My Guide to Madrid — The Fringe

Getting wonderfully lost in this dynamic city is half the magic. Madrid has a rhythm all its own—sun-dappled plazas, wide boulevards lined with orange trees, and architecture that feels both grand and intimate. The shopping was such a highlight. I haven’t had an experience this good in a long time: boutique after boutique tucked into beautifully designed buildings, each filled with character and charm. It reminded me of Nolita in New York City, creative and full of energy—with an artisanal feel and to my delight, incredibly affordable price points. Truly a shopping dream.

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The city itself moves with effortless energy: mornings are slow with café con leche, afternoons are made for wandering, and nights stretch into the early hours with tapas, laughter, and music spilling into the streets. Whether you’re here to shop, sip, or simply soak up the charm, Madrid invites you to savor every moment in a way that feels both stylish and soul-stirring.

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SHOP

Loewe

The Spanish heritage brand’s flagship store is a must-see: two floors of beautifully designed spaces showcasing fashion, accessories, and home scents. Don’t worry if trouble deciding on their scent, Madrid’s airport carries Loewe’s fragrances duty free. I fell in love with Estancia.

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Wow Concept

A highly curated department store with a fabulous selection of designer labels and footwear. A modern retail experience worth lingering in.

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Mimoki

A custom milliner and clothing designer with pieces that feel both playful and refined. Perfect if you’re looking for something especially unique.

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EAT

The Library

A cozy, atmospheric wine bar ideal for starting your evening. Order a charcuterie board, a crisp Albariño, and let the sommeliers guide you through their incredible collection.

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Leña

With a super-cool ambiance, this is the place for steak and, of course, jamón. Rustic, lively, and unforgettable.

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Quispe

A chic Peruvian spot celebrating cultural and gastronomic diversity. Perfect for ceviche and a refreshing spritz between shopping stops.

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Chispa Bistrot

For a culinary adventure, indulge in their tasting menu. Creative, modern, and a real experience.

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VISIT

Stay: Hotel Totem

A chic, central hotel in Salamanca. Affordable, stylish, and perfectly located.

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Museo del Prado

A cultural cornerstone. Don’t miss Diego Velázquez’s Spanish Golden Age works. And stop by Tienda Prado, one of the best museum shops I’ve visited—I even found “Velázquez equestrian collection” earrings!

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Plaza de Cibeles by night

Madrid’s stone architecture comes alive after dark. Take an evening stroll, let the city lights guide you, and walk off all that jamón.

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Amazonico

An Amazon-themed hot spot where Asian, Mediterranean, and Brazilian cuisines meet. Go for cocktails, stay for live jazz, and enjoy the lively people-watching.