Madrid Editor Picks

Editor Picks

Energetic Madrid serves up equal doses of culture, history, fashion, and fun. With so many options – and in a city that hardly sleeps – it can be difficult to know where to begin. These selections, handpicked by Sherman's expert staff of editors, will show you where to start. We highlight the musts – palatial hotels, world renowned art collections, imaginative cuisine, and designer nightlife – that make Madrid what it is.

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Smart Splurge    Great Value
A stone’s throw from central Puerta del Sol, the modern rooms in this well-maintained historic building are packed with amenities such as free minibars and a/c; some even have balconies.
Calle Preciados 37; Madrid; 011-34-91-454-4400; www.preciadoshotel.com
Tags: family | hotel | moderate | great value
Occupying a palatial former pied-à-terre of Marquis of Santo Mauro, this French-inspired hideaway houses 51 sleek rooms, a walled garden, an indoor pool, and a gourmet restaurant in its library.
Calle Zurbano 36; Madrid; 011-34-91-319-6900; www.ac-hotels.com
Tags: luxury | hotel | smart splurge | expensive
Prado
This venerable museum houses an 8,600-strong collection of Spanish paintings includes masterpieces like Velázquez’ Las Meninas and Goya’s celebrated Maja portraits, plus over thirty El Grecos in an immense neoclassical building. Free on Sundays; Tues-Sun 9am-8pm.
Paseo del Prado; Madrid; www.museoprado.es
Tags: international travel | architecture | culture | things to do | art
Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Picasso’s Guernica takes the spotlight at this contemporary art center, but the rest of the collection is equally impressive, with a strong selection of Dalí and Miró works and a snazzy new glass wing by trendy French architect Jean Nouvel. Free on Saturdays after 2:30pm and on Sundays. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 10am-2:30pm.
Santa Isabel 52; Madrid; 011-34-91-774-1000; www.museoreinasofia.es
Tags: international travel | architecture | culture | things to do | art
Palacio Real
Pay due respect to Spain’s monarchy by touring its royal palace (though it no longer houses the royals). About 50 of its opulent rooms are open to the public, as are its armory and 16th-century pharmacy packed with ancient jars and mortars.
Calle Bailén; Madrid; www.patrimonionacional.es
Tags: international travel | architecture | culture | things to do | history
Catch a corrida smart splurge
Book a coveted and pricey sombra (shadow) seat at a corrida, Madrid’s controversial but revered bullfighting event; season runs from March through October, with bullfights every Sunday, but the best matadors and fiercest bulls come during the annual Fiesta de San Isidro (in mid-May).
Calle Alcalá 237; Madrid; www.las-ventas.com
Tags: international travel | culture | smart splurge | things to do
Sample some of Madrid’s lauded culinary concoctions at this Michelin-rated spot inside...more
Calle Alcalá 15; Madrid; 011-34-91-532-1275; www.casinodemadrid.com
Tags: international travel | smart splurge | restaurant | expensive | wine
Imaginative tapas-inspired creations and trendy decor have made both branches of this eatery...more
Manuela de Malasaña 18; Madrid; 011-34-91-448-7558; www.lamusalatina.com
Tags: international travel | moderate | restaurant | small plates
Reina Bruja
At Madrid’s hottest club of the moment, a good-looking crowd gets down to groovy tunes amidst the columns, multicolored lighting, and wavy walls of this design-conscious spot.
Calle Jacometrenzo 6; Madrid; 011-34-91-542-8193; www.reinabruja.com (Spanish only)
Tags: international travel | trendy | nightlife | dancing | nightclub | dj | electronica | scene
Agatha Ruiz de la Prada smart splurge
Along with award-winning director Pedro Almodóvar, this cheeky designer was one of the prime movers and shakers of Movida Madrileña, a 1980s art and lifestyle movement; she continues to impress the fashion world with her funky, colorful pieces.
Calle Serrano 27; Madrid; 011-34-91-319-0501; www.agatharuizdelaprada.com
Tags: international travel | smart splurge | expensive | shopping | designer
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