Madrid is a city that demands to be tasted, walked, and experienced. From the historic taverns of La Latina to the trendy coffee shops of Malasaña, this guide covers every corner of the Spanish capital.
The Summit and Sláinte Scorecard: Madrid
What do these scores mean? Read the full Standards here
Affordability: 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺 7/10
Prettiness: 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺 9/10
Food & Drink: 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺 10/10
Late-Night Liveliness: 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺 10/10
The Spillage Factor: 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺 10/10
Nomadic Dining: 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺 10/10
Multi-Gen Mix: 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺 10/10
Seamless Dining: 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺 10/10
Overall Craic Rating: 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺 10/10
Verdict: Madrid is the undisputed heavyweight champion of European social scenes, balancing a sophisticated “grown-up” energy with a legendary street-level vitality that lasts until dawn. It is a rare capital city that offers world-class culinary depth and architectural grandeur without losing its approachable, community-driven soul.
Madrid is a city that demands to be tasted, walked, and experienced. From the historic taverns of La Latina to the trendy coffee shops of Malasaña, this guide covers every corner of the Spanish capital.
Heads Up:
- Timing matters: Like a lot of Spain, the kitchens of most traditional bars close for a “siesta” between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Plan your eating schedule accordingly! In our experience, if a kitchen is open during these hours, it tends to be a tourist trap.
- The 9:00 PM Rule: While kitchens might open up again by 7 PM. If you show up for food around then, you’ll likely be eating in an empty bar with fellow tourists. For the best vibe, head out between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
- One Bar, One Specialty: The biggest rookie mistake is staying at one bar and ordering a full meal. Locals do a Tapas Crawl for both lunch and dinner: Go to one bar for their famous croquetas, have one drink, and then move to the next bar for their pulpo (octopus).
- The “Aperitivo” Hour: Before the actual lunch, there is a mini-window called the Aperitivo (usually 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM). This is when people grab a Vermut or a Caña and a single small snack (like olives or a slice of tortilla) to “open the stomach” before the real lunch begins, which is usually between 1:30 and 3 PM.
- Know what you are ordering: A tapa is a small, individual snack often served for free with a drink, while a ración is a full-sized plate intended for sharing with the table.
- Ordering Like a Madrileño:
- Order Drinks First: Always order your caña (small beer), vino, or vermut first. Although not as common as in cities like Granada or Santiago de Compostela, many bars in Madrid still provide a small free tapa with your drink.
- Free Tapa Rules:
- If you order food, the barman will assume that you want something more than a small tapa and the free tapa will not arrive – so always start with just a bebida.
- Beggars can’t be choosers – when it comes to a free tapa, you get what you get, even if the couple beside you received something different, you can’t ask for something different. That said, if you order a second drink and you are not yet ready to order food, you will likely get a different tapa.
- Free tapas come per group, not per person – don’t be the person that complains about getting something free.
- Skip the Sangria: Locals rarely drink Sangria with tapas; it’s often a tourist trap. Order a Tinto de Verano (red wine mixed with lemon soda) instead – it’s more refreshing and authentic. (This should never be an expensive drink).
- The Bill: Waiters will never bring the bill until you ask for it (it’s considered rude to rush you). Wave them down and say, “La cuenta, por favor.”
- Order Drinks First: Always order your caña (small beer), vino, or vermut first. Although not as common as in cities like Granada or Santiago de Compostela, many bars in Madrid still provide a small free tapa with your drink.
Malasaña & Chueca: The Hip Heart
These neighbourhoods are where Madrid’s counter-culture history meets modern trend-setting.
The Food & Drink
- Bodega de la Ardosa: An 1892 institution. You must try the beef cheeks and the ortiguillas (sea anemones), alongside their world-famous artichokes.
- Bar la Gloria: Head here for authentic Valencian paella and perfectly grilled sardines.
- Restaurante La Vanduca: A sleek spot known specifically for their elevated patatas bravas.
- Sideria el Tigre (Chueca): The ultimate budget hack. Order a drink and enjoy the mountain of free tapas they pile on your plate.
- Mercado de San Anton: Wander the stalls for croquettas before heading to the rooftop bar for a view of Chueca.
The Speciality Coffee Scene:
- Ambu (Chueca) ★: A true coffee lab. Ask about their espressos made with freeze-distilled milk.
- Han So Cafe and Toma Cafe are the gold standards for local caffeine.
Lavapiés & La Latina: Soul and Spice
Lavapiés is Madrid’s most diverse “barrio,” while La Latina is the home of the Sunday Rastro market crawl and where you will find the absolute best tapas.
See here for my Madrid Tapas Crawl Decathlon: 10 Stops, 35 Minutes of Walking, and Exactly What to Order
Tapas & Taverns
- Pez Tortilla ★: Always busy for a reason. Their tortilla and craft beer selection are unmatched.
- Taberna Antonio Sanchez: Step back to 1787. Order the huevos rotos (broken eggs) and pimientos de padrón.
- Melo’s: Famous for one thing—massive, gooey croquettas.
- Portomaría: A Galician gem where you get a free tapa with your drink.
- Abiafusion: A beautiful break from Spanish food. Try the maafe (Senegalese peanut stew).
- Brew Wild Pizza Bar: For when you need a craft beer and a break from small plates.
- Misió Cafe: A great spot for bakery items and brunch.
Late Night & Unique Spaces
- Sala Equis:★ A former porn theatre turned into one of the coolest bars in the city.
- La Buga del Lobo: Located on a great street for a long night of drinking.
- La Manpepa Cervecería & La Canibal: The places to go for natural wine and craft beer.
Chamberí & Salamanca: The Refined Crawl
Chamberí offers “Ponzaning” (bar hopping on Calle Ponzano), while Salamanca is the height of elegance.
Calle Ponzano Highlights
- El Doble ★: A classic. High-quality free tapas, great craft beer, and the tradition of throwing napkins on the floor.
- Sala de Despiece ★: Incredible, inventive food served in a casual, butcher-shop-style setting.
- Taqueria la Lupita: Great for Mexican tapas, tacos, and micheladas (beer mixed with tangy spices and citrus).
- Taberna Averías: A tiny wine bar with a massive, curated selection.
- De Atún: Specializing in tuna dishes and flavors from Cadiz.
- Hey My Coffee – Top-tier coffee in the upscale district.
Salamanca Gems
- Cañadío: Some of the best pintxos in the city.
- Hey My Coffee: A top-tier specialty coffee stop.
- Mercado de la Paz: Home to Casa Dani (famous for their tortilla) and Matteo Cucina Italiana (authentic carbonara).
The “Tapas Decathlon” (Central Madrid)
If you only have one evening and limited stomach space, see my post on the top 10 tapas spots not to miss, what to order in each one, the best order to visit them in.
A Madrid Tapas Crawl Decathlon: 10 Stops, 35 Minutes of Walking, and Exactly What to Order
Historic Taverns & Specialty Spots
- La Casa Labra / Diaz y Larrouy – Pork loin tostas and wine.
- La Posada de la Villa – Free tapa.
- Txakolina – Pinchos, salt cod, Basque wine.
- Movida – Torrenzo and a free tapa.
- La Perejila – Tostas with chorizo con vino blanco.
- Taberna Tempranillo – Expensive but impressive wine list; try the high grilled duck.
- Taberna Los Huevos de Lucio / Taberna Lucio – The place for huevos rotos.
- Casa Ciriaco – Free tapa, black hoof jamón ibérico, empanadillo.
- Casa Verona – Aperitif spot.
- Casa Quiroga – Cider and wine.
- El Riojano – Hot chocolate and soletillas.
- Taberna Sanlúcar – Andalusian vibes.
- La Pasada del Dragón – Glass floor over ancient city walls.
- El Brillante – Iconic bocadillo de calamares.
- La Taberna Errante – Go for the callos.
Madrid’s Market Guide (Mercados) – a great way to start the day
Madrid’s markets aren’t just places to shop — they’re full-blown eating strategies. Some are polished and photogenic. Others are local, loud and brilliant. Here’s how to do each one properly. It’s a little out of the way but we highly recommend Mercado de Vallehermoso in Chamberí
Mercado de Vallehermoso (Chamberí)
Arguably the strongest all-rounder for serious food. If you only choose one market for serious eating – this is the contender.
- Empanadas Gallegas de Gloria – Authentic Galician empanadas.
- Kitchen 154 (South East Asian)
- Special hot sauce (off menu)
- Dumplings
- Korean-style ribs (12 hours)
- Craft 19 – NY-style pastrami sandwich.
- Biang Biang – Noodles and special fries.
- Miga Caña ⭐ – Classic Spanish food. Anchovies. Artichokes with bull’s tail.
- Tripea – Peruvian / South East Asian fusion.
- La Virgen – Craft beer.
Mercado de San Miguel
Expensive. Busy. Non-local. Beautiful.
It’s the postcard market — iron-and-glass structure, shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Not where Madrileños shop, but still worth a stop if you’re strategic.
What to order:
- Oysters
- Lobster roll
- A proper gilda
Go early, grab one or two things, and move on.
Mercado de San Antón (Chueca)
Modern, lively and social.
Don’t miss:
- Croquettas
- The rooftop bar (great for a late afternoon drink)
Mercado de la Paz (Salamanca)
Upscale neighbourhood market with serious quality.
Inside:
- Casa Dani – Legendary tortilla.
- Matteo Cucina Italiana – Carbonara worth detouring for.
A refined lunch stop.
Mercado de San Fernando (Lavapiés)
More local. More character.
Go to:
- Bendito – Natural wine, craft beer, and books. An excellent hangout stop.
Mercado de Antón Martín
Underrated and full of variety.
- Yokaloka – Japanese sushi from the market.
- Asian Army – South East Asian street food.
- Caracola – Cheesecake and tortilla.
- Doppelgänger – Fusion flavours.
- Donde Sánchez – Wine and cheese.
A proper graze-and-share market.
Natural Wine, Craft Beer & cocktails
Low intervention, high character, zero pretension (mostly).
Madrid’s natural wine scene is thriving — small bars, handwritten chalkboards, orange wine by the glass, and staff who genuinely want you to try something new.
Here’s the full list — stars mark the standouts.
- Bocanada ⭐ – A must for natural ferments.
- Gota ⭐ – Consistently strong bottles and atmosphere.
- De Vinos ⭐ – Open late, making it ideal for a final glass when everything else has shut.
- Casa Botella
- La Alpujarra
- Les Mauvais Garçons
- Mercado de Antón Martín – Worth including on any wine crawl.
- Marinero Bistro
- Fan Fun
- Corchito Bar
- La Cruda
- La Capa
- Crudo by Piscoclabis – Natural wine + cheese shop (dangerous combination).
- Tresilles Coffee + Wine – Coffee by day, wine by night energy.
- Bendito – A strong stop for natural wine lovers.
Full list of speciality coffee spots
Madrid’s coffee renaissance is strong – from experimental espresso bars to micro-roasters serving pour-overs that rival Barcelona or Lisbon. Here’s the guide to the best specialty coffee spots worth your time.
- Malasaña
HanSo Cafe – A cornerstone of the scene. Consistently excellent espresso and clean, minimalist energy.
Toma Café – One of the originals. Strong espresso, rotating beans, serious about filter.
Hola Coffee – Also a respected roaster. Expect high standards and great flat whites. - Bakery / Brunch Energy
Misió Café – Excellent coffee plus bakery and brunch. Ideal slower start spot. - Chamberí
Santa Kafeina – A solid neighbourhood favourite. - Lavapiés / Central
Ruda Café – Small, good quality, relaxed.
Unfiltered Coffee – Clean, modern, coffee-first approach.
Acid Coffee – Lighter roasts and a sharper specialty edge. - Salamanca
Hey My Coffee – Refined setting, top-tier specialty coffee. - Chueca
Ambu Coffee ⭐ – The “coffee lab.” Some espressos are made with freeze-distilled milk. Precision-focused and experimental.
Vinyl & Vintage Shopping
Most of these shops are located close together, making for a perfect afternoon of digging.
- Escri discos ★: A top-tier local favourite.
- La Metralleta: A legendary shop located downstairs near Sol.
- Discos Babel, La Gramola (can be pricey), and Bangladesh Music.
- Vintage Finds: Visit Magpie Vintage, Flamingos Vintage Kilo, and Humana Vintage (though Humana can be more expensive).
Essential Sights:
Unfortunately, we haven’t managed to get into the Sierra de Guadarrama any of the times we have been to Madrid, but you can check out our very hungover jog around the essential sights managed below by clicking here.
- Retiro Park: Visit the lake and the Glasshouse exhibition.
- Temple of Debod: An authentic Egyptian temple gifted to Spain.
- Museo Nacional Centro: Home to Picasso’s Guernica and works by Dalí.
- Museo del Prado: Focus on Goya and Velázquez. Free entry from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Saturdays or Sundays.
- El Palacio Real: The stunning Royal Palace.
- Oso y Madroño: The famous Bear and Strawberry Tree statue at Sol.
- Basílica de San Francisco El Grande: Features paintings by Goya and the largest domed ceiling in Spain.
- Café Ziryab: For an intimate flamenco experience.
The “Must-Eat” List
Make sure you check these local delicacies off your list (many of them are in our tapas decathlon post here):
- Caracoles (Snails)
- Cocido Madrileño (Chickpea-based stew)
- Callos (Tripe stew)
- Huevos Rotos / Estrellados (Broken eggs over potatoes): Best at Taberna Lucio.
- Patatas Bravas
- Oreja a la Plancha (Grilled pig’s ear)
- Potaje de Garbanzos (Chickpea stew)
- Bocadillo de Calamares: The best is at La Campana or Bar el Brilliante.
- Sweet Treats: Churros con chocolate or Picatostes (fried bread with sugar).
- Jamon Ibérico: Look for the “black hoof” variety at Mercado de Jamon or Casa Ciriaco