Our Guide to Madrid
Our guide to Spain's capital, where the nights are late, the bars are full and incredible food can still be enjoyed for incredible prices.
Late Afternoon was founded between Madrid and London, where our founders were living at the time. The colours, spirit and sunshine of Spain's capital is infused throughout the brand's ethos and Madrid is one of Europe's best spots for a weekend away. So read on for our quick guide to Madrid, so you can dip a toe into the city where we began to dream up the business...
Where to eat
There are so many options that this is an overwhelming question. We’ve shared a few of our absolute favourites, slightly spread across the city.
We might have to release a full eating guide one day to do the full list justice...
Castelados / La Castela
These sister restaurants are stalwarts of the family neighbourhood, Ibiza. Inhabiting two neighbouring corners, they share the same menu and white-shirted, super-efficient staff. Book in advance. Drink wine by the glass and eat coquinas and solomillo al oloroso.
Mercado San Fernando, Lavapiés
A regenerative success story, the covered market in Lavapiés is packed with mini bodegas, snack bars and stalls where locals gather in the evening. The atmosphere is electric at weekends when drinkers of all ages fill up and catch up here. We recommend Bendito’s and La Siempre Llena for wine and stall 15 for infamous meat sandwiches on weekends.
La Colmada
A young crowd of Malasaña’s most attractive drinkers order meat and cheese boards from the deli counter and create a hubbub only found in Madrid’s best bars. Jewel-blue walls are lined with conservas and bottles of wine, all available to pick off the walls and get stuck into.
Las Tortillas de Gabino
Chic but friendly (and reasonably priced), this local restaurant in upmarket Almagro, makes the tortillas the stars. Everything you thought you knew about the Spanish staple is wrong. Try the octopus and Torta del Casar varieties, and don’t miss the razor clams or the croquetas either. Fig ice cream for pudding.
Casa Macareno
A revived taberna with a well-executed Spanish menu and hand-painted tiles. Pack into the front bar for tapas or book a table out back. Truffle croquetas and slow-roast suckling pig are highlights and they’re known to give out free dessert if you make a good impression.
Things to do
When you tire of eating...
The Prado
One of the world’s great art galleries, the Prado is not to be missed. Our must see works are the Velasquezs, Goya’s Black Paintings and Hieronymous Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights. Book ahead or you can queue for free entry 2 hours before close.
Retiro Park
This green haven is a beautiful park with plenty to enjoy: from manicured paths to get lost in; pedalos on the lake and cafes for beer. You can disappear to a secluded patch to sunbathe or visit the Palacio de Cristal.
Sorolla’s House
Spain’s answer to Monet, Sorolla was a successful impressionist-style painter of very beautiful portraits and landscapes in 19th century. His family home and garden is preserved as a museum and gallery and is a wonderful place to visit.
El Rastro
Sunday is Rastro day. Head to this sprawling flea market in the barrio of Las Letras and browse stalls and antiques shops for bargains. Finish with fried sardines and cañas at Bar Santurce.
Late-night Churros
Chocolateria San Gines is THE churrería lined with celebrity visitor photos and pumping out fresh, hot snacks. Open 24 hours a day, we have pit-stopped here after many a night out. Dip your churros in hot chocolate or try a super-size porra.
Tips to fit in like a local
Dinner will be late
Restaurants start opening from 8pm and usually do 2 sittings at 8 and 10 so prepare and have a nap in the afternoon. The city comes alive from 9pm so don’t miss all the fun by going to bed early.
Don’t be too polite
Saying “I’m so sorry to bother you, but would it be at all possible to…” doesn’t exist in the Spanish language. Be direct, speak loudly and ask for what you want.
Follow the noise
Busy bars and restaurants are busy for a reason. Don’t be afraid to push in, wiggle into your spot and order a caña (small beer) or a copa de vino (glass of wine) at the bar.
Save our list to your Maps.
Save our favourite spots to your Google Maps so you can easily find them when you visit the area. We threw in a couple of extras not written about above…