A slow travel guide to Madrid – Wanderlust

Relax at an outdoor café

Sipping a coffee on a sun-dappled terrace is what Madrid was made for, with leafy squares lined with elegant cafes and cosy kiosks nestled in the parks.

For one of the standouts, head to the Baroque-style Café de Oriente, which sits directly opposite the Royal Palace on the Plaza de Oriente, offering majestic views of its elaborate façade. Elsewhere, the historic Café Comercial has been a favourite among Madrileños since its opening in 1887, with Parisian-style tables and chairs lining the pavement, while the historic, cobbled streets of La Latina are perfect for taking it slow with a chocolate con churros. The bohemian Malasaña district is meanwhile scattered with outdoor cafés that bring locals flocking day-long.

Soak up history in its museums

When it comes to culture in Madrid, there’s no greater standard-bearer than the city’s museums. Iconic landmarks like the Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum need no introduction but Madrid is always expanding its proud displays of its heritage. Only this year has the Gallery of Royal Collections opened next door to the Royal Palace, opening up a journey through the history of the Spanish monarchy right from the Middle Ages up to the present day with its display of art, tapestries, photographs and immersive exhibitions. The Alba family’s private residence, the Liria Palace also opened its doors to the public in 2019, allowing their rich collection of artwork by the likes of El Greco, Titian and more to be seen by visiting eyes for the very first time.

Wander Salesas neighbourhood

Nestled between Chueca and upscale Salamanca, the artsy neighbourhood of Las Salesas feels like its own separate community and is the perfect spot for slow-paced ambles, with galleries, boutiques, bakeries and cafés scattered between elaborate, historic mansions.

While you’re here, pay a visit to the Museum of Romanticism, housed in a pastel-pink, 18^th-century palace, then admire the Church of Santa Bárbara, with its ornate Neoclassical design. Afterwards, wander the Plaza de la Villa de París, a peaceful oasis that feels hidden away from it all, and check out Fundacíon Mapfre to see works by surrealist painter Joan Miró.

Soak up a sunset

Sunset in Madrid is nothing short of spectacular, and you won’t struggle to find a good spot to admire it from. The city is scattered with rooftop bars offering panoramic views – try Azotea del Círculo for one of the best – alongside postcard-pretty miradors and parks.

Unmissable is Parque del Oeste, where you can catch the sky turn peach above the Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple given as a gift to the city. Just as magical is the view from Las Vistillas Gardens, a peaceful, tree-lined park set on a hill overlooking the Manzanares River; and the recently-opened Mirador de la Cornisa, a lookout ledge at the Royal Palace that offers sweeping views of the surrounding architecture, bathed in gold at sunset.