City Guide: Madrid
A slower way to explore, through our lens and yours.
Welcome to our Hôtel Weekend city guides on Substack —a more personal and unfiltered way to share our favorite places. These come straight from our Hôtel Weekend team mixed with tips from our close-knit circle of creative travelers and local friends. They’re not exhaustive, they’re curated: places we love and return to again and again.
For more curated city guides, find them on our site.
THE CITY
Madrid moves at its own pace—layered, luminous, full of soul. From the old barrios with sun-faded shutters to new corners blooming with design studios and natural wine bars, it’s a city that quietly reveals itself the longer you stay. Whether you're here to see art, eat well, or follow your own rhythm, we hope this guide gives you a few beautiful places to start.
YOUR GUIDE
I’m Natalia, founder of Hôtel Weekend. I’ve lived in Madrid for six years now with my husband and two daughters (currently three and one). This city is home in all the right ways: inspiring but never overwhelming, full of great food, unexpected calm, and good coffee.
CAFÉS
Madrid’s coffee scene is booming—there seems to be a new specialty spot every week. The energy is exciting, though fair warning: it’s not unusual to wait 30 minutes for a flat white on a Saturday. Still, these are my go-tos.
Cuadra – A laid-back bakery-café near Plaza Olavide with just the right kind of buzz. Good coffee, exquisite media lunas, and neighborhood charm.
Toma 2 – A pioneer of Madrid’s specialty scene.
Acid Shop – A moody, nostalgic space tucked into Justicia. Flaky pastries, strong coffee, and cult following. Don’t miss their morning bun.
Acid Bakehouse – Their sourdough HQ. Morning croissants here are religion.
Alma Nomad – Warm, soulful, and generous. You’ll want to linger with a cinnamon roll and chai. There’s usually a line but totally worth the wait.
Clima Cafecito – A breezy corner with a perfect cortado and plant-filled interiors.
Pastora – In La Latina, they also have a little shop with natural wines, jams, olive oils, and other delicious products.
Il Tavolo Verde – Part café, part antique shop with rustic charm.
Watts Cantina – All-day dining with pancakes, coffee, and wine. Super friendly and relaxed.
EAT
The restaurants in Madrid are as diverse as the city itself—from cozy, family-run spots to sleek, innovative kitchens. Whether I’m craving something familiar or in the mood to try something new, these are the places I find myself returning to:
Hermanas Arce – A cozy space that feels like home. Healthy Mediterranean dishes with a focus on local ingredients and comfort.
HER – Modern Mediterranean-inspired dishes with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce.
Pizza Pronto – No-frills, wood-fired pizza. Perfect for a casual night with friends.
Parking Pizza – Long-fermented dough and rich toppings in an easy, industrial space.
Farah – A cozy eatery in Madrid’s La Latina neighborhood serving Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, from timeless classics to modern creations.
Chuck's – feels like New York.
Casa Pei – Unpretentious and warm, with seasonal dishes that feel like home cooking.
Akiro – Elevated Japanese dishes and sushi with a modern twist.
Llama Inn – Peruvian flavors reimagined, in a design-forward atmosphere.
Charrúa – Grilled meats and earthy comfort.
Olea – Mediterranean simplicity done beautifully, with a calm, thoughtful interior.
FOR A DRINK
Masa Vins – A natural wine haven that feels both curated and casual.
BLU Coffee & Wine – Elegant dual-purpose space: coffee by day, wine by night.
Corchito – Candlelit and cozy. A small but mighty place to unwind.
Los 33 – South American flair, strong cocktails, and good energy.
GOTA – Natural wine, seasonal food, and impeccable taste—all in one spot.
SHOP
Formaje – A temple. The chicest cheese shop in the world.
ROWSE – Plant-based skincare.
Misia – A thoughtful selection of lifestyle goods and home pieces.
González & González – Design-led objects, books, and beautiful ephemera with a Mediterranean heart.
WELLNESS
These two studios are owned by dear friends of mine—but trust me, they’re also truly the best.
Asana Groove – Groovy yoga in a peaceful, luminous space.
Maison Pilates – Precision, breath, and kindness. Transformational in the quietest way.
FOR KIDS
My most asked question on Instagram. I take my girls everywhere, and Madrid is generous to families—especially in these spots.
Esto es una plaza – A community garden that turns into a playground, a workshop, a party—depending on the day.
Plaza Olavide – Local, lively, and perfect for playing all afternoon.
El Dragón Lector – The most beautiful little bookstore for children, full of magic and discovery.
We’d love to hear from you. Do you enjoy this format? Would you like to be one of our hosts? Leave a comment below :)
Personal favorite to eat: Josefita <3
Obsessed with these recs! Any lodging recommendations to go with this beautiful selection? 🤗