Mad About Madrid

The people of Madrid, known as Madrilenos, aptly express their deep affection for their city with the poetic phrase “De Madrid al cielo,” meaning “From Madrid to the sky.” The Spanish capital effortlessly captures the hearts of travelers, as it seamlessly combines art, history, and gastronomy to create an enchanting atmosphere. Within Madrid’s passionate and artistic soul, the irresistible allure of flamenco dance encapsulates the city’s essence.

The city beckons with its meandering boulevards, captivating barrios, and distinct neighborhoods, inviting one to wander and lose themselves amidst the charm and character of Madrid. Each district possesses a unique essence, adding to the tapestry of this vibrant city.

Home to the Spanish royal family, Madrid has become the capital of Spain due to its strategic location at the heart of Iberia. Madrid captivates visitors with its majestic art exhibits, delectable tapas, vast green spaces, and Europe’s largest palace. Yet, amidst its splendor, the Spanish capital maintains a laid-back atmosphere. Madrilenos possess an unquenchable zest for life, often indulging in lively dining experiences that stretch into the early hours. This vibrant metropolis effortlessly embraces diverse styles to suit every taste. Even spending a week in the capital merely scratches the surface of the countless treasures waiting to be discovered.

Barrio de Salamanca 

The city’s most exclusive quarter is Barrio de Salamanca. Broad boulevards with ornate 19th-century facades shelter a refined lifestyle. Tree-lined Calle de Serrano, Calle Ortega y Gasset, Calle de Goya and Calle de Velasquez are some of the classiest streets in Madrid, home to high-end couture, boutique shopping, jewelry stores and gastro tapas bars. 

El Retiro Park 

Madrid is one of the greenest cities in the world. Covering nearly 300 acres, El Retiro Park is its heart and soul. In the 19th century, the acreage was reserved for select Spanish royalty. Today, it resembles New York’s Central Park as the hub of the grand metropolis with its bicyclists and runners, meandering Madrilenos and vagabond visitors. Sights include the Crystal Palace, Retiro Lake (with its Alfonso XII monument), dazzling fountains, a fragrant rose garden, memorials to Spanish heroes and writers, gazebos and open-air cafes for socializing. 

Golden Triangle of Art

When I asked a Madrileno friend how much time I should spend in the city, he replied: “You could spend weeks just visiting Madrid’s three top museums. It has one of the highest concentrations of art on Earth.” The renowned EL Prado, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum form the Golden Triangle of Art. The collection at the Prado alone flaunts more than 7,500 Spanish and European paintings. Displaying work from the Renaissance and Baroque periods through the 19th century, it exhibits more than 1,000 sculptures alone.

Phenomenal Dining

Over the past decade, the Spanish capital has seen its once-sedate restaurant scene transform into the hot spot of Spanish dining. Today farm-to-table dining is dedicated to home-style meals, the sort of comfort food that a Madrillena mother would make in her own kitchen. The best way to get a feel for Madrid’s market-oriented culinary scene is to glimpse its packed local markets and food halls. Mercado de San Miguel, near heavily trafficked Plaza Mayor, dates back to 1916 and showcases the best of Spanish cuisine in one building.

Restaurante Botin, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, is the oldest restaurant in the world. High-end dining begins at L’Atelier Robuchon: Paying homage to late culinary legend Joel Rubicon, the modern restaurant features French haute cuisine with a Spanish touch.

Fabulous Flamenco

Flamenco, the most passionate of Spanish dances, originated in the province of Andalusia in southern Spain — but Madrid is a wonderful place to experience it. In the Salamanca district, at Tablao Flamenco, a fierce and seductive evening of dancing and singing is presented through gastronomy, music and art by the stately Flamenco de Leones troupe in an intimate dinner and show. 

Barrio de Las Letras

The Barrio de las Letras is the city’s library quarter. Many significant literary figures lived in the streets between the Paseo del Prado and the Plaza de Santa Ana during Madrid’s Golden Age. Cervantes, Quevedo and Lope de Vega were among those who passed through.  Today its pedestrian streets and eclectic shops share the lively street scene with cafes and beer halls. 

Rosewood Villa Magna 

The Rosewood Villa Magna hotel occupies a prime location in the heart of Madrid. The luxurious property, with 154 residential units, stands in a coveted place on the grand, tree-lined Paseo de la Castellana. The Rosewood offers guests a chic, elegant solace from the bustle of the outside world. Guests can enjoy high-quality massages and facials at the Sense spa. A Finnish sauna, jacuzzi and steam room enhance the experience. Executive chef Jésus Sanchez helms the Michelin-rated Amos Restaurant.

For more information visit esmadrid.com/en. Air Europe has convenient service from Miami and New York to Madrid Barajas Airport. For schedule and information visit aireuropa.com.