Iconic Madrid from the financial heart

Shopping is often on the mind of a visitor to Madrid and whatever you’re looking to buy, I’m sure that the huge El Corte Inglés department store, situated just a short walk from the hotel down the glorious Paseo de la Castellana, will have just what you’re looking for. Any fashion gaps will be filled on adjacent Calle Orense, with its luxury brand names and little boutiques. There’s also the relatively new mall, Castellana 200, nearby and if you’re looking for a Real Madrid souvenir the official club shop, within the soccer stadium, is just across the road. They also have a lovely restaurant inside called Puerta 57, which looks out onto the iconic pitch.

Madrid museums and music

Madrid is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, and it would be remiss of me not to recommend the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen (ask us about their free-admission times when you arrive). However, why not also try the Museo Sorolla which is closer to the hotel and gives an insight into the life and works of Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla, in what was his home till his death in 1923. Even closer, and less well-known, is the Fundación Canal, on Plaza Castilla which was set up to raise awareness of the environment and offers visitors a plethora of exhibitions and musical events as well as interactive workshops for all the family.

Parks, a lake and a river: the greener side of Things to do in Madrid

Speaking of family, if you are not traveling alone you’ll need some activities and open space. The closest main park to the hotel is Parque de Berlín where the paths form a perfect jogging area while fountains and beautiful grassy knolls give you the chance to lie back and enjoy the Spanish sun to the sound of falling water. Keep an eye out for the sections of the Berlin Wall in the center of the pond.

Parque Retiro is the city’s iconic escape and includes the options of renting a boat on its statue-fringed lake, watching a puppet show or meeting the very royal peacocks in the hidden gardens. To the south of the city lies the Río Manzanares: take a bike ride along the river or let the young ones play on the man-made beach while you keep an eye on them from a nearby terraced bar.

More Madrid activities where a cider house rules

There are plenty of activities and exhibitions on at El Matadero - a refurbished slaughterhouse near metro Legazpi - but if traditional theme park fun is called for then head to Casa de Campo, for the wonderful zoo and Parque de Atracciones. If you go via the cable car, time it right to have some lunch at Casa Mingo next to the departure point on Paseo de la Florida. It’s the oldest Asturian restaurant in Madrid so cider, the favorite tipple of the region, is king!

If you find yourself near the modern Atocha train station then a trip to the Museo del Ferrocarril is a great way to get an idea of how things used to be on the Spanish railways. Note that it has a great market inside on the second weekend of every month.

Madrid’s restaurants & bars: from Michelin-starred DiverXO to El Abuelo’s tapas

Gastronomy is a big part of Spanish culture and Madrid will serve you to perfection, before you even leave our block. Our Domo restaurant offers a modern international menu, with the added bonus of a cocktail list. Japanese haute cuisine is all the rage and 99 Sushi Bar looks to provide you with innovative dishes while DiverXO proudly displays its three Michelin stars, the only place in the city to do so, thanks to renowned chef, David Muñoz.

As you leave the hotel there are plenty of eateries to choose from, depending on your mood. Try Rubaiyat for good meat, El Telégrafo for seafood, or Carta Marina for delicious rice dishes. If romance is in the air, Maitia would be my pick but if you’re looking for something more casual then head to Pipa & Co. Downtown is crammed full of gastronomic treats. Pop into the markets of San Miguel, San Antón or San Ildefonso for an array of tasty tapas with the beverage of your choice. Other more specific tapas options are La Revuelta, which specializes in cod dishes, and El Abuelo, which has prawns to die for.

To finish off an evening in style, sip a cocktail inside Museo Chicote, the place the stars have been hanging out since the 1930s – as you’ll see from the pictures of the likes of Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra on the walls. And if you like traditional experiences then let us arrange a table for your party at Sobrino de Botín - officially the oldest restaurant in the world - and after dinner try a shot of the very special madroño liquor (the madroño tree is on the city’s coat of arms) at Taberna El Madroño. You could also pick yourself up a pair of handmade gloves, a Spanish guitar or some souvenir gifts along the nearby Calle Espoz y Mina.

Madrid to Toledo: a day trip to remember

If you decide to take a trip away from the city I’d definitely suggest Toledo, the hilltop City of Three Cultures. You can be there in just over half an hour and we’d be happy to organize a group or individual guided tour to learn about a place that played a huge role in Spain’s history.

Back in the city, if you are here during September, then I would encourage you to visit the Fundación Olivar de Castillejo, an ecological parkland paradise a stone’s throw from the hotel where, it is said, Napoleon camped with his troops. Distinguished intellectuals in the early 1900s, notably the father of modern neuroscience Ramón y Cajal and philosopher and author Miguel de Unamuno, would meet there, while these days the olive tree garden is used for live jazz and classical music performances.

Sunset and rooftop views over the capital

Something I love about the city is the chance to sit and take in a magnificent view. At Plaza de Cibeles you’ll find the city hall (Palacio de Cibeles) where you can take the elevator to the roof giving you a panoramic view of much of the city. The Hat is a hostel just down from Plaza Mayor and has a rooftop bar overlooking the very typical buildings of the area. Feel the heart of Madrid looking down on Gran Vía from the incredible terrace of Picalagartos at the NH Collection Madrid Gran Via or head to the nearby NH Collection Madrid Suecia home to an amazing terrace overlooking the city and many of the sites. The ultimate in Madrid views, however, must be watching the sun set from the Templo de Debod.

Getting around Madrid

Moving around is easy, and I always recommend the tour bus – just hop on and off at your chosen destinations. The public bus and metro services are excellent and if here for a few days, purchase a 10-trip pass that covers both networks. Bus 150 takes you downtown from outside the hotel and metro station Cuzco is a five-minute walk. There’s also a taxi stop on the corner and these are very reasonably priced.

ABOUT PAULA DELGADO

My name is Paula Delgado and I’ve worked within the NH Hotel Group since the turn of the century. I started as receptionist and moved into guest relations where, I have to say, I love my role as I’ve always been a kind of guest relations manager whether it be in my day to day life at home or with my family and friends. I am always making plans and am very curious about what is going on in Madrid. I love Madrid and I love to help my guests discover the city. I always say that you could wake up on Monday morning and go to bed on Sunday night never short of something to do. What I can’t say is if it’s more beautiful during the day or at night.