How to Make the Most of a Weekend Break in Madrid

The Spanish capital is a year round destination, where good times, great food and plenty of sunshine are almost always guaranteed.

If all of this isn’t reason enough to pack your bags, check out our video guide to the city and read our tips below on some of the more unusual things to see and do while you’re there.

See the city’s top sights with a hop on hop off tour while you’re in Madrid

Malasaña is Madrid’s creative quarter, a hive of ideas, culture, innovative projects and partying, lots of partying.  Start your night in style with a cocktail at Macera Taller Bar, where the expertly trained staff also run classes in the art of mixology. You know what they say, every day’s a school day…

The Hotel Europa is Madrid’s only hotel with a view of Puerta del Sol, the city’s very own Times Square. The rooms with the money-shot views usually sell out months in advance, (especially around New Year’s Eve), so early booking is advised.

As soon as you walk through the door you feel like you’re entering another world. Located in the heart of Chueca, Compadre Barber’s Club is the ultimate chill-out space for the man who enjoys the finer things in life. Filled with the sounds of jazz and blues and the sweet smell of cigars, Compadre Barber’s Club offers Thai massage, face masks, body treatments and classic cocktails. He’ll never want to leave.

For a unique souvenir from Madrid, follow your nose to this aromatic soap shop, where the colourful, naturally produced soaps are based on 100% coconut oil and argan oil.

Don’t miss the spectacular views from Moncloa Lighthouse. Climb to the top for €3 and see how many famous Madrid landmarks you can spot from above.

For a dining experience out of the ordinary, pull up a chair at Crucina, Madrid’s very first raw vegan restaurant. Enjoy guilt-free eats such as courgetti spaghetti, raw vegan friendly hamburgers smothered in coconut cream, pear gazpacho and refreshing pick-me-up drinks such as cucumber and mint mixed with purified sea water.

Flights to Madrid

- Fiona Hilliard