A walking tour of wintry Madrid
TRAVEL GUIDE2 января 2024
The second-largest city in Europe, Spain’s capital is, surprisingly, best enjoyed on foot. With beautiful baroque architecture and a coffee shop seemingly on every corner, you can happily while away the hours this winter, as Callie Thorpe found.
To stay

The hippest place to stay is Hotel Only You, which, in a 24-hour city, is in the midst of the action. This former palace dates back to the nineteenth century and still boasts beautiful arched windows, Juliette balconies and window shutters. Its location means the trendy Chueca and Salesas neighbourhoods, with an abundance of bars, restaurants, galleries, and chic boutiques, are on your doorstep.

Instagram-worthy interiors
Red long sleeve dress zadig & voltaire outlet madrid

RRP

345 €

Village price

231 €

Zadig&Voltaire

Red long sleeve dress
TOP TIP

The hotel has a grown-up vibe with a great bar, restaurant and even a leather-clad bookstore in its entrance. Don this dress from Zadig&Voltaire and enjoy the best from chef Carlos Martín’s menu.

Madrid is easily the most architecturally beautiful city I have visited; each neighbourhood had its own unique identity.

@CALLIETHORPE

CONTENT CREATOR

Long brown dress PRL Women

RRP

295 €

Village price

206 €

Polo Ralph Lauren Women

Long brown dress
INSIDER TIP

After dark, give flamenco a try at the Corral de la Moreria tablao. “The music and dancing, showing the wonderful tradition of flamenco, was emotional on many levels and I did not want it to end,” says @CallieThorpe, content creator and friend of The Bicester Collection. This dress would suit perfectly.

To explore

Madrid has an eclectic ‘Old Town’, the Madrid de los Austrias district, made up of traditional baroque architecture, ancient squares and buzzy nightlife – the perfect spot to start your walking tour. From there, make your way west to El Retiro Park and the beautiful Palacio de Cristal at its centre.

A little further out – just an hour from the city – is the Puerto de Navacerrada Ski Resort where you’ll find pistes for all abilities. Try the Telégrafo route, which offers magnificent views of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.

Picture perfect views

There are many chic, hip coffee shops across the city, such as Faraday or Casa Neutrale, for an afternoon pick-me-up.

@CALLIETHORPE

CONTENT CREATOR

To eat

“Madrid’s food is the most memorable of any city I’ve even visited,” says Callie. Freshly made churros dipped in a cup of thick, glossy hot chocolate – especially at the popular Chocolateria San Gines, open 24 hours a day – is a compulsory festive treat.

Elsewhere, Casa Lucio is a hidden gem. Fronted by Lucio's wife, chef Maribel, there's no menu (and no prices on the chalkboard), but Lucio and waiter Patrick will make suggestions. Try the tastum albarole (cured sheep cheese from Umbria) or pochas negras con morcilla (black beans with black sausage).

The famed Chocolateria San Gines
Red sandal Michael Kors

RRP

225 €

Village price

99 €

Michael Kors

Red sandal
INSIDER TIP

If you’re near the El Progreso neighbourhood, head to Amazónico – a tropical South American fusion restaurant in a converted townhouse. After you’ve eaten, retire to the basement Jungle Jazz club in these heels from Michael Kors.

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I fell deeply in love with this city because of the people. We experienced kindness and openness everywhere we went.

@CALLIETHORPE

CONTENT CREATOR

Espresso cup

Village price

12,90 €

Cristina Oria

Espresso cup
TOP TIP

Don’t miss the exclusive new pop-ups at Las Rozas Village this winter – brimming with all the favourites you could want for the new year. Plus, welcome newness into your home with dainty tableware, like this, from Cristina Oria.

To browse

For a fun way to spend a lazy Sunday morning, the legendary El Rastro flea market, in Madrid’s La Latina neighbourhood, is worth a visit for its stash of vintage clothing and creations by local Spanish artisans.

Then, just 30 minutes from the city centre, you’ll find this season’s investment pieces with unmissable offers at Las Rozas Village – including inspired French fashion in the recently-opened Isabel Marant boutique.

New year style at Las Rozas Village

We walked everywhere and enjoyed the slow pace of just exploring.

@CALLIETHORPE

CONTENT CREATOR

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  • Women shopping at Las Rozas Village

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