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CITY GUIDE: MADRID

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MAD: Madrid, Spain
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Where to stay: Atocha
Atocha is a lively and historic neighborhood in Madrid. It’s home to the famous Atocha train station, a major transportation hub with its stunning indoor tropical garden. The area is also close to cultural gems, like the Reina Sofía Museum, where you’ll find Picasso’s Guernica. The sprawling Retiro Park is perfect for leisurely strolls. It’s a great spot to experience Madrid’s bustling yet laid-back vibe.

WHERE TO EAT:
Breakfast / Desayuno

  • San Gines
    Suggestions: Chocolate con porra (chocolate & churros).
  • El Riojano
    Suggestion: Torrija
  • Casa Dani
    Located in Mercado de la Paz, try the tortilla de patatas, one of the best in the city.

Lunch, Tapas & Bars / Almuerzo, Tapas y Bares

  • Mercado de San Miguel
    Madrid’s popular food market with traditional and modern Spanish cuisine. Suggestions to try:
    La Hora del Vermut: Enjoy vermouth with classic tapas like olives.
    La Casa del Bacalao: Tapa Bacalao, a tasty dish made from salted cod.
  • Bar La Campana
    Suggestion: Bocadillo de calamar (fried calamari sandwich).
  • El Anciano Rey de los Vinos
    Old school tapas bar near the Casa Real.
  • Mercado Jamón Ibérico
    Suggestion: Taste the best Jamón, cheeses & olive oils Spain has to offer.
  • El Barril de Goya
    Suggestion: Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician style octopus).
  • La Caníbal (formerly O Pazo de Lugo)
    Known for it craft beers and natural wines. We suggest you get their Galician style vieras (scallops) & pulpo.
  • Pez Tortilla
    A laid back bar with a large selection of tortillas and croquetas made fresh to order.
  • La Fisna Wine Bar
    An intimate wine bar with an impressive natural wine list to discover.
  • El Brillante
    Retro tapas bar across from the Reina Sofía Museum.
  • Bareto
    Suggestion: Gildas, huevos rotos & a Mahou caña.
  • La Castela
    Beloved Madrid institution, famous for its seafood. With standout dishes like garbanzos con langostinos (chickpeas with prawns) and chipirones encebollados (baby squid).

Dinner / Cena

  • Casa Lucas
    An intimate tapas bar known for its creative twist on traditional Spanish dishes. Located on the famous Cava Baja street in Madrid’s La Latina neighborhood. We suggest getting their rabo de toro (slow-cooked oxtail).
  • StreetXO
    A bold restaurant by Michelin-starred chef David Muñoz, combining global street food with unique twists. Located in Salamanca, StreetXO offers dishes like dumplings, dim sum, and fusion tacos. With an open kitchen and lively atmosphere, it’s ideal for those seeking exciting flavors in Madrid.

Note: last updated in September 2024

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