Discover Madrid’s 200 best Unhurried Traveller spots for your trip

Puerta del Sol

Pass through Puerta del Sol, the busy square at the centre of Madrid. Take in the statues and historic buildings and spot the clock famous for ringing in the New Year.

Cibeles Fountain

★ 4.7 · 57,583 reviews

Pause at the Cibeles Fountain, the white marble centrepiece of one of Madrid's grandest intersections. Take in the sculpted Cybele and her lion-drawn chariot, then photograph it beside the neighbouring Palacio de las Comunicaciones.

Plaza Mayor

★ 4.6 · 205,108 reviews

Wander into Plaza Mayor, the arcaded square at the heart of old Madrid. Walk beneath the arches, take in the Philip III statue and linger at a terrace in one of the city's defining public spaces.

Restaurant La Campana

★ 4.5 · 20,516 reviews

Join the line at La Campana, the no-frills Centro tavern behind Madrid's famous calamari sandwich. Order it with a sangria or a tapa and judge whether the hype is deserved.

Chocolatería San Ginés

★ 4.3 · 73,503 reviews

Visit Chocolatería San Ginés, a Madrid institution serving churros and chocolate since 1894. Dunk your churros into thick hot chocolate inside its traditional dining room, at almost any hour of the day or night.

Tablao Flamenco Corral de la Morería

★ 4.4 · 4,538 reviews

Reserve an evening at Tablao Flamenco Corral de la Morería, a well-known Madrid restaurant with nightly flamenco. Dine on inventive Spanish dishes, then watch dancers, a singer and a guitarist perform up close.

Metropolis Building

★ 4.7 · 6,373 reviews

Admire the Metropolis Building, the ornate landmark marking the start of Gran Vía. Study the golden dome and winged statue from the street, then continue along the avenue.

Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena

★ 4.6 · 33,357 reviews

Visit the Almudena Cathedral, Madrid's grand church beside the Royal Palace. Wander its colourful chapels, then descend to the Romanesque crypt and the museum.

DiverXO

★ 4.4 · 3,329 reviews

Discover DiverXO, the Chamartín restaurant where chef Dabiz Muñoz rewrites the rules of fine dining. Work through a changing run of inventive courses on theatrical dishware, each one introduced by the service team.

Sabatini Garden

★ 4.6 · 10,272 reviews

Step into Sabatini Garden, the formal neoclassical terraces beside Madrid's Royal Palace. Walk among fountains and statues, then pause on a bench for views of the palace facade.

Puerta de Alcalá

★ 4.7 · 63,954 reviews

See the Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid's neoclassical triumphal arch beside Retiro Park. Circle the arch to study its carved stone and sculptures, then continue into the park.

Casa Labra

★ 4.3 · 15,903 reviews

Drop into Casa Labra, the old-school Centro bar that has made fried cod a Madrid ritual. Queue briefly, then enjoy golden fritters, croquettes and a glass of vermouth straight from the tap.

Kapital

★ 3.7 · 10,105 reviews

Discover Kapital, Madrid's seven-storey nightclub packed with bars, a rooftop and music on every level. Move between floors, from the dance floor to karaoke, and keep the night going until morning.

LA BOLA

★ 4.2 · 8,041 reviews

Step into La Bola, a historic wood-paneled dining room in central Madrid. Settle in for a traditional cocido madrileño, accompanied by vermouth, olives, wine and dessert on the set menu.

Coque

★ 4.7 · 1,707 reviews

Experience Coque, the Chamberí restaurant that turns dinner into a journey through several rooms. Follow the staff from space to space, tasting contemporary dishes and visiting the wine cellar before the final table.

StreetXO Madrid

★ 4.4 · 9,455 reviews

Dive into StreetXO, the Salamanca address known for loud, inventive fusion cooking. Share the Korean lasagna and creative seafood plates, then linger over cocktails in a room that stays lively into the small hours.

Casa Alberto

★ 4.4 · 5,378 reviews

Step into Casa Alberto, the Centro tavern that has been pouring drinks and serving tapas since 1827. Settle beneath old paintings with house vermouth, garlic langoustines and classic Madrid plates.

Tortillas de Gabino

★ 4.6 · 2,781 reviews

Settle into Tortillas de Gabino, the Chamberí favourite for classic Spanish comfort food. Order silky croquetas and a perfectly set tortilla, then see what the seasonal menu adds.

Frutas Prohibidas – Brunch y Café de Especialidad en Madrid

★ 4.8 · 12,507 reviews

Book a table at Frutas Prohibidas, the Centro brunch address that made plant-based eggs Benedict a talking point. Sit down to a vegan brunch with specialty coffee and see how convincing the poached eggs are.

La Casa del Abuelo

★ 3.9 · 6,689 reviews

Pull up at La Casa del Abuelo, a Madrid tapas institution in the centre. Dip bread into sizzling gambas al ajillo and sip sangria or small glasses of local wine at the crowded bar.

Casa Revuelta

★ 4.4 · 6,746 reviews

Stop by Casa Revuelta, the classic Centro tapas bar known for its fried cod. Squeeze in at the bar for a golden tajada de bacalao, a gilda and a cold drink alongside Madrid regulars.

Azotea del Círculo

★ 4.2 · 11,331 reviews

Discover Azotea del Círculo, a rooftop terrace high above Centro with a sweeping Madrid skyline. Sink into a lounge sofa with a cocktail or a glass of red wine and watch the city's light change.

Museo Chicote - Coctelería desde 1931

★ 4.2 · 2,984 reviews

Discover Museo Chicote, the 1931 cocktail bar where Hemingway was a regular. Order a signature drink, browse the old photographs on the walls, and enjoy the live music in one of Madrid's most storied rooms.

Temple of Debod

★ 4.4 · 70,464 reviews

Watch the sun set behind the Temple of Debod, a real Egyptian temple rebuilt in a Madrid park. Stroll around its reflecting pools, step inside the small museum, and enjoy the open city views.

Salmon Guru - A CONTRACORRIENTE

★ 4.6 · 4,977 reviews

Discover Salmon Guru, the playful Madrid bar famed for cocktails unlike any others. Settle into the dark, retro-styled room, share a few international plates, and let the staff steer you through the creative menu.

Norah Coffee & Brunch - Speciality Coffee

★ 4.8 · 9,018 reviews

Join the queue at Norah Coffee & Brunch, the Salamanca spot Madrid diners keep recommending. Settle in for a plentiful brunch, guacamole included, served by an attentive team.

SALA DE DESPIECE 1 (SDD1)

★ 4.4 · 6,047 reviews

Pull up a stool at Sala de Despiece, the Chamberí tapas bar dressed as a butcher's market. Share inventive small plates like oysters and herring jelly in a buzzing, minimalist room.

fismuler madrid

★ 4.4 · 3,983 reviews

Book a table at fismuler madrid, the Chamberí restaurant whose small, precise plates keep guests coming back. Share a chicken liver pâté with sourdough, a meatball and a chine bun in a stylish, relaxed setting.

Pez Tortilla

★ 4.5 · 11,163 reviews

Pop into Pez Tortilla, the Centro bar that turns the humble tortilla into a Madrid essential. Order a creamy pincho with onion, add ham croquetas and a vermut, and join the lively crowd.

Sala La Riviera

★ 4.2 · 14,661 reviews

Experience Sala La Riviera, Madrid's large-scale concert hall and club with several bars and an open terrace. Catch a headline show or club night with a powerful sound system and a big, energetic crowd.