See Spain’s Royal Palace that is still used today! It’s a must see when visiting Madrid. We recommend booking tickets in advance and going earlier in the day if you can. Plan about 1.5-2 hours.
Just steps from the Royal Palace, the Jardines de Sabatini are a beautiful place for a stroll. Known for their clean, symmetrical design and scenic palace views, they’re especially worth visiting at sunset.
Just a quick train ride away, Toledo makes for the perfect day trip. This historic medieval city, known as the “City of Three Cultures,” beautifully blends Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences shaped over centuries. Toledo is also renowned for its sword-making heritage, dating back more than 2,000 years, making it a truly unique and memorable stop during your time in Spain.
Explore Madrid’s historic center by walking through Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and into La Latina. Stop along the way for drinks and tapas at the places that stand out to you. Make sure to try the calamari bocata (sandwich), croquetas, and tortilla de patata. For drinks, try a Clarita (beer + lemon soda) or a Tinto de Verano (red wine with lemon soda)
Wander around the "Central Park" of Madrid created in 1630s. Rent a canoe on the pond, tour the Crystal Palace, or enjoy a tinto de verano on a terraza overlooking the park.
This museum is one of the world’s most renowned art museums, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Even if you’re not a big museum person, it's a beautiful glimpse into Spanish history and culture through some of Europe’s most iconic works. It’s a perfect way to spend a relaxed and inspiring afternoon in Madrid.
Located within the luxurious Salamanca district, Calle Serrano is one of Madrid’s most iconic shopping streets. It blends luxury boutiques with some of Grace's favorite European brands like Zara and Mango. It’s the perfect place for a sophisticated afternoon of shopping and strolling.
For a true local taste of Madrid, we recommend Lateral - a stylish tapas restaurant. It’s perfect for sharing classics like croquetas, patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and tortilla española in a lively setting. We suggest ordering a variety of tapas to share, paired with a glass of sangría or tinto de verano for the full experience.
As one of Grace's favorite places to eat, the L’Entrecôte Café de Paris experience is delightfully simple and iconic - centered around a single, perfectly cooked steak served with endless fries and a legendary secret sauce in a classic Parisian bistro setting. We recommend a reservation.
If you’re missing home, Goiko is a great option for classic burgers in a casual setting. Make sure to start with the tequeños to share and be sure to save room for the Oreo dessert (Grace's favorite).
Just off Plaza Mayor, the Mercado de San Miguel is the perfect place to experience Spain’s food scene in one stop. This lively market features dozens of vendors serving everything from tapas and paella to wine and sweets. It's ideal for a casual bite or a quick food crawl.
If you’re craving something light and healthy during your trip, Honest Greens is the perfect stop. They serve fresh meals made from whole, unprocessed ingredients. They have multiple locations around the city.
Bodega de los Secretos is one of Madrid's most romantic date night spots. If you're looking for a unique dinner this is your place. It is set in a 17th century wine cellar, this restaurant offers Mediterranean food with amazing Spanish wines.
This Madrid rooftop is a panoramic terrace and bar located on top of the historic cultural center on Calle de Alcalá, just off Gran Vía. It’s known for some of the most iconic 360º views over central Madrid, including the Metropolis building and the distant Sierra.
Stop by Chocolatería San Ginés for Madrid’s most famous churros and hot chocolate - open almost 24/7 and perfect any time of day (or night). It’s one of those classic Madrid experiences that's been around since 1894. You won't want to miss it.
A true Madrid classic, this historic bakery has been serving locals since 1894. It’s the perfect stop for a quick coffee and something sweet - especially their famous napolitana de chocolate or freshly baked ensaimadas.
One of the oldest bakeries in Madrid (1830), this charming spot feels like stepping back in time. It’s known for its traditional Spanish pastries, making it a great place to try classics like torrijas or buñuelos.