasies, tapas bars, and pubs offering cocktails or craft beers nestle beneath murals that turn entire buildings into art. Be sure to check out Corre, Alta de San Pablo for tons of vintage shops (Neare Clothes Vintage Shop, Exotica, conga, Disco Cherry and Kinda Kinks) and grab a coffee and bite at Pan y Pepinillos Cafe.
Corral de la Morería
Corral de la Morería is Madrid’s legendary flamenco tablao standing proudly since 1956 near the Royal Palace. From icons like Pastora Imperio and Antonio Gades to modern stars under Blanca del Rey’s artistic direction, the show changes weekly and pulses with intensity that critics hail as the world’s finest flamenco experience and Spain's only Michelin-starred flamenco restaurant.
Palacio de Cibeles Viewpoint
Ascend into wonder at the Palacio de Cibeles, Madrid’s stunning former communications palace turned cultural gem, then climb up to the Mirador Madrid on the 8th floor for just €3,50 and soak in a true 360° panorama of the city's heartbeat, from Gran Vía to Retiro Park. It’s the kind of view that turns your jaw around the city like a treasure map, with interactive maps helping you spot landmarks from above.
Salamanca Neighborhood
Salamanca is Madrid’s ultra-chic boulevard, known as the famed Golden Mile, streets brim with flagship stores from the world's top fashion houses, think Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, LOEWE and Dior, all within a fabulously stroll. Whether you're window-shopping or splurging on couture, Salamanca is the heart of high-fashion magic in the city, a place where elegance meets exclusivity at every turn. Pro Tip: Bring your passport and ask for a VAT refund to be filled out, then once you are at the airport, go to the VAT return desk and give them your receipts and get back some $$$. Restaurant Nearby: Restaurante HER