N.S GUIDE TO MADRID
To me, Madrid has always felt like a second home. My mum is madrileña, and I spent most of my childhood holidays in this beautiful city. So I feel entitled enough to be your guide - with a curated list of some of my favourite spots in the Spanish capital.
I love the people, El Retiro in spring, and the bustling streets filled with colour, music and laughter.
WHERE TO EAT
Casa Macareno
Mo de Movimiento
Akiro Handroll Bar
El Rincón
Casa PEI
Casa Labra
Farah
Starting with food - this list is already quite long, but I’ve narrowed it down to my current favourites. Casa Macareno is great for a classic menú del día; Mo de Movimiento offers fresh, contemporary dishes in a stunning space; and dressing up for dinner at Akiro, followed by a walk through the beautiful neighbourhood, is always a treat.
COFFEE AND OTHER TREATS
Chocolatería San Ginés
Café y Pepinillos
La Duquesita
Casa Neutrale
Casto
COFI.
A few lovely cafés for speciality coffee or matcha - but also a couple of iconic spots in the city. San Ginés, for example, is where my grandparents used to go on dates in their twenties, sharing churros con chocolate. This place is close to my heart; my grandma spoke of those memories with such love, and I love returning for her.
DRINKS AND MUSIC
Candela
Casa Música
GOTA
Masaru
Chinchin
Candela is a classic if you're looking for a taberna with flamenco music. The others are great bars—not just for a few cocktails, but also for good food and a candlelit vibe.
WHERE TO SHOP
El Rastro (every Sunday morning)
TASCHEN
Loewe Madrid
Ojo con el Duende
Formaje
Something I never miss when I come to the city is El Rastro on Sunday mornings—a sprawling market with everything from antiques to furniture (some pieces I’m still gutted I couldn’t take home). My mum used to take me all the time. We’d follow the treasure hunt with a dish of snails and some classic tapas. For a completely different kind of plan, picking up a beautiful book from TASCHEN or some cheese from Formaje always makes a perfect souvenir.
CULTURE
Museo del Prado
Museo Reina Sofía
La Casa Encendida
Círculo de Bellas Artes
Biblioteca Iván de Vargas
Cine Doré
Sala Equis
You can't leave Madrid without visiting El Prado and taking a walk around El Retiro. The museums on this list are all worth exploring, each offering something special. I’ve always found inspiration in their spaces. A couple of unique cinemas and a library with stunning architecture round it all out.
I hope you enjoy this curated guide and get to experience it all in person. For more, you can save my full guide directly to your map here!
Love,
Carla