La Hora del Vermut: All About the Quintessential Madrid Tradition

Several small glasses of vermouth lined up atop a bar.

In any of the bustling city streets in Spain you’ll find a cherished tradition hidden from most tourists but adored by locals: La Hora del Vermut. This beloved pre-meal ritual, which translates to “the Vermouth hour,” is a testament to Spain’s rich culinary heritage and its knack for turning simple moments into unforgettable experiences. Spaniards […]

Top 10 Tapas Bars in Madrid (& What to Order)

Shrimp cooking in individual terra cotta dishes on a grill

A night out on the town for tapas is one of the most fun ways to eat like a local in Madrid! But where should you go… and what exactly should you order? This guide to the best tapas bars in Madrid will walk you through the can’t-miss spots in the Spanish capital for an […]

Where to Eat in Madrid: The Ultimate Guide

2 plates of patatas bravas and a glass of vermouth

Be it traditional Sunday lunch with family, tapas crawls with friends, or hours spent at the markets picking up the freshest local produce, Madrid’s culture revolves heavily around food. If that sounds like the kind of lifestyle you can get behind, read on to discover where to eat in Madrid! In Madrid, there’s a dining […]

Where to Drink the Best Sangria in Madrid

Person's hand holding a wine glass of sangria garnished with fruit and fresh herbs

You might think that sangria is to Spain what ice cold beer is to the States—quintessential. But not all sangrias are created equal, and finding the best sangria in Madrid requires a bit more than just popping into any old bar and ordering some. If there’s one drink many visitors to Spain seek out, it’s […]

9 Best Cafes & Specialty Coffee Shops in Madrid

Two lattes in white mugs on a table beside a small potted plant and a pastry on a white plate.

Finding a café in Madrid is easy, but finding the perfectly cozy coffee shop of your dreams is another story. You know what we’re talking about: that perfect blend of a warm and welcoming atmosphere, tasty food, and of course, excellent coffee. These are the best coffee shops Madrid has to offer, which check all of […]

7 Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Madrid

Overhead shot of a cup of tea on a saucer with a lemon slice and a plate and tiered tray with small sandwiches.

In a country that loves its cañas, vermouth, wine, and coffee, tea probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of popular drinks in Spain.  But believe it or not, afternoon tea in Madrid is getting increasingly popular. Today, tea rooms absolutely have their place here in the Spanish capital! Once […]

Top 20 Must-Try Typical Foods In Madrid

Madrid is home to food from every region of Spain and much of the rest of the world. But we can’t forget about the home-grown classics! This breakdown of the most typical foods in Madrid will help you narrow down what to try! Spain’s capital city is a melting pot of typical food from every […]

12 Places to Eat Delicious Brunch in Madrid

brunch in Madrid

Although brunch isn’t a Spanish tradition, it’s a fun affair that most people can get behind. These days there are loads of great options for brunch in Madrid across the city. Read along for our tried-and-true picks for excellent brunch experiences in Madrid. Brunch in Madrid: Any time of the week Carmencita Bar Carmencita Bar […]

50+ Madrid Small Businesses You Can Support Right Now

Alfonso making churros at Chocolat cafe in Madrid

2020 changed Madrid—and the world—in profound ways. During this time, a noteworthy and disheartening observation was that the city wore an eerie emptiness. Videos remind us that landmarks that were usually bustling with people—Puerta del Sol, Gran Via, Plaza Mayor—were calm, almost empty. The cause? Tourism in the city took a sharp nosedive, persisting even […]

Best Rooftop Bars in Madrid for Drinks with a View

Sunset over downtown Madrid, Spain taken from a rooftop.

Pleasant weather throughout much of the year combined with a jaw-dropping cityscape make Madrid the ideal place to enjoy rooftop drinks. In addition to being perfect for enjoying good vibes, drinks and views, the best rooftop bars in Madrid are great for soaking up some vitamin D. Throw in the fact that they’re every Instagram […]

Huevos Rotos Recipe: Spanish Broken Eggs

Huevos Rotos at Casa Lucio Madrid

Eggs are not a breakfast food. At least not in Madrid. Order a plate of eggs for breakfast here and you’re likely to get some strange looks! That’s because eggs have traditionally been served only at lunch at dinner, alongside other savory tapas dishes. Some egg dishes, like the famous tortilla de patatas are more […]

5 Spots Serving the Best Croquetas in Madrid

Devour food from cookbook

This post was originally published on May 11, 2020 and was updated on January 5, 2023. Spanish croquettes are the perfect tapa for any occasion! But it helps to know how to separate the great from the merely good. At these places that make the best croquetas in Madrid, you’ll soon see that not all […]

5 Best Sherry Bars in Madrid for Fino, PX, Cream Sherries, & More

Two glasses of sherry wine (one amber-colored and one light yellow) in front of a dish of olives on a wooden tabletop.

From wine connoisseurs and craft cocktail drinkers to curious wine drinkers, everyone is talking about sherry wines these days. It’s no wonder that so many curious travelers are looking to satiate their interest. And for those who haven’t yet delved into the world of this fascinating Spanish wine, there’s no better place to do so […]

Where to Find the Best Menú del Día in Madrid

Grilled tuna on a bed of chilled tomato soup.

One aspect of Spanish dining that almost never ceases to pleasantly surprise visitors is the concept of the menú del día, or menu of the day.  Ubiquitous, affordable, and traditional, it is a great way for any visitor to Spain to see how Spaniards dine on weekdays when lunches are shorter (read as: when lunch […]

Where to Eat on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Madrid

Taberna El Sur de Huertas in Madrid

The Spanish capital’s reputation for both food and fiestas serves up one final espectáculo before saying adiós to the current year. Whether you’re a visitor, an expat, or a local, everyone is invited to Madrid’s New Year’s celebrations. Thousands gather in Puerta del Sol at the base of the Correos building, eagerly watching its clock […]

Where to Eat in Madrid at Christmas

Not sure where to eat in Madrid on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Restaurante Haroma offers fabulous options on each day, with menus created by a MIchelin-starred chef!

If you’re not sure where to eat in Madrid at Christmas, you’re not alone. Holiday schedules can be confusing—if restaurants are even open at all—but this guide will help you narrow things down! It’s no secret that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are among the most important days of the year in Madrid. All throughout […]

5 Tips for Eating Alone in Madrid: The Best of Solo Dining

Eating paella

No one who visits the Spanish capital should leave without sampling its incredible cuisine—solo travelers included. Check out our guide to eating alone in Madrid, and make the most of every meal. In Spain, meals are a social affair. There’s nothing like sitting down for lunch with a big group of friends or family, and […]

Top 7 Spots for Tapas in Chamberí

Several glasses of red vermouth and two dishes of olives and pickled skewers on a marble bar top.

Just north of the city center, Chamberí is a residential refuge and home to some of Madrid’s best tapas bars.  When locals want to live in the city, but not “in the city,” many choose Chamberí. It’s the shortest distance you can travel from the center to get a taste of how locals are living […]

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