Recently I spent a week in Madrid to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday — and while we originally planned a relaxed trip with a rooftop pool and some city strolling, things didn’t go exactly as planned. Namely: the hotel pool we were counting on turned out to be out of service. Not ideal when you’ve mentally committed to daily rooftop lounging. But the good news? The rest of the trip completely made up for it.
In hindsight, I’d say four to five days is the perfect amount of time to see Madrid at a relaxed pace. One week works well too, especially if you’re planning some day trips or have a hotel where you actually can unwind by the pool. Here’s everything we did (and loved), plus some tips we wish we’d known sooner.
Where to Eat: Tapas, Ramen, Sushi & Fusion Fireworks
StreetXO – Worth the Wait, Every Time
The absolute highlight of our food tour was StreetXO, and it was also the birthday dinner wish of my boyfriend. Think experimental Asian fusion meets open-kitchen chaos, in the best possible way. The food is intense, flavor-packed, and totally unique — but the cocktails deserve just as much hype. This place is loud, dramatic, and not for the faint of palate.
Here’s the thing: you can’t reserve a table. The bar opens at 12:00, and the restaurant itself opens at 13:00. If you want to eat lunch there, plan to show up around 11:00–11:30. That way, you can secure a spot at the bar and be among the first seated once the restaurant opens. The same goes for dinner — go early or be prepared to wait. It’s worth the effort, I promise.
Ramen in Madrid? Surprisingly Excellent
We were genuinely surprised by how many great ramen spots Madrid has. Our top pick was Ramen Ishou, which served up deeply flavorful broth, perfectly chewy noodles, and an atmosphere that hit just the right balance between casual and comforting. It’s the kind of place you’ll crave again the next day.
Donzoko – A Hidden Gem for Sushi and Bento
If you’re in the mood for Japanese food beyond ramen, Donzoko is a must. The sushi was fresh and high quality, but the real standout for us were the authentic bento boxes — a rare find outside Japan. It’s a bit tucked away and has an old-school vibe, which makes it feel even more like a secret discovery.
Matcha in Madrid: Yes, It’s a Thing
As a matcha lover, I made it my mission to try every café in Madrid that serves it — and I was not disappointed. Here are my favorites:
- Oways Café
This became our go-to spot. We went nearly every day, and I still think about their strawberry matcha latte. All of their matcha drinks were incredible — smooth, balanced, and not overly sweet. The café also has a calm, minimal aesthetic that’s perfect for a midday recharge. - ZenZoo
A cozy, warm little café with friendly staff and a great variety of matcha-based drinks. Their iced matcha with oat milk was excellent, and they also serve Asian-inspired desserts, which makes this a great afternoon stop. - Matcha Moments
A small but well-curated space for serious matcha fans. Their ceremonial-grade matcha was rich and earthy without being bitter, and their creative drinks — like matcha tiramisu or coconut matcha lattes — were both playful and well-executed.
What to See and Do: Culture, Palaces, and Peacocks
The Prado Museum – A Classic for a Reason
Madrid’s most famous art museum, the Museo del Prado, is a must, even for those who aren’t typical museum-goers. The highlights are true masterpieces: Velázquez’s “Las Meninas” and Goya’s haunting Black Paintings are essential. The collection is extensive, but the museum is well-organized and very walkable. A great way to spend a cooler morning or midday escape from the sun.
Royal Palace of Madrid – Book in Advance (Seriously)
The Royal Palace is grand, ornate, and genuinely jaw-dropping — but also wildly popular. Do yourself a favor and book tickets in advance. We didn’t, and ended up arriving an hour before opening, already 30 people deep in the queue. Luckily, we still got in, but it was a gamble. Inside, the rooms are lavish, and the royal armory is a surprise highlight.
Parque del Buen Retiro – Lakes, Glass Palaces, and Free-Roaming Peacocks
One of the city’s best-kept secrets is how much beauty is packed into the Retiro Park. Think: boating on the lake, strolling under tree-lined paths, and relaxing by fountains with a cold drink. The Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal) is a stunning glass pavilion used for rotating art exhibitions, and it’s worth seeing even if you’re just passing through.
Venture a little deeper into the park and you might come across something unexpected: peacocks. Yes, real, majestic peacocks just wandering through the gardens. It’s surreal and magical — like something from a children’s book. Retiro is the perfect place to slow down, read a book, or take a picnic in the sun.
Food Markets: Small Plates, Big Flavors
Madrid’s food markets are a cornerstone of local culture — part social hangout, part foodie heaven. You’ll find everything from gourmet tapas to fresh oysters and jamón ibérico, all in one buzzing space.
Mercado de San Miguel – The Central Star
Located just off Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel is easily the most famous. And while it’s definitely a bit touristy, it’s also lively, beautiful, and full of great food. Grab a glass of cava, sample a few pintxos, and wander from stall to stall without committing to a full sit-down meal.
Other favorites if you want something more local:
Mercado de San Ildefonso: A younger, trendier vibe with street food stands and good music — perfect for an early evening bite and drink.
Mercado de Antón Martín: An eclectic mix of international flavors in a quieter, more local setting.
Day Trips from Madrid
Toledo – Medieval Charm Just a Train Ride Away
We did one day trip during our stay, and it was to Toledo, which turned out to be the perfect escape. It’s only about 30 minutes from Madrid by train, and the town itself feels like stepping into a storybook. Winding cobbled streets, incredible hilltop views, and a mix of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic architecture that gives the whole city a unique feel. Definitely wear comfortable shoes — it’s very walkable, but also very hilly.
Other Great Day Trip Ideas (For Next Time)
- Segovia: Famous for its Roman aqueduct, fairytale-style castle (which allegedly inspired Disney), and roast suckling pig. An easy and rewarding trip.
- El Escorial: A massive royal complex northwest of Madrid, known for its palace, monastery, and historical library. A great option for those into history, architecture, or quieter surroundings.
Shopping in Madrid: A Fashion-Lover’s Dream
Madrid surprised me with how good the shopping is — genuinely one of the best European cities for it, and I’m including Paris and Milan in that list.
- Gran Vía
This is where you’ll find all the high street staples, many of them in massive, flagship form. Zara, Mango, Bershka, Stradivarius, Pull & Bear — all Spanish brands, so you’re seeing them in their prime. Prices are also slightly lower than in the rest of Europe. - Salamanca District
If you’re after designer fashion and luxury brands, head to the Barrio de Salamanca, especially Calle Serrano. Loewe (i mean if in spain…) is a must-see here. The stores are spacious, beautifully curated, and often less crowded than their counterparts in Paris or London. - El Rastro
If you’re in town on a Sunday, don’t miss El Rastro, Madrid’s famous open-air flea market. You’ll find vintage clothes, antiques, handmade goods, and plenty of odd treasures. It’s perfect for strolling and people-watching, and there are cute cafes nearby for a post-market snack.
Final Thoughts: Why Madrid Stole Our Hearts
Madrid doesn’t try to overwhelm you. It’s relaxed, but never boring. It’s stylish, but never pretentious. Whether you’re sipping matcha in the shade of Retiro, queuing for ramen, wandering through a palace, or just watching the world go by from a plaza café — the city invites you to slow down, soak it in, and stay a little longer than planned.
Would we go back? Absolutely. Next time, hopefully with a working rooftop pool.
