Cuaderno de viaje · España

MADRIDA traveller’s book of places

A personal collection of markets, squares & places worth finding.
Open an entry to read its notes and discover the way.

From the notebook of AdamMarkets · Plazas · Discoveries

EDITION V · 9 PLACES · 7 DISHES · 2 DRINKS

From the airport to the apartment

Madrid–Barajas to Feelathome Madrid Suites Apartments by Metro lines 8 and 10.

Metro route map · 1 transfer · schematic
  1. Aeropuerto T4

    Line 8 If you land at T4, board here toward Nuevos Ministerios.

    Via Barajas to Aeropuerto T1–T2–T3. Stay on the train.

  2. Aeropuerto T1–T2–T3

    Line 8 If you land at T1, T2 or T3, board here toward Nuevos Ministerios. The station is in T2.

    Via Feria de Madrid → Mar de Cristal → Pinar del Rey → Colombia.

  3. Nuevos Ministerios

    Line 10 Change here and take the train toward Puerta del Sur.

    Via Gregorio Marañón → Alonso Martínez → Tribunal.

  4. Plaza de España

    Get off here, four stops after the transfer. Follow signs for the Plaza de España exit at no. 18, then walk about 4 minutes.

  5. Feelathome Madrid Suites Apartments

    Calle Martín de los Heros, 6 · Moncloa-Aravaca · 28008 Madrid

Metro service alerts

Places to discover09 places
I.Mercado de San MiguelFood market · Centro
More touristicMore expensive

More touristic and more expensive — your stop for the famous Madrid market experience.

Plaza de San Miguel, Madrid

II.Mercado de VallehermosoFood market · Chamberí
More localLess touristicCheaper

A more local market, less touristic and cheaper than San Miguel — your pick for a neighbourhood atmosphere.

Calle de Vallehermoso, 36, 28015 Madrid

III.Plaza de OlavideSquare & restaurants · Chamberí
Local favouriteAuthentic restaurants

A place to look for authentic local restaurants and bars. According to locals you’ve heard from, the places around more touristic plazas can feel “fake” by comparison.

Plaza de Olavide, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid

IV.Josefita BarTapas bar · Malasaña
Tapas stop

A good tapas bar to try — added to your shortlist on your recommendation.

Calle de Valverde, 42, 28004 Madrid

V.Museo del PradoArt museum · Paseo del Prado
Spanish masters

A must-visit for Spanish painting, including works by Velázquez and Goya. Take time to explore the collections rather than rushing through.

Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid

VI.Museo del RomanticismoHouse museum · Justicia
19th-century Madrid

A glimpse of 19th-century Spanish life through period rooms, paintings and decorative arts — a fitting stop for your love of old Madrid.

Calle de San Mateo, 13, 28004 Madrid

VII.Círculo de Bellas ArtesRooftop & culture · Calle de Alcalá
Rooftop views

Head to the rooftop for panoramic views over Madrid and nearby Gran Vía. Added on the recommendation that it offers the city’s best view.

Calle de Alcalá, 42, 28014 Madrid

VIII.Templo de DebodAncient temple · Parque del Oeste
Ancient Egypt in Madrid

An ancient Egyptian temple in Madrid, surrounded by gardens. A memorable stop for the historic setting and the surrounding city views.

Calle de Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid

IX.Casa CiriacoRestaurant · Calle Mayor
local cuisine

Stop here for traditional Madrid cooking while exploring Calle Mayor and the old city.

Calle Mayor, 84, Madrid

At the Madrid table

Traditional Madrid dishes and Spanish favourites to try along the way. Every photograph shows the dish described.

Cocido madrileño

Cocido madrileño

A Madrid classic

A substantial chickpea, vegetable and meat stew, traditionally served in courses. A warming lunch for a November day.

Photo: Cocido madrileño de La Clave · Madrid tourism

Bocadillo de calamares

Bocadillo de calamares

A Madrid classic

A crusty bread roll filled with battered, fried squid rings. A classic snack around Plaza Mayor.

Photo: Bocadillo de calamares. Jesualdo Bermejo, del restaurante Tablafina, en el Hotel NH Madrid Nacional · Madrid tourism

Churros con chocolate

Churros con chocolate

Breakfast or a sweet stop

Fried dough dipped in thick hot chocolate. A classic Madrid breakfast or afternoon treat.

Photo: El desayuno más castizo: churros con chocolate de la Chocolatería San Ginés (©Álvaro López del Cerro). · Madrid tourism

Tortilla de patatas

Tortilla de patatas

Spanish classic

A thick potato omelette, with or without onion. Order a pincho for a slice.

Photo: ¿Quieres hacer en casa una tortilla como la de Colósimo? · Madrid tourism

Croquetas

Croquetas

Spanish classic

Crisp, breadcrumbed bites with a creamy filling. Ham is a classic choice; fillings vary.

Photo: Croquetas de Miguel Carretero, Santerra. Foto: Álvaro López del Cerro. © Madrid Destino · Madrid tourism

Patatas bravas

Patatas bravas

Tapas favourite

Fried potatoes served with a spicy brava sauce. A simple plate to share over drinks.

Photo: Patatas bravas de La Tajada · Madrid tourism

Callos a la madrileña

Callos a la madrileña

For adventurous appetites

Madrid-style beef tripe stew, often cooked with chorizo and morcilla. A hearty traditional dish.

Photo: Cazuela de callos, según la receta de Hevia, que se puede degustar en H Emblemático · Madrid tourism

Food guide: VisitMadrid and Madrid tourism recipes.

Drinks to try

A small glass of golden draught beer with a foamy head beside tapas
Photo via Condé Nast Traveler

Caña · Small draught beer

A classic way to order beer in Madrid: a small glass of draught beer, traditionally around 200 ml. Caña is the serving format, rather than a brand; the beer depends on the bar.

For a Madrid beer brand, look for Mahou on tap.

“Una caña, por favor.”

One small draught beer, please.

About Madrid’s tapas & cañas ↗
A glass of tinto de verano served over ice with a lemon slice
Photo via Einfach Tasty

Tinto de verano

A refreshing Spanish drink made with red wine and lemon soda or lightly sweetened sparkling soda, served over ice and often garnished with a slice of lemon.

“Un tinto de verano, por favor.”

One tinto de verano, please.