Discover Madrid’s most iconic cafés
06/20/2023
Although Madrid is full of trendy restaurants and bars, there are also traditional establishments that retain the charm of yesteryear.
In this article, we introduce you to Madrid’s most iconic cafés – charming spots where you can enjoy a hot drink and a sweet treat whilst taking a trip down memory lane.
Cafés in Madrid steeped in history
Some of Madrid’s most legendary cafés have gradually disappeared, but there are still places that allow us to reminisce about the city’s bygone days.
These venues served as important hubs for social gatherings and debate during some of the most turbulent periods in Madrid’s history, and many prominent Spanish writers and politicians have sat at their tables. Fancy discovering them?
Café Comercial
Located in the famous Glorieta de Bilbao is Café Comercial, which, with 130 years of history, has become one of Madrid’s most iconic cafés.
Since it opened in 1887, the café has welcomed such illustrious figures as Antonio Machado, and has witnessed over a century of political and social change. Today, you can still enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner here, or simply have a drink amidst the mirrors that adorn the interior. They also have an extensive cultural programme featuring workshops, stand-up comedy and live music.
San Ginés Chocolate Shop
More than just a café, San Ginés is one of the most famous chocolate shops in the Spanish capital. Here you can enjoy the legendary hot chocolate with churros every day of the year, whether in the early hours of the morning or first thing in the morning after a night out in Madrid.
Its two floors, decorated in the style of 19th-century cafés, provide the perfect setting for enjoying traditional churros for breakfast – a treat that has since been exported to Colombia, Mexico and even Japan.
Barbieri Café
Open since 1902, this century-old café—which takes its name from the former Barbieri Theatre—retains all its charm to this day. The menu, which differs slightly from that of traditional cafés, features delicious coffee and Italian cuisine. Pasta, pizzas, the finest Italian desserts, house vermouth and a wide variety of cocktails are all part of the excellent offering at this historic Madrid café.
Gran Café Gijón
Having become the epicentre of Madrid’s cultural and literary life, the elegant rooms of the Gran Café have welcomed some of the most important writers, artists and thinkers in Spanish history, such as Dalí, Valle-Inclán, Rubén Darío and Federico García Lorca.
Founded in 1888, this café became a source of inspiration for Madrid’s most illustrious figures, and today it continues to attract a lively crowd with its extensive menu of tapas and homemade desserts, as well as a wonderful terrace right on the Paseo de Recoletos.
Café Central
This café, dating from the late 20th century, is renowned as one of Madrid’s legendary jazz venues. Patrons can enjoy an extensive programme of jazz concerts featuring some of the genre’s most prestigious Spanish and international artists.
If you’re looking for cafés in central Madrid with great music, this is the place for you. Cocktails, tapas, pinchos and an extensive programme of live music at one of the city’s most iconic jazz clubs.
The Fish Tank at the Círculo de Bellas Artes
Considered one of the most beautiful cafés in Madrid, La Pecera is located on the ground floor of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, a fine example of early 20th-century architecture. Its interior is reminiscent of grand European cafés, with high ceilings, period light fittings and columns.
As well as a wide variety of cocktails, La Pecera offers a comprehensive daily menu and an extensive selection of tapas featuring seasonal produce. It is open from Monday to Sunday, every day of the year.
Discover Madrid’s iconic cafés
Are you planning a trip to Madrid? We invite you to stay at the Hotel Único Madrid, a centrally located hotel in the elegant Salamanca district, from where you can visit Madrid’s most beautiful and iconic cafés.
Our 5-star hotel in Madrid offers a luxurious retreat in spacious rooms, along with a comprehensive range of services to ensure you enjoy a stay with every comfort. All this within the charming setting of a 19th-century mansion. Enjoy a unique experience at this exclusive hotel!
After your tour of Madrid’s cafés, don’t forget to pop up to The Bar for a drink – a signature cocktail bar where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere.
Visit the RFXM restaurant and be amazed by Chef Ramón Freixa’s cuisine and the restaurant’s two Michelin stars. His creative menu will delight your senses, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. You can also relax in our fitness centre and wellness area, where we offer beauty treatments to help you forget the stresses of everyday life.
Book your stay at Hotel Único!
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