The Spanish capital is known for its beautiful green spaces and its rich cultural history as one of Europe’s centres of art. Although the third largest city in the EU, Madrid boasts many micro-neighbourhoods, bursting with character and vibrancy, just waiting to be discovered. As both a political and cultural hub in the country, Madrid is the ideal place to experience the best of Spain and is one of The Luxury Editor’s favourite city-break destinations. Read more from our Eat, Do, Sleep guide to get the best you can from this amazing city.
Eat
Ginkgo Restaurant & Sky Bar
If you looking to enjoy the best sunsets, the best cocktails and the tastiest bites in Madrid, then we suggest you check out the newly opened Ginkgo Sky Bar. Madrid’s fabulous 5-star luxury hotel VP Plaza de España Design has created a new urban gourmet destination, on its 12th floor – the Gingko Restaurant & Sky Bar. Gingko Restaurant celebrates the best of Spanish flavours with an on-trend touch of Asia; whilst Gingko Sky Bar offers great cocktails, with live music. In fact, we believe that the Sky Bar is taking Madrid’s cocktail scene to new heights, with hipster mixologists who really know their stuff.
Romantic Dinner at Bodega de Los Secretos
This is the sort of place you just stumble across but if you take the time to look for it, this treasure is worth finding. Bodega de los Secretos is tucked down a quiet side street and is formed by a maze of underground wine cellars dating back to the 17th century. The menu features some great modern Mediterranean classics including oxtail roll, Bluefin tuna, and grilled octopus. Don’t expect lots of room in a space that is more than 400 years old, but the intimacy of this architectural gem just adds to its charm. Our top tip? If you can, book a table in one of the super romantic arched alcoves.
Rooftop drinks at Azotea
For one of the best views of the city skyline Azotea at the Circulo de Bellas Artes is unrivalled. From the rooftop bar, you can view a 360-degree panorama of Madrid, from the Sierra de Guadarrama to the north to the Cerro de los Angeles in the south. The Circulo de Bellas Artes is worth a look around too, a building bursting with art, literature, interesting exhibitions and cultural workshops. Once you have had your cultural fill, ascend the glass elevator to the top floor of the building and be greeted by the beautiful urban landscape stretching out before you. We recommend just heading up for cocktails but the TarTan Roof restaurant is a great date spot too!
Do
Prado Museum
As one of the world’s premier galleries, any art aficionado worth their salt will want to see this place. But even if you aren’t an expert, the museum’s collection of more than 7000 paintings (of which only 1500 are currently on display) will have you mesmerized. The museum offers a unique look into Spanish history featuring works from masters such as Velázquez, Goya, Rafael, and Rubens. The building itself was originally the neoclassical Palacio de Villanueva, before becoming a cavalry barracks for Napoleon’s troops during their occupation of Madrid. In 1814 King Fernando VII decided the palace would become a museum for the extensive collection of royal artworks. Purchase tickets in advance to avoid long queues outside the museum and if you are looking for a slightly quieter time to peruse the collection we recommend going between 2 pm and 5 pm to beat the majority of the crowds.
Sleep
JW Marriott Madrid
Set in a 19th-century building which was once one of the oldest perfumeries in the capital (and retains many original features), the JW Marriott oozes all things fragrance; from the lobby aroma to the personalised olfactory journey curated for each guest in collaboration with the Spanish Perfume Academy, to wellness treatments and El Patio JW Garden, where many of the botanical and herbaceous ingredients used in the food and drink, are grown. Taste those uber-local flavours in the QÚ restaurant which is headed by the two Michelin-starred chef Mario Sandoval. The JW Marriott is a place to immerse in some of Madrid’s history and discover a unique part of its heritage.
The Thompson Madrid
The Thompson Madrid is located on Calle De La Montera, which connects the city’s famed main square, Puerta del Sol, to the theatres, cinemas, and boutiques of the lively Gran Via Street. The hotel combines traditional Madrid architecture with Thompson Hotels’ contemporary style and comprises 175 guest bedrooms and suites which have floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces. Guests can enjoy three different dining concepts including the all-day bakery and bistro and the Rooftop, which as you may have guessed, alongside creative cocktails boasts stunning views across the city. The rooftop infinity pool, is the place to relax and the open-air courtyard, fitness centre, and 24-hour boutique are all available for guests to use at their leisure.
The Madrid EDITION
The 200-bedroom Madrid EDITION follows the launch of the brand’s Barcelona property back in 2018. Encapsulating the city’s spirit and essence, the fashionable interiors are by Ian Schrager Company, with unique pieces crafted using salvaged and recycled materials, along with rich fabrics and artistic handicrafts. There are two restaurants; Jerónimo, and the rooftop Oroya serving Peruvian-influenced fare, as well as a seductively decorated nightclub and atmospheric bars. Just across from the very centre of the country (Kilometre Zero) EDITION offers views of a 16th-century Royal Monastery and close access to the city’s highlights. Stay in the hotel’s top room – Madrid Penthouse – for a private infinity pool and eight-seater marble dining table. Read our expert review here.
Rosewood Villa Magna
Villa Magna a historic treasure located on Madrid’s most coveted boulevard is reborn as the capital’s leading luxury hotel. Located between the distinguished Salamanca neighbourhood and Paseo de la Castellana number 22, Rosewood Villa Magna is writing a new chapter in its story with the international hotel group Rosewood Hotels and Resorts. The Rosewood Villa Magna is located in an unbeatable setting, an enclave for shopping, business, gastronomy, and art. With easy access to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum and the so-called ”Landscape of Light” (of El Prado and El Retiro), declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rosewood Villa Magna has four distinct concepts offering guests and locals alike a variety of gastronomic offerings at any time of the day. The property has 101 rooms and 53 suites that embody the hotel’s refined, residential style. Read our expert review here.
The Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid
The gilt, palms and fan-shaped mirrors of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz make clear the Art Deco influence on the decor. It’s the work of French designers Gilles and Boissier, who have augmented this loose theme with lashings of modern opulence. The building dates back to the Belle Epoque era of 1910, but underwent a recent grand refurbishment, giving the 153 rooms a new lease of luxurious life. Opt for the higher-end suites to receive dedicated butler service (although all guests receive VIP treatment). The Mandarin has five venues in which to eat and drink, including the glamorous Champagne Bar and the contemporary Deessa fine dining restaurant, offering gourmet dishes.
For more luxury hotels in Madrid, read our luxury hotel guide.
