Hungry for food and art in Madrid
Madrid is one of the best locations in Europe to spend a couple of days if you are a culture buff, a gourmand, or a bit of both. Here are some ideas for a minibreak that feeds your soul as well as your body.
Museums, galleries and live music
For art fans Madrid offers sights for more than just a few days. There are museums and galleries dotted around the city making it possible to explore just about every art movement.
Most visitors will start their cultural journey in the revered museums of Madrid. El Prado is one of the oldest art museums in Europe and a reason to travel to the city. It holds a remarkable collection of art from European masters, such as Spain's own Velázquez and Goya.
The other major museums include Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, housing an impressive collection of modern art and Thyssen-Bornemisza, a vast collection of pieces from the 13th to 20th century.
Madrid also has a very good selection of museums that show more than just art. Museo del Romanticismo is dedicated to the entire historical period of romanticism and houses furniture and decor, as well as art. The National Museum of Decorative Arts has a great collection of decorative arts including glassware and crockery, textiles, jewellery and furniture.
The gallery scene in Madrid is vibrant and seeing contemporary art is easy. Start in one of the fanciest areas in Madrid, the Salamanca district. Head out to the neighbourhood around Calle Castelló, Calle Claudio Coello and Calle Lagasca to visit some high-quality galleries. For a slightly more bohemian vibe with up-and-coming artists go to Salesas. Galleries can be found within a triangular area bordered by the metro stations of Alonso Martínez, Tribunal and Chueca.
After a day of art, you might be in the mood for some live music. Many of the bars in Madrid have live performances several nights a week. Sala Clamores is a favourite venue that used to host jazz nights but is now open to a variety of music styles. For Spanish indie rock try Moby Dick and to hear some soulful singer-songwriters make your way to Libertad 8.
Markets, tapas and something sweet
If you're curious about local produce and culinary culture, Madrid's food markets are a good place to start. The historic Mercado de San Miguel is one of the best spots in town for shopping as well as sampling tapas or local drinks. Even the glass ceilinged building itself is worth seeing.
If you are planning to eat rather than cook, Mercado de San Ildefonso is a good option. It sells street style food and drinks late into the night. The food options vary from traditional Spanish to Asian. You could even just pop in for a coffee. For a traditional market experience visit Mercado de la Paz with food stalls selling everything from vegetables to charcuterie.
Tapas are everywhere in Madrid, and the classics are worth seeking out. Tortilla, patatas bravas and pimientos are good starting points. If you want to have a feel for the history of the tapas tradition, make your way to Bodega de la Ardosa. It has been around since 1892 and both the atmosphere and food are authentic.
A slightly more adventurous tapas selection can be found at Los Chuchis. The menu keeps changing and you can often find a mix of traditional and innovative. Seafood lovers should make their way to Fide. The menu runs from fresh sardines to traditional bacalao, with plenty in between.
Madrid takes its sweets seriously. Churros are the obvious place to start. The traditional La Antigua Churrería is one of the most traditional spots to try them. They also serve porras, a thicker and longer version of churros that is a Madrid specialty.
The bakeries in Madrid are also worth a visit. La Duquesita has been part of the city since 1914. Acclaimed pastry chef Oriol Balaguer took over in 2015, bringing a creative touch while keeping the classic recipes alive. Try the signature Texturas cake or simply settle in with a coffee and a croissant. For a traditional chocolate covered palmerita the locals flock to La Mallorquina. You might even want to stay for a sandwich, slice of cake and excellent coffee.
Plan your trip
Madrid is one of those cities that stays with you. A few days here are rarely enough, but they always leave you wanting to come back. Finnair flies to Madrid from Helsinki several times a week.