Madrid is one of the most majestic cities in all of Europe, and the center is its beating heart, packed with a character and energy to delight any visitor. From visiting some of the best museums on the continent and taking in the spectacular architecture of the Palacio Real and Plaza Mayor, to listening to seductive jazz in one of the Chueca’s many bars and spending a day of shopping around the famous Gran Vía, Madrid Centro has it all. As well as an endless list of things to do and see, Madrid also has some spectacular accommodation that will suit all requirements and budgets.
Our Recommendations on Which Areas to Stay
- For a luxury stay in Madrid Centro, look for somewhere between Gran Vía and the Palacio Real. Here you will find spectacular accommodation in an amazing location with some of the best restaurants, theaters and cultural sights right on your doorstep.
- Travelling as a family? Madrid Centro has many options. We suggest finding somewhere close to the Palacio de Cibeles, which is a great location to visit the rest of the area.
- Interested in experiencing one of the hippest neighborhoods in Madrid? Choose an accommodation in Chueca where you will be surrounded by some of the most fashionable and exclusive establishments in the capital.
- If you are travelling on a budget, Madrid Centro has many affordable options. Apart from some of the more expensive areas like Gran Vía and Paseo del Prado, you should be able to find an accommodation to suit your budget in most other areas.
Our Recommendations on Accommodations in Madrid Centro are Shown in 5 Categories:
- Luxury interior: Espacioso y moderno – Centro de Madrid, Terrific Location with Video Projector and Netflix, Casa Cordero, Casa Jardín, Loft in Malasaña, ApARTment Madrid, BNBHolder PALACE es MIA, Stylish Designer Loft in the Heart of Madrid, Cozy & Perfect Location (2b+2b) Gran Vía, Disfruta de Madrid desde una ubicación privilegiada, Balustrades and Balconies, Queen of the Castle, BNBHolder Fresh Group Duplex SOL, Ever House
- Family sized: Casa Cordero, Espacioso y moderno – Centro de Madrid, Casa Jardín, Loft in Malasaña, BNBHolder PALACE es MIA, Disfruta de Madrid desde una ubicación privilegiada, Balustrades and Balconies, Queen of the Castle, Ever House, Madrid Centro / Downtown, Spectacular apartment in Gran Via, Atico de lujo Gran Via con Terraza, Sunny & Silent in Gran Via, MIT House NoMad Latina II en Madrid, City centre-Amazing 3BD 3BTH Brand-new 9 balconies, Spacious & Stunning 2-bed near Royal Palace, Great Location SANTA ANA SQUARE!, PUERTA DEL SOL-DISEÑO-LUJO-NUEVO, 16th century Palace, Stunning at old city center!!, Charming Rustic-Chic Apartment Close to Historic Sites, Stylish & Refurbished – 3BD 2BTH – Lavapies, Fusión de arquitecturas, Palace Whispers, Angel Wings, Almar Duplex Malasaña, HomeAbroad Apartments, BNBHolder Fresh Group Duplex SOL
- Room with a view: Luxury city center penthouse with terrace oasis, Madrid Centro / Downtown, Duplex penthouse, Spectacular apartment in Gran Via, Plaza Mayor IV, ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!! (CITY CENTER), Iconic GranVia, Atico de lujo Gran Via con Terraza, Historical Luxury Apartment w. Lift, BNBHolder Stately Views ROYAL PALACE, Soaring Scenes, La Taverna, Dandelion Days, Apartment with Balconies in La Latina by Batuecas
- Low budget: Sunny & Silent in Gran Via, Plaza Mayor, nuevo Cava Baja, Nuevo Apartamento junto a la Gran Vía de Madrid 3C, Luxe at Letras Neighborhood, ESPECTACULAR APARTAMENTO PLAZA MAYOR, Apartamento único en edificio histórico de Madrid, Calle Mayor, LUMINOSO UNICO VISTAS PLAZA MAYOR 2DORM 2A/C, Nuevo Apartamento junto a la Gran Vía de Madrid 3D, Art & Design Gran Via, Charming Gran Vía Attic
- Hotels: Vincci Centrum, Letoh Letoh Gran Vía, Vincci Soho, Círculo Gran Vía, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, The Westin Palace, Catalonia Gran Vía Madrid, The Madrid EDITION
Neighborhoods – What to Know, Before Visiting
The core of Madrid Centro runs between Puerta del Sol and the Palacio Real. Packed with shops, sights, tapas bars and more, this is where many tourists spend the majority of their time during their visit to Madrid. The bustling soul of Madrid, Puerta del Sol is an extremely popular plaza full of locals, tourists and many street performers. This is the Times Square of Madrid where every 31st of December Madrileños welcome in the new year. Each street that starts from this plaza has countless restaurants and little shops and the Sol subway station is a great place to start your exploration of the area.
Begin walking down the Calle Mayor and you very quickly come to one of the narrow passageways that take you to the amazing and magical Plaza Mayor. Madrid’s main square is beautiful day and night and there is always a vibrant atmosphere as visitors walk through or enjoy a drink and some food at one of the many bars and restaurants that surround the square. Here you will also find the tourist information center for details on what’s going on during your visit to the city. Out of the many restaurants to choose from, Restaurante de Corazon stands out. It offers amazing food, spectacular location and great service. Prices are also very fair in comparison to neighboring establishments.
To get a real feel of the area, spend some time exploring the little streets around the Plaza Mayor which are filled with character and some real hidden gems. One such gem is El MiniBAR, which serves modern tapas in a comfortable and welcoming environment, and the food is truly phenomenal. Continue to Ópera subway station and you will come to the Teatro Real. This world-renowned opera house was established in 1850. It is an extraordinary theater with a fantastic atmosphere. Either treat yourself to a fabulous performance or join one of its great English tours full of interesting facts about the history and function of the Opera.
Facing the Teatro Real is the magnificent Palacio Real de Madrid. An architectural masterpiece, this breathtaking palace frequented by the Spanish Royal Family on stately occasions, offers tours to visitors. The palace is packed with history and is probably one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe. Next door is the Catedral de la Almudena, one of the most stunning cathedrals in all of Spain. The roof panoramas are breathtaking and inside the cathedral itself there are some pretty amazing and unique stained-glass pieces.
Gran Vía – The Street that Never Sleeps
One of the best known streets in Spain, Madrid’s Gran Vía is lined with ornate early-20th-century buildings housing mainstream clothing and department stores. It is not uncommon to see Madrileños and visitors alike walking through its streets loaded with shopping bags. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, visit a few stores to marvel at the interior architecture, some of which would not be amiss in a mansion rather than a clothing store. The area is also known as Madrid’s Broadway, with thousands of theater shows shown each year. Teatro Coliseum, El Rialto and Lope de Vega, are just a few of the magnificent theaters along this street.
On one end of Gran Via is the beautiful Palacio de Cibeles which is the current seat of the Madrid City Council. In front of the palace is the Plaza de Cibeles, a historical square where Real Madrid fans regularly celebrate their triumphs. By night it is beautifully illuminated. Surrounded by wonderful historical buildings, the place has a great ambience that you should definitely experience if you get the chance.
Vibrant Chueca
What was once a neglected neighborhood, in recent years Chueca has transformed into one of the most fashionable areas of Madrid and also the heart of the LGBTQ+ community. The area has something for everyone and a distinct character that will stand out to many visitors.
In Chueca you’ll find a lot of open spaces, such as the square that gives its name to the neighborhood. You’ll see fashion stores with exclusive products that are not found anywhere else, public markets converted into meeting places, museums, unique buildings, the occasional religious building, art galleries, many bars and restaurants, and some great hotels. Calle de Hortaleza is regarded as the main artery that runs through the area but make sure to explore the surrounding streets to get a real feel for the neighborhood.
For a first stop, visit the National Museum of Romanticism, housed in an amazing 18th-century mansion. Each room is packed with displays of romantic-period paintings and furniture which do a great job of transporting you to the beauty and opulence of the period. You can also stop for tea and cake at the coffee shop located on the main floor.
El Mercado de San Anton, on Calle Augusto Figueroa, opens every day of the week. It has a traditional market on the first floor, takeaway food and exhibition hall on the second, and a terrace of restaurants and cocktail bars on the third. The market is a great place to try some delicous local delicacies.
Famous for its nightlife, paying a visit to one of the many great live music bars in Chueca is a must during your visit. The first of special mention is Café Libertad 8 which is a down to earth piano bar, and there are always great concerts and good vibes in this fun little place. Another place to visit is La Canalla Live. Enter this bar and you will be surprised by the incredible decoration and great music being played each night. The service is also known to be extremely friendly and prices are also very reasonable. Finally, Intruso Bar is another one of Madrid’s hidden gems. They have regular live shows and bi-weekly jam sessions, and the bar is a great place to visit with friends for good music and a couple of drinks.
Museums and Culture
Without doubt, Madrid Centro has some of the best museums on the continent. For an unforgettable experience visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum which houses a collection of 13th-20th-century European masterpieces. Facilities are great, there is a good outdoor café, and very interesting temporary exhibitions that complement its spectacular permanent collection.
One of the most famous art museums in Europe, the Reina Sofia has iconic works of modern art from famous painters such as Dali and Picasso. Guernica even has its own room! The size of the museum is immense, and you could easily spend a couple of days to truly appreciate what’s on offer. Pay a visit on Wednesday, when there are free visiting hours for anyone from 19:00-21:00.
Close to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is ICO Museum, a modern gallery for art, architecture & design exhibitions. Regular lectures and workshops also take place. The gallery always has very unique and interesting exhibitions, and admission is also free.
After a busy day of visiting some of Madrid’s best museums, Corral de la Morería is a perfect conclusion to enjoy some more of Spain’s great cultural traditions. This Michelin-star restaurant has daily flamenco shows whose dances and songs tell classic stories of love, longing, regret, and hope. This is a real treat, with dinner served well before the show so that you can enjoy both undisturbed. The food is amazing and the show breathtaking! This is a must-do when you are in Madrid.
Madrid Centro’s Amazing Food Scene
As we’ve already mentioned, Madrid centro has some amazing restaurants where you can try the very best of Spanish and International cuisine. Another in Chueca is Davanti Ristorante. This charming Italian eatery serves homemade pasta, great wine and also has a gourmet market where you can find imported groceries. An authentic, traditional restaurant a visit to Davanti Ristorante is an overall amazing experience.
Not too far away, another restaurant of note is Mad Mad Vegan. The food is superb, well made and presented and cooked perfectly. They are famous for their delicious vegan burgers and they also serve one of the very best coffees you will find in Madrid. This is a must-visit during your stay in the capital!
Close to Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel is a magical space. It has an enchanting outdoor environment full of delicious fresh food and drinks. This is an extremely attractive market and deserves all the hype it gets. A unique and unmissable experience.
Ever fancied eating in the oldest restaurant in the world? Well now is your chance. El Sobrino de Botín, founded in 1725, is the oldest restaurant in the world in continuous operation. Famous for its roast suckling pig, a visit to the restaurant is a great experience. The atmosphere is intimate, and the restaurant serves very good food, big portions, and all with excellent service!
Finally, an essential stop off during your visit to Madrid is one of the many cafés serving churros and chocolate. Possibly the most famous and not without reason, is Chocolatería San Ginés. Founded in 1894 & open 24 hours a day, this cafe is a great place to sample some chocolate and churros. If you don’t fancy the queues at San Ginés, a couple of good alternatives are Churreria Santa Ana and Churreria Madrid 1883, which both serve fresh, tasty churros with delicious chocolate.
Where to Stay on a Budget
Madrid Centro offers plenty of affordable accommodation for those travelling on a budget. Avoid certain areas like Gran Vía and Paseo Del Prado where accommodation can be quite expensive. Perhaps surprisingly, there are quite a few well-priced options close to Plaza Mayor and restaurants like Cerveceria 100 Montaditos (which has multiple branches) are great for a cheap and enjoyable meal.
