Madrid Travel Design Guide 2026: Where to Stay, Eat, Shop and Explore
A curated travel guide to Madrid’s best hotel,
restaurants, shops, and more
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Planning a trip to Madrid? This curated travel guide brings together where to stay and where to eat, along with a museum and shops worth adding to your list. A concise edit of places that capture the city’s energy, from food and culture to design.
Where to Stay in Madrid – Casa de las Artes Meliá Collection
A design-led, dog-friendly hotel in Barrio de las Letras, inspired by Madrid’s artistic heritage.
Elegant interiors pay tribute to the seven fine arts, creating a calm, immersive stay in the heart of the city, with a restaurant blending local and international flavours.
A gym, pool and other amenities are also available on-site.
Where to Have Lunch in Madrid – El Jardín del Ritz
Set within one of Madrid’s most beautiful gardens, El Jardín del Ritz is an elegant al fresco lunch spot.
The menu leans towards tapas and light Mediterranean dishes, best enjoyed alongside a glass of champagne.
The chef Quique Dacosta is particularly known for his rice dishes, among the best in the city, making the paella a must-try.
If you’re in the mood for something different, the wagyu beef is also worth ordering.
For a more immersive experience, they offer paella masterclasses: a chance to explore the craft behind one of Spain’s most iconic dishes in an open-air setting.
Great for solo or group lunches, all set within the refined surroundings of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz.
Where to Eat Dinner in Madrid – Sala De Despiece
With two locations (Salamanca & Chamberí), Sala de Despiece offers a more experimental take on dining.
The menu shifts with the seasons and the focus is on raw materials, technique and surprise.
Expect a mix of meat, fish and vegetable-led dishes, best approached by trusting the chefs and sharing across the table.
Where to Eat Tapas in Madrid – Casa Alberto 1827 Tapas
A historic Madrid tavern where traditional tapas are taken seriously.
Casa Alberto is known for its classic dishes: oxtail stew, beef cheek, Madrilenian cod and callos, alongside a few more contemporary plates.
The atmosphere remains true to its roots, with one of the city’s oldest bars where you can enjoy the full menu in a more informal, tapas-style setting.
Where to Drink (and Eat) Natural Wines in Madrid – Masa
A laid-back spot centred around natural wines and good food, Masa feels more like a friend’s home than a typical bar.
Known for its strong focus on Pet Nat and low-intervention wines, the selection highlights small, independent producers from across Europe.
Alongside it, simple, well-executed dishes make it an easy place to settle in.
Also expect vinyl playing in the background.
What Museum to Visit in Madrid – Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Prado Museum is always a must, but for a more contemporary perspective, head to the Reina Sofía.
Set in a former hospital with a striking extension by Jean Nouvel, it houses key modern works including Picasso’s Guernica, alongside a strong programme of different exhibitions and cultural events.
Where to Shop in Madrid (Kids Edition) – Museum of Mimi
A concept store for children, Museum of Mini offers a curated selection of clothes, toys, books, decor and stationery from independent brands, all chosen with a focus on creativity and thoughtful design.
It feels like a small, curated world — part store, part playroom — designed for children to explore and for parents to discover.
Where to Shop in Madrid (Adults Edition) – NON STANDARD
A concept store spotlighting emerging Spanish brands, Non Standard focuses on craftsmanship, slow fashion and conscious design.
Bringing together fashion, accessories and lifestyle pieces, it offers a more considered way to shop.
A place where you can discover and connect with the stories behind each brand.
Where to Shop in Madrid (Concept Store Edition) – WOW Concept
A concept store bringing together men’s fashion, beauty, home décor and design from both established and emerging brands.
Designed as a theatrical space, WOW Concept blends retail with digital art and immersive scenography, creating a more experiential way to discover and connect with products.
Where to Buy Souvenirs – Colors of Madrid
A creative take on the classic souvenir shop, this spot brings together cool Madrid merch, local artist pieces and specialty coffee all in one place.
With two locations, it offers a small taste of the city’s creative scene, all in one place.
A Few More Stops Worth Adding
To round out your time in Madrid, make sure to also visit:
Museo del Prado: one of the world’s leading art museums (don’t forget to stop by Room 67 to see Goya's famous Black Paintings)
Mercado de San Miguel: a must for food and local flavours
Parque del Retiro: Madrid’s most iconic park (A UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Gran Vía: for architecture, shopping and city energy
Calle de Serrano: for luxury shopping and designer brands
Royal Palace of Madrid: a landmark of history and grandeur
Together, these spots offer a well-rounded way to experience Madrid, a city definitely worth discovering.
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