My Photograpy & Travel Guide to Madrid, Spain
If you're craving a destination with soul, style, and sunshine, Madrid belongs at the top of your list.
Madrid is the kind of city where every corner feels alive—thoughtful, vibrant, and full of character. From the first sip of your morning café con leche to the late-night clink of vermouth glasses, Madrid knows how to savor every moment. It’s a place where world-class art, rich history, and irresistible food live side by side with vibrant street life and warm, welcoming locals.
Whether you're a photographer chasing golden hour in Retiro Park, a traveler tasting your way through tapas bars, or someone simply looking for a city that knows how to live well, Madrid will win you over without trying too hard. It’s a city built for wandering, for pausing, for soaking it all in. And once you do—you may not want to leave.
In this guide, I’ll share my favorite places to stay, eat, and photograph—so you can make the most of your time in this unforgettable city.
The Metropole Hotel
Where to Stay
Best Area to Stay: Gran Via
For travelers seeking both convenience and charm, the neighborhoods of Centro, Salamanca, and Chamberí are ideal.These areas offer proximity to major attractions, vibrant dining scenes, and picturesque streets perfect for photography.
Luxury Hotels
The Principal Madrid Hotel - A sophisticated boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of the city.
Rosewood Villa Magna - Located in the prestigious Salamanca neighborhood, Rosewood Villa Magna combines contemporary elegance with traditional Spanish charm. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, fine dining, and a serene spa, all while being close to high-end shopping and cultural attractions.
Four Seasons Hotel Madrid - Situated in the heart of the city, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid offers a blend of historic and modern luxury. The hotel features a stunning rooftop terrace with panoramic views, world-class dining, and a luxurious spa, providing an unparalleled experience in the capital.
Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques - Housed in a former palace, this hotel combines classic elegance with modern comforts, including beautiful gardens and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Mid-Level Hotels
Iberostar Las Letras Gran Via - A chic hotel with literary-themed rooms and a vibrant rooftop bar.
Petit Palace Triball - Located in a historic building, this modern hotel is perfect for families and solo travelers alike.
Room Mate Oscar - Stylish and colorful, this hotel offers a rooftop pool and bar with fantastic city views.
How Long Should I Stay?
For a comprehensive photography and travel experience, 3 to 5 days in Madrid is ideal. This duration allows you to explore major landmarks, walk into local neighborhoods, and capture the city's essence during different times of the day. It is not a very large city so its quite easy to reach most location on foot.
El Retiro Park
Best Time to Visit
The spring months (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are perfect for photographers. During these periods, Madrid enjoys pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and soft natural lighting—ideal for capturing the city's beauty. Additionally, events like the San Isidro Festival in May offer vibrant cultural scenes to photograph
Getting Around the City
Madrid's public transportation system is efficient and easy to use, with an extensive network of buses, metro lines, and trains. Uber and Bolt are also available, offering convenient options for getting around. For a more scenic and active experience, consider renting a bike to explore the city's parks and neighborhoods. I loved walking all over the city.
Where to Eat
Madrid’s food scene is a delicious blend of tradition, innovation, and sheer joy—and it's one of the best reasons to visit the Spanish capital. Madrid isn’t coastal, but it brings the best of Spain to the table—from Galician octopus to Andalusian fried fish to Basque pintxos. You can sample the whole country without leaving the city.
Tapas in Madrid aren’t just snacks—they’re a way of life. Bars overflow with jamón ibérico, tortilla española, patatas bravas, and boquerones en vinagre (marinated anchovies). Even better? Many spots still offer free tapas with your drink. Places like Mercado de San Miguel or Mercado de Antón Martín are foodie playgrounds. You’ll find everything from gourmet croquettes to sushi to Spanish cheeses—served fresh and with flair.
Restaurants
Sobrino de Botín - Sobrino de Botín
The world's oldest restaurant, serving traditional Spanish dishes like roast suckling pig.
Casa Lucio - Casa Lucio
Famous for its delicious huevos rotos (broken eggs), this cozy spot is a must-visit.
DiverXO - DiverXO
A Michelin three-star restaurant offering innovative and avant-garde cuisine.
La Vaca y La Huerta - La Vaca y La Huerta
This farm-to-table restaurant is known for its fresh, local produce and creative dishes.
Taberna La Bola - Taberna La Bola
Specializing in cocido madrileño, a traditional Madrid stew, this historic eatery is full of charm.
Coffee Shops
Toma Café - Toma Café
A trendy café offering excellent coffee and a cozy atmosphere.
Café de la Luz - Café de la Luz
With its vintage decor and relaxed vibe, this is a perfect spot for a coffee break.
HanSo Café - HanSo Café
Known for its specialty coffee and delicious pastries, HanSo Café is a must-visit for coffee lovers.
Photography Gear to Bring
Camera Models: Sony A7V, Canon EOS R5, Nikon Z6 II, Leica Q3
Lenses:
Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for capturing architecture and street scenes.
Standard zoom lens (24-70mm) for versatile shooting across different settings.
Telephoto lens (70-200mm) for distant subjects and candid street photography.
Prime lens (50mm) for portraits and low-light conditions.
Tripod: Essential for night photography and long exposure shots.
Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: Always be prepared for extended shooting sessions.
El Retiro Park
Top 10 Photography Locations in Madrid
Plaza Mayor - Plaza Mayor
Capture the grandeur and vibrancy of Madrid's main square, perfect for both day and night shots.
Royal Palace of Madrid - Royal Palace
A stunning example of Baroque architecture with beautiful gardens.
El Retiro Park - El Retiro Park
Ideal for nature shots, boating scenes, and the Crystal Palace.
Puerta del Sol - Puerta del Sol
A bustling hub and the symbolic center of Madrid.
Gran Via - Gran Via
Capture the energy and architectural beauty of Madrid's most famous street.
Temple of Debod - Temple of Debod
An ancient Egyptian temple offering stunning sunset views.
Plaza de Cibeles - Plaza de Cibeles
Home to the iconic Cibeles Fountain and the majestic Cybele Palace.
Mercado de San Miguel - Mercado de San Miguel
A historic market perfect for vibrant food photography.
Malasaña Neighborhood - Malasaña
A trendy area filled with street art, quirky shops, and cafes.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium - Santiago Bernabéu
A must-visit for sports enthusiasts and iconic stadium shots.
Royal Palace of Madrid
Special Festivals and Holidays
San Isidro Festival (May): Madrid's biggest festival, honoring the city's patron saint with parades, concerts, and traditional events.
Madrid Pride (June/July): One of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in Europe, featuring vibrant parades and parties.
Christmas Markets (December): Experience the festive spirit with beautiful lights, markets, and holiday events.
Final Thoughts
Madrid isn’t just Spain’s capital—it’s a living, breathing gallery of energy, elegance, and emotion. From sun-drenched plazas to moody twilight streets, every moment offers a frame-worthy scene. Whether you're photographing golden-hour light at the Temple of Debod or capturing the quiet poetry of Retiro Park at dawn, this city rewards patience, curiosity, and a creative eye.
With world-class cuisine, rich cultural festivals, and a rhythm that swings between siesta and fiesta, Madrid is more than a destination—it’s an experience that lingers long after the last shutter click.
If you enjoyed this guide to Madrid, you can explore my other Photography and Travel Guides here. For more tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and destination ideas tailored for photographers and travelers, don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter. Your next adventure is just one photo away.