![\"Image](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/PIC%20DAVID%20MORALEJO.jpg\"\/)
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
David Moralejo, Head of Editorial Content for Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveller Spain.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m not from Madrid<\/a>\u2014hardly anyone in Madrid is. But I\u2019ve lived here longer than anywhere else, and not only that: ever since I was a child, I knew I would live in Madrid. I\u2019ve always had family in the city\u2014even my great-grandmother lived here, on fancy Ibiza street!\u2014so, I\u2019ve known the city well for as long as I can remember.<\/p>\n Traveling so much allows me to say without fear of contradiction that Madrid is the best capital city in the world to live in. Now I\u2019m even afraid to say it, because it seems that by repeating it so often, the idea has really taken hold, and there are more and more of us. The city has changed a lot in recent years; now it’s more international, more expensive, more sophisticated… more like other cities. So now I just hope it retains its spirit, the authenticity of its neighborhoods, its nightlife, its traditional bars, its warm people. That\u2019s why, please, if you come to Madrid… don\u2019t order a latte, always a cortado. Don\u2019t have granola for breakfast, ask for churros. And remember: here we don\u2019t do brunch, we go out de ca\u00f1as from 1 pm… until dusk. \u2014 David Moralejo, Head of Editorial Content<\/p>\n Jump to:<\/p>\n AccordionItemContainerButton<\/p>\n Where to stay<\/p>\n Day 1: Long Walks and Plenty of Small Plates<\/p>\n Breakfast spot: Pastries at Alma Nomad Bakery<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Alma Nomad Bakery<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n A treat as simple as a ham and cheese croissant becomes something delicious here. Every time I go in, I fall in love with a new pastry.<\/p>\n Read Full Review<\/a><\/p>\n After breakfast, head across the street to Rughara Haus for the best souvenirs.<\/p>\n It’s right across the street from Alma, and one of my favorite shops for clothes, ceramics, works of art, and more from independent Spanish and European brands.<\/p>\n Morning activity: Walk through Los Rosales<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Los Rosales<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Savor the jaunt through Los Rosales\u2014make stops at the Temple of Debod (an Egyptian temple dating back to the 2nd century BC) and the Royal Palace (the largest of its kind in Europe), with unbeatable views of the mountains and centuries of history all around you.<\/p>\n Read Full Review<\/a><\/p>\n Lunch spot: Local favorites at El Pedrusco<\/p>\n <\/p>\n El Pedrusco<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n You\u2019ll find the best traditional cuisine here, cooked in a wood-fired oven\u2014and the owners always make me feel right at home.<\/p>\n Read Full Review<\/a><\/p>\n Afternoon activity: Shop through Contempor\u00e1nea Condeduque<\/p>\n Dinner: Small plates at Amis<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Amis<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n This is a must-stop for its selection of wines from around the world and its highly shareable dishes.<\/p>\n Read Full Review<\/a><\/p>\n Evening activity: Two vibes, multiple cocktails<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kinki<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Go for a drink at Kinki, a tiny, super-modern bar, and follow it up with a visit to a spot that embodies the Madrid of yesteryear: Moloko Sound Club\u2014an indie temple playing the best music from the \u201880s and \u201890s.<\/p>\n Read Full Review<\/a><\/p>\n Day 2: The Classic Sights<\/p>\n Breakfast spot: A sweet start at La Duquesita<\/p>\n <\/p>\n La Duquesita<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n You’ll find the best chocolate palmeras (meaning palm trees, or elephant ears) in the world here. Show up early; they sell out almost every day.<\/p>\n Read Full Review<\/a>Morning activity: Embrace the chaos at El Rastro<\/p>\n El Rastro<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n I love visiting the antique shops at El Rastro on Saturdays (the crowds are more manageable than they are on Sundays). Fewer people means you can spend more time wandering around the shops before going out for tapas. If you like snails, you simply must pop into the Casa Amadeo<\/a> bar and sit out on its sunny terrace. It doesn’t get more Madrid than this.<\/p>\n Read Full Review<\/a><\/p>\n Lunch spot: Market-fresh fare at La Tasquita de Enfrente<\/p>\n Afternoon activity: Soak in the vibes of Gran V\u00eda<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gran V\u00eda<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n It may always be crowded, yes, but it’s still worth seeing. The buildings, neon lights, the sprawling stores, and historic theaters\u2014this is Madrid’s most iconic street. Among its architectural gems is the building that once housed Loewe\u2019s first boutique, which is currently undergoing a complete renovation. And on the other side, right where Gran V\u00eda begins, you\u2019ll find the world\u2019s largest Zara.<\/p>\n Read Full Review<\/a><\/p>\n If you fancy stopping for a drink\u2026<\/p>\n the patisserie at the Brach hotel is a real treat.<\/p>\n Dinner: More small plates at La Llorer\u00eda<\/p>\n <\/p>\n La Llorer\u00eda<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n It’s incredible how so many dishes can come out of such a small place\u2014and every single one is so delicious! Book ahead.<\/p>\n Read Full Review<\/a><\/p>\n Evening activity: An exploration of Salesas Chueca<\/p>\n Day 3: A Hearty Dose of Culture<\/p>\n Breakfast spot: Pastries at Estela Hojaldre<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Estela Hojaldre<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n The best puff pastry in Madrid. Bonus: Estela, the owner, is beyond charming. Once you’re done, walk across the street to the Basilica of Jes\u00fas de Medinaceli, where a 17th-century carving\u2014rescued by the Trinitarians\u2014is vis considered a city treasure.<\/p>\n Read Full Review<\/a><\/p>\n Morning activity: Soak in some culture at Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Both its temporary exhibitions and its collection make it one of the best museums in the world. And don’t forget to visit its shop, it’s fantastic. Another selling point: This museum is opposite the Prado Museum<\/a>, which I haven\u2019t recommended because I\u2019m assuming you\u2019ll be visiting it.<\/p>\n Read Full Review<\/a><\/p>\n Lunch spot: Paella at El Jard\u00edn del Ritz<\/p>\n <\/p>\n El Jard\u00edn del Ritz<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Here, they prepare authentic Valencian paella with the seal of approval of chef Quique Dacosta. Try their delicious chicken skewers, too\u2014they’re addictive.<\/p>\n Read Full Review<\/a><\/p>\n Afternoon activity: Go gallery hopping<\/p>\n Dinner: A show at El Corral de la Morer\u00eda<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Corral de la Morer\u00eda<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n This is a total trifecta: the best sherry cellar in the world, a Michelin-starred menu, and unforgettable flamenco performances. All the celebrities have been here… both to perform and to watch the show.<\/p>\n Read Full Review<\/a><\/p>\n If you go early, you\u2019ll be treated to one of the most beautiful sunsets in Madrid right there at the Mirador de las Vistillas.<\/p>\n In winter, catch the snow-capped mountains, and in spring and summer\u2026 you might find yourself in the middle of a concert or traditional street festival while taking in the view.<\/p>\n Evening activity: Experience Spanish Broadway<\/p>\n