Me gusta Madrid – my favourite places
Madrid is one of my favourite cities in the world. For 4 years, and for professional reasons, I was fortunate to have to visit this city every week – I even had a permanent base (a lovely apartment), which helped me feel totally at home. Madrid is a vibrant place and easily accessible from anywhere in the world - and definitely worth a visit. I was asked recently to share with some friends my favourite places – so I could not let you miss out!
It’s when I see the Post Office building that I know that I am in Madrid
With my parents, we used to drive to Madrid a few times a year for some “civilisation”. And shopping of course. The Portugal we have today wasn’t the Portugal we had in the 80s and the 90s. I remember the drives as if it was today – and knowing I really arrived to Madrid when we got to the Post Office building on the Paseo de la Castellana. Every time I visited, unconsciously I always did the same – it only counted when I spotted it.
Having gotten to know the tourist attractions quite well, it was in the Barrio de Salamanca (or Salamanca district/neighbourhood) that I felt at home. A nice grid neighbourhood which is bounded by Paseo de la Castellana, Calle Alcalá, Calle María de Molina and Francisco Silvela. Easy to walk and very pleasant to the eye. It is also one of the best shopping areas in town, used mostly by locals. The main streets are Serrano, Goya and Velazquez – but, in my opinion, the best surprises can be found in the little side streets.
Calle Serrano, Madrid – Photo by Turespaña
Shopping in Madrid
I think Madrid (and Spain in general), has some of the best shopping in Europe. I like it that, despite globalisation, many brands remain proudly Spanish and I love the idea that we are not all wearing the same. I know Zara is Spanish and a global brand, but there are a lot more brands which are easy to find locally.
Mr. and Mrs. O love Carolina Herrera
- Carolina Herrera – originally from Venezuela and based in NYC, most garments from this fab brand are made in Spain, which is great as prices are lower than in other parts of the world. It is one of my favourite brands and absolutely worth a visit.
- Adolfo Dominguez – for men and women
- Purificación Garcia – for men and women
- Bimba & Lola – love their handbags and accessories
- Uterque - Zara’s (or Inditex’s) latest brand, which has great shop fit-outs and great unique pieces
- El Corte Inglés - Spain’s leading (and only) department store. The Serrano and Castellana shops are, in my opinion, the best.
In this area, you will find these and a lot more stores. All designers can be found mostly on Calle José Ortega y Gasset and around.
Mr. O being a super tourist – and loving it!
Eating and drinking
One thing I love about Spain is how one’s social life really revolves around food. And it is sooooo good here! Below are some restaurants which I have been visiting for over 20 years – they are not the trendiest, but certainly some of my favourites.
Taberna El Rincón de Goya
- El Rincón de Goya is one of my favourite places in Madrid. The restaurant is outstanding, but the tapas bar used to be my canteen when I was in town. It also has some outstanding Gin & Tonics and my favourite, Tinto de Verano (red wine, lemonade, ice and lemon). If you want to get to the Tapas Bar, turn up before 8.30pm or you will never get a table.
- Goizeko Wellington – one of the best restaurants I have visited in town, slightly formal but with some of the best cuisine from the Basque Country.
- La Dorada – a classic, where my parents used to take me every time. Think sea bream baked in salt – it is delicious and an institution!
- Portobello – also a trip down memory lane. The best seafood bar I have ever been to – great for people watching (namely fur coats in winter)
- Pan de Lujo - trendier but relaxed with traditional Spanish food with a hint of a je ne sais quoi. Also one of my favourites.
The delicious suckling pig at Sobrinos de Botin
- Sobrinos de Botin - a weekend lunch classic not far from Plaza Mayor. A recommendation: clams and of, course, the suckling pig. It is also supposed to be the “world’s oldest restaurant”.
Mallorca – perfect for breakfast (and any time of the day, really!)
I am, of course, saving the best for last – and that is my breakfast and mid morning place (a girl needs to eat). Pasteleria Mallorca, is one of Madrid’s best kept secrets and a place I really miss on a daily basis. It is very simple – but everything behind the counters is mouth-watering.
Madrid will always be a special place for us
What I love the most about Madrid is the energy, the people and the laughter you always seem to hear. People are happy and, in my opinion, very generous and welcoming. I felt totally at home in the four years I kind of lived there and writing this post really makes me want to go back. It is also a special place as it is where Mr. O and I finally became “an item”. Great memories indeed.
As I said, Madrid me gusta. And I really need to go back. Gracias!!
xo
Mrs. O
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I’m in Madrid now… for the very first time in my life!
Stunning architecture & yummy food!
Miret recently posted..Foodie travel photo of the day
So pleased you made it there! It is a lovely lovely city!
I agree that Madrid is incredible, and you are so lucky to have observed firsthand how it’s changed over the years. Next time you’re in town please get in touch to come on one of our food tours, we would love to host you!
Lauren Aloise recently posted..Top 5 Spanish Christmas Sweets
It’s been years since I have been back. I have a feeling 2013 will be the year
Thanks Lauren!
I must say that you’re so lucky for you already have visited my most favorite city in Spain. Honestly speaking that I curiously wanted to go there in last month. I and my friends had planned too. But because of my busy scheduled I couldn’t get the proper time to go and make my dreams true. This is my bad luck dear. Any ways, frankly speaking after reading your post and saw your uploaded pictures that make me curious to go and visit my dream location in Spain again for sure.
Thanks, Susan! Madrid is a special place indeed! Hope you can make it there one day!
So many great things about Madrid! I would add the party places I went to except I don’t remember their names. It wasn’t exactly yesterday when I partied hard in Madrid! I love the food, the architecture, the streets, and the zest for life in this wonderful city! I love how you captured the essence of Madrid!
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted..Photo of the Week – Harbor in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Thank you, Raul. Lots of going out places too indeed!! I love Madrid! And I miss it!
I love Madrid too. For those who truly like cities, it is a must visit… but do know some Spanish… it probably had the least amount of English then anywhere I visited in the country. Which was a good test to my spanish even if it is Mexican-Spanish as my Spanish friends tell me.
stay adventurous, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..Sunset Sunday – A Tour Bus Stop in Santiago Tuxtla, Veracruz
Interesting comment! Barcelona is better in terms of people speaking English, but never found Madrid to be an actual problem. Hum.. interesting point indeed!
It is always great to have a list of restaurants from someone who has traveled to a place often. These restaurants in Madrid sound fantastic. Beautiful photo of the post office building.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Nuts in Bastogne, Belgium at the Battle of the Bulge Memorial
Thanks, Ted. And promise they are fab restaurants
Madrid is the only city outside of the US that I have lived in, spending a summer there when I was 15…seems like ages ago (probably because it was), but it will always hold a special place with me because it was my first real immersion into another culture. This post made me quite sentimental, thanks for sharing.
John recently posted..Berlin’s East Side Gallery: Appeals to Tolerance, Freedom, and Hope In Photos
Pleasure. It is a special place for me too – one of the 3 cities I ever called home. How long were you there for?
Hi! came across you through a #FF on twitter! Cool site and posts. Lucky you be be in Madrid. Fab city. Loved the tips, wish had them before my last trip! Can I share a post I did about your fab city too: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/2011/05/madrid-spain-my-top-travel-tips-for.html
Gary Bembridge (www.tipsfortravellers.com) recently posted..Friday Travel Photo: Legoland Windsor
Hi Gary, thanks! Sadly not in Madrid anymore
Oh my goodness! Madrid looks incredible. I love that architecture. It’s absolutely gorgeous. Like all of your posts, you now have me pining for Madrid.
Tawny- Captain and Clark recently posted..Getting dominated by the Grand Canyon [Video]
Ohhhh thats’s so sweet, Tawny. I think a little trip to Europe needs to be in the cards for you guys!!
Lovely, Mrs. O! Though I’m with the lazy travelers – no suckling pig for me. I can understand why Madrid is such a special place for you… your childhood memories and your connection with Mr. O. Thanks for sharing your picks with us. Hopefully I’ll get there one day and need to consult this list
Francesca recently posted..Getting cultured in Kenosha
I understand it isn’t for everyone
more for me! If you go to Madrid, let me know, plenty other things to do – you’d love the museums!
GAH. with you til the suckling pig. everything else = yes please.
the lazy travelers recently posted..the wino gets an extreme home makeover
Totally understand, not for everyone!
but yes to shopping? 
I went to Madrid a few years ago. The post office building is indeed lovely. Are you part Spanish?
whatkatemadenext recently posted..Oreo Cookie ice cream cake
Hi Kate, not a Spanish bone in me, I am afraid. All Portuguese
Thanks Mrs O for bringing back memories of our recent trip to Madrid, I can’t imagine how we missed that beautiful post office.
We took your advice at the time and went to el Rincon de Goya but to the ‘big’ restaurant next door to the tapas bar, the food was to die for.
And you simply cannot talk about Spanish fashion without a nod to Hoss Intropia, founded in Madrid in 1994 http://www.lamodefashion.ca/brands/hoss-intropia/ something that should interest @fashinsideout on many levels
Hoss is great – very true! How could I have forgotten that! Glad you enjoyed El Rincon, such a simple place – but food is divine!!
I have to admit that Barcelona has been getting all my love and I’ve forgotten about Madrid. It seems like such a contrast in the two cities. After I explore Barcelona in November, I want to do Madrid as well. Call it an experiment in culture, food, and shopping.
Leah Travels recently posted..Taking it Easy in the Big Easy: 36 Hours in NOLA
I know – I would love to go with you! It is a seriously good place and lots to do. And not bad on the eye, other!
Madrid has long been near the top of my list, especially after falling in love with Barcelona. Great stuff Mrs. O.
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..What Time Is It…? Food & Wine Time!
Absolutely worth it DJ!
promise!
Hi, Ana! What a lovely point of view about Madrid! As I’m going very often to our worklife Madrid I used to always try new places and new experiences. Europe seems to begin there!
Can you do the same about Paris? It would be great to know our favorite places there!
Have a great, peaceful and lovely week-end.
Teresa Vendeirinho
Oh thank you, Teresa
My problem with Paris is that I don’t go often enough – I can certainly do the shopping part, but restaurants, not confident enough to recommend. Madrid, yes! My parents trained me well 
Y a Madrid le gustas tú!!!
La ciudad te espera con los brazos abiertos.
Espero que todo te vaya muy bien; aunque por lo que te leo parece que sí.
Besos y enhorabuena por tu blog!!
Álvaro Narváez
Gracias Alvaro! Tengo que volver pronto
I must admit Madrid is one of my favourite cities in Spain too Ana – I have always favoured it over Barcelona. You’re right, there’s definitely a different energy about it. Can’t wait to check out Uterque! Lovely pics too btw
Fiona recently posted..The Video Edit: Couch Surfing Irish Style
There is something – and the people are very different! More open.. BCN is very similar to Portugal (and hence why so familiar).
I love Madrid, too – but the one problem I have with the place is a pretty big one: it’s not on the coast! I love the sea too much, which is why if I had to choose I would say Barcelona is my favourite Spanish city.
Simon recently posted..Moving to Auckland and the future of Man vs World
That is one of its few downsides, totally agree
I always tried to escape to Lisbon or Barcelona on Fridays!
My first visit to Madrid did not go well. I gave is a second and third chance and really enjoy the city now. I agree with Lucia about Mercado San Miguel. They renovated it a few years ago and turned it into a Tapas Market. It is one of my favorite places.
Jeff @ GoTravelzing recently posted..The Madrid Tapas Market – Mercado de San Miguel
I have never been to it as a tapas market. I need to go! Thank you both for a great tip!
Hi Mrs´O, Madrid is also one of my favourite cities in the world (from the ones i Know…)!
Some years ago i used to go there at least twice a year, and most of them i went to Sobrinos de botin for the suckling pig!
Do you know “Mercado de San Miguel”?
Madrid mi mata!!!
I discovered your blog a few days ago, and i´m just loving it!! I´m reading you from Portugal.
Hi Lucia, obrigada!! I was sent a picture of it and totally remember! I need to go and check it out next time I visit
Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment. Very sweet of you 