The Best Places to Take Friends Visiting Madrid

During my semester in Madrid, I looked forward to and loved when friends from the States came in to town. Having a visitor stay with you is a great excuse to deviate from your regular routine and fasten on your tour guide hat to show them around. I’m compiling a list of my favorite sites, shops, bars, restaurants, and more that I went to while I had friends visiting in Madrid!

Gift Shops
When visiting a new city, knick knacks and trinkets are obviously a must. Two of my favorite novelty shops, Nest Boutique and La Postalera, are located right off Gran Vía and super convenient to stop by when doing all of the obligatory sightseeing in Madrid. Both stores have unique postcards, accessories, and souvenirs.

Tapas & Such
Two of my favorite tapas bars (which admittedly can be touristy but that’s what we’re doing here), are El Tigre and Casa Camacho. If you’re looking for the best bargain in town, it’s hands down at El Tigre. When you order a beer or Tinto de Verano, you will also be served an abundant free homemade tapas. This is a great starting point for a night out on the town.

Casa Camacho, which is close to the Tribunal metro station, is also a perfect first stop. Famous for the Yayo drink, a gin and vermout cocktail, this is a wonderful bar to bring a friend looking for a traditional Madrid experience. With the intimate atmosphere and standing-room only, I’ve met countless locals and tourists, and always leave the bar with a new story to tell. 

Seeing the Sights
I went to several of the iconic Madrid sites on my own or with my friends from the city, but I recommend saving some to visit when you have friends or family in town! One of my favorite tours was at the gorgeous Palacio Real de Madrid. We were able to book our tour through the large palace in advance on the official website. I adore learning about the past and the culture of different cities I visit, and I believe it is just as important to understand the history of the city where you live, too.  

Another fan favorite spot when the weather is nice is Temple de Debod at sunset. The temple dates back to the 2nd century and was gifted to Spain by the Egyptian government. It was rebuilt and opened to the public in Madrid during the 1970s. The monument is located on a scenic, lush hill that is popular for picnics, music performers, or just relaxing with friends. I took my friend here the evening she arrived after her long flight because we wanted a chiller option and it was perfect! 

Bars
Obviously there is an infinite number of bars in Madrid, but I wanted to share a couple of the unique ones I brought my guests to. First is Sala Equis, an energetic bar inside of a movie theater. With an ideal mix of cheap drinks, popcorn, and good DJs, Sala Equis is a cool spot to impress your visitors.

Next is Plaza Mahou at Santiago Bernabéu, where you can enjoy the best Spanish beer with a view of the best football (soccer) stadium. Because I’m not the hugest soccer fan, I wasn’t dying to pay for an expensive official tour of the Real Madrid stadium. Luckily, someone in my program suggested the Plaza Mahou bar and a great alternative. Located inside of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, you’re able to enjoy a Mahou while taking in the grandeur.

Dessert
No trip to Spain is complete without churros. The historic San Ginés, close to Plaza Mayor, was a major hit with all of my guests. The sugary churros and hot chocolate at San Ginés make it a delicious dessert stop during a post-dinner stroll around the city. 

The best part about visiting Madrid? There’s always something for everyone and never a lack of things to do!