After our time in Bilbao, we stopped in Madrid for two days with a simple goal: see some of Spain’s most iconic cultural sites and eat as well as possible along the way. The Madrid Edition made an ideal home base, with plenty of comfort, style, and amenities between museum visits, tours, and meals. In a short stay, we managed to visit the Prado, see a flamenco show, enjoy Michelin-starred dining, and get just enough of Madrid’s energy to know we’ll need to return. Next on the Spain list: Barcelona.

Where to eat

Have a sweet breakfast of churros and mocha at the Churrería Chocolateria 1902 Restaurant next door to The Edition.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at All Day Dining on the ground floor of The Edition.

Have lunch at Oroyo on the roof of the Edition.

Another lunch option is La Monteria, a Michelin mentioned cozy space close to the Parque del Retiro.

For a meal with a beautiful sunset view and great food, go to Dani Brasserie on the roof of the Four Seasons.

Places to stay

We stayed at The Edition and had a great experience. It’s one of the pricier options in the city, but also has outstanding amenities, including a sunny rooftop pool that is surprisingly lacking in many hotels in this city with temperatures that warrant a pool.

The Four Seasons is another lovely place to stay, with a gorgeous rooftop area with sweeping views and stellar restaurant Dani Brasserie.

Things to do

Go to the Prado, Madrid’s most famous museum (book early and use a tour company if you’re there in high season or want to avoid long lines for entry.)

Stroll through the Parque del Retiro.

Another picturesque garden to stroll is Las Vistillas, near the Almudena Cathedral and Royal Palace.

See a Flamenco show. We aimed to go to the Corral de la Moreria, but when tickets were sold out the Torres Bermejas flamenco show was a great replacement.

Visit the Mercado de San Miguel - an indoor market with amazing olives and seafood for purchase, as well as bars and restaurants to eat onsite.

Go to the Plaza Mayor, a popular and scenic square with places to eat and drink around the perimeter of the inner courtyard.

Visit the Museo de Jamón and pick up souvenirs your foodie friends will love.

Go shopping. Spain has great souvenirs, including many from the cultures of adjacent countries that influence it.

Next time

The visit was too short to eat at all the places on the list. We’ll return to try: DiverXO and Desde 1911.

Madrid Travel Guide: Prado Museum, Flamenco, and Fine Dining

A Short Stay in: Bilbao, Spain: Art, Dining, and Design