Iberian ham
Credit : TURESPAÑA
( Chef Diego Guerrero ), and Paco Roncero Restaurante are also among the stars in Madrid ’ s celestial culinary universe .
Aside from Michelin-starred restaurants , the 2024 guide also awarded 20 establishments in the city with a Bib Gourmand and recognized 114 other eateries in the Spanish capital for their quality . That said , it ’ s not only Michelin-starred restaurants that bring acclaim to Madrid ’ s foodie scene .
Spain ’ s capital city has a long and storied gastronomic tradition that is centuries old , as evidenced by more than a handful of restaurants operating for over a hundred years . Botin , located in the Plaza Mayor and famous for its suckling pig , is perhaps the most well-known as it is also the world ’ s oldest restaurant , having opened its doors in 1725 . However , La Taberna Antonio Sánchez ( Antonio Sanchez Tavern ) has served traditional Spanish cuisine like Madrid stew and tripe since the 18th century . As has Posada de la Villa in the La Latina District , Bodega de La Ardosa , and La Mallorquina in the Puerto del Sol .
To experience Madrid ’ s gastronomic culture like a local , venture into a gourmet market like the famous Mercado de San Miguel . More than a century ago , this market pioneered the trend of enjoying tapas while shopping , and today , it is all the rage at gourmet markets across the city , like the Mercado de San Anton and the Tirso de Molina Market . Moreover , these markets are excellent venues for sampling tapas and exceptional venues for sampling local produce , cheese , and charcuterie .
GREEN MADRID : THE BEST PARKS & OUTDOOR SPACES
Madrid has an extensive network of parks and outdoor spaces that provide a welcome retreat from the city ’ s endlessly busy streets . Given that just about every neighborhood in the city has its own park , square , or community garden , it ’ s not difficult to find a place to enjoy and savor the great outdoors . However , a few standouts should not be missed on any visit to the Spanish capital .
One such space is the expansive Casa de Campo , located west of the city . Used exclusively by the royal family for centuries , the park has been open to the public since 1931 and is presently Madrid ’ s largest public park . Also one of the largest parks in Europe , Casa de Campo boasts a zoo and aquarium , an amusement park , a recently renovated lake , and a cable car that connects Casa de Campo and Oeste Park on the other side of the Manzanares River . ( Pro tip : a ride on the cable car offers spectacular city views ).
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 8 AUTUMN 2024