Things To Do
La Osita
This beer bar is owned by our beloved friend and wedding attendee, Patrick Tuck! It is the place you're most likely to find Jeff and pals on an evening out. Calle Cava Baja is full of wonderful tapas bars as well!
Casa González
Looking for a place with delicious cured meats (embutidos), cheese and wines? Check out Casa Gonzalez! Part shop part restaurant, this place is wonderful for enjoying some nibbles and picking up a few edible souveniers on your way out! If you're lucky, you'll even be served by our dear friend, Dani!
Ochenta Grados Malasaña
With several locations around Madrid, this delicious and modern tapas restaurant is always a go-to when we have guests in town. It is owned by an American School of Madrid family (parents of one of Shannon's former students!). Be sure to get the "Distinto de Verano" cocktail! (Hot tips: The food comes out quickly so order a few at a time to pace your meal out. Also, you can book online in advance - this place is popular!)
Casa Dani
You can't come to Spain and not try Spanish tortilla! - Con cebolla (with onion) of course! Located in Mercado de la Paz, Casa Dani is our vote for best tortilla in town.
Bodegas Ricla
Belly up to the bar at one of Madrid's classic vermuterías. This tiny, family run, old-school joint has vermut on tap and delicious homemade meatballs! A popular stop for Jeff and friends before a futbol match.
Madrid & Darracott - Vinos y experiencias
This is our go to stop for Spanish vino. The owners, Luke and Roque are incredibly friendly, knowledgable and hilarious. They sell great wine, host daily tastings and even guide several tours in Madrid! Be sure to check out their site. ¡Salud!
Cafeína
As mentioned in the 'story' of our first meeting, this is where some of it began! Have a gin and tonic and go local!
Chocolatería San Ginés
Craving the classic Spanish "anytime" treat of Chocolate and Churros? Many would argue that Chocolatería San Ginés is the best.
Vi Cool
This is one of our favorite spots for a "menu del dia" or, menu of the day! Get yourself a lunchtime reservation and enjoy several delicious courses for an amazing price.
Juana La Loca
This place is one of Shannon's all time favorites for some upscale tapas! (She secretly thinks their tortilla is better then Casa Dani's! Shhh, don't tell Jeff!) Be sure to make a reservation.
Restaurante AskuaBarra
Go here for red wine(s) and great steak! We always get the steak tartare but haven't had anything on their menu that we didn't love. They've got excellent service and a fabulous wine selection. Be sure to book in advance as they are a small place!
Mercado de la Cebada
This is our all time favorite market and definitely worth a walk through (if not a little shopping!) Located in the La Latina neighborhood and opened in 1875, the bustling Mercado de la Cebada market hall covers a large area with many stalls whose kind vendors offer a wide range of top-quality products. The current market (built in 1958 and refurbished in 2013) has two floors with a surface area of more than 6,000 square metres for commercial use! Inside, you'll find around 80 stalls, offering food (meat, cold meats, fruit, fish, chicken) but also cosmetics, flowers, eyeglasses, upholstery…pretty much anything you could need!
Las Tablas Madrid
Want to catch a flamenco show while you're here? There are many options in Madrid but this is one of our favorites! They have nightly shows Wednesday through Sunday, your ticket comes with a drink and you also have the option of adding dinner. Plus - you can book online. ¡Ole!
Madrid Río (River)
Start at the Puente de Toledo (bridge) and then make your way down into the park by the Manzanares River. As you walk along, there is lots of fun to be had! Check out the swings, ziplines, slides, fountains and more along these ten kilometres of green zone. Even better, you will also find lots of cafes and bars with extensive terrace seating. This is a great option for families! If you continue to follow the river (south east), you can finish your trip exploring The Matadero - a former slaughterhouse now housing contemporary arts center hosting exhibitions, performances & cinema. Have fun!
Free Walking Tours!
Use this site to book free walking tours from various locations around the city! Shannon has loved doing these with friends from time to time - always something new to learn and you can't beat the price!
Day trip to Toledo!
Toledo is a beautiful and easy day trip from Madrid. Leave from the Atocha Train Station and in 30 minutes for around 20 euros - you'll be in the ancient city of Toledo set on a hill above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain. The capital of the region, it’s known for the medieval Arab, Jewish and Christian monuments in its walled old city. It was also the former home of Mannerist painter El Greco. The Moorish Bisagra Gate and the Sol Gate, in Mudéjar style, open into the old quarter, where the Plaza de Zocodover is a lively meeting place.
Day trip to Segovia!
Another easy day trip is to Beautiful Segovia! Leaving from the Charmartin Train Station it's an easy 30 minute ride and will cost you around 20 euros round trip. Segovia city, capital of Segovia province, in Castile-León, Spain, northwest of Madrid. The site of the expansive medieval Alcázar palace and the famous Segovia aqueduct, the city was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1985. Be sure to eat cochinillo asado (suckling pig so tender they cut it with a plate! ...Sorry vegetarians...) when you're there!