MADRID

Madrid is the city where Roaming Stones grew up. To us, and to so many travelers who come through, it is one of Europe’s most interesting and vibrant cities, offering the finest gastronomy, a collection of top-tier museums, happening barrios teaming with fun tapas bars, and then so much local culture, from flamenco to bullfights. We absolutely adore our city and are sure you will too.

Stay

Eat

Outdoor Venture

Sip & Groove

Cultural Wander

Urban Experience

Impact

Stay

Bless Hotel

Located in Salamanca, unique style and timeless modern design

Bless Hotel is known for its unique style combined with advanced technology, will surely make your stay in Madrid a seamless and local experience.

The restaurant’s chef is Michelin-starred Martín Berasategui, who serves authentic Basque cuisine. Sip on deliicious cocktails or take a dip in the rooftop pool, while enjoying spectacular city views from the Sky Lounge.

Image from Bless Hotel Madrid’s Official Website

Hotel Tótem

Boutique hotel, a short walk from Malasaña and Chueca

A stylish and cool four-star boutique hotel located in Salamanca, the central shopping area of Madrid. The professional and friendly staff will look out for you as you enjoy sipping cocktails and dining at its top-notch restaurant.

Image from Hotel Tótem’s Official Website

Hotel Urso

Boutique hotel, a short walk from Malasaña and Chueca

This chic five star boutique hotel, part of the Luxury Hotels of the World Collection, is owned and designed by famed Mallorquin architect Toni Obrador and his partner Pablo Carrington. A short walk from the trendy districts of Malasaña and Chueca, the Urso provides top-notch service, a wellness Spa by Natura Bissé, a stunning light-filled conservatory where the lovely restaurant is located, and an attractive bar serving delicious cocktails. This hotel is well-priced, excellent value for money.

Image from Hotel Urso’s Official Website

icon wipton

well-priced rooms in salamanca

This super stylish boutique hotel, located in the heart of Salamanca on top of the beautiful restaurant Quintin, offers cozy well-priced rooms with avant-garde design.

Image from ICON Wipton’s Official Website

mandarin oriental ritz

Traditional, old-school luxury

The iconic Ritz re-opened as the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, following the most extensive restoration in its 110-year history. The restoration has significantly enhanced the hotel’s facilities and services, while maintaining its unique Belle Époque style. The hotel has always been an integral part of society in Spain’s capital, since its original opening in 1910. If what you like are traditional grand hotels, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz should be your destination in Madrid.

Image from Mandarin Oriental Ritz’s Official Website

Only you

Effortlessly cool and stylish hotel in Chueca

This effortlessly cool and stylish hotel, located in a revamped former palace, has to be your pick if you want to live the groovy life of the barrio of Chueca. At your doorstep, you will find trendy restaurants, fun tapas bars, and chic boutiques. A 15-minute leisurely stroll through this lively neighborhood of Madrid will get you to the Prado Museum, the most important museum in Spain. Good value for money.

Image from Only You’s Official Website

Santo mauro

Boutique hotel in Chamberí, minutes from Salamanca and Serrano

This sumptuous hotel in the leafy neighborhood of Chamberí, just minutes from the Salamanca and Serrano shopping area, is a great choice if what you like is a more opulent feeling, with lovely gardens and shady terraces to enjoy delicious cocktails and meals. The hotel comprises 3 buildings, one of them a neo-classical mansion, all revamped by renowed Spanish interior designer, Lorenzo Castillo. The Gin Bar in art deco style has a New York vibe. Excellent value for money, part of the Luxury Collection Hotels.

Image from Santo Mauro’s Official Website

Westin palace

Traditional, old-school luxury

For those who prefer a more traditional luxury hotel, the Westin Palace, well located between the Prado and Thyssen Museums, should be your pick.

Image from Westin Palace’s Official Website

Eat

Amazónico

Hopping bar, lively atmosphere, for Friday and Saturday nights

One of six excellent restaurants owned by amazing restauranteur Sandro, who is half Asturian (north of Spain) and half Brazilian.

If you want a hopping bar and lively atmosphere, all in a jugle setting, head to Amazónico to enjoy it´s delicious menu that blends Brazilian and Spanish cuisine. Must order: Picaña, Brazil’s most delicious cut of meat, and a Caipirinha!

Image from Amazónico’s official wesbite

Numa Pompilio

Beautiful restaurant, stunning terrace, Italian menu with Spanish twist

liliOne of six excellent restaurants owned by amazing restauranteur Sandro, who is half Asturian (north of Spain) and half Brazilian.

Enjoy Sandro´s signature pasta Tagliolini con Setas served in a round of Pecorino on the most beautiful inner courtyard in Madrid 

Image from Amazónico’s official wesbite

Bar tomate

Easy spot for Lunch or Dinner, well-priced & near Salamanca

Very nice for both lunch and dinner, casual, Roaming Stones likes the ambiance of this restaurant, owned by the well-respected Barcelona-based Grupo Tragaluz.

Food is Meditarranean cosmopolitan, with Spanish touches and twists.

Image from Bar Tomate’s official Instagram

Bar Trafalgar

located in the barrio de Chamberí for lunch, dinner or drinks

Located in Chamberí, this hip restaurant is a great destination for drinks and delicious sophisticated Spanish cuisine.

Image from Bar Trafalgar’s official Instagram

Café Murillo

located just behind the Prado, go-to spot for brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks at the baR

A very simpatico café restaurant owned by good friends of Roaming Stones, serving delicious Spanish/Latin food, informal, well-priced and cozy fun atmosphere.

Eliza Arcaya y Johanna Müller-Klingspor are behind this delicious bistro.

Image from Murillo’s official website

Casa Lucio

An institution in Madrid, great for Lunch or Dinner

Super traditional, informal Spanish “trattoria”, an institution in Madrid. You’ll walk in through hanging patas de jamón, one of Spain’s most famous delicacies.

Make sure to order classic Spanish starters like jamón, manchego cheese, croquetas, patatas con huevo (sounds crazy but you must try…delicious!), and then dig in to meat on a hot plate or excellent fish.

Image from Casa Lucio’s official website

charrúa

Steakhouse for lunch or Dinner, extensive wine list, open grill

Very attractive, cozy, rustic-chic steakhouse restaurant in the fun area of Justicia, known for its grilled meats from Uruguay, US and Europe.

Image from Charrúa’s official website

El Landó

Traditional spanish cuisine, great for Dinner

Super traditional, informal Spanish “trattoria”, an institution in Madrid. It’s a smaller, quieter version of Casa Lucio, the owners of these two restaurants are close family.

Again, make sure to order classic Spanish starters like jamón, pan con tomate, patatas con huevo, coquinas (delicious tiny clams), pimientos de padrón, gambas al ajillo, and then dig in to chuletón (a tasty cut of meat) on a hot plate or excellent fish.

Image taken by Roaming Stones

El Paraguas

Elegant formal setting, Asturian cuisine, lunch or dinner in Salamanca

Owned by famed Madrid restaurantaur Sandro, the chef behind Ten Con Ten, Amazónico, Numa Pompillo, and Quintín, El Paraguas is his most formal restuarant, the serene atmosphere and sophisticated Spanish menu makes it a special destination. No bar.

Image from El Paraguas’ official website

El pescador

Lunch or dinner, fresh seafood in an airy, modern space with a nautical atmosphere

Head to El Pescador to sample Spain’s topnotch seafood. From the moment you walk in your eyes will be drawn to the spectacular display of fresh fish and mariscos (shellfish).

One of Madrid´s top seafood restaurants, El Pescador is one of a number of restaurants owned by a family group that sources all the fresh seafood found on its menus from its own fish distributor located in Galicia, known worldwide for the quality of its seafood.

Image from El Pescador’s official website

El Qüenco de Pepa

located in Chamartín, for lunch or dinner

We love the food Pepa produces at her restaurant. The menu is filled with classic light Spanish dishes, with a focus on exceptionally fresh ingredients, the atmosphere is lovely.

Image from El Qüenco de Pepas’ official website

El velázquez 17

Go-to restaurant open all day, fusion of spanish and latin cuisine

Another restaurant owned by good friends of Roaming Stones, the menu is a delicious fusion of Spanish and Latin cuisine. Well located in Salamanca, it’s a great spot for lunch and dinner and drinks!

Eliza Arcaya y Johanna Müller-Klingspor are behind this delicious bistro, with sidewalk tables for the warmer days!

Permanently closed.

Image from El Velázquez’s official website

Estimar

Delicious seafood

Chef Rafa Zafra worked for many years at El Bulli, at Estimar he has adapted some of Ferran Adrià’s methods and the result is the best quality fish and shellfish cooked in simple ways, almost always grilled, really delicious. The atmosphere is casual, with an open kitchen, and impeccably knowledgeable service.

Image from Estimar’s Official Instagram

Filandón

If you want to escape the buzz of central Madrid, head to Filandón for lunch or dinner

This wonderful restaurant may be our favorite in Madrid. The lovely country atmosphere is special; in the colder months fireplaces warm the various dining rooms (pictured), and in warm months the terraces are beautiful.

The immense grill at the entrance is a feast for the eyes, you may notice a strange-looking fish with what looks like rounded claws called pixín on the grill, give it a try, we highly recommend it! The Spanish menu is simple but delicious, whether you go for the fish, meat or “arroces”, rices.

Image by Roaming Stones

Horcher

Formal dining, German menu with Spanish influence

For a truly traditional restaurant experience with a predominantly German menu with Spanish influence, Horcher provides a formal dining experience, especially good for those seeking a calm and quiet evening.

Image from Horcher’s official wesbite

Mercado de San Miguel

gourmet tapas market, walking distance from Plaza Mayor

Beautiful covered market selling all kinds of typical Spanish products, mainly food and drink, like the amazing spanish mariscos (shellfish), jamón (ham), sangria, cheeses, olives, etc. If you are less interested in a seated meal, this is the ideal spot to enjoy delicious tapas and sip on a classic Rioja wine while standing.

Image from Mercado de San Miguel’s official website

Quintín

Lunch, Dinner, cocktails & deli with a lively atmosphere

One of our favorite, again owned by Sandro, one of Madrid’s top restaurateurs, super attractive interior, fun happening scene at both lunch and dinner, delicious Spanish menu.

Image taken by Roaming Stones

Tatel

Lunch or Dinner, cocktails & a vintage club vibe

Another happening restaurant serving excellent cosmopolitan food, with a fun bar scene and live music to liven up your night.

Rafa Nadal, Pau Gasol (Spanish basketball player who plays in the NBA), Cristiano Ronaldo and Enrique Iglesias are all partners in this collection of restaurants with locations as well in Miami, London and Ibiza.

Jose Salto / Tatel’s official website

Ten con ten

Lunch, Dinner, cocktails & a deli with a lively atmosphere

Ten Con Ten’s bar is one of the most hopping in Madrid, don’t be put off though because their take on Spanish cuisine is delicious and the service is impeccable.

Sandro’s restaurants are all beautifully decorated, with special attention to creating a cozy atmosphere, often using wonderful displays of fresh produce.

Image from Ten Con Ten’s official website

Sip & Groove

Bar Cock

Cocktail bar located in Chueca

This bohemian but rather traditional bar has been a go-to destination since 1921. The wood-panelled walls and comfy leather armchairs provide the perfect setting to enjoy great conversation over classic cocktails and easy good music.

Image from Bar Cock’s official Instagram

Bar Trafalgar

located in the barrio de Chamberí for lunch, dinner or drinks

Located in Chamberí, this hip restaurant is a great destination for drinks and delicious sophisticated Spanish cuisine.

Image from Bar Trafalgar’s official Instagram

El velázquez 17

Go-to restaurant open all day, fusion of spanish and latin cuisine

Another restaurant owned by good friends of Roaming Stones, the menu is a delicious fusion of Spanish and Latin cuisine. Well located in Salamanca, it’s a great spot for lunch and dinner and drinks!

Eliza Arcaya y Johanna Müller-Klingspor are behind this delicious bistro, with sidewalk tables for the warmer days!

Permanently closed.

Image from El Velázquez’s official website

Flamenco

head to Cardamomo, corral de la morería or Las Carboneras

If you have never experienced Flamenco, head to one of these lively spots to witness one of the most extraordinary, passionate local dances, originating in the Andalusian province of southern Spain.

These venues are not about the food (except for Corral de la Morería), but all about enjoying tapas and cocktails while watching the unbelievable footwork known as tablao. Experience the intimate small venues where guests sit around small stages.

Cardamomo – Cozy, intamate and relaxed atmosphere, shows are mostly improvised

Corral de la Morería – The oldest, family-run and most prestigious tablaos, but its pricier! Fine dining

Las Carboneras – Old style, traditional venue. Catch other flamenco artists and local residences in the audience

Image from Cardamomo’s official website

gota

Wine bar located in the heart of cheuca

A go-to spot for natural wines and tapas in the evenings and an easy-going café in the daytime.

Image from Cardamomo’s official website

The Hat Rooftop

near plaza mayor

Head to this cool rooftop bar to sip a delicious cocktail and enjoy the best views of Madrid’s sunset.

Image from The Hat’s official Instagram

Cultural Wander

Antigua Casa Crespo

for your classic alpargatas

For the best selection of well-priced authentic Spanish alpargatas (not the fashiony ones), head to Antigua Casa Crespo in the barrio of Justicia. 

Image from @antiguacasacrespo

Castañer

where to find Alpargatas

For more fashiony Spanish alpargatas for women, don’t miss visiting Castañer in the area of Salamanca.

Image from @castañerofficial

Mercado de San Miguel

gourmet tapas market, walking distance from Plaza Mayor

Beautiful covered market selling all kinds of typical Spanish products, mainly food and drink, like the amazing spanish mariscos (shellfish), jamón (ham), sangria, cheeses, olives, etc. If you are less interested in a seated meal, this is the ideal spot to enjoy delicious tapas and sip on a classic Rioja wine while standing.

Image from Mercado de San Miguel’s official website

Wander Madrid’s Neighborhoods

Stroll and shop Lagasca, Claudio Coello

Head to the streets of Lagasca and Claudio Coello, and their cross-streets between Villanueva and Ortega y Gasset, to shop fun traditional designers as well as well-curated boutiques. This is not about Chanel and Dolce, but all about discovering less-known brands and adding a twist to your wardrobe!

Chueca

The area around calle Barquillo known as Chueca is fun and trendy. It is full of bars, restaurants and hip stores such as Pez, with unique curated collections and even some vintage furniture.

Centro

Make sure to leave some time to walk around the historic area surrounding the Palacio Real and the Catedral de la Almudena, as well as the Plaza Mayor and the Mercado San Miguel.

Malasaña

Known for its vintage shops, many located on calle Velarde, Malasaña is a trendy barrio of Madrid, just adjacent to Chueca. One of our favorites is The Storage, a temple to vintage denim stocking everything from ’70s dungarees to original Levi’s from decades past. Make sure to strike up a conversation with the owner and curator Basilio, his stories are very entertaining!

Barrio de las letras

Barrio de las Letras was home to great Spanish writers like Cervantes, these days it oozes literature and art through its narrow alleyways and cobblestones streets. With its bohemian atmosphere, walking, eating and drinking your way through this charming area, with Plaza de Santa Ana in its center, is a great local experience, unique to Madrid.

Casco viejo-Latina

The Casco Viejo is the oldest part of Madrid. Head to Cava Baja, a lively street in the middle of the Casco Viejo, full of tapas restaurants and bars; after 12 noon on a Sunday the streets are packed with people enjoying the fun atmosphere, the restaurant Casa Lucio is on this street mentioned in EAT.

images from top to bottom:

© JJfark / Adobe Stock

© farbregas1987 / Adobe Stock

Image taken by Roaming Stones

 

Urban Experience

Museo del prado

Known for its old masters

El Prado houses one of the most important art collections in the world, certainly in terms of old masters.

The permanent collection houses European art from the 12th to the 20th centuries featuring the world-famous “Las Meninas” by Diego Velazquez and “Third of May 1808” by Francisco Goya.

We highly recommend booking a guided tour to make the most out of your visit (DM us on Instagram or email us, and we can share a great contact for a guide).

Image © saiko3p / Adobe Stock

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

Home to Picasso’s “Guernica” and 20th-century Spanish art

Home to Picasso’s magnificent Guernica, but there is much more than Picasso to see at this important museum…Dalí, Miró, and Calder, amongst other Modern and Contemporary artists, have important collections at the Reina Sofia.

Image © Only You Fabrizio / Adobe Stock

Sorolla Museum

an iconic landmark

This charming house-museum is home to the largest collection of Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla’s work, the garden is an oasis in the center of Madrid. He is well known for his colorful landscapes.

Image © tktktk / Adobe Stock

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

13th-20th-century European masterpieces

This museum houses a wonderful collection of Impressionist art, amongst many other permanent collections spanning the history of art from the 13th to 20th centuries. Located just opposite the Ritz and across Plaza Neptuno from the Prado, it is easy to spend hours enjoying Madrid’s world famous museums.

Image © 4kclips / Adobe Stock