The magic of Madrid is in the air and in its food! Like so many big cities one can easily spend days enjoying the capital of Spain. However, if you have only a few hours here is a suggested itinerary to let your eyes, ears and taste buds introduce you to the best of Madrid! 

 

Speaking of eating, get ready to taste a cuisine that has been influenced by Arab, Jewish, French and local spices. Every dish has a story to tell and a flavor to enjoy. A favorite of ours is the common ‘pan tomat’, bread with fresh ground tomatoes. It sounds pedestrian but it is simplicity at its best! The wines of each region are are typically red and robust, while one of our favorites is the white, Rias Brexias; great with sea food! 

 

As a starting point begin at the Antón Martin Metro stop on Calle de Atocha in the Cortes neighborhood. If you are here in the morning and want a bite to eat you are in luck. The best cardamon rolls outside of Stockholm, Sweden are to be found only a few blocks away at the Acid Cafe. Founded by a couple from Copenhagen, Denmark it is an amazing bakery and 3rd Wave coffee shop.

 

If you are arriving around noon head over to our favorite tapas bar in Madrid; Alimentacion Quiroga on Calle De Las Huertas. This is an intimate and extraordinary venue. Whenever we are in Madrid we head over for a bite. They have amazing small plates and very affordable Spanish wines by the glass or bottle. The tables are close together and fun for making friends with the internationals who are siting next to you. 

 

Finally, if you are in the neighborhood around dinner time head to La Mucca on Calle Prado 16. This has a warm atmosphere with a variety fare including great pizza! You will notice when you walk to any of these three establishments you will walk past dozens of others. Feel free to try any of them as the Spanish love to cook! 

 

Get ready to feature your eyes as some of the world’s art masterpieces are on view in Spain; El Greco, Goya, and Dali. From the Antón Martin Metro stop you have three world class art museums: The Prado, (Velasquez’s Las Meninas), The Reina Sofia (Picasso’s Guernica) and The Thyssen-Bornemisza (Impressionists). Select one of them and get tickets online beforehand to skip the lines.

 

There are many other neighborhoods worth a visit in Madrid. However, if you have only a couple hours these recommendations will fill your tummy and sate your soul.