Madrid is one of Europe’s most dynamic, diverse and lively capital cities. A center of art and culture in addition to being a gastronomic force and nightlife hub, the Spanish capital offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the very best of Spanish culture from every possible angle (and, I might add, at every possible hour, because, in case you didn’t already know, Madrid like New York is a city that truly never sleeps).
History and Culture
Take a stroll around Madrid and you will be confronted by city’s rich history at every turn. From the awe-inspiring Royal Palace built in the 18th century on the site of a former Moorish castle to the Temple of Debod, the Instagram-perfect Egyptian temple dating back to the 2nd century BC which was dismantled, transported to Cuartel de la Montaña Park and rebuilt brick by brick, to the Matadero Contemporary Art Center, a former slaughterhouse that has been transformed into a rambling, riverfront assemblage of buildings designated for the multi-disciplinary pursuit of artistic expression, Madrid’s past weaves seamlessly into its present.
Further celebrating Madrid’s storied past is the capital city’s prestigious collection of museums, the most famous of which is the Prado Museum, constructed in 1785 and now home to the world’s most famous collection of Spanish art, including works by Francisco de Goya, Diego Velázquez and El Greco as well as works by Titian, Peter Paul Rubens and Hieronymus Bosch. Then there’s the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum located just across the street from the Prado, which, though newer, is a more intimate home to some one thousand European works of art dating from the13th century to the close of the 20th century. And, finally to complete the triumvirate of museums ranked as the most important in Madrid, there’s the nearby Reina Sofia Museum and its significant collection of contemporary art which is not to be missed.
Gastronomy
Food is central to the non-stop social whirl of Madrid and the choices are plentiful. Ranging from the traditional to the contemporary and molecular, the city offers a playground for the palate. On the traditional side of the spectrum, few restaurants can compare to the legendary Sobrino de Botín, which was founded in 1725 – making it the oldest restaurant continuously operating in the world. Written about by Ernest Hemingway and reportedly frequented by the renowned artist Francisco de Goya, this Madrid staple’s most popular menu item continues to be a whole suckling pig prepared in a brick oven.
Meanwhile on the contemporary side of things Yakitoro by award-winning celebrity chef Alberto Chicote epitomizes the intersection of East meets West as Spanish recipes collide with Japanese cooking techniques to create discombobulatingly heady, charcoal scented creations that turn tradition on its head while simultaneously exalting it in a sleek, modern space. Elsewhere, on the more casual side of things, local markets like the historic Mercado San Miguel, offers patrons an opportunity to sample everything from sushi and oysters to local cheeses and an array of tapas in a relaxed, upscale market setting.
Shopping
Madrid’s internationally recognized Golden Mile in the swank Barrio de Salamanca is without question the pre-eminent destination for high-end shopping when visiting the city. However, more budget conscious shoppers will be thrilled to learn that Madrid is also home to the extremely popular Las Rozas Village outlet collection featuring over 100 boutiques selling national and international brands, as well as massive outlets by local retail giant, The Style, located in San Sebastián de los Reyes and Getafe.
Where to Stay
The Hotel H10 Villa de la Reina located directly on Gran Via is an excellent gateway to a bustling, active thoroughfare that winds through a large swath of the city. Centrally located, filled with shops, restaurants, rooftop bars and everything any soul could possibly require during a stay in Madrid, this location offers the added benefit of proximity to the nightlife rich Chueca neighborhood, which also happens to be home to Museo Chicote, Spain’s oldest cocktail bar.
Yet another terrific hotel quietly tucked away from the main drag on the charming Plaza Santa Ana in central Madrid is the chic, modern and decidedly hip Me Madrid Reina Victoria Hotel. Defined by state-of-the-art design, luxurious flourishes and the expansive Radio ME Madrid Rooftop Bar which features a jaw dropping panoramic view of Madrid enhanced by a rotating roster of DJs, the Me Madrid Reina Victoria is not only at the center of the action, on many occasions it is the host.
So what are you waiting for? Madrid is calling. Don’t let the call go unanswered.