Luxury Travel Guide to Madrid, Spain: Where to Stay, Shop and Eat
Discover Madrid’s understated glamour and exclusive experiences, from Michelin-starred dining to private tours of the Royal Palace.
Is Madrid on your bucket list? While it doesn’t have the fame of Barcelona or Spain’s southern beaches, here you’ll find an understated glamour that’s perfect for any deluxe traveller.
Here’s a luxury travel guide to Madrid!
Breakfast at Misión Café
Every day in Madrid should begin with a good breakfast – and there’s nowhere better than Misión Café.
With its minimalist, Instagram-ready interior featuring whitewashed exposed bricks and sleek black Modbar coffee equipment, the space blends style with substance.
The menu leans towards plant-based options – homemade muesli and cocoa are clear highlights, while the fresh bread comes with creative toppings like spinach or peanut butter.
Luxury Things to do in Madrid
From exclusive experiences to relaxation and rejuvenation, here are the top luxury things to do in Madrid.
Private Tour of the Royal Palace
This 18th-century palace is the official residence of the Spanish royal family in the capital – although generally, it’s only used for state ceremonies. This means that you can explore Spain’s grandest palace with a private guide during your trip – on the tour, you’ll gain exclusive insights into the opulent interiors and historical significance of this royal residence.
Luxury shopping on the Golden Mile (Milla de Oro)
Madrid is one of the best places for shopping in Europe. Discover high-end boutiques and designer labels along Calle de Serrano, featuring international names like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and local artisans.
Relaxation at The Oriental Spa, Mandarin Oriental Ritz
Indulge in world-class treatments at this deluxe spa – here, you’ll discover a 45ft indoor pool, steam rooms and expert therapies from top Swiss and French beauty brands. This is pampering at its best!
Private Art Tour at the Prado Museum
Arrange for a private tour of Prado Museum – one of the world’s most prestigious art museums with a focus on masterpieces from Velázquez, Goya and other great Spanish artists. On a private tour, you’ll go in-depth about the artworks and Spanish art in general.
Afternoon Tea at the Westin Palace Hotel
Enjoy an elegant afternoon tea under the hotel’s stunning stained-glass dome, featuring exquisite pastries and a fine selection of teas and champagne.
VIP Experience at a Real Madrid Match
Watch a match at Real Madrid’s famous Santiago Bernabéu Stadium from a private box, complete with gourmet catering and unrivalled views of the pitch. Fingers crossed for the win!
Helicopter Tour of Madrid
Get a bird’s-eye view of the city’s stunning skyline, historical landmarks, and natural beauty with a private helicopter ride.
Private Wine Tasting at Lavinia
Explore some of Spain’s finest wines at Lavinia, one of Europe’s largest wine shops, with a personalised tasting led by a sommelier.
Where to Eat
Dabiz Muñoz’s DiverXO boasts an imaginative culinary journey like no other – here, food transcends traditional labels and becomes pure fantasy!
Since its opening in 2007, DiverXO has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of gastronomy, achieving three Michelin stars by 2013 – this was a first for Madrid in two decades.
Now housed in the NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding, DiverXO serves two tasting menus referred to as “canvases,” with each dish presented as a work of art on sleek, white plates.
Muñoz likens the dining experience to a Cirque du Soleil performance, filled with bold creativity and complete immersion – it’s famous for eccentric decor, designed by Lázaro Rosa-Violán, with flying pigs!
Where to Stay: Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid
Located in Madrid’s prestigious Golden Triangle of Art, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid, once opened by César Ritz, has been meticulously restored by the Mandarin Oriental group. It blends modern luxury with a strong sense of history.
Just steps from world-renowned museums like the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, the hotel is a prime location for art enthusiasts.
The interiors, designed by Rafael de La-Hoz and Patrick Gilles, showcase a contemporary aesthetic with soft tones and handcrafted details – such as Córdoba leatherwork.
Guests can enjoy state-of-the-art amenities, including an elegant wellness centre, Michelin-starred dining, and a restored Palm Court featuring a crystal canopy ceiling.
Nightlife: OPIUM Madrid
OPIUM Madrid is one of the most sophisticated nightlife destinations in the capital, located centrally on Paseo de la Castellana.
Recently renovated, the club has become a hotspot for Madrid’s most discerning crowd, combining high-end dining with a lively atmosphere.
While it’s not everyone’s preferred activity, the largest casino in Spain – Grand Madrid Casino Torrelodones – is also located in the capital. There’s not a no deposit bonus in sight here – the opulence is evident and most people who visit end up spending a lot of money.
Final Thoughts
While Madrid isn’t the most popular destination in Spain, it’s an excellent destination for any luxury travellers due to the sheer amount of exclusive experiences and high-end hotels and restaurants within the capital. So jet to Madrid and have a trip to remember!
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