Postcard from Madrid
The world is wide and there's always more to see, and we know that keeping track of the wheres, whens, whats, and hows of travel is quite a task. But that's what we're here for! The Postcard is Local Foreigner's guide to the quick hits of a trip - the highlights we want to send back to travelers when we're on the ground in a place.
Often overshadowed by the more dramatic cities of Spain and the heavy hitting European capitals of Paris and Rome, Madrid isn't the flashiest destination on your itinerary. But those who do find their way to this beguiling city know it’s a true gem, hiding in plain sight. Few cities boast an artistic pedigree as pure as Madrid’s, and its culinary scene, ripe with both fresh talent and deep tradition, is reason enough to visit. What makes this city truly special, however, are its nights: the magic of its long summer sunsets and after-dark hours luring tides of people into its barrios, where merry crowds congregate till dawn.
Beautiful and easy to navigate, Madrid is perfect for a long weekend or the start of a larger trip to Spain. Art lovers can spend days between the Prado's masterworks by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch, the Reina Sofía's Picasso and Dalí, and the Crystal Palace installations inside Retiro Park, while the Palacio Real, which is Europe's largest royal palace, offers an afternoon of grand architecture and crown treasures. For food and atmosphere, Mercado San Miguel and the tapas bars of Calle de Cava Baja and Barrio de Las Letras deliver the best of Madrid's eat-and-wander culture. History is everywhere too, from the 15th-century Plaza Mayor to streets literally paved with literary quotes from the writers who once lived there.
The Spanish capital is best in Spring and Fall, before the high summer temps start, though there are few pleasures like drinking a tinto de verano on the plaza in June, when the sun sets at 10PM. Festival lovers may want to target mid-May to catch the Fiestas de San Isidro, when the city comes alive with outdoor concerts, folk dancing, and street parties to honor patron Saint Isidore the Farmer.
Plan 3-6 months in advance, and more if you're hoping to combine it into a summer itinerary with the best hotels along the Med.
Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid
Like the Ritz Paris, the Ritz Madrid is a storied property built in the early 20th century under the watchful supervision of legendary Swiss hotelier Cesar Ritz. Mandarin Oriental bought the Ritz Madrid in 2015, overseeing its top-to-bottom multi-million-dollar renovation, and crowning it the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid. The hotel’s 153 residential rooms, designed by Gilles & Bossier, overlook the Prado Museum and Lealtad Square, but the property’s main attractions are its five buzzy dining venues, reimagined by Spain’s renowned Chef Quique Dacosta. | See the hotel
Four Seasons Madrid
Set in seven beautifully restored 19th-century buildings near Puerta del Sol, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is as grand and elegant as its home city. Marble columns, stained glass ceilings, and original architecture are paired with sleek finishes, curated Spanish art, and warm tones. Home to 200 spacious rooms, including 39 suites and 22 private residences, guests enjoy a four-level spa, acclaimed dining, and direct access to Galeria Canalejas. | See the hotel
Rosewood Villa Magna
Set among the capital's embassies and banks, prior to its life as a hotel, the Villa Magna was a residence for local counts and countesses. Its modernist exterior, with liveried bellman standing at attention, gives way to grand common spaces splashed with rich colors and bold pieces of art - makes sense, given you're walking distance from the Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. | See the hotel
The Madrid EDITION
One of our favorite EDITION editions, Ian Schrager's cheeky, nightlife-inspired POV makes this Madrid's most fun hotel. Rooms are all-white, but in the lobby, you'll find slashes of hot pink and citrus orange, and the lush foliage at Peruvian restauant Oroya makes for a magical setting. And, in a city with legendary heat waves, the rooftop is the calling card, with its full-sized lawn, olive grove, and infinity pool. | See the hotel
URSO Hotel & Spa
Fans of Mallorca's Cap Rocat will recognize the signature combination of heritage and contemporary style in its city sister, Hotel Urso. Both hotels have interiors by Antonio Obrador, and Urso's 78 rooms and suites are housed in an early 20th-century palace. In a town where many hotels sit boldly on grand boulevards, travelers seeking something a little more under-the-radar may find the Urso to be the hideaway they need - and did we mention there's also a destination spa? | See the hotel
LUNCH
La Rayúa de la Latina
Cozy La Rayúa serves classic Spanish cuisine in a cheerful dining room just a couple blocks from Plaza Mayor. They're known for their signature cocido madrileño, a stew made with chickpeas and a variety of meats, but anyone looking for homestyle cooking and traditional recipes will find something to love here.
Restaurante Ultramarinos Quintin
From the team behind Ten Con Ten, Ultramarinos Quintin is set in Madrid’s Salamanca district in a former corner grocery store. There is charm and a sense of history here, with shelves of produce and hanging hams, and the menu features Spanish classics like fabada, croquettes, and grilled meats, along with pizzas, pastas, and fresh salads.
TAPAS
La Retasca
If you're seeking old school, no-frills madrileño cooking, La Retasca is your joint. This is the place for Spanish omelettes and patatas bravas; meat eaters will love the grilled dishes and the stews of the day. If your meals are already confirmed, stop by mid-afternoon for a tinto de verano and some Iberian ham croquettes - the kitchen is open all day.
Bar MANERO
Come to Bar Manero for tapas, but don't come looking for a casual hole-in-the-wall - things have been gussied up here. Caviar, oysters, lobster, and truffles dot the menu, making it perfect for a grown-up date night that feels like a treat. The ornate interiors are as much of an indulgence as the food, with gold accents, legs of jamon, and a lights-out wallpaper game.
DINNER
DiverXO
This zany three star restaurant inside the Eurobuilding hotel feels like less of a restaurant and more of a culinary playground. Creative chef Muñoz is known for his part in the molecular gastronomy movement; his dishes look like pieces of art and might make you think: "How do I eat this?" Perfect for serious food lovers and gastronomic explorers.
El Lando
El Lando has been on must-visit lists since it opened in 1977. Built to look like a Castilian tavern, with wooden ceilings, this is a temple to traditional Spanish dining. Think white table cloths, more-than-serviceable house wine, a menu packed with fresh local ingredients, and a chef working the dining room to make sure everyone's having a good time.
Bernabeu Stadium Tour
Soccer enthusiasts won’t want to miss a privately-guided tour of Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the home stadium of Real Madrid. Whether you support the local team or another, this tour is a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most important teams in the world. Visit one of the towers for a sweeping view of the stadium, check out the impressive trophy room, and more.
Madrid Flamenco Rhythms Workshop
Introduce your little ones to the rhythm and spirit of Flamenco with a lively and immersive dance class set in the heart of Madrid. This hands-on workshop begins with an introduction to castanets, where young dancers create crisp, rhythmic sounds before moving on to the graceful yet powerful arm and foot movements that define this iconic Spanish art form. As the class builds, children learn to stomp, slide, and tap in sync with the music, developing coordination and a deeper appreciation for the passion of Flamenco. The experience ends on a high note with a playful final routine that lets kids perform their new moves with confidence and flair. No experience needed, just a love of music and a sense of fun.
Museo Reina Sofia After-Hours Tour
Hosting a selection of some of the greatest works by Spanish and international artists from the beginning of the 20th century until present times, the Reina Sofía is home to main pieces by three geniuses of last century's painting: Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. Alongside your private guide, visit in a very special way: after it has closed to the public. Experience the tragic magnificence of Guernica or the mind-blowing imagination of Dalí's Visage du Grand Masturbateur all by yourself, the only sounds around you the explanations of your expert guide and the echoes of your footsteps in the hall.
Spain by Train
Spain is well-connected by rail, meaning San Sebastian-Barcelona-Madrid or Madrid-Seville-Grenada can be done without any domestic flights.
Norte y Sur
Night owls, meat lovers, and football fans take note - Buenos Aires and Madrid are connected via a non-stop 12-hour flight.
Tapas Stop Off
Breaking up the long travel time to sub-Saharan Africa with a couple nights in Europe is always a good idea. Madrid is a more under-the-radar option than London or Amsterdam, but still has non-stop options into Johannesburg in about 10 hours.
