A Hedonist's guide to… is an exciting new series of guides that explore the finest restaurants, the most stylish hotels and the chicest bars in each of our six cities. Designed to be the quintessential 'little black book' A Hedonist's guide to… has all the best addresses in town. This is the ultimate weekend break guide helping you optimise your weekend away; all the restaurants, hotels, bars, cafés and clubs are photographed so you know what to expect before you go.
A Hedonist's Guide to Madrid
It would be hard to find a city that lends itself more readily to the pursuit of hedonism than Madrid. Europe’s ultimate pleasure playground has a level of vibrancy and energy unparalleled in other cities. Simon Hunter has spent many years living there and learning to party like a Madrileño.
'What makes Madrid so special?', I hear you ask
Aside from gorgeous hotels, wide, leafy streets, three stunning and important museums, beautiful parks, great food and excellent shopping, it's the character of the Madrileños that sets Madrid apart. Visitors will be left wondering when these crazy people find time to sleep, or go to work. Indeed, no matter what night of the week, you’ll find bars and restaurants bursting with people well into the early hours. But fall into the particularly seductive culture of long lunches and lazy, coffee-sipping afternoons and you'll be dancing until the sun comes up.
How long do I stay?
Madrid is perfect for a weekend break. The city is so compact that you can cover considerable ground in an afternoon as the street layout is straightforward and most of the major attractions are within easy reach. If time allows, however, it’s definitely worth exploring the districts that lie beyond the city centre, such as Salamanca, La Latina and Malasana, each with its own distinctive character.
When should I go?
Madrid is perfect in Spring and Autumn. As with many European cities, Madrileños pack up shop and head to the beach in the latter half of July and August, when temperatures can creep into the 40s. At this time, you’ll get some great bargains on hotel rooms and the streets will be less crowded, but many of the better restaurants and bars will be closed. With the heat, it’s best to take things at an easy pace and to make the most of the fabulous restaurants and cafés that are open.
Where should I stay?
What do I need to take?
* Sunhat for summer months
* An exhaustible appetite for partying
* A laid back attitude
* Hg2 Madrid, of course!
Now all you need to do is book that flight and enjoy!
'What makes Madrid so special?', I hear you ask
Aside from gorgeous hotels, wide, leafy streets, three stunning and important museums, beautiful parks, great food and excellent shopping, it's the character of the Madrileños that sets Madrid apart. Visitors will be left wondering when these crazy people find time to sleep, or go to work. Indeed, no matter what night of the week, you’ll find bars and restaurants bursting with people well into the early hours. But fall into the particularly seductive culture of long lunches and lazy, coffee-sipping afternoons and you'll be dancing until the sun comes up.
How long do I stay?
Madrid is perfect for a weekend break. The city is so compact that you can cover considerable ground in an afternoon as the street layout is straightforward and most of the major attractions are within easy reach. If time allows, however, it’s definitely worth exploring the districts that lie beyond the city centre, such as Salamanca, La Latina and Malasana, each with its own distinctive character.
When should I go?
Madrid is perfect in Spring and Autumn. As with many European cities, Madrileños pack up shop and head to the beach in the latter half of July and August, when temperatures can creep into the 40s. At this time, you’ll get some great bargains on hotel rooms and the streets will be less crowded, but many of the better restaurants and bars will be closed. With the heat, it’s best to take things at an easy pace and to make the most of the fabulous restaurants and cafés that are open.
Where should I stay?
Madrid has some exceptionally stylish and luxurious hotels. At the design / boutique hotel end of the spectrum try newcomer AC Palacio Retiro, Bauza or Hotel Quo. Several of the better hotels are located a short taxi ride from the centre, however the charms of the Santo Mauro, Orfila, Hotel Adler and Hotel Wellington more than compensate. Booking couldn't be easier, just click here.
What do I need to take?
* Sunhat for summer months
* An exhaustible appetite for partying
* A laid back attitude
* Hg2 Madrid, of course!
Now all you need to do is book that flight and enjoy!
