Madrid & Toledo Recommendations

☀ Travel Tips

- Heat & Hydration: It’s hot and dry during the month of August! Bring water, wear sunscreen, and rest during siesta hours (2–5pm). - Reservations: Book ahead for restaurants and rooftop bars. - August is quieter in Madrid as locals vacation. Some smaller shops may close, but major attractions stay open and it’s a great time to enjoy the city with fewer crowds. - Meal Times: Lunch is typically 2–3pm; dinner starts around 8:30 pm. - Tipping: Tipping in Spain isn’t expected but appreciated. At restaurants, 5–10% is generous; in cafés or taxis, just rounding up or leaving small change is common. - Ubers: Ubers are widely available in Madrid. In Toledo, there are no Ubers, but there is a local taxi company (+34925252064).

Toledo

🍽 Must‑Try Restaurants

- La Orza ($$$) – A great dining experience with a refined atmosphere and thoughtful Spanish cuisine. - Alfileritos 24 ($$) – Modern Spanish dishes in a cool, multi-level space with a great atmosphere. - Restaurante La Clandestina ($$) – Inventive dishes and a cozy vibe; the pasta is a standout. If you don’t get a chance to sit and eat here, try to take out the incredible manchego cheesecake. - Restaurante Adolfo ($$$$) – Michelin-recommended with rooftop views and excellent tasting menus. - Taberna El Botero ($$) – Stylish bar with creative tapas and craft cocktails; perfect for a relaxed evening. - Abadía Cervecería Artesana ($$) – Rustic tavern serving hearty regional dishes and local craft beers. - Cuchara de Paco ($) – A local gem known for simple, flavorful Spanish fare (check hours in advance). - Cervecería El Trébol ($) – Popular terrace for casual tapas. Try their “bombas” (stuffed potatoes)!

🦪 Casual Bites & Quick Eats

- Bocatería Toledanos ($) – Classic sandwich shop, great for a quick and affordable bite. - Mercado de San Agustín ($$) – A lively modern market with multiple food and drink vendors.

✨ More Spots to Explore

- Taberna Embrujo ($$) – Local spot with traditional Spanish flavors and a charming setting. - Dominica ($$) – Sleek, stylish, and perfect for a night out with cocktails. - Restaurante Coctelería ($$) – Laid-back space for dinner and drinks. - La Mar Sala ($$$) – Seafood-focused menu with fresh, flavorful options. - Restaurante Terraza Azotea de Carlos V ($$$) – Go for sunset drinks and panoramic views; food is solid too.

🍸 Budget-Friendly Bars & Drinks

- El Trébol ($) – A classic multi-level brewery with great beer prices and fun atmosphere near Zocodover Plaza. - Bar Ludeña ($) – Cozy family-run spot offering local tapas and good drink value. - O’Brien’s Pub ($) – Irish-style pub with budget pours and lively atmosphere.

Sights & Experiences

- Alcázar of Toledo - Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes - El Greco Museum - Jewish Quarter - Mirador del Valle

Wine & Tours

- Martúe Winery - Casa del Valle Winery - Hello Toledo Tours

Tips

- Parking: If you're driving, the PARKIA garage at Plaza Zocodover (Miradero) is a central option. - Walking: The old town is mostly pedestrian and hilly—wear comfy shoes!

Madrid

🍽 Must‐Try Restaurants

- La Primera ($$$) – An iconic Madrid stop. Ask for the off-menu Spanish omelette. - Casa Suecia ($$$$) – Upscale restaurant + rooftop with stunning views. - El Jardín de Diana ($$$) – Gorgeous rooftop for cocktails at sunset. - Labarraca ($$) – Traditional paella in a relaxed, central setting. - Arrocería Marina Ventura ($$) – Another top spot for paella lovers. - Quispe Madrid ($$$) – Modern Peruvian cuisine with bold flavors and a stylish vibe.

🍷 Tapas & Casual Dining

- Casa Macareno ($$) – Charming old-school tavern with authentic tapas. - Casa Varona ($$) – Trendy and relaxed with excellent small plates. Highly recommend! - Lamucca de Prado ($$) – Lively go-to for consistently good food and wine. - Bodegas El Maño ($) – Traditional spot for authentic tapas and local atmosphere. - El Gran ($$) – A solid local favorite for food and drinks. - Vintitus Gran Vila ($) – Solid casual tapas spot to go for a quick sit down.

🍰 Quick Bites, Coffee & Sweets

- J&R Jamón y Corte ($) – Perfect for a grab-and-go, top-tier jamón sandwich. - Oink ($) – Delicious pork sandwiches for a quick bite. - Arte Ibérico ($) – Great for sampling local cheeses and cured meats. - Norah Madrid ($$) – Coffee shop with stylish brunch and amazing drinks. - Hey My Coffee ($) – Cozy spot with great coffee—good any time of day. - Alex Cordobés Cheesecake ($$) – Famous for good reason—worth the wait. - Kaya ($) – Creamy frozen yogurt to cool down.

🍸 Cocktails & Drinks

- Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar ($$$) – Intimate cocktail bar with a refined vibe and great drinks. - El Jardín de Diana ($$$) – Rooftop cocktails with sweeping city views. - La Musa ($) – Creative drinks in Malasaña without the downtown price tag. - Sabor Sagrado ($) – Located at Mercado de la Cebada, offering €1 beer bottles and vermú. - La Esquina de Eusebio ($) – €3 drink + unlimited tapas in Puerta del Ángel.

Cultural Highlights

- The Prado Museum – See masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and Bosch. 🎨 Don’t miss Las Meninas and The Garden of Earthly Delights. - Reina Sofía Museum – Home to Picasso’s Guernica and other modern art treasures. - Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum – A diverse private collection bridging classical and modern art. - Royal Palace of Madrid – Stunning baroque palace open for tours. - Templo de Debod – Ancient Egyptian temple offering great sunset views.

Parks & Scenic Strolls

- El Retiro Park – Rent a boat on the lake, visit the Glass Palace, or enjoy shady walks. - Madrid Río – Riverfront park is great for a long walk or bike ride. - Gran Vía – Madrid’s iconic avenue, full of shopping, architecture, and energy.

Neighborhoods to Explore

- La Latina – Tapas heaven and lively local vibe. - Malasaña – Trendy, bohemian district with vintage shops and hip bars. - Chueca – Known for its LGBTQ+ scene, great food, and vibrant nightlife.

Tapas & Wine Adventures

- Tapas Tour – Start at Mercado de San Miguel for upscale bites, then head to La Latina for a laid-back tapas crawl. Ideal for an evening out! 🍷 Must-tries: vermouth, jamón, croquetas, and tortilla.

Stadium Tours

- Santiago Bernabéu – Newly renovated, legendary venue (Real Madrid). - Cívitas Metropolitano – Sleek and modern (Atlético de Madrid). 📍Both offer guided tours with locker rooms, trophy halls, and more.

El Rastro (Outdoor market)

This is one of the largest open air markets in Europe. If you’re in Madrid on Sunday morning, definitely check it out!