Hey there! Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to book something through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps me keep sharing free content with you. Happy Adventures x
Now, I’m probably going to win zero fans for what I’m about to say, but what the hell, I’m at that age. Suck it up.
Sometimes I think, "if I have to see or step foot on one more beach, I’m going to claw my eyeballs out." (And quite frankly, that’s putting it mildly for you.)
It’s not that I hate the beach, far from it. I live on one. Like literally, there it is, outside my window with not even a road between us. In winter, it’s heaven. Quiet. Peaceful. Dramatic. A vicious storm rolling in? Love it.
But for a break? I don’t want to go to another beach. At least not in the Med. It’d just be home from home. What I want is a city.Give me beautiful buildings, nooks and crannies, incredible food, local secrets, energy, history, tapas... give me ALL OF IT.
Which leads me to Madrid—because nothing screams “city break” quite like Spain’s majestic capital.
Plaza Mayor - Madrid
Now, Madrid is a veritable feast of places to go and things to see, but I'm going to give you my top four picks, enough for a fun short stay, covering art/culture/history and because I'm a woman of simple pleasures...food!
TOP THINGS TO DO IN MADRID
The Prado Museum + Lunch at Sobrino de Botín Tour
If you’re a foodie and a culture vulture, this is the tour. Ok, I'm going to say that again in bold caps so you understand... THIS. IS. THE. TOUR.
You'll be skipping the queues and soaking up world-class art, think Goya and Velazquez and more. You'll have a stroll to lunch through the Literary Quarter, through the Plaza Mayor AND THEN... stroll straight into Sobrino de Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant (seriously—it’s in the Guinness Book of Records). No lining up with the masses you always see outside. You’ll be inside, seated, and slicing into a perfectly roasted cochinillo. Art, history, a glass of wine, and roast pig. It's utterly outrageous. It's heaven!! Gosh it's killing me that I'm not there quite honestly. I'm here writing this...sweating in this heat.... like a juicy little cochinillo.... (oversharing much?)
Royal Palace Tour
Look, you can’t come to Madrid and not visit the Royal Palace. That would be like going to London and skipping Buckingham Palace. Although the Spanish Royal Family no longer resides here, it remains their official residence and it’s absolutely stunning. With ornate rooms, grand staircases, impressive armouries, and magnificent chandeliers, you’ll find yourself wishing you could move in. (Alas, apparently you cannot. You can however binge watch a load of period dramas on Netflix and just pretend.)
The Royal Palace - Madrid
Day Trip to Ávila & Segovia
Two medieval cities. One day. An hour’s drive from Madrid. Stone walls whispering the secrets of stories past, Roman aqueducts standing as testament to ancient engineering, magnificent gothic cathedrals.. it all makes Disney look basic… (Am I waxing lyrical enough?)
It’s history, beauty, and epic scenery all rolled into one unforgettable day. If you’ve got the time, don’t miss this. It’s one of the best day trips in Spain offering a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a picturesque escape, these medieval cities promise an experience that will linger in your memory long after you’ve returned to Madrid.
Flamenco at Corral de la Morería or a Tapas Crawl
Madrid has plenty of flamenco venues, but if you’re going to do it, then do it right. Corral de la Morería is one of the oldest and most prestigious tablaos in Madrid. It’s all passion, rhythm, and goosebumps. An unforgettable night out. As would be a fab Tapas Crawl in all honesty. Want to eat and drink really well and have a laugh while doing it? Join a small-group tapas tour through the city’s most mouth-watering bars. It’s sociable, informal, and delicious. The amount of people we have met while eating somewhere who have become friends! (A lot basically)
"Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life's most civilized pleasures." – Michael Broadbent (I couldn't say it better!)
Flamenco Dancing
Where to Stay in Madrid
We ALL want something central, clean, stylish, and not ridiculously priced. Quite frankly these are all so lovely you will actually feel like royalty!
These spots tick all the boxes:
Hotel Regina – Central, great value, elegant modern rooms. Near Puerta del Sol. It's all walkable. It's flipping great to be honest. How do i know? This is the hotel the VIP fam stayed in when last in Madrid!
Only YOU Boutique Hotel – A fantastic find! It's in a fabulous location close to El Retiro Park, close to the Prado Museoum. It's totally Chic with Instagram-worthy interiors. It has a rare treat of a roof top terrace, its honestly a totally top notch hotel!
Hotel Atlantico – Looking for a great central location? This is right on Gran Via, what more do you want? Excellent reviews? Quite frankly all these hotels have excellent reviews but this is a very very nice hotel.. and not altogether unreasonably priced either!
Room Mate Macarena – Modern, colourful, and 5 minutes from everything. It is one nice hotel. It has a (seasonal) pool yay!! Service pets are also allowed. Check the instructions as you need to provide vaccination records etc. Breed restrictions apply etc etc.
Now, Madrid is awash with great Hotels in great spots so don't be shy get on Hotels.com or somewhere else and have a good mooch and see what tickles your fancy!
Little Travel Tip (a.k.a. Don’t be a victim)
Look, I don’t want to be the killjoy… but you need to know: Pickpocketing in Madrid is real. Especially around tourist hotspots like Sol, the metro, and even the airport.
Case in point: Mr VIP had his phone stolen before he even left Barajas airport. (That was a cracking start to a weekend!) Hours later, with a brand-new "emergency" phone in pocket? Another thief had a go. SAME DAY. Literally caught 'red-handed'! We laugh now about how earnest he was in his protestations that he was just trying to help it "not fall out of the Misters pocket." Like WHAT, that's what you're going with?? But it did take the shine off that weekend somewhat.
So, be smart:
Use a cross-body riñonera (bumbag/fanny pack) and don’t carry all your belongings on you.
ONE LAST GEM
(YOU CAN THANK ME LATER!)
La Venencia - Madrid
Not gonna lie... a small part of me was like "hmmmm.. do we really want the world to know about the best bar in Madrid?" and I was just a little tempted to keep this gem close to my chest, but that would be missing the whole point wouldn't it!
So, here it is.
If you completely ignore absolutely everything I've said in this post... I'll get over it. Maybe just take away this little nugget?
No photos. No tips. No reservations. Just sherry, wooden barrels, locals, and history. It’s one of Madrid’s most unique bars and a little piece of our heart. Go. Soak it in. Some places are better that way.
So, Madrid is big, bold, beautiful, and absolutely worth it.Whether it’s your first visit or your umpteenth, there’s something here for everyone:- foodies, families, art lovers, party people, even the I’m-not-doing-another-beach types like me. So pack your comfiest shoes and prepare to fall in love with the Spanish capital. Maybe we'll see you in La Venencia next time x