2 Days in Madrid: A Foodie's Guide to Markets and Neighborhood Gems

Our first stop on our Spain tour was Madrid and we LOVED it. In this blog post, I'll provide you with an overview of the best places to eat, attractions to visit that you may not read about in your normal Spain overview and a two-day guide to help you make the most of your time the Spanish capital.

Where to Stay: Only You Boutique Hotel

We loved our stay at the Only You in the Chueca neighborhood because their philosophy is to focus on the guest experience (hints the name). This means that whatever time you fly in they will make sure to have a room ready for you (even early morning or late night), so you can feel refreshed and ready to explore Madrid.

Where to Eat: Madrid's food scene is on point (like the rest of Spain), so get ready to indulge in all the tapas and have fun discovering charming local establishments. Here are some must-visit dining spots:

1. Natif Coffee: This place has all the vibes and great coffee in the Chueca neighborhood.

2. Osom Coffee Atelier: Look no further for an amazing avocado toast, also in the Chueca neighborhood.

3. Ficus: Treat yourself to refreshing drinks at Ficus, a trendy bar inspired by plants and just gorgeous.

4. Los 33: Experience a memorable dinner at Los 33, where exquisite cuisine and a charming ambiance come together to create a truly unforgettable meal.

5. Sale de Despeci: Whatever you do, do NOT miss this experience. This unique, affordable tasting menu will blow your mind and tastebuds at the same time. Make reservations to guarantee your spot or try your luck when they first open to see if you can snag a seat.

6. Jacks Library: An amazing speakeasy you'll need reservations for but worth it!

What to Do: Madrid offers a ton of attractions and depending on your preference you may want to spend more time at the historical sites or wandering through neighborhoods and markets:

1. Tuk Tuk Tour: I love doing overview tours my first time in a city to help orient myself and this one was so special! On this tour, we stopped at the major sites in Madrid like Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace; and learned all about the history of Spain. Because this was just an overview we didn't get to go in to each building, so you'll want to add that in or skip if you want time to go in.

2. Prado Art Museum: We had a wonderful time wandering around the Prado and for art history lovers you will be in heaven. This museum is SO big and since I was so anxious to see every part of the city, we hit the highlights of the museum and then ventured back outside to keep exploring all the magic of Madrid.

3. Tapas Tour: A MUST DO. This was hands down one of the best tours we've done! We had so much fun eating and drinking our way through Madrid with Andrea. Andrea took us to enjoy the famous churros and hot chocolate at San Gines Chocolateria, she was able to easily cut the line and get us seated with churros in no time. She also took us to the most amazing olive stand in Mercado San Miguel (known for being too touristy for locals but a spot she loves as a local) as well as so many other places I don't want to spoil the surprise!

4. Barrio De Las Letras: Discover the charm of Barrio De Las Letras, a neighborhood known for its literary history, charming streets, and cozy cafés. We had so much fun just wandering around this bohemian neighborhood, exploring!

5. Mercado De La Cebada: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Mercado De La Cebada, a bustling market offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal products.

6. Madrid Al Cubo: We loved this little art store and found great prints to bring home from Madrid.

7. Explore Chueca! We loved this neighborhood and did some great shopping at many of the local boutiques!

Two-Day Guide: Now, let's dive into a detailed two-day itinerary to help you plan your Madrid adventure:

Day 1:

• Morning: Arrive in Madrid at 9:15 AM and arrange for a car pickup through your hotel. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Natif Coffee or Osom Coffee Atelier or both!

• Afternoon: Join a Tuk Tuk Tour at 1:00 PM, exploring the main sites of Madrid.

• Visit the Prado Art Museum to admire its remarkable collection.

• Evening: Enjoy drinks at Ficus and savor a delightful dinner at Los 33.

Day 2:

• Morning: Start with a Tapas Tour at 10:00 AM, experiencing the diverse flavors of Madrid's culinary scene.

• Explore Barrio De Las Letras.

• Afternoon: Explore the shopping scene in Chueca and grab an afternoon snack or drinks at Mercado San Anton - don't miss the rooftop bar at the top of the market.

• And just when you think you can't eat anymore, you can. Make your way to dinner at Sale de Despeci and explore the surrounding neighborhood!

• Head back to the Chueca neighborhood for drinks at Jack's Library.

Considerations:

• Our modes of transportation were mostly Uber and walking, but we used Uber quite a bit to get around, so we could see the city and maximize our time. A few of the drivers spoke only Spanish.

• Check the hours for all the places you want to visit in Madrid. You are on Spain time and siestas are very real y'all but Madrid seemed to be the most open all day out of all the cities we visited.

• Restaurants generally open for dinner at 8PM and bars around 6PM so plan to have a dining experience while in Spain!

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a backpack to store your goodies, water and other needs for your days exploring.

• I was surprised that all the markets accepted credit cards! Its always helpful to have cash on hand to be safe but don't worry about having too much.

Madrid offers so much history, culture, food and shopping. Get ready for an unforgettable Madrid adventure and add any comments of amazing places you've been too!