If you prefer exploring a city over tourist-ridden islands, then Madrid should be at the top of your European travel list. Home to luxury accommodations—equipped with air conditioning and rooftop pools—as well as some of the country’s best shopping, craft cocktails, and delicious dishes, Spain’s capital city promises an unforgettable summer escape. Below, Whitewall guides you to our top unmissable places to visit.
HOTELS
Palacio de los Duques
Courtesy of Palacio de los Duques.
For a top-tier stay in the heart of the city—located in a renovated 13th-century convent and 19th century palace, no less—visit Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá. Conveniently located in the city center, this breathtaking property boasts 160 rooms and 20 suites, as well as an on-site spa, fitness center, solarium, fireplace area, private gardens, a rooftop pool, and more. Best of all, the property recently launched a handful of brand new pool packages just in time for summer. Guests can book a private Balinese bed accompanied with a bottle of bubbles, fresh fruit, and pool set, which includes a facial towel, slippers, sunscreen, and aftersun body lotion (prices vary based on bottle inclusion). Be sure to pop by Coroa and Montmartre, two of the property’s on-site food and beverage concepts, for updated cocktail lists and seasonal menu offerings.
What we love: For an extra-special level of privacy—and all-day, complimentary snacks and drinks—spring for a RedLevel experience, which includes personalized check in service, a private garden space, separate library with TV, and more.
Cuesta de Sto. Domingo, 5, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Mandarin Oriental
Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental.
Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental.
No matter which city you’re in, the Mandarin Oriental always promises a top-notch experience. The company’s Madrid 5-star outpost is located right on Retiro Park, offering a lush, serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city center. First opened in 1910, this Belle Époque-inspired property was conceptualized by renowned Parisian duo designers Gilles & Boissier, and today, boasts 167 rooms across numerous tiers, including a Superior Room, Royal Suite, and Presidential Suite options. In addition to luxurious accommodations, the property boasts numerous on-site dining options, an al-fresco restaurant, on-site wellness center and spa, and more. For those looking for a quiet reprieve without sacrificing access to the city’s top attractions, MO is just the ticket.
What we love: No stay at a Mandarin Oriental property would be complete without a world-class spa treatment. Spring for a “calm-and-destress massage” upon arrival and set yourself up for jet-lag free success.
Pl. de la Lealtad, 5, Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
The Madrid EDITION
Courtesy of Madrid EDITION.
Courtesy of Madrid EDITION.
Opened in March 2022, the The Madrid EDITION offers a luxurious escape in the heart of the city center, complete with show-stopping architecture, curated art, and impressive F&B offerings that promise to keep you satiated during your stay. Beyond its two restaurants and three on-site bar concepts, the EDITION also boasts a sprawling wellness area / spa facility and natural light-filled event spaces, as well as 200 guest rooms, including a handful of connecting units for those traveling in groups. The hotel’s opening comes four years after the launch of The Barcelona EDITION, and marks the brand’s inaugural venture into Spain’s capital city. Best of all, the EDITION is home to Madrid’s largest rooftop pool, equipped with 25 sunbeds and five cabanas perfect for catching some rays and admiring the city’s signature red rooftops.
What we love: Despite the city’s onslaught of impressive places to eat and drink, you’d be remiss to check out the hotel’s on-site restaurants Oroya and Jerónimo, which are operated in conjunction with award-winning chef partners Enrique Olvera (Pujol – Mexico City) and Diego Muñoz (Astrid Y Gaston – Lima), respectively.
Pl. de Celenque, 2, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
RESTAURANTS & BARS
Salmon Guru
Courtesy of Salmon Guru.
Salmon Guru regularly finds itself pretty high up on The World’s 50 Best Bars lists, and after just one visit, you’ll see why. Spearheaded by Argentinian bartender Diego Cabrera, this funky, game-changing cocktail bar offers an eclectic reprieve from the bustle of the surrounding streets, and above all, proposes creative, thought-provoking cocktails that promise to leave a lasting impression. From riffs on the classics to unique concoctions, Salmon Guru’s libations are only outshined by the bar’s hospitable team and welcoming service.
What we love: Margarita fans, grab the Tequila Al Pastor for a savory riff on the classic cocktail.
Calle de Echegaray, 21, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
La Venencia
La Venencia, photo by Vicki Denig.
We don’t say this lightly, but La Venencia might just be the most authentic bar in all of Spain—think no reservations, no real menu, and absolutely no photos allowed. Located on Calle de Echegaray (the same street as Salmon Guru), this dusty, century-old tavern exclusively serves up five types of sherry, all of which are poured directly from wood casks. As far as food goes, don’t expect more than a few salty tapas offerings for pairing with your fortified wine, but in terms of authenticity, this historic bar is as good as it gets.
What we love: Taste your way through the gamut of sherry offerings by starting with a salty Manzanilla, followed by Fino, Amontillado, and Oloroso.
Calle de Echegaray, 7, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
TOTÓ
Courtesy of Toto Madrid.
When a break from tapas calls, TOTÓ promises to answer. Opened in 2020, this Italian hotspot is owned by renowned tennis player Rafael Nadal, Christiano Ronaldo, and Pau Gasol. While it may sound counterintuitive to eat Italian in Spain, this game-changing restaurant has been capturing hearts of locals and international visitors alike, due much in part to its authentic and sustainably-focused cuisine (spearheaded by chef Emiliano Celli), fabulous cocktails, and unmatchable hospitality. Expect well-executed pasta dishes and Mediterranean-inspired small plates, all served up in a retro-inspired, dimly lit ambiance. Credit where credit’s due, this unstoppable team is absolutely crushing it.
What we love: For a perfect mix of Italy meets Spain, order the Parmigiano croquettes served with thin Ibérico slices. Seafood lovers, you can’t go wrong with the grand tortelloni filled with lobster and crab!
P.º de la Castellana, 36, Salamanca, 28046 Madrid, Spain
SHOPS
El Moderno
Courtesy of El Moderno.
Decorations, gifts, paper goods—you name it, and El Moderno can likely do it. Located in Madrid’s buzzy Malasaña neighborhood, this spacious concept store offers a variety of authentic pieces to take home, from handcrafted accessories to furniture, books, and various pieces of art. Founded by Delphine Costenoble and David Yerga, the shop’s pieces are carefully curated from a mix of local and international designers, with an emphasis on quality and authenticity as the thread that ties them together. Bonus point: El Moderno also has an exhibition area on the lower level, featuring an event space that regularly hosts workshops, screenings, and more.
What we love: Get ahead on your holiday shopping with the versatile array of locally-crafted products available at El Moderno—as we all know, a gift is even better when a personal travel story is attached to it!
Corre. Baja de San Pablo, 19, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Malababa
Malababa, courtesy of the Principal Madrid.
For sustainably crafted bags, jewelry, and leather goods—all made by hand in Spain, of course—look no further than Malababa. The store’s artisanal products are created on-site at the store’s in-house workshop, using traditional processes and locally-sourced materials. Malababa’s leather comes from reused animal skins sourced from the city’s food industry, much of which is vegetable-tanned, a process that turns skin to leather harmlessly for both humans and the environment. Functional, sustainable, and locally produced? Sign us up.
What we love: The best way to haul your new stash of souvenirs home? In a souvenir itself, of course. Pick up a custom leather bag to fit all of your newly acquired bounty as the cherry on top.
Calle de Serrano, 8, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid, Spain & Calle de Sta. Teresa, 5, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Desperate Literature Librería (Bookstore)
Courtesy of Desperate Literature.
Desperate Literature, photo by Vicki Denig.
Finished your vacation novel or early—or even worse, left your book in the backseat pocket of the plane? Worry not, Desperate Literature Librería has the solution. Located just a few streets over from Madrid’s Gran Vía, this cozy, international shop offers new and used books in English, French, and Spanish, and also boasts locations in Brooklyn and Santorini. Be sure to ask a team member to stamp the inside of your book at checkout for a solid, one-of-a-kind souvenir!
What we love: Snag a book from a European-based author that you may not be able to find Stateside—and be sure to get the inside cover stamped with the shop’s signature logo.
Calle de Campomanes, 13, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
