Spain
Culture & food
First day, so many steps ahead! I'll guide you along the perfect walk to get the first impressions of the city and discover its cultural and food treasures.
Check-in at Hotel Totem
Head to Salamanca, one of the nicest areas in Madrid. This neighbourhood is the home of boutique hotel Totem, a small, yet comfortable hotel which is perfect if you're staying for a night or two. Nice to know: next to a mini bar, they also have a beauty bar. So don't worry if you couldn't take your beauty products with you - it's all available for your use in your room. If you have the choice, I wouldn't recommend to take breakfast in the hotel. It's not that nice - rather walk a few blocks and find a traditional Spanish breakfast in a cute cafe (for less €).
Breakfast at Castizo Salamanca
Enjoy a traditional and super cheap breakfast in the cosy Castizo bar. The pan con tomate with iberico jamon is amazing here!
Walk around in the El Retiro Park
Walk through the whole Retiro Park, enjoying the street artists and the lake in the center. Make sure to look at the top of the trees, as you might spot colorful parrots here!
Visit the exhibition in Palacio Cristal
In the El Retiro park, you can find "Palacio Cristal", a beautiful glass building that sometimes hosts local exhibitions. But even when it's empty, it's beautiful. So don't miss out during you walk in the park!
Culture time! Head to Musea Reina Sofia.
Enjoy the standard and temporary exhibitions in this beautiful museum. Don't miss out on Picasso's Guernica on the third floor. Wonderful to see how they combine traditional art with modern art here.
Local tapas lunch at Bar Benteveo
From Reina Sofia, walk to Bar Benteveno - where you'll only find locals enjoying their beer and tapas. The owner doesn't really talk English, but ask him to bring you anything and I promise you it will be tasty. Don't expect fresh veggies here, rather typical Spanish dishes to share. Oh, and beers at €1,5. Really a nice recommendation if you're looking for an authentic tapas bar.
Walk around in Calle de Sta. Isabel
Enjoy the cosy street "Calle de Sta. Isabel", with many food stalls and cute shops. On your way you can also find Mercado Anton Martin, a lesser known, yet super nice local food hall. Go in and have a glass of wine in one of the many shops. Don't expect cosy lighting, do expect a great atmosphere!
From here, you can walk towards the city center.
Plaza Mayor & Puerto del Sol
Take a look around at Plaza Mayor and the nearby Plaza Puerto del Sol. Touristy, but worth to take a look.
Experiential dinner at Sala de Despiece
By far one of the best restaurants I visited so far. Not only because the food is DELICIOUS, but also because the concept is so well thought of! Sala de Despiece is Spanish for "cutting room" and everything in this restaurant is aligned to that concept. From the doorknob, to the seating and even the way the waiters dress. Combine that with a full-on experience with literally every dish on the menu, and you have a night you'll never forget. MUST GO in Madrid!
