Things To Do
Barrio Salamanca
Visit Ines’ favorite neighborhood, Barrio Salamanca, known for its elegant streets lined with chic boutiques and top-tier restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at Norah Brunch & Coffee, where you can enjoy scrambled eggs topped with jamón ibérico in a stylish, cozy setting. For lunch or dinner, Calle Jorge Juan, has plenty of good restaurants. La Bien Aparecida is perfect for outdoor dining with a refined Spanish menu. For a more atmospheric experience, try Bodega de los Secretos, set in an 18th-century cave, or Raimunda, which is a mix of Spanish and South American food. For something lighter, Zingara offers elevated vegetarian dishes, while Honest Green has amazing salads. Pro Tip from Ines for shopping: Salamanca’s best streets are Calle Serrano, Claudio Coello, Hermosilla, and Lagasca—where you’ll find everything from luxury fashion houses to local designer gems.
Take a Stroll in the Retiro Park
Take your On shoes and your Monocle magazine to the Retiro Park to recharge the batteries from the wedding party. Simply cross the street from the hotel and you'll find a beautiful park known for its gardens, palaces and monuments as well as being pretty much the only place in Madrid where you'll find water.
Palacio Real and Historic Center
Check out Madrid’s historic heart — the must-see area stretching on Calle Mayor from Puerta del Sol to the Royal Palace. Along the way, make sure to stop at Plaza Mayor, the most Instagrammable spot in the city. Another gem is the plaza de la Villa which is a small medieval square that feels like a step back in time. For food lovers and market hall enthusiasts, Mercado de San Miguel is a must.