Having just returned from an incredible trip to Madrid without the kids I wanted so share our tips and what we got up to in a weekend.

1. Stress-Free Transfers with Welcome Pickups

Getting to and from the airport can set the tone for the rest of your trip. We highly recommend using Welcome Pickups for a hassle-free transfer. You’ll find yourself at ease, knowing your transportation is sorted, and you can use the extra time to relax and plan your adventures.

It’s also circa 30 euros for a welcome pick up to central Madrid and it is 24 euros for 4 people on the train with the airport supplement, so depends on how many of you there are.

2. Quick lunch at Pez Tortilla

We went around lunchtime to Pez Tortilla, which had been recommended by friends for its excellent Spanish omelette. We had three tortillas and a few croquettes between us. Fab cheap food, really quick and lovely craft beer to go with it. Would recommend.

3. Relax at Hammam Al Ándalus Madrid Plaza Mayor

Whilst Madrid might not be specifically known for it’s Hammam scene, it does have a wonderful Arab bath right in the centre of town. The Hammam is the recreation of ancient Arab baths in Al Ándalus. The Arab Bath consists of 90 minutes tour across three baths with different temperatures. There is also a steam room and the rest room with tea. We left feeling rejuvenated and pampered after an hour and a half of indulgence. Perfect for unwinding after a very early flight.

4. Cocktails at the Rooftop Bar at The Social Hub Madrid

Early evening we drank cocktails at the rooftop bar within our hotel – The Social Hub Madrid. You can read our full review of the Social Hub here. I can highly recommend the spicy margarita and the mojitos if you’re staying there. Beautiful space with views of the Royal Palace, the Almudena, and the Casa de Campo. They also did excellent small plates.

5. Tapas at La Mi Venta

La Mi Venta came highly recommended on Tripadvisor and was also one of the recommendations our tour guide gave us at the end of our secret food tour.

We had booked a table for 8pm and we had a gorgeous spot outside.

We ordered quite a lot of tapas and had some of their excellent house Albarino wine. Our favourites were the tuna tartar, goat cheese lollipops and grilled squid. We had a really lovely evening and I’d highly recommend this spot, especially if you get to eat outside.

Other recommendations we had: Restaurante El Ñeru, Restaurante Los Galayos, Calle de Ventura Rodríguez.

6. Indulge in a Secret Food Tour

Food lovers, rejoice! One of the highlights of our trip was the Secret Food Tour. This tour offers an insider’s view of Madrid’s rich culinary scene. From traditional cooked meats to hidden street food gems, this tour was an absolute must-do. We can’t recommend it highly enough for those wanting to taste the true essence of Madrid. This is our fourth Secret Food Tour between us.

7. Relax by the Swimming Pool on the Rooftop at The Social Hub Hotel

One of the main reasons we chose the Social Hub in Madrid was the addition of the rooftop pool. It was only small, and I didn’t actually get in it, albeit friends did. However spending some time sitting around it on the sunbed after a busy day in the city was such a treat and I would definitely recommend this hotel because of it.

8. Prado

The Prado Museum in Madrid is R=renowned as one of the world’s greatest galleries, and it houses masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens, and Bosch. Whilst we might not have spent 8 hours in there (like my mother in law) it was fun to spend an hour or two mooching about. We went for 5pm as it was a lot quieter although they often do free visits after 6pm too which is worth exploring. It’s a beautiful building too!

9. Restaurante Los Galayos

Our tour guide on the Secret Food tour recommended Restaurante Los Galayos which was a totally different vibe to La Mi Venta but equally as lovely. We ate paella and salads inside, despite not thinking we would ever eat again after the amount of food we ate on the food tour.

I’d always choose to eat outside when I can and for that reason I’d say I preferred La Mi Venta better but if you’re there for 48 hours do try both.

10. Run in Casa de Campo

After slightly less wine and cocktails on Saturday night we got up and went for a run on Sunday morning. Another plus to the location of the Social Hub was that if you turned right when you came out of the hotel, rather than left, you got to run around some beautiful parks and a huge lake.

After a run and another laze by the pool we did some shopping and had some more food before heading to the airport.