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 […]

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Brunch in Madrid

Eggs benedict brunch in Madrid

This blog post was originally posted on March 7, 2013 and was updated on October 16, 2020. Let’s keep it real: brunch is not a Spanish tradition. But it’s a fun affair, and it’s a weekend activity more and more Spaniards are signing up for. While we’ll always be more inclined to go out for […]

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 […]