What to see in Madrid when you’re visiting

Restaurants, charming cafés and gourmet shops liven up the streets and squares of this Madrid neighbourhood, a well as its most delicious secret: Chamberí. To whet your appetite, try the Picsa, an Argentine pizzeria with thick, spongy dough that’s topped with unique flavour combinations such as fig and duck. Looking for a Michelin-starred experience? Head to Lúa for dishes packed with Galician soul. It’s reinvented traditional preparations and quality produce – like the prawns and clams a la marinera – stand out as a flavour-laden treat.

Our recommendation: For an unforgettable souvenir, visit Formaje. This cheese-lover’s temple is home to more than 70 options from small national producers and across of the world.

Known as “one of those who kept a lance in a rack, an ancient shield, a skinny nag, and a racing greyhound,” Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote is a character beloved by literary fans across the world. To understand the author’s story, discover his origins at the Cervantes Birthplace Museum in Alcalá de Henares. In the house, you’ll explore his childhood lifestyle and uncover sixteenth- and seventeenth-century customs and style, as well as a museum that exhibits various Cervantes editions. It’s the perfect plan if you’re looking for what to visit near Madrid or what to see with children.

Did you know? Don Quixote has inspired everything from ballets to films, as well as paintings by renowned artists such as Cézanne, Chagall, Dalí, Picasso and the ever-colourful Eduardo Arroyo.

The undisputed main feature of the Sierra Norte de Madrid is water. Whether cascading in waterfalls, meandering in rivers or pooling in reservoirs, it makes its way through the calming, natural landscape. The Lozoya River gives its name to many of the towns in its basin, including Buitrago de Lozoya, Villavieja del Lozoya and Gargantilla del Lozoya, where you’ll find a charming barn that’s been restored to become La Hospedería del Valle’s boutique apartments. These aparments offer spectacular views of the Sierra’s vista, rustic decoration, sunny pastel colours and natural details.

Our recommendation: The ideal place to start your route through the Sierra is the spectacular Hayedo de Montejo, next to the Jarama river, to Riosequillo.

You can't enjoy a few days in the capital without tasting its local dishes and delicious wines from the Vinos de Madrid Designation of Origin. Just a stone’s throw from El Retiro park and in the heart of the Salamanca district, Casa Maravillas is one of our favourite places to taste these wines. The tavern preserves all the flavour of Madrid’s traditions from its walls to its tables – including floors with more than 200 years of history – and boasts a classic, efficient service and traditional atmosphere that feels purely Madrid.

Our recommendation: Casa Maravillas is a temple of Madrid cuisine. Try the stew for a taste of classic tavern fare, cooked to perfection.

Discover an oasis of fashion, home to more than 100 boutiques and offering savings on the recommended retail price all-year-round at Las Rozas Village. Within its elegantly landscaped avenues lie world-leading designers, enchanting art and picturesque nature, changing with every season. In the restaurants, taste unique culinary offerings and experience a careful selection of five-star hospitality services. The exceptional terrace – complete with spectacular views of the Sierra de Madrid –and the projects that support emerging local talent, on show throughout the year in the Village, are well worth a visit.

Our recommendation: For a unique day of shopping and a well-deserved break, take a look at the menus of the restaurants and cafés: Cristina Oria, Joselito, La Pajarita and Mentidero Sal y Brasas.