A weekend in Madrid: how-to guide

The Spanish capital, just a short flight from Paris, is a destination full of wonders of all kinds: museums, restaurants, hotels, markets… Here’s a quick overview of the places we loved visiting in Madrid, a city to discover without delay!

Unlike its Parisian counterpart, which brought new life to the very residential 16th arrondissement, the Brach Madrid has settled on Gran Vía, the city’s main artery, famous for its theaters, cinemas and boutiques. This stunning 5-star hotel in Madrid is housed in an elegant 7-storey white building constructed between 1919 and 1922.

As in Brach Paris, the décor is designed by Philippe Starck, who once again imagined a place that feels both unique, captivating and warm. From the moment you arrive, you notice the original wrought-iron staircase, right next to the bar and restaurant. The restaurant has an ultra-cozy and original atmosphere, with glazed terracotta tile columns and large windows displaying curated paintings.

This warm aesthetic continues in the 53 rooms and 4 suites, where the designer created a narrative thread: a love story between a man and a woman, reflected through their memories. Travel sketches and shelves filled with objects (castanets, books, sculptures, pottery) bring this story to life.

After a day exploring Madrid, head to La Capsule, a 400 m² wellness space entirely dedicated to regeneration, with a white decor highlighted by golden tiles. Treatments are carried out with myBlend and Clarins (including the Precious range). A 20 m pool, infrared sauna, hammam, flotation bath and LED light therapy mask complete the experience.

The plus : the terrace of the Antonio suite, designed like a cozy living room with armchairs, plants, shelves and rugs. Perfect for a drink or a quiet reading moment.

Brach Madrid - Gran Via, 20 28013 Madrid. From 436 € per night.

Opened ten years ago, this 5-star hotel from the Meliá group, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, showcases a very contemporary elegance. It results from the combination of the former residence of the Dukes of Granada de Ega and Villahermosa and a convent.

Ideally located just steps from Teatro Real and Puerta del Sol, we immediately loved its vast 1,000 m² garden courtyard and its many references to the Spanish master Diego Velázquez, whose most famous work, Las Meninas, runs as a thread throughout the décor. The figures from the painting welcome guests behind the reception desk in XXL format, while the Infanta appears on headboards and in corridors.

Its design identity is reinforced by refined elements such as Rubelli fabrics, Flos lighting and Molteni furniture. In the rooms, the glass partition separating the bedroom from the bathroom adds a modern touch.

On the food side, the gastronomic restaurant Jardín de los Duques is located in the former palace stables, with brick walls and dishes inspired by those served at the Habsburg court. The Los Duques Grand Café offers tapas and Mediterranean dishes overlooking the garden.

Special mention for the breakfast, featuring classic Spanish dishes: tortilla, tapas and Bellota ham.

The spa, with its Thai-inspired décor, contrasts with the hotel’s contemporary style. The Red Level service offers exclusive advantages such as a private lounge, fast check-in and all-day refreshments.

The plus: the rooftop with a pool, a real asset in warm weather.

Palacio de Los Duques - Cuesta de Santo Domingo 5 y 7 Madrid, melia.com. A partir de 329€

Located in Madrid’s “Golden Triangle of Art”, opposite the Prado and Thyssen museums, the Ritz hotel, an iconic address since 1910, now belongs to the Mandarin Oriental group. It has undergone a complete three-year renovation led by architect Rafael de La-Hoz and designers Gilles & Boissier.

Among its five restaurants and bars, we chose El Jardín del Ritz, set in a beautiful garden.

Its strengths: a great atmosphere and refined tapas, such as Iberian ham croquettes (20 €) or Thai-style fish ceviche (28 €). The Valencian paella (from 60 € for two) is also highly recommended.

The tables are spaced out within the greenery, preserving privacy, and the place attracts Madrid’s elegant crowd. Breakfast on the terrace overlooking the garden is also a must, with every detail carefully considered.

El Jardín del Ritz, Pl. de la Lealtad, 5, 28014 Madrid

At the Brach Madrid restaurant, Philippe Starck recreates the atmosphere of traditional cafés where artists used to gather. The setting is warm and comfortable, with leather seating, mahogany walls, eclectic objects and woven leather ceilings.

Chef Adam Bentalha offers a menu inspired by the Mediterranean with Middle Eastern influences, centered around sharing. Signature dishes from Brach Paris are still featured, along with Spanish classics such as ham croquetas (12 €), considered among the best in Madrid.

Skipping dessert would be a mistake: between the raspberry Saint-Honoré and the lemon baba (11 €), it’s hard to choose. These pastries are also displayed in the shop open onto Gran Vía, already popular with locals.

Every Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm, the brunch is becoming a must for any Madrid getaway.

Restaurant Brach Madrid, Gran Via, 20 28013 Madrid

Founded 60 years ago, the delicatessen Alimentación Quiroga offers excellent local products. Located in the Las Letras district, it allows customers to taste everything on site, with a carefully curated wine cellar.

From morning until midnight, you can enjoy coffee, wine and high-quality tapas. A perfect spot for a break in central Madrid.

Alimentación Quiroga, Calle de las Huertas, 19, 28014 Madrid

Built in 1868, this 125-hectare oasis in the middle of the city features gardens filled with sculptures. Walk around the lake or rent a boat.

The Crystal Palace, made of glass and metal, was originally built as a greenhouse for tropical plants during the 1887 Philippines Exhibition. Today, it hosts temporary exhibitions from the Reina Sofia Museum.

Retiro, 28009 Madrid

One of the largest flea markets in Europe spreads across the La Latina district. You can find everything there, from clothing to antique books, furniture and paintings. With a bit of luck, you might discover unique pieces.

Afterward, head to a traditional bar for a drink and tapas, or enjoy lunch in one of the nearby restaurants.

Rastro de Madrid, around Plaza de Cascorro, every Sunday morning until 3 pm and on public holidays.

Just steps from Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Market is not to be missed. Both for its historic architecture made of glass and metal and for its colorful stands offering some of the best tapas in the city.

Marché San Miguel, Plaza de San Miguel, 28005 Madrid

Discover also The Most Beautiful Hotels in Southwest France and The Most Beautiful Hotels on the Côte de Granit Rose in Brittany