A Perfect Day: Madrid in One Day

I like to start my perfect day in Madrid in Salamanca, the neighborhood known for its affluent and stylish residents. At Mercado de la Paz (Peace Market), I enjoy the bar Casa Dani. What do I order there? A typical Madrid breakfast: pan con tomate—white bread with tomato and olive oil—paired with a café con leche and freshly squeezed orange juice. Feeling energized, I like to stroll around the market hall, taking in the colorful array of stalls and the giant jamones (hams) hanging from the ceiling.

From the market, I head south to Plaza de Cibeles, a beautifully built square with an equally beautiful fountain at its center. A few steps west leads to Gran Vía. What always fascinates me about Madrid’s grand avenue is the architecture, especially the Metropolis Building with its ornate dome and the almost baroque-style Telefónica Building. People often praise the deep blue of the Madrid sky. When it shines above the white buildings on Gran Vía, you immediately understand why.

On Gran Vía, there’s one store that’s a must for me as an Atlético Madrid fan: the team’s fan shop. When I lived in Madrid, I regularly went to the stadium—the atmosphere there is unmatched. The fans support the team through thick and thin, living by the motto of legendary coach Diego Simeone: “Nunca dejes de creer,” which means “Never stop believing.” Pure passion.

From Gran Vía, I take a right into the trendy Malasaña district, filled with countless small cafés and shops. The charming Plaza Dos de Mayo is a must-see. I love taking a moment to soak it in before exploring the many little streets around it. What’s special about this neighborhood is that you won’t find any big chain stores here—something the locals are quite proud of. Malasaña’s history is also fascinating; it’s considered the birthplace of the Movida Madrileña, a cultural movement from the late 70s and 80s that celebrated newfound freedom after the death of Spain’s dictator Franco—with wild parties. That spirit still lingers in Malasaña today.

For a late lunch—typical in Spain—I head back south to Plaza Mayor. There’s always something going on there: street performers breathing fire, making giant soap bubbles, or juggling—and lots of tourists. I don’t eat at one of the (often overpriced) restaurants, though. Instead, I grab some classic street food from a nearby alley: bocadillo de calamares—white bread with fried calamari rings. My favorite spot for calamari: Bar La Ideal.

Depending on the season, Madrid can get quite hot. A welcome cool-down is found in the shade of Retiro Park’s trees. Near the lake, you’ll also find the Palacio de Cristal, a steel and glass building that was originally designed as a giant greenhouse. 

As the sun sets, I enjoy a drink on the most beautiful rooftop terrace in Madrid: at the Círculo de Bellas Artes cultural center. From there, you can see nearly the entire city and even the mountains to the north. A typical aperitif: tinto de verano, a refreshing mix of red wine and lemon soda.

I love the food at Kuoco 360, where traditional Spanish dishes are given an Asian twist. On the menu, you’ll find items like gambas al ajillo—garlic shrimp—prepared here with fermented chili-garlic emulsion, finger lime, and chili threads. Absolutely irresistible!

To end my perfect day in Madrid, I head to Macera Taller Bar for a nightcap. The atmosphere here is so stylish—with lots of steel and exposed concrete—and the drinks are top-notch. Many of the spirits are homemade: rum, vodka, and gin, which comes in various infused flavors like ginger or curry. But be warned: the drinks, served in large copas (cocktail glasses), are generous!

Head into the green: GetYourGuide takes you through Retiro Park, with its picturesque lakes, historical monuments, and beautiful gardens. The guided tour also includes a tapas tasting in a well-known Madrid bar.

Carsten Hoffmann began his career over 20 years ago as a management trainee. After serving as Vice President in charge of Marketing and Brand Experience at Lufthansa, he became Vice President of Cabin Crew Munich in September 2024. From 2015 to 2019, he lived in Madrid as General Manager of Spain and Portugal for the Lufthansa Group.