The passion of Spain
Falsa modestia is not Madrid’s thing. Madrid is not modest; it is grandiose, with magnificent buildings and impressive squares, the Plaza de España with its handsome Miguel de Cervantes to name only one. Madrid offers countless photo opportunities. However, those who think that the 7 million metropole is only nice to look at, should take a second look. Madrid pulsates with life. In the centre of Spain they express their emotions – the people chat to each other, kiss on every street corner – and cuisine is celebrated – they eat late, preferably lots, and particularly well. Admittedly, for some that may be a little too much of a good thing. On the other hand, can we ever really get enough of something good?
SLEEP
In a central location, not far from numerous attractions, you will find The Principal. The stylish boutique hotel will captivate you with its own terraza, one of the most beautiful in Madrid, delicious cocktails and exquisite haute cuisine. If you have come to Madrid to relax, we can recommend the wellness suite with integrated sauna.
The Principal Madrid Hotel
Marqués de Valdeiglesias, 1
28004 Madrid
www.theprincipalmadridhotel.com
The 5-star Único hotel also serves exquisite award-winning cuisine. The in-house restaurant Ramon Freixa Madrid has already been selected as the best in the city and is popular among wine connoisseurs. On Sundays, Único invites you to a sumptuous foodie-brunch, serving dishes ranging from delicious detox smoothies to leg of lamb on Oriental sauce.
Hotel Único Madrid
Claudio Coello, 67
28001 Madrid
www.unicohotelmadrid.com
Tótem is situated in the heart of Salamanca, the fashion district in Madrid. The rooms and suites win you over with their unpretentious, elegant design and a walk-in rain shower. You can treat yourself to a drink or a small appetizer at the cocktail bar before you dine at the Hermosos or immerse yourself in the Madrid nightlife.
Tótem Madrid
Calle de Hermosilla, 23
28001 Madrid
www.totem-madrid.com
The old and new Madrid merge in the trendy Urso Hotel & Spa, in the reception hall, in the restaurant, in the rooms and in the praiseworthy spa with hydrotherapy pool. You can choose from special treatments including a selection for men such as Hot Shells Massage or the Royal Oxigen Ritual.
URSO Hotel & Spa Madrid
Mejía Lequerica, 8
28004 Madrid
www.hotelurso.com
EAT & DRINK
A trip to Madrid is synonymous with a gourmet trip. Or rather it should be. The selection of fine restaurants in the Spanish capital is considerable. And in the past while there has been a particular surge. In the newly opened Chow Chow, for example, there are Japanese specialties with a South American touch. The dishes are just as mesmerising as the restaurant interior: sleek chic with plants and leaves that hang from the ceiling.
In contrast, the Coque, which has been awarded two Michelin stars, is three generations old but none the less innovative. The Sandoval brothers potter about here and work wonders. Mario, Rafael and Diego offer their guests a superlative culinary experience. The legendary Q17 menu consisting of six starters, nine main courses and three desserts provides three hours of gastronomic pleasure.
Madrid’s most authentic restaurant is the Taberna La Revoltosa. One feasts here with the gatos, in German cats, in other words the Madrileños from the hip parts of town, because it is in their nature to go out, stay out late and to have fun. You can eat your fill of braised meat, sandwiches and hamburgers and partake of diverse alcoholic beverages.
In Pointer you are in the company of the Madrid jet set. They offer the best dishes from all corners of the world because you do not have to commit yourself, as long as it tastes good. And it always does in Pointer. Nice touch: The cosy seating groups offer room for five to six people.
If there is one place where one has to have eaten in Madrid, it is the Peyote San. The menu offers Japanese-Mexican delicacies. You should have a good appetite, but if not, it will be stimulated by the sight of the sumptuous, creatively presented dishes.
Fismuler’s menu offers traditional Spanish dishes (with a slightly Nordic touch). They are simple, fresh and very very good. Fismuler places a high priority on local produce. They advocate understatement. Simply typically Nordic, everything a little unflustered, with modest charm and a guarantee of quality.
Peyotesan
Fismuler
EXPLORE
If you discover Madrid on a culinary level, you are on the right path, but Spain’s capital does not only offer gourmet highlights. Here are a few of the most beautiful venues: The Almudena-Kathedrale is like no other cathedral. It was only completed in 1993 and captivates with a modern interior of Pop-Art deco from the Madrid artist Kiko Argüello. The Madrid city palace, Palacio Real, is as pretty as it is worth visiting, however it has been claimed that the Spanish royal family resides in the somewhat more modest Zarzuela palace. The gateway to Europe (Puerta de Europa) is another attraction, two high-rise buildings converging into each other at the Plaza de Castilla, also called KIO towers. And when the time comes to take it easy, you can visit one of the idyllic parks, of which there are many in Madrid. The largest is the recreational area Casa de Campo, former hunting ground for the Spanish royal family. Today it is the location for an amusement park, a funicular, a zoo, diverse sporting facilities and the Feria de Madrid on the 1700-hectare site.
SHOP
Madrid’s shopping miles are the Calle Fuencarral (hip), the Calle Preciados and Calle Carmen (inexpensive) or the Calle Almirante (classic fashion at a classic price).
Or the Concep Store El Paracaidista. The selection: Clothes with that certain something (from Cog Sportif, Teekes, Bataasta, William Webster, Bultaco, etc.), accessories, every kind of lifestyle gadget, modern deco and furniture, tech stuff and some toys for Peter Pans. There is also a gourmet department, in case you have just run out of olive oil or the wine supply is disappearing fast. And the best feature: an in-house Movie Bar.
CELEBRATE
Warhol. El Arte Mécanico, Exhibition @ Caixa Forum, 1.2.-6.5.
Documenta Madrid, Documentary film festival @ Cineteca Madrid, 3.5.-13.5.
Madrid book fair @ Retiro-Park, May-June
Bruno Mars concert @ Stadium Wanda Metropolitano, 22.6.
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Madrid @ Exhibition Madrid, 5.7.-9.7.
Vogue Fashion’s Night Out @ diverse shops,
Madrid Exquisito @ diverse gourmet restaurants, October
