How to Order Drinks in Spanish Like a Local

Red wine being poured from a bottle into small chato glasses

Your bags are packed, your tickets are booked, and you’re counting down the days until you arrive in Spain. Now, all that’s left to do is brush up on those important Spanish phrases—and no, we’re not talking about “¿Dónde está el baño?” Serious matters only—you want to be sure you know how to order drinks […]

Our Top 14 Travel Tips for Madrid: Tickets, Transport, & Tapas

View of the central building of Madrid's Plaza Mayor with a statue of a man on horseback in the foreground.

Like all great cities, Madrid has its secrets. But with a little help, you’ll be able to unlock the mysteries of this vibrant metropolis. From unraveling the intricacies of the siesta to finding the best tapas in town, these travel tips for Madrid will help you experience the Spanish capital in all its glory. Madrid […]

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 […]

The 16 Best Places to Eat in Cordoba

Two small metal plates of snails in broth next to a basket of bread.

Poor Cordoba. Too often it’s simply tacked on as a day trip from Seville, or left off the Andalusian itinerary altogether. But for that reason alone it’s well worth a visit. Because having fewer tourists around just means you’ll have the winding white-washed streets and gorgeous tumbledown squares nearly to yourself. Additionally, for the gourmand, […]

Complete Guide to the El Rastro Flea Market in Madrid

Crowd of people walking by clothing stalls at a flea market.

Sundays in Madrid mean one thing: the El Rastro market. Over 100,000 people come to this sprawling open-air market every weekend to treasure hunt their way through more than 700 stalls. The Rastro is a flea market, but it’s so much more than that. It’s true that you can find centuries-old antiques, vintage furniture, war […]

10 Best Boutique Hotels in Madrid

The best boutique hotels in Madrid combine location and design with just the right dose of elegance. Looking for a classy yet comfortable home base for your time in the Spanish capital? You can’t go wrong with any of these spots. There’s so much to see, do, and eat in Madrid. Having a comfortable place […]

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 […]

Toledo Day Trip from Madrid: Top Things to See, Do, Buy, & Eat

Panoramic view of Toledo, Spain at sunset taken from across a river.

Toledo is a journey back in time and a feast for all five senses—both at the same time. Centuries-old buildings line streets that the ancient Romans once walked. The story of Muslims, Christians, and Jews lives on around every corner. Rustic family-run taverns cook the hearty regional recipes that have sustained locals for generations. It […]