Madrid city breaks

Unlike Paris, London or Rome, all the action of the Madrid capital unfolds in its centre, with its endless queues at the Prado, the constantly packed tapas bars lining the Plaza Mayor and the crackle of camera flashes in front of the Palacio Real. To get away from it all and take a good gulp of fresh air during your city break in Madrid, head to the Buen Retiro park. On weekends, joggers cross paths with all the anonymous artists of Madrid’s youth. A large lake, the Estanque, offers the opportunity for a boat trip. For a romantic weekend in Madrid…

Locals give you their tips

The tapas bar, Almendro 13. Always packed out, noisy and delicious, this little Andalusian bar has not lost the recipe of its success. An unmissable place on your city break in Madrid. For those late-night munchies, try El Trebol. Here you can eat a pizza or simply take away a slice between nightclubs in the centre’s liveliest area.

Shopping

Madrid is packed with fares and events all month round. One of the highlights of these is the Mercado Central de Diseno. Showcasing the future of fashion, this monthly event allows up-and-coming artists and designers to showcase their groundbreaking creations as they launch themselves into the industry. Second-hand clothing, surplus stores, handicrafts and designer objects… discover Madrid’s huge flea market for a cheap break in Madrid.

Public transportation

During your stay, forget about the car! Parking is really difficult and there are constant traffic jams. Instead, use the metro, which has a dense and practical network. Party lovers have nothing to worry about! You can choose between the night bus and Madrid’s taxis, recognisable by their white colour.

Typical food and gastronomy

Madrid is not particularly renowned for its cuisine, which is thought to be rather heavy. However, during your stay in Madrid, you must try the tortillas and tapas, as well as the delicious porras.

Feeling adventurous? Try the rabo de toro (stewed oxtail), Madrid-style tripe, las orejas (pigs’ ears) or the sopa de ajo castellana (garlic soup). Exoticism guaranteed!

Madrid offers a gorgeous café culture lifestyle with its lively squares, winding streets, and lush green parks. This free-spirited city inspires creativity and relaxation in equal amounts, making it a must-see city break this year.

The museums

Stand in front of modern masterpieces from Picasso, Dali and many more at Reina Sofia. This holiday away also allows you to delve further back in time at The Prado where Goya, Rubens and Murillo have made the walls their home.

Centro Cultural Conde Duque. A beautiful space entirely dedicated to Spanish contemporary art in all its forms (completely free).

Beautiful Boutiques

Madrid is bursting with independent designers and vintage boutiques. Discover charming shops packed with character throughout the city or tempt yourself with some tapas and a splash of wine at Mercado de San Migual, the local culinary market, where food specialists will dazzle you with an array of fresh gourmet Spanish food.

Nightlife

If you want to party on your city break in Madrid , start off with some simplicity and head out to the tapas bars. They’re on every street corner. It’s an institution. It’s a meeting place, where people snack on slices of chorizo, make plans to meet up later, tuck into a plate of patatas bravas…This cheap city break has an endless and exciting night life. Madrid will always have somewhere for you to liven your evening up with a quick, or maybe not so quick, drink. The bars in Madrid don’t normally get busy until after 11pm, and with clubs opening their doors at midnight. Shoko, El Sol and Fabrik are great for dancing. At this pace, people never head out to the discotecas before 1 in the morning. That’s when you’ll be spoiled for choice! There are around a hundred nightclubs that stand out just as much for their diversity as their affordability.

Perfect Sanctuaries

Take advantage of a marriage made in heaven at J&J Coffee and Books. This tranquil location offers the harmonious combination of a good book and superb coffee. Or venture out and explore quiet green parks spotted throughout the city. While in Retiro Park take some time to visit the shimmering Palacio de Cristal overlooking a magnificent lake. What more could you ask of a last minute city break?