A Weekend in
MADRID
Words and images by Susana Ordovás
Images courtesy Susana Ordovás
Writer and designer, Susana Ordovás, who lives between Madrid and Mexico City, shares an insider’s guide to the bustling city of Madrid, revealing stylish spots for the perfect weekend.
With a new, exhilarating energy filling its heaving streets, Madrid has recently experienced an avalanche of fine dining restaurants, cool artisan shops and luxury hotels, unexpectedly snatching from Barcelona the status of Spain’s most charismatic city. Renowned for its elegant boulevards, century-old tabernas, rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museum, and expansive manicured parks, such as El Retiro, Madrid has shrugged off its small-town atmosphere and become a vibrant, stylish destination for aesthetes.
Images courtesy Susana Ordovás
Images courtesy Susana Ordovás
Where to Shop
For antiques, see 'Where to Buy Antiques' below.
Seseña
Classic Spanish capes that have adorned the shoulders of some of 20th century’s best-known personalities, such as Picasso, Hemingway and Fellini, among others.
Antigua Casa Crespo
Founded in 1863, this wonderful little shop sells espadrilles (or alpargatas, as they’re known to the locals). Inside, find rows of wooden cubbies packed to the rafters with traditional rope-soled, canvas espadrilles in every conceivable color and silhouette.
Real Fábrica
A varied selection of traditional products from all over Spain.
Cocol
Located in an old upholstery workshop, Cocol has a range of home goods rooted in traditional artisanal methods.
Casa Gonzalez y González
Timeless, functional products for everyday life. They stock a range of carefully sourced traditional products, from enamelware to soaps and brushes.
Casa Diego
Charming shop specializing in colorful handcrafted fans and other genteel accessories since 1858.
Terrace, JW Marriot Hotel Madrid.
Where to Stay
Bless Hotel
Located on the 'Golden Mile’ in the luxurious Salamanca neighbourhood, among some of the city’s most exclusive shops and restaurants, Bless Hotel occupies a historic building featuring the work of top interior designer Lázaro Rosa Violán.
Santo Mauro Hotel
Beautifully decorated by Lorenzo Castillo, one of Spain’s most renowned interior designers, Hotel Santo Mauro invites you on a journey to the XIX century - to the former home of one of Madrid’s most influential figures at the time, the Duke of Santo Mauro.
JW Marriott Hotel Madrid
A new addition to Madrid’s vibrant hotel scene, this elegant hotel (pictured above) offers modern comfort in a traditional 19th-century building close to Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and Plaza Mayor.
Mandarin Oriental Ritz Hotel
A luxury Belle Époque palace located in the famous Golden Triangle of Art of Madrid. For over 110 years, the hotel has hosted some of the world's most distinguished guests.
Four Seasons Madrid
In the heart of the city, seven historic buildings have been transformed into Spain’s first Four Seasons hotel. With rooftop dining by famed Spanish chef, Dani García, a four-level spa and a sun-splashed pool terrace, it's become a Madrid landmark.
The Madrid Edition
Pure luxury and contemporary cool are the order of the day in this central 200-room 'urban resort' with a beautiful pool and rooftop bar.
Images courtesy Susana Ordovás
Where to Buy Antiques
La Californie
Stylish home decor shop with a curated selection of 20th century furniture and antique pieces.
LA Studio
An important selection of iconic 20th century furniture, as well as contemporary pieces.
Slou
A curated selection of antique furniture and pieces from France, England, Sweden and Germany.
El Rastro
A lively area in La Latina neighborhood, famous for its antique and vintage shops. Madrid’s most iconic flea market is held here on Sundays. The best antique shops in El Rastro include:
Casa Josephine
Olofane
Portici
Berenis
Le Secret
Images courtesy Susana Ordovás
What to See & Do
Caixa Forum
Palacio de Liria
Casa Museo Lope de Vega
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
Museo Sorolla
Also, take a stroll along Doctor Fourquet street in the Lavapiés barrio for a selection of some of Madrid’s best contemporary art galleries.
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