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Jet-Set Sparks: Madrid, A Girl's Dream Weekend

Angela Huang Walsh

Updated: Oct 13, 2023

Written by Angela Huang Walsh, Date April 2023

A fellow jet-setter recently asked for some insider advice on planning the ultimate girls' weekend escape to Madrid, Spain. Well, let me tell you, Madrid isn't just a city; it's a girl's dream weekend come to life! Picture lively streets that match the laughter of your best girlfriends, offering a weekend bursting with vibrant culture, unbeatable shopping, and tapas adventures you won't soon forget.


Yellow buildings in Madrid, Spain
Madrid

I went on a girls' long weekend to Madrid not long ago. We stayed at historic and grand Four Seasons Hotel Madrid which is just off Calle Gran Via. Calle Gran Via, known as the "Broadway of Madrid," serves as the bustling heart of the city, making it an ideal place to be near due to its central location and easy access to vibrant theaters, shopping, dining, and the city's major attractions. However, with the recently renovated art deco design Gran Hotel Inglés in this same neighborhood, I'd definitely stay here the next time to experience this whole new level of luxury! I loved the Barrio de Las Letras neighborhood where these 2 hotels are located for it's narrow streets steeped in history and lined with tapas bars. Our shopping excursions began right here with unique boutiques. You'll be stone's throw away from Museo Nacional del Prado and Puerta del Sole as well.


Roof top view
The Four Seasons Madrid

Room with a view
The Four Seasons Madrid

Now that we know where to stay, let's talk about what to do.


Walking through the Chueca and Malasana areas, you can create your own food tour by going to Mercado de San Anton, then El Cisne Azul (all small plates focused on local fresh mushrooms), to Bodega de la Ardosa for traditional Spanish tapas, Casa Julio, Pez Tortilla, etc.


Go to Templo de Debod to watch the sunset. This ancient Egyptian temple sits right in the middle of a bustling modern city.


Definitely go to Chocolateria San Gines for churros and hot chocolate. Let your inner child indulge!


Between El Retiro Park, C. de Velazquez, and C. de Serrano lies the area known as Salamanca -- The grand 19th century boulevard of true luxury. It's called the "Golden Mile" for good reason. CASA Loewe Madrid was wonderful. The top few floors of El Corte Ingles on C. de Serrano has StreetXO (great fun place for lunch -- not to be missed).

A glass octopus for the best cocktail!
Salmon Guru Madrid

For cocktails -- head to Salmon Guru and have sherry at La Venencia (serving sherry since the 1930's) for something adventurously modern and something steep in long Spanish history.


Take a day tour to Toledo. An ancient hill top city known for the medieval Arab, Jewish, and Christian monuments all comingling in this incredible walled city encircled by the Tagus river.






Walled city with Tagus
Toledo Spain

Dinner
Amazonico Madrid

For dinner, head to Amazonico. See if you can grab a table in their 1920's inspired jazz club for live music and tropical-inspired cocktails. They can serve the full menu in the colorful rainforest main restaurant space or in the dimly lit atmospheric club room.

Of course there are loads of museums to visit and a stand out was definitely Museo Nacional del Prado. That area is also lovely to walk around. Visit the El Retiro Park and do a little boating on the lake or stroll the rose garden.

For a girlfriend fun trip, then don't forget to schedule a spa day at your hotel!


Explore more of Spain's wonders with me! It's one of my all-time favorite destinations, and I'm thrilled to spill the beans on all the hidden gems. Let's unlock those fabulous perks, from room upgrades to spa credits, when you book these amazing hotels through me. Your Spanish adventure awaits!

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