Insider’s Guide: Madrid, Spain

Whether toasting over tapas, navigating historic neighborhoods, taking flamenco lessons, or leading the kiddos on a cultural deep dive, the capital of Spain never disappoints.

SAVOR

Amós Restaurant

Executive Chef Jesús Sánchez brings his award-winning cuisine to Madrid at this Rosewood entice — a gastronomic homage to the exceptional produce and culinary region of northern Spain and the Cantabrian Sea.

Tapas, Por Favor

A culinary must. And you don't need to commit to one venue or vibe (or even one cuisine), since a ronda, or tapas crawl, takes you to multiple locations. If you choose to venture on your own, don’t miss these two tapas standouts:

Bodega de la Ardosa has been operating for an impressive 127 years. Antique tchotchkes line the walls, engraved beer taps crown the bar, and wrought-iron columns alternated with wine barrels have been crafted into tables. Nostalgia aside, the food is reason enough to visit.

Mercado de San Miguel has multiple stalls that sell all kinds of tapas, including fresh seafood, Iberian ham, and Spanish cheeses.

TOAST TO MADRID

Tarde.O

With sophisticated seating options both inside and out, the Rosewood bar is a sophisticated perch for cocktails and small plates.

Rosi La Loca

Seemingly inspired by Alice in Wonderland, staff wear pink tutu skirts, the décor is fun florals, and drinks are served in themed mugs. Try the Crazy Cat cocktail for some table theater.

ART + ARCHITECTURE

The Cathedral of Flamenco

Spain's most famous style of dance and music is known the world over for its energy, color, and beauty. You’ll find flamenco shows all over the city, but for the most authentic experience, catch this oldest tablao in the city.

Museo Mania

The Royal Palace of Madrid

Built in the 18th century by the Bourbon dynasty, discover Western Europe's largest royal palace. At nearly 1.5 million square feet, the Royal Palace is nearly double the size of Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Versailles. This architectural wonder is three centuries old and houses 3,418 rooms.

Museo del Prado

The country’s main national art museum, the Museo Nacional del Prado is home to an unforgettable collection of European art, dating from the 12th century to the early 20th century. Peruse the most complete collections of El Greco, Velázquez, and Francisco de Goya, as well as such Spanish masters as José de Ribera and Francisco de Zurbarán.

THE REAL DEAL

David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stefano — some of the world’s greatest footballers have played for Real Madrid. If fortunate enough to visit the city during a home match, make it a priority. Even those who aren’t “football fanatics” are sure to get caught up in the excitement of this storied team. If timing doesn’t dovetail for a match, explore the Santiago Bernabéu, one of the world's most emblematic sports venues and the home stadium of Real Madrid.

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