Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, offers the perfect blend of culture, culinary delights, and festive energy, making it an ideal destination for a long weekend getaway—especially for parents seeking an adult-focused retreat. Here’s how we spent our memorable weekend exploring Madrid during the holiday season.

Where to Stay

We stayed at the Barceló Torre de Madrid, a chic and modern hotel located in the heart of the city. With its stylish decor and central location, it provided the perfect base for exploring Madrid on foot. The hotel offers breakfast and has a bar in the lower lobby, among other amenities.

Culinary Highlights

Madrid is a paradise for food lovers, and our itinerary was packed with unforgettable dining experiences:

  • DiverXo: Our dinner at this three-Michelin-starred restaurant was a major highlight. Chef Dabiz Muñoz’s avant-garde creations provided a sensory adventure unlike any other. Each dish was a masterpiece, accompanied by a placard illustrating its ingredients and the playful way they came together. The menu featured an incredible variety of flavors and textures, from drunken crabs, caviar, and lobster to suckling pig, truffles, and tortellini chicken soup with eels. Every dish was a masterpiece, pushing the boundaries of flavor and presentation.
  • Roostiq: For dinner one evening, we started with a sparkling Spanish wine that perfectly cut through the richness of the crispy pork belly, evoking memories of our meal at COQODAQ in NYC. We then savored perfectly cooked steak and an insanely good Basque cheesecake. The refined ambiance made it an excellent choice for a special meal.
  • Mercado de San Miguel: For a more casual experience, we indulged in tapas and wine at this iconic food market. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with a variety of small bites, made it the perfect spot for an afternoon snack.
  • Taberna La Concha: This cozy spot in La Latina served up delicious tapas and their signature Manuela vermouth cocktail, made with their house-made vermouth. It was a unique and delightful drink that perfectly complemented the small plates.
  • Milwaukee | Hamburguesas: This unexpected gem offered a hearty and delicious burger option, adding a fun twist to our culinary adventures. Growing up in Minnesota Culver’s is a favorite fast food burger choice and we had to give this place a try.
  • Cañas y Tapas: A solid choice for a quick lunch, this spot offered classic Spanish tapas paired with refreshing cañas (small beers), making it perfect for a midday refuel. With melty jamon iberico the huevos rovos were a highlight.
  • Doku toku cafe and Syra Coffee – Leganitos: Excellent coffee shops near the hotel that served a perfect start to our days.

Cocktails and Beer

  • Salmon Guru: A visit to this quirky cocktail bar was the ideal way to cap off our evenings. The inventive cocktails and fun, eclectic decor created an unforgettable experience.
  • La Osita Tap Room: We thoroughly enjoyed visiting this cozy taproom, known for its excellent craft beers and warm atmosphere. It was the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring the city.
  • Marrufo Coctelería: This cocktail bar served as the perfect end to multiple days. Its relaxed vibe and expertly crafted drinks made it a favorite spot to unwind.

Exploring Madrid

Madrid is an incredibly walkable city, and we spent much of our time exploring on foot:

  • Palacio Real de Madrid: We admired this stunning royal palace from the outside, marveling at its grandeur.
  • Parks and Plazas: Wandering through Madrid’s parks and plazas was a delight, especially with the vibrant energy of the city during the holiday season. We visited iconic spots like Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, enjoying the bustling atmosphere.
  • Centro, Chueca, and Malasaña Neighborhoods: These neighborhoods were brimming with life, offering a mix of trendy shops, cafes, and bars. Each had its own unique vibe, making them a joy to explore.

A Real Madrid Match

One of the major highlights of our trip was attending a Real Madrid game versus Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The recently renovated stadium was a sight to behold, featuring modern amenities and even massive electric heaters to keep fans warm. Madridistas around us added to the atmosphere, enjoying sunflower seeds during the game, which is a tradition we had to join in on. Before the match, we grabbed bocadillos filled with tortilla española or jamón and beers at Volapié, a great spot north of the stadium. We then joined other fans on Calle de Marceliano Santa María, where bars and restaurants overflowed with pre-game excitement. While the pre-game atmosphere was lively, the stadium’s alcohol restrictions meant the real focus was on the game itself—and it did not disappoint.

Holiday Festivities (Bonus)

Being in Madrid during the holiday season added a magical touch to our trip. The city was adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, and festive markets popped up throughout. One of our favorites was the Christmas market at Plaza de España, which featured food stands, an ice skating rink, and even a biergarten. The sunny, mid-50-degree weather made it enjoyable to stroll through the market, sit for food and drinks, and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Christmas tree in puerta del sol in Madrid, Spain

Final Thoughts

Madrid exceeded our expectations as a winter destination. The combination of world-class dining, festive holiday markets, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thrilling football experience made for an unforgettable trip. Despite being December, the city’s patios were buzzing with diners, and the sunny weather made exploring on foot a joy. Whether you’re seeking culture, cuisine, or simply a lively city escape, Madrid offers it all.