Almost every time I visit Spain, my first and last stop is always Madrid. Although I’ve occasionally departed from Barcelona, Madrid will always be my favorite. Why? Simply because Madrid has too many amazing restaurants and too many great places to shop! Instead of keeping these treasures to myself, I’ve put together a detailed list of must-visit restaurants and the best spots to shop on a budget.
Next time you visit Spain, try these delicious foods and explore these shops—and then come back and tell me if you’ve fallen in love with Madrid too!
1. Mesón del Champiñón – The Mushroom Restaurant
- Address: Calle Cava de San Miguel 17
- Phone: +34-915-596790
- Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 11:00 – 02:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 02:00 - Average Cost: €16 per person
Mesón del Champiñón is one of the most popular spots in the city center, attracting tourists from all over the world. The restaurant has limited seating, so if you’re dining solo, standing at the bar and watching the chefs grill mushrooms while you eat is a great option. If you’re in a group of two or more, it’s worth waiting for a table—the wait time usually isn’t too long.
Grilled Mushrooms: Plump white mushrooms are grilled to a golden brown, with their juices mixing beautifully with olive oil, all wrapped around a small piece of ham. Just the sight of it is mouthwatering. Take a bite, and the rich mushroom flavor blends perfectly with the slight saltiness of the ham—absolutely delightful. Be careful not to eat them too quickly, as they can be quite hot. While delicious, having a whole plate on your own might feel a bit heavy (and calorie-rich), so it’s best shared between 2-3 people.
Price: €7.3
Chorizo in Cider: The name sounds appealing, but the dish is quite simple—small sausages placed at the bottom of a ceramic dish, covered with a layer of oil, and splashed with cider. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this one, as the sausages didn’t suit my taste. They’re pulled straight from the oil, with a salty flavor that makes the dish feel overly greasy. I wouldn’t recommend it.
Price: €7.4
Ham Platter: I was craving ham, so I ordered a platter. It included sliced cheese, tenderloin, ham, and chorizo. The price is on the higher side, and if you’re only interested in eating ham, I’d suggest skipping this platter here. Instead, head to the market I’ll introduce next for a better selection.
Price: €13.9
2. Mercado de San Miguel – San Miguel Market
Address: Plaza de San Miguel, s/n
Phone: +34-915-424936
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday: 10:00 – 00:00
- Friday to Saturday: 10:00 – 01:00
Average Cost: €10 per person
Ham: The pre-sliced ham sold in bags is priced by weight, so you won’t know the exact cost until it’s weighed. The bag shown in the picture cost around €17, which felt a bit pricey at first, but it was totally worth it. The portion is generous, and since the ham is freshly sliced that day, the texture and flavor are excellent—delicious and incredibly fresh.
Oysters: The oysters are freshly shucked, with varying prices depending on their grade. We bought two of different grades, though, to be honest, I couldn’t really tell the difference. With a squeeze of lemon, the oysters tasted fresh and sweet, with a slight hint of briny seawater. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, it’s best to be cautious with raw foods like these.
Ham Roll: This was my breakfast—affordable, filling, and not too high in calories, making it a healthy choice.
San Miguel Market offers a wide variety of delicious options, from appetizers like salads and ham to paella, steaks, drinks, fruits, and desserts. Try to avoid peak dining hours, bring some small change, and be mindful of your belongings while enjoying the market.
3. Sobrino de Botín – Botín Restaurant
Address: Calle Cuchilleros, 17
Phone: +34-913-664217
Opening Hours:
- Year-round: 13:00 – 16:00, 20:00 – 23:00
💰 Average Cost: €36 per person
One of Madrid’s century-old establishments, Sobrino de Botín has been in operation since 1725, making it 294 years old. Ernest Hemingway mentioned it in The Sun Also Rises, calling it “one of the best restaurants in the world.” The restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere, professional service, and authentic flavors. Although the prices are on the higher side, they are justified by the overall experience. Many visitors also stop by the entrance to take photos and check it off their travel bucket list.
You can make a reservation through their official website, and it’s best to book a month in advance, as the wait can be long or there may be no availability. The underground cave is especially charming.
Bending down to enter through the low doorway, you step into the magical cave.
Since we made last-minute plans with a friend, they called to reserve a table just two hours in advance—and to our surprise, we managed to get a spot inside the cave! What luck!
The three of us ordered a pitcher of sangria, salad, melon with ham, and a portion of roast suckling pig. It might not sound like a lot, but the portions were generous, and we ended up stuffed.
Sangria is a well-known fruit wine in Spain, and each restaurant offers its own variation in taste and alcohol content. The Sangria at Botín was delightful—smooth, not too strong, and without an overly tart flavor. The pitchers were quite unique as well, with each table getting a different style of pitcher, adding a charming touch to the experience!
On my first day in Spain, I ended up having ham three times… but each meal had its own unique touch. For example, at Botín, we enjoyed the most classic combination: melon with ham. The portion was generous, and it was more than enough as a starter for the three of us.
The preparation of roast suckling pig is quite special. Although Segovia is the most famous city in Spain for this dish, the version served at Botín is just as impressive. The piglet used is typically around 21 days old, weighing 3 to 4 kilograms, still nursing and not yet weaned, which ensures the meat is at its most tender.
When freshly roasted, the skin is crispy, and the meat remains tender and juicy with just the right amount of fat. As it’s sliced, you can hear the satisfying crackling sound of the crispy skin. Every bite offers a delightful crunch—truly a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Where to Shop in Madrid?
Besides indulging in delicious food, shopping in Madrid is another source of joy. Spain offers a high tax refund rate, with straightforward procedures. What’s more, Alipay and WeChat are now available for refunds, making Madrid a dream destination for shopaholics.
1. Salamanca District: The Luxury Shopping Street
The Salamanca district is Madrid’s go-to destination for high-end shopping. Here you’ll find a collection of the world’s most luxurious brands, including:Chanel,Louis Vuitton,Gucci,Prada.
The area’s main shopping streets are Calle Serrano, Calle Ortega y Gasset, and Calle de Velázquez. Whether you’re looking for designer bags, exclusive jewelry, or high-end fashion, Salamanca offers a premium shopping experience.
The Salamanca shopping district’s Calle de Serrano is famously known as the luxury shopping street. Stretching two kilometers, it features almost every luxury brand you can think of.
Since it’s well-known that buying LV in Spain offers the best value, the LV store is often the busiest. Popular classic styles may run out of stock, so it’s best to visit in the morning to secure what you’re looking for.
2. An Outlet for a Full Day of Shopping
If a stroll through Serrano leaves you feeling a bit light on cash, don’t worry—there’s always the outlet! Shopping there will definitely help you save a lot. Other than being a bit far from the city center, it’s perfect in every way!
Madrid’s outlet village is called Las Rozas Village, featuring over 100 well-known luxury brands, including Gucci, Armani, Prada, Michael Kors, Bally, Burberry, Swarovski, and more. You’ll find a wide selection of luxury goods such as skincare products, jewelry, clothing, bags, and shoes, with prices ranging from a few dozen euros to thousands.
Both locals and tourists shop here, and the environment is quite charming, resembling a quaint village. At the far end of the village, there’s even a Starbucks with a view of the mountains, providing a scenic spot to unwind after a shopping spree.
3. El Corte Inglés – Spain’s Department Store
El Corte Inglés is the largest department store group in Europe, with locations all over Spain, though the size and selection vary by city.
In Madrid, the El Corte Inglés stores are typically large and carry a wide range of products. The first floor is a paradise for women, offering a great selection of skincare and makeup—often at prices cheaper than airport duty-free stores. If you pass by, it’s definitely worth stopping in to check out the seasonal discounts.
The selection changes every season, and it’s a good idea to ask the sales assistant for free samples after purchasing—most of them are generous and will grab plenty for you from their drawers.
Before shopping, head to the service desk to get a tourist card. With it, you can accumulate points that can be used like cash for future purchases. You can also handle tax refunds directly within the store. Just be sure to keep the refund envelope provided by staff—it will contain detailed instructions on the refund process and the locations to claim your refund.
4. Primor – The Cheapest Cosmetics Chain Store
Primor was one of my best discoveries on this trip, along with Bimba Y Lola. Chanel Rouge lipstick was about €7 cheaper than at the airport’s duty-free shop—an unbeatable deal!
Primor carries all the major beauty brands, such as Lancôme, Chanel, Clarins, Dior, Sisley, and more. Discounts are substantial, and prices are clearly marked next to the products. The store also offers a wide range of pharmaceutical skincare products, making it a one-stop shop for beauty lovers.
Before visiting, you can check their website to see if the products you need are available. Online orders over €20 qualify for free shipping, and in-store purchases above €3,000 are eligible for a 15% tax refund. It’s hard to find a better deal!
