Madrid is generally a flat city, which makes it great for walking. One of the nicest things about the city is how polite the people are. Something that might seem surprising is how easy it is to find a taxi.
Plus, you can pay for taxis with a credit card. Unlike many other places, using Uber is actually more expensive here, so I recommend either walking or using taxis to explore the city.There are four must-see places in Madrid. First is the Prado Museum. In addition to paintings and sculptures, it also showcases medals, ornaments, and coins. If you want to truly experience the museum, you should dedicate a full day. After visiting, you’ll have a well-rounded understanding of Spanish history. There’s also a nice cafeteria inside for breaks. While touring the Prado Museum, I noticed just as many portraits of princesses as there were of kings, queens, and princes. This made me curious, so I did some research. It turns out that in Spain, the first-born child inherits the throne regardless of gender. That’s why princesses are just as valued — they can be next in line to rule.In most monarchies, only male heirs ascend to the throne, while princesses gain royal titles through marriage. Spain has been progressive in this regard, promoting gender equality in royal succession. Kings would even assign political responsibilities to their daughters from a young age to help them gain governance experience. In contrast, the British monarchy historically allowed women to rule only if there were no male heirs. That’s how figures like Elizabeth I, Elizabeth II, and
Victoria became queens. In 2011, Britain passed a law giving equal succession rights to the first-born child, regardless of gender. Still, most of Europe continues to follow a male- preference system. The Spanish monarchy has long supported the arts, something clearly visible in the Prado Museum. Many renowned artists were hosted by the royal family and selected as court painters, receiving financial support. Another fascinating detail: paintings show that the Spanish royal households placed great importance on nannies. These caregivers often appear in formal portraits, dressed elegantly — an insight into their social significance.The second is the Reina Sofía National Art Museum. This one can be done in half a day and features works by Dalí, Picasso, and Miró. Third is the Royal Palace of Madrid. Since the royal family lives outside the city, this palace is open to visitors. It has two small museums displaying classic and modern royal collections. Plan for about half a day. And lastly, make sure to stroll through Retiro Park, which has a large artificial lake and statues of many historical figures. Restaurant standards in Madrid are generally very high. Even at a basic place, you’re likely to leave happy. If you’re looking for something light or budget- friendly, Madrid is perfect for you. One of the first things that comes to mind when you think of Spain is tapas. These small bites—often just a few mouthfuls—combine simple ingredients in all kinds of creative ways. Some places offer more than 50 varieties, including desserts. Since you can mix and match to your taste, tapas always offer a satisfying experience. There are fantastic tapas bars all over the city. Spaniards usually go to these spots when they want a light meal or to socialize after work.
BIBO
This restaurant is helmed by Dani Garcia, a chef from Andalusia with one Michelin star. Although Bibo itself doesn’t have a star, it meets all my criteria: high ceilings, spaciously arranged tables, armchairs, white tablecloths, and excellent
service. The restaurant is shaped like a U, allowing light to come in from nearly every angle.What I especially loved here was the guacamole — not exactly a Spanish dish, but made to the quality you’d find in Mexico. It’s prepared right in front of you, using a volcanic stone mortar. They ask you how much onion or spice you’d like and adjust accordingly. The guacamole is then served in the same mortar, which gives it a delicious flavor. Although not traditional, guacamole seems to be a common starter here — I noticed many tables beginning their meal with it. Bibo also has a great tapas menu, allowing you to mix and match to create your own personalized meal. The cuisine is globally inspired but leans heavily on Spanish flavors, and you can also order grilled dishes. Bibo is open from 12:00 to 24:00. As you might know, Spaniards usually don’t eat lunch before 2:00 PM or dinner before 9:00 PM. Since our eating times are a bit earlier, you’ll likely avoid the rush, and therefore, you probably don’t need a reservation.
VARRA
Head chef Javier Goya, known from Triciclo, opened this two-story brasserie-style restaurant. There’s a beautiful tapas bar on the ground floor, while the main restaurant is upstairs. The upstairs space has white tablecloths but the tables are quite cramped, so it’s not the kind of place where I’d want to spend hours. I’d rather enjoy some time downstairs with tapas and drinks, then head up for a main course and dessert.What makes Varra special is that most of the dishes are cooked in a wood- fired oven. They present modern interpretations of traditional Spanish dishes. I especially like their sea urchin dish, which is quite risky since it needs to be eaten immediately after being caught due to how quickly it spoils. Still, in coastal areas and reputable restaurants, it’s worth the risk. If you can get over the idea of eating something essentially alive, it’s quite delicious. Downstairs, they serve creative tapas with a modern twist. Locals
also prefer this style — a few drinks, some well-made tapas, and a relaxed vibe. The main dining room upstairs opens at 8:00 PM, so you can come around 7:00 PM, enjoy the downstairs bar for a bit, and head up later. This lets you spread out your meal and enjoy different atmospheres.
DIVERXO
DiverXO is the only restaurant in Madrid with 3 Michelin stars. The head chef, Dabiz Muñoz, mainly cooks Spanish cuisine. A few years ago, this restaurant was ranked the number one restaurant in the world, which means it now gets enormous demand — and accordingly, the prices are quite steep. I had tried to go before but couldn’t get a reservation. Back then, it seated only 25 people; now it accommodates 35. Chef Muñoz has since opened several other places ending in “XO,” which has somewhat helped with demand. DiverXO is full of surprises — from the decor to the staff uniforms to the theatrical presentation. About 50 people work there, each dressed differently: one server wears a Napoleon outfit, another a red suit, and yet another a light green tuxedo. It’s like a visual performance. Each table has satin curtains around it, with a small opening for the server. The restaurant ticks every box for a 3-star experience: ambiance, comfort, post-meal treats, impeccable service, and of course, food. You’re required to order a fixed tasting menu. They ask in advance about your dietary habits and create a personalized menu accordingly. Presentation is a huge deal here. I reserved one month in advance, and they charge you when booking. You can’t bring your own wine, and their wine markup is quite high. We had a 15-course menu — although nothing blew my mind, the turbot was spectacular. To be honest, I’m starting to lose interest in these ultra-expensive restaurants. Not only are the bills often excessive, but it also feels a bit uncomfortable to surrender total control over what you’re eating. Still, I think it’s worth going at least once — for the experience.
STREETXO
StreetXO is another restaurant under Dabiz Muñoz’s XO brand. They do a Spanish fusion cuisine inspired by Southeast Asian flavors. The atmosphere is much more casual and the prices are more affordable — honestly, this place excites me more than DiverXO. I had been here on a previous trip to Madrid. Back then, I had to wait in line for a while, but this time I was able to walk right in. One of the staff told me that they used to operate in two shifts — lunch and dinner — but now they’re open all day except from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. This change has helped avoid customer congestion. Even when the kitchen is closed, the bar remains open. So you can spend some time at the bar before heading upstairs for your meal, which makes for a nice flow. At StreetXO, you sit at a food bar where everything is prepared right in front of you. Watching the process adds a lot of entertainment value. The menu is printed on the paper mat in front of you. You tell the server what you don’t want, and they cross those items off — you’re served only the remaining ones. There are a lot of pasta dishes here, featuring unique sauces that I’ve never even seen in Italy. Most likely, they’re original creations by the chef. Loud rock music plays through high-quality speakers, and after a while, the powerful sound actually becomes enjoyable. StreetXO is a popular spot among young people. The whole team — from chefs to waiters — dances while they work, creating a very relaxed vibe.The wine menu isn’t impressive, but there’s a wide range of exotic cocktails. All in all, StreetXO is a fantastic, energetic spot.
RAVIOXO
Another spot in the XO family is RavioXO, which opened in 2022. This Michelin-starred restaurant focuses on Asian dumplings, ravioli, and other pasta dishes. It combines flavors from various cultures. You can order à la carte here, and the
dishes are surprisingly delightful — plus, the price is quite reasonable for a starred place. The wine list is a bit lacking, though. Still, it’s an interesting and lovely restaurant. If I were in Madrid for just one day, I’d go to StreetXO. If I stayed for a week, I’d go there twice. And if I were staying for a month, I’d go once a week and also visit RavioXO at least once. But everyone should go to DiverXO at least once in their life.
LA TASQUERIA
La Tasqueria is a classic Spanish restaurant with one Michelin star, led by chef Javi Estévez. It has white tablecloths, high ceilings, and comfortable chairs — very much to my liking. The focus here is on meat, poultry, and offal. There’s very little seafood. The menu includes dishes like tongue tacos, pâté made from meat around a pig’s head, lamb brains, and variations of tripe. I ended up here for lunch without knowing about its meat- heavy menu. Since I follow a pescetarian diet, it wasn’t exactly the right fit. But when I explained what I could and couldn’t eat, the chef offered to create a four-course menu for me using some staff meals, some pasta, and a bit of fish from the main menu. The resulting dishes were excellent. Even though I didn’t try their signature items, the fact that they accommodated my dietary needs without attitude — despite being a Michelin-starred place — really impressed me. If you eat meat, poultry, or offal, I highly recommend La Tasqueria.
COCQUE
Coque is a 2-Michelin-star restaurant in Madrid, and despite its high price, it’s well worth visiting. It’s been open for about 20 years and received its second star a few years ago. I wouldn’t be surprised if it earns a third soon. Located in a stand-alone building in the city center, Coque is named after the chef’s
nickname. The head chef is Mario Sandoval, and his brother Rafael Sandoval works as the sommelier. The restaurant is divided into two separate dining rooms, each accommodating about 15 people, which gives an intimate feel even when it’s fully booked. The service is excellent, and they use seasonal, local ingredients grown on their family farm. The experience begins with a guided tour of the restaurant. First, you’re welcomed at the bar, where they prepare a cocktail — alcoholic or non-alcoholic, based on your preference. The bartender uses a machine to create a matte bubble on top of the glass, which slowly deflates into the drink before you can sip it. Next, you’re taken to the wine cellar. Since one of the owners is a sommelier, it’s no surprise the wine list is extensive. You get to see a wide range of wines, from affordable to extremely rare. They also serve you a glass of champagne there. I even got to try a Bordeaux I had never heard of before — great value for the price.The tour continues in the kitchen, where there’s a small bar for guests. While you sit there, they serve a few small bites tailored to your dietary preferences. After that, you’re brought to the caviar bar, where you sample various types of caviar served in tiny tins with creative sauces. Finally, the actual dining begins at your table. You can’t order à la carte — instead, they serve a four or five-course tasting menu based on what you previously communicated about your dietary needs. One of the standout features for me was the service: our waiter spoke excellent English, which enriched the experience. Turns out, he was British! If I were staying in Madrid for 10 days, I’d definitely go back a second time. Highly recommended.
TABERNA ANTONIO SANCHEZ
Open since 1787, this tavern is practically a cultural landmark. Historical records from around 1750 show that the building layout has remained unchanged since then. In 1884, Antonio Sanchez Ruiz bought the tavern and passed it on to his
son, a bullfighter.Over time, the tavern became a favorite spot for bullfighting fans, intellectuals, writers, and artists. It has preserved its traditional style with great care. The walls are adorned with vintage menus and photos of famous visitors, offering a glimpse into its storied past.It’s a cozy space with about 40 seats, white tablecloths, and white napkins that create a charming atmosphere. Portions are large and served on big plates. You’ll find traditional dishes like tripe stew, baby squid, and pisto manchego — a mix of sautéed vegetables topped with a fried egg.They also have a signature dessert called Torrija Antonio Sanchez, which is well worth trying. You can build your own set menu with a cold starter, a main course, and a dessert, and enjoy it all with a good glass of wine in this historic setting.
SADDLE
This restaurant stands where a 3-Michelin-starred venue used to be before it closed down during the pandemic. After everything returned to normal, Saddle opened in its place and quickly earned one star.It ticks all my boxes: high ceilings, white tablecloths, ample space between tables. The music is soft, and it’s easy to get the waiter’s attention — something I really value. The cuisine is a mix of classic and modern techniques, using seasonal ingredients. I went here with three others, and each of us had different dietary restrictions. We didn’t want to order from the menu and instead asked them to bring a mix of small dishes for us to share. They said they couldn’t do that, so we respected each other’s preferences and ordered four or five dishes from the menu to split. This approach did increase the bill a bit, but the service and food were excellent. Next time, I’ll probably just stick with the regular menu. Definitely worth a visit.
TOMA
Toma is a fantastic coffee shop with two locations in Madrid. They serve great coffee, but if you want something more, they also have an extensive menu of sandwiches and snacks. I visited both branches. The menu is the same, but I preferred the second one because the building it’s housed in is architecturally stunning. It’s a tiny spot — maybe 10 people can sit inside — and most customers choose takeaway. Since I usually eat just one meal a day, I skip breakfast. I originally came to Toma for coffee, but while browsing the menu, I noticed a dish that mentioned “Turkish style.” Curious, I asked about it and was told it was Turkish-style eggs. I ordered it out of sheer curiosity, and honestly, it was the best çılbır (poached eggs with yogurt and spicy butter) I’ve ever had.The eggs were perfectly poached, the sauce was just right, and the yogurt was spot on. To truly enjoy çılbır, you need bread to mop it up — I asked for gluten-free bread. Usually, gluten-free bread comes packaged and isn’t particularly satisfying, but Toma bakes their own. They brought me their freshly made gluten-free bread, and it was excellent. I ate everything with joy. If you visit Madrid, definitely stop by Toma. Whether for coffee or a light breakfast, you’ll find a variety of options like sandwiches, cheese platters, and cheesecake — all served in a cozy, stylish manner.
THE RITZ CAFÉ
I wouldn’t recommend staying at the Ritz Hotel due to the high price, but you should absolutely sit at its café for a light snack or a few drinks. Now operated by Mandarin Oriental, the hotel is stunning — especially the café, which boasts a soaring glass ceiling.Hotel guests get priority seating, so you may need a reservation. Still, it’s a luxurious experience well worth carving out time for.
GoXO
Chef Dabiz Muñoz has launched a street-food concept called GoXO. Through food trucks stationed around Madrid, he offers high-quality meals at more affordable prices. The aim is to make his cuisine accessible to everyone.Each meal includes several small dishes and a dessert, and their hot dogs with special sauces are especially popular. Workers line up at these trucks during lunch hours. Muñoz seems truly committed to providing good food for all income levels — a mission he’s following with real passion.