A paseo around Madrid: Sandra Zobel's insider tour of Spain's capital city

I love going to Retiro Park to exercise. Recently, I’ve included powerwalking through the peacock garden, where these colourful birds walk freely and sometimes even dip into the fountains. The park also offers a space for temporary exhibits, or the possibility to just sit on the grass and watch people walk by or row the boats in the lake in the centre of the park. Casa de Fieras (@restaurantecasadefieras) is perfect for a light dinner and a glass of wine. Tuna-limes are a must and I prefer to sit at the tall tables around the bar for a more informal setting.

Read also: Chef Carlos Montobbio on His Favourite Dining Places in Spain

After a sunset drink or a show, I prefer a quirky dim-lit restaurant. Válgame Diós (@valgamediosrest) in the Chueca area, is a great option when I want to enjoy long talks with friends. If I’m in the mood for the perfect combination of good food and live music though, La Negra Tomasa (@lanegratomasamadrid) is the ultimate place for me where the Cuban rhythms make it impossible to stay seated! La Santoría (@lasantoríamadrid) is a good option if you’re looking for a quieter setting. This is a tiny but extremely original Mexican cocktail bar where all cocktails have an exciting story that the servers share with you, and each one even comes with a specific amulet you can take home with you.

I also tend to go to the Chueca area when looking for a particular piece of clothing or decoration piece that I want to stand out. I must mention that as a proud millennial, I do a lot of online shopping as well and tend to support unique local businesses such as Besana Concept (@besanaconcept), which offers beautiful leather bags you can get engraved (I suggest checking out their products before a trip to Madrid and pre-ordering as they need around ten days for delivery). I also recently discovered Magoni Jewellery (@magoni_jewellery), which offers gorgeous unique designs handmade by the artist. Since Yelmo Cines Palafox Luxury cinema opened, I could not imagine seeing a movie elsewhere! To see a film in English, in such a comfy chair where you can lie back and enjoy either popcorn and a Sprite or some edamame and champagne is the best! I prefer an early showing, though, because there’s nothing I like more than walking over to Art & Sushi (@artandsushi.madrid) for dinner, which is by far my favourite sushi place in the city, with the added value of showcasing artwork.

Makkila (@makkila.restaurante) in Fernando VI is very well situated; I love the different spaces and moods it creates to go with the local tapas. Nearby, Quispe Madrid (@quispe_madrid) offers the perfect balance of Peruvian-Japanese fusion food in a beautiful modern setting. When I’m in this area, I can’t help peeping through the window of Memoria Galería (@memoriagaleria) as the owner always surprises me with his exquisite curation of Latin-American artists.

To end the circle, heading back to my area, crossing Castellana over the Juan Bravo bridge, Cristina Oria (@cristinaoriachef) offers the best meriendas where, if you’re looking for something salty, I would recommend the foie, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, her lemon pie is mind-blowing! The restaurant also offers a boutique store of carefully selected kitchenware and gourmet products.

I love walking around the city, but when I don’t have time to go too far, I visit a gallery called Zona Incontrolable (@zonaincontrolable). I go just before closing time and then head over to Ronda 14 (@ronda14), a sushi-fusion restaurant with character.

Read also: Have You Been to Manduca Taberna in BGC? Try it Out for a Taste of Madrid

Saving the best for last, I would like to recommend my absolute favourite restaurant, Ovillo (@ovillomadrid). The mix of the industrial decoration with the best food I’ve ever had makes it necessary for me to go at least once a month. I personally recommend it before or after attending a concert in the National Auditorium of Madrid, but honestly, anytime is the best time to go!

After reading this article, I trust that all readers will create a new folder in their Instagram accounts to have everything ready for their next visit to Madrid. I just shared not exactly the “in” or newest places but, rather, my favourite ones—and why.

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