Madrid

When to go?

Autumn or Spring - the summer is too hot and the winter can have a lot of rain. The city is small so you can walk everywhere, and its also such a good way to see as much as possible.

Where to stay?

The Madrid Edition

Rosewood Villa Magna

URSO

Totem

Where to Shop?

Salamanca is your key shopping district, where all the flagship stores are based, however Madrid has the best boutique stores in Europe (for me) and they tended to be on the quieter streets just off from the flagships.

La Ruelle - Mum & Daughter owned homeware shop, really good value and just unique and well curated collection.

Optica Toscana - has the coolest glasses, both sunglasses and optical. And an incredible Jacque Marie Mage offering.

WOW - a flagship department store in Madrid, there were a few over the city but new brands to me, so discovered some amazing new designers.

Santa Rita - old school book shop.

Where to Eat?

Acid Madrid - coffee shop & bakery

Sala Cero - a MUST visit

El Pimiento Verde Restaurant - the artichoke here is another level you HAVE to order

Sala des Despiece (sister restaraunt of the Sala Cero)

Montes de Galicia - a super local spot, not in central but really authentic

Aarde - right by the park

Chin Chin - for a pre-dinner drink