My first city break of 2025: Madrid

On 10 February, I ticked off my first city break of the year, and what a way to start - Madrid! I have a list of cities I plan to visit in 2025, and Madrid was the perfect place to begin. A city full of history, culture, incredible food and a lively atmosphere, it was everything I hoped for and more.

Smooth arrival from Gatwick to Madrid

I flew with British Airways from Gatwick into Madrid-Barajas Airport, a seamless and comfortable journey. One of the best things about Madrid is how easy it is to get into the city from the airport. Right outside the terminal, the Exprés Aeropuerto bus (Line 203) runs every 15–20 minutes and takes you straight to Atocha Station for just €5. With plenty of luggage space and a journey time of about 40 minutes, it’s a stress-free way to reach the centre.

A stylish stay at Only YOU Hotel Atocha

Stepping off the bus at Atocha, I was met with the beautiful façade of Only YOU Hotel Atocha, a boutique hotel that perfectly combines elegance with quirkiness. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with a complimentary glass of fizz - a lovely touch after a day of travel.

The hotel has a fantastic vibrant atmosphere, with open communal areas and stylish interiors. One of my favourite quirky details? The dressing gowns! The giraffe-print bathrobes add a fun, unique touch to the room, making the stay even more memorable.

Exceptional food at Only YOU Hotel Atocha

If there’s one thing that truly stands out at this hotel, it’s the food. The restaurant at Only YOU Atocha is so popular that even people who aren’t staying at the hotel come to dine here - and I can completely see why!

The tapas here was absolutely incredible, with a selection of fine meats and cheeses that were packed with flavour. Every bite was a treat, from the deliciously rich cured ham to the perfectly aged manchego cheese. The menu offers a fantastic mix of traditional Spanish dishes alongside creative, modern takes on tapas, making it an excellent choice, whether you’re after a light bite or a full meal.

With a sushi bar, bakery and rooftop terrace, there’s something for every mood. The rooftop bar, in particular, offers a wonderful atmosphere for drinks while looking out over Madrid’s skyline.

A morning stroll through El Retiro Park

One of Madrid’s most famous green spaces, El Retiro Park, is just behind the hotel, making it a great spot for a morning walk. This beautiful park is home to scenic walking trails, stunning gardens, sculptures, fountains, and even a lake where you can rent rowing boats.

A highlight of the park is the Crystal Palace, an elegant glass building set by the lake, often used for art exhibitions. Wandering through El Retiro was the perfect way to start the day before heading into the city.

Exploring Madrid’s iconic landmarks

Despite being in Madrid for work meetings, I had time to explore some famous sights:

• Puerta de Alcalá – This grand stone arch near El Retiro Park is often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

• Paseo del Prado – A lovely tree-lined boulevard that takes you past the famous Prado Museum, one of the best art museums in the world.

• Banco de España – A stunning historical bank building that stands on a grand roundabout at the top of Gran Vía.

Of course, Gran Vía itself is Madrid’s shopping paradise! The wide avenue is lined with designer boutiques, flagship stores and international brands, including a huge Zara (which, of course, I couldn’t resist!).

We also made a stop at Puerta del Sol, the very heart of Madrid. It’s home to the Kilometre Zero plaque, marking the exact centre of Spain’s road network. Naturally, we took a fun photo standing over it!

A night of flamenco and Mexican flavours

One evening, we enjoyed dinner at a fantastic Mexican restaurant, indulging in authentic flavours in a lively setting. But the highlight of the night? An incredible flamenco performance!

Madrid is famous for its flamenco shows, and seeing the dancers live was an unforgettable experience. The passion, energy and skill of the performers were breathtaking. The dancer’s movements were hypnotic, her feet moving at lightning speed, while the musicians provided a beautiful, rhythmic soundtrack. Flamenco is more than just a dance; it’s a deeply emotional and expressive art form, and watching it live in Madrid was truly special.

Fascinated by Madrid’s antique moving clock

Photo credit: Dimo Dimov

Another little detail that completely fascinated me was the antique moving clock in Puerta del Sol. This famous clock, on the Real Casa de Correos building, is where the New Year’s Eve countdown takes place every year in Spain. It was amazing to see this historic piece of engineering up close, knowing how many people have gathered below it over the years to ring in the new year.

A memorable three-night stay

My three-night stay in Madrid was the perfect blend of work and play. With its stunning architecture, world-class shopping, fantastic food and electric atmosphere, the city left a lasting impression on me. Walking around was so easy, and staying at Only YOU Atocha meant I was close to everything.

Would I Return? Absolutely!

Madrid has so much more to offer, and I barely scratched the surface. Next time, I’d love to explore more hidden tapas bars, sip sangria at a traditional tavern and take in even more of its cultural treasures. If you’re thinking about a city break in 2025, Madrid should definitely be on your list!

Would you like help planning your own Madrid adventure? Get in touch, and let’s make it happen!