This insider's city guide has been a long time in the making. We've eaten in countless Madrid restaurants, dined in the best local eateries and visited the latest hotspots. We've also asked the most discerning locals we know to share their favourite hangouts – whether brand new or classic institutions. We bring you our hand-picked selection of our favourite places in Madrid right now.

Whether you're looking for the ultimate luxury hotel, a cosy boutique hotel, or an ultra-cool design hotel, here is our pick of the best places to stay in Madrid.

Enjoy the tranquility of this stylish boutique hotel in the upscale Salamanca district ...

Housed within a 19th-century palace, Hotel Unico is a haven of grand staircases, gleaming marble and verdant private gardens. With an exclusive, sophisticated feel, Hotel Unico has the air of a dramatic private residence, where guests can sink into a plush sofa in the hotel’s cosy library, retreat to one of 44 classically-elegant rooms, or enjoy an indulgent Natura Bissé spa treatment. The hotel also boasts one of the city’s most prestigious gastronomic experiences by two Michelin-starred chef, Ramon Freixa.

Claudio Coello, 67, 28001 Madrid
unicohotelmadrid.com  |  +34 91 781 01 73

Contemporary urban comfort by one of Madrid’s hottest hotel groups ...

Lovers of design will be in their element at the designer-chic Only You hotel group’s two Madrid hotel addresses, where interiors by Lázaro Rosa-Violán blend contemporary style with vintage touches. At Only You Hotel Atocha, a 19th-century building has been given an industrial makeover – the vast lobby marks the hub of the action with its relaxed lounge bar and funky fusion restaurant, and make sure to soak in the panoramic views from the 7th-floor YOUniverse restaurant. At Only You Boutique Hotel, a former palace has been transformed into one of hottest hotels in the city, with rooms featuring Juliette balconies, charming window shutters and a palette of deep blue tones. Unwind at El Padrino, the hotel’s elegant book shop and bar, where you can share tapas plates and sip delicious cocktails. €€

Only You Hotel Atocha - Paseo Infanta Isabel 13, 28014 Madrid
onlyyouhotels.com/atocha  |  +34 914 09 78 76

Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid - Barquillo, 21, 28004 Madrid
onlyyouhotels.com/boutique-hotel-madrid  |  +34 910 05 27 46

A luxury boutique hotel with an eye for design ...

With the air of an exclusive members club, TÓTEM Madrid nestles in the elegant Salamanca neighbourhood, home to some of the city’s most fashionable boutiques and restaurants. Oozing cosmopolitan style, TÓTEM features a minimalist aesthetic throughout its 20 sleek rooms. Sink into a plush velvet booth in the Art Deco-style cocktail bar, then unwind amidst the natural tones of Hermosos y Malditos Mediterranean restaurant.

Hermosilla, 23, 28001 Madrid
totem-madrid.com  |  +34 914 260 035

An urban escape surrounded by chic art galleries ...

Situated within a luxurious early 20th-century palace on the fringe of the trendy Chueca district, the Urso Hotel & Spa offers the perfect retreat from the bustle of Madrid with its soothing marble and oak modernist interiors by acclaimed Spanish designer, Antonio Obrador. Beyond the original tiled facade a wealth of historic features can be found, from beautiful stained glass windows to elegant mahogany elevators. The luminous rooms boast marble bathrooms, luxurious amenities and custom-made furniture. At the state-of-the-art Natura Bissé Spa, expect the latest well-being treatments such as diamond dust and magnetic massages. €€€

Mejía Lequerica, 8, 28004 Madrid
hotelurso.com  |  +34 914 444 458

A luxurious haven of design in the fashionable Salamanca district ...

Eschewing the over-the-top, marble-clad opulence of other luxury hotels in Madrid, the Hotel Villa Magna offers a sophisticated blend of five-star indulgence, immaculate design and discreet service that attracts visiting dignitaries and celebrities. The 150 contemporary-classic rooms ooze understated luxury with plush velvet armchairs, rich mahogany woods, marble bathrooms and exclusive scents by French perfumer, Blaise Mautin. Sip champagne on the sultry Magnum Bar patio which is surrounded by the exotic greenery of the hotel’s lush garden, before deciding between the superb Cantonese cuisine of Tse Yang restaurant and the casually elegant terrazza of the Restaurante Villa Magna.

Paseo de la Castellana, 22  28046 Madrid
villamagna.es  |  +34 915 87 12 34

A luxury boutique hotel with one of the hottest after-hour scenes in Madrid ...

Located just moments from the Puerta de Alcalá and the Prado, The Principal couples a superb central location with some of the best views in downtown Madrid from its stunning rooftop terrace. Capitalising on its elegant early 20th century architecture, The Principal’s lofty spaces flaunt towering columns in light-filled interiors, while rooms are irresistibly chic in charcoal and black. The Principal’s trendy rooftop retreat is the jewel in the crown, with the 6th floor Atico restaurant overseen by top chef Ramón Freixa. La Terraza is the glamorous rooftop oasis showcasing romantic panoramic views.

Marqués de Valdeiglesias, 1 (corner of Gran Via 2), 28004 Madrid
theprincipalmadridhotel.com  |  +34 91 521 87 43

A sleek, modern art hotel in Madrid’s city centre ...

Hotel Urban ticks all of the boxes - industrial contemporary interiors, a glamorous rooftop lounge bar and a prime central location. Avant-garde interiors in glass and metal contrast with original art pieces from owner Jordi Clos Llombart’s personal art collection, while designer bedrooms feature a contemporary, masculine look with dark woods and leather. The hotel is home to several hip drinking and dining spaces, where you can sip cocktails at the trendy Glass bar before enjoying creative Mediterranean cuisine at Ceba. Don’t miss a visit to the hotel’s gallery which showcases a permanent collection of ancient Egyptian artworks. €€€

34 Carrera de San Jerónimo, 28014 Madrid
hotelurban.com  |  +34 917 877 770

A favourite of the fashion and design crowd ...

Revealing sleek contemporary living spaces within a beautiful 19th-century setting, the Hospes Puerta Alcalá oozes a warm, intimate and exclusive feel. Devote an afternoon to relaxation at the state-of-the-art Bodyna Spa with its modest candle-lit pool, Turkish hammam and spacious outdoor terrace, then retire to the classic elegance of a Deluxe Suite for sweeping views over Retiro Park. The Hospes Madrid blends a sense of tranquil opulence with an enviable location overlooking the Alcalà Gate. €€

Plaza de la Independencia, 3 28001 Madrid
hospes.com  |  +34 914 322 911

A young, funky hotel chain with budget-chic properties in the city’s best neighbourhoods ...

Spain’s innovative Room-Mate Hotel Group offers a portfolio of fun, funky and affordable budget-chic hotels around the world, several of which are based in Madrid. Designed by acclaimed Spanish designer, Tomas Alia, each of the Room Mate hotels are themed with a fictitious character in mind : from the bold minimalism of Room-Mate Mario, to the retro look of Room-Mate Laura. Room-Mate Oscar is our favourite, with an eye-catching modern design and outdoor terrace swimming pool. With a youthful vibe, Room Mate Oscar’s 75 rooms and suites are designed with curvaceous modern furniture, bold prints and fabrics, and the latest modern conveniences. €

Plaza Vázquez de Mella 12, Madrid
oscar.room-matehotels.com  |  +34 917 011 173

Whether you're looking for a fabulous foodie dining spot, the city's best casual eatery, or a see-and-be-seen dining spot, here is our pick of the best places to eat in Madrid right now.

Madrid’s trendiest culinary address ...

The place to see-and-be-seen in Madrid, Amazonico represents another smash hit dining spot by chef Sandro Silva and Marta Seco, whose portfolio of local hotspots includes Restaurant El Paraguas and Ten con Ten. Start with a craft cocktail at the elegant bar then savour inventive fusion dishes, such as Argentine steaks, sushi, succulent tandoori grilled meats and Hawaiian specialities.

Calle Jorge Juan 20, 28001 Madrid
restauranteamazonico.com  |  +34 915 15 43 32

One of Madrid’s most in-demand fine dining experiences ...

Famous for its highly inventive fusion cuisine, the 3-Michelin star DiverXo sees young chef Dabiz Muñoz crafting unique dishes with Mediterranean, Chinese and Japanese influences. With only 30 seats, Muñoz and his team seek to challenge diners with their unique flavour combinations, radical cooking techniques and exquisitely presented dishes. Choose between three tasting menus and let the DiverXO experience stir your senses with inspired creations such as the ‘Spanish Tortilla”: a potato and caramelised onion ball served with a side of bean puree and Mexican chili sauce – a play on Chinese dim sum. €€€

C/ Padre Damian, 23 28036 Madrid
diverxo.com  |  +34 915 700 766

Soulful Michelin-starred cuisine ...

Renowned chef Diego Guerrero says everything about his culinary philosophy in his restaurant’s name, Dstage – i.e. “Days to Smell Taste Amaze Grow and Enjoy”. Set within a funky industrial setting, Dstage invites you on a surprising and sensory 12-, 14- or 17-course tasting odyssey, which may include nostalgic dishes inspired by Guerrero’s mother’s cooking, or more theatrical modern creations. Every table enjoys a front row view of the action of Guerrero’s open kitchen, where you’ll feel as though you’ve joined an intimate local dinner party.  

Calle de Regueros, 8, 28004 Madrid
dstageconcept.com  |  +34 917 02 15 86

Discover where Madrid’s chefs choose to eat at this stylish family institution ...

A favourite dining destination of Madrid’s leading chefs – including celebrated local chef, David Munoz (DiverXo) – Sacha was launched by chef Sacha Hormaechea, whose parents named the restaurant in his honour in 1972. Famous for his mastery of meats, exceptional local ingredients and superb seafood, Sacha riffs on a seasonal theme in dishes such as spider-crab lasagne, hearty beef with marrow, and fried scallops drizzled in butter. While intimate low-lit interiors reveal antique furnishings, framed sketches and hanging jamons, the leafy terrace is home to a scattering of coveted tables during the warmer months.

Calle de Juan Hurtado de Mendoza 11
No website|  + 34 91 345 5952

Market fresh Spanish cuisine by chef Juanjo López ...

One of Madrid’s most beloved culinary addresses, La Tasquita de Enfrente is an institution of inventive, seasonal Spanish cuisine by chef Juanjo López. Loyal locals and avid foodies flock to hear the chef personally explain the daily menu, which is crafted from the finest market-fresh produce and pairs perfectly with La Tasquita’s great wine list. Surrender yourself to chef López’ expert selection, where the nightly tasting menu combines contemporary flair with traditional flavours. There’s only a handful of tables in this intimate dining space decorated with white-wooden panelling, bare brick and an elegant gallery of framed prints, thus reservations are recommended.

Calle de la Ballesta, 6, 28004 Madrid
No website|  +34 915 32 54 49

Experience Michelin Star Mexican cuisine ...

The first Mexican restaurant in Europe to be awarded one Michelin Star, Punto MX is the brainchild of chef and owner Roberto Riaz, whose fusion of bold Mexican flavours and contemporary cooking techniques has made this one of the hottest tables in Madrid. The Punto MX experience begins in its chic upstairs bar, where expertly-crafted cocktails are served amidst plush armchairs and monochrome tiles – this is also Spain’s first ‘MezcalLab’ with the largest selection of Mezcal in Europe. At the restaurant, enjoy house-specialty guacamole made to order at your table, followed by dishes such as red tuna tacos, braised duck enchiladas and oxtail colado tamale, all crafted using ingredients grown in Punto MX’s in-house organic garden.

General Pardiñas, 40 B, 28001 Madrid
puntomx.es  |  +34 91 402 2226

Expand your culinary horizons ...

In Madrid’s upscale Salamanca neighbourhood, award-winning chef Javi Estevez celebrates nose-to-tail dining at La Tasqeria, the chef’s passion project housed in a funky industrial space. Amidst concrete pillars, exposed brick walls and industrial lamps, Estevez’ famous signature suckling pig’s head emerges from the open kitchen along with succulent sweetbreads, pig’s trotters and hearty stews of chorizo, pig snouts and tripe. Enjoy an innovative culinary adventure for daring gourmands.

Calle Duque de Sesto, 48, 28009 Madrid
latasqueria.com  |  +34 91 451 10 00

Experience the flavours of Spain’s Asturias region in a trendy, relaxed setting ...

Following the success of his local hotspot, Restaurant El Paraguas, talented young chef Sandro Silva opened sister restaurant, Ten Con Ten. Quickly establishing itself as one of the hottest dining venues in the city, Ten Con Ten places a modern spin on the cuisine of Spain’s northern region of Asturias. Discover a wide range of tantalising Spanish flavours, such as the anchoas con tomates secos (anchovies with dried tomatoes), pulpo de Pedreiro Asado (grilled octopus), and bacalao negro asado con manzana (roasted black cod with apple).  Book up to one week in advance for dinner reservations. €€

Calle de Ayala, 6, 28001 Madrid
restaurantetenconten.com  |  +34 915 75 92 54

A selection of the best tapas bars in the Spanish capital ...

Some of the best tapas and wine bars in Madrid can be found in the vibrant district of La Latina, only a short walking distance from the iconic Plaza Mayor in the center of the city. Head to Cava Baja, a long, narrow cobblestone street filled with one tapas bar after another, where you can expect creative, flavoursome and highly affordable Spanish tapas. Try the fashionable Tempranillo (Cava Baja, 38, Madrid) which has an excellent selection of Spanish wines and tapas bites. Another popular option is La Chata (Cava Baja, 24, Madrid) which has a wide selection of traditional tapas, along with their signature jamon de jabugo (sliced cured meat). Casa Lucio (Cava Baja, 35) is one of the most renowned tapas bars in Madrid with high quality local dishes, where you’re likely to see at least one famous face in the crowd. Just around the corner is Juana La Loca (Plaza Puerta de Moros, 4, Madrid), a stylish bar and restaurant with Basque-inspired pintxos such as the tortilla espanola (Spanish omelette) with caramelised onions. €

Cava Baja, La Latina, Madrid

A must-visit local food market ...

Our favourite food market in Madrid is the Mercado de San Miguel, filled with fresh food stalls and tapas bars. The Mercado de San Antón is another popular local market, where you’ll find everything from fresh flowers to a wide variety of Spanish wine, cheese, meats, seafood, desserts, and more. 

Mercado de San Miguel - Plaza de San Miguel, 28005 Madrid
mercadodesanmiguel.es  |  +34 915 42 49 36

Mercado de San Antón - Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 24, 28004 Madrid
mercadosananton.com  |  +34 913 30 07 30

Chef Dani García blends the flavours of Andalucia with global inspiration ...

Awarded two Michelin Stars for his original Restaurant Bibo in Marbella, chef Dani García has brought his Andalucian fusion cuisine to an elegant address in Madrid. Defining his cuisine as “borderless”, the chef has created an eclectic menu of specialities such as his signature cherry gazpacho with fresh cheese snow, pistachios and basil, and the sumptuous foie gras and goats cheese millefeuille. Spectacular interiors are the work of designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, who has transformed this 800-metre space into a dream-like scene where a hot air balloon hangs above the circular bar and 7,000 light bulbs illuminate the dining room.

Paseo de la Castellana, 52, 28046 Madrid
grupodanigarcia.com  |  +34 918 052 556

Whether you're looking for the perfect cocktail, the city's best alfresco bar, or a late-night club, here is our pick of the best places to drink and party in Madrid right now.

Museums & Galleries...

Boasting one of the world’s most impressive art collections, Museo del Prado is home to a collection of over 7,800 art works, including priceless 16th- and 17th-century treasures from masters such as Raphael, Botticelli, Rubens, Velazquez and Goya. Another must-visit museum in Madrid is the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which showcases a superb collection including European masterpieces by Rembrandt, Renoir, Degas and Raphael. One of Madrid’s finest contemporary art museums is the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, which enjoys a unique setting within a former hospital and displays a cutting-edge collection of 20th- and 21st-century works by Spanish artists – don’t miss Picasso’s world-famous Guernica, the jewel of this superb collection. One of the largest royal palaces in Europe, the Palacio Real is the official residence of the King of Spain which is home to a priceless collection of treasures. Founded in 1559 by Joan of Austria, the Convent of Las Descalzas Reales is both a working convent and an award-winning museum, with its own priceless collection of artworks, ceiling frescoes, tapestries and sculptures, including works by Rubens and Titian. 

The Best Parks...

The Parque del Retiro is one of the most famous parks in Madrid, where you’ll find a local crowd walking, jogging and socialising during the week. Formerly a royal garden, the park was opened to the public in the 1860s and is one of the city’s most prized verdant sanctuaries. The Real Jardin Botanico is a beautiful garden in Madrid’s city centre, lined with statues and located close to the Prado Museum. Don’t miss the picturesque views of the Casa de Campo which can be seen from the park on a clear day.