The colourful and stylish city of Madrid is the perfect destination for a weekend city-break where you can soak up the sunshine and enjoy everything the Spanish capital has to offer. From some of the best art galleries in Europe to rooftop cocktails with breath-taking views, Madrid is not one to be overlooked. Its laid back and funky vibe, as well as all those amazing brunch spots, makes it the perfect spot for any hip and healthy traveller so we had to bring you our very own Hip & Healthy guide to Madrid!

SLEEP

Dear Hotel
With an amazing location on Gran Vía, the bustling and lively street that runs right through the centre of Madrid, Dear Hotel is home to a spectacular roof terrace where you can soak in the panoramic views with a ‘Tinto de Verano’ (Madrid’s signature red wine based cocktail) in hand. Their rooms are modern and full of light, making them the perfect place to recharge after a day of wandering the city streets in the Spanish sunshine. This hotel is perfect for a relaxing and romantic weekend away.

Bless Hotel
If a stella rooftop to soak in the views is what’s on your hotel checklist then look no further than Bless Hotel. It has probably one of the best in the city. This hotel is a young, hip and vibing hub where guests can let their hair down and soak in the magical culture on the doorstep. Wellness lovers will be happy to unwind in their spa which features a hammam, sauna, sensory showers and Dr Barbara Strum facials. Their Japanese restaurant is worth a visit too.

Hotel Oscar of Roommate Hotels
As a slightly more bank account-friendly option, this boutique hotel in the colourful neighbourhood of Chueca has a very cool and relaxed vibe. The hotel’s rooftop terrace has a pool as well as incredible views of downtown Madrid, offering an oasis from the heat of the city below. Chueca is the perfect location for a weekend of exploring as it’s located in between the city’s centre and the funky, arty area of Malasaña, which is home to Madrid’s best vintage shopping and the best coffee and lunch spots. Hotel Oscar is also just steps away from Madrid’s famous Mercado San Anton, which boasts the perfect rooftop bar to grab a cocktail and watch the sun go down or enjoy a delicious meal in their restaurant made with ingredients freshly sourced from the market below. 

SWEAT

TopCycle
Madrid’s answer to Pyscle, this upbeat and intense class will get you working up a sweat. The high energy and motivating instructors paired with great music (some classes even have a live DJ playing!) makes for an amazing workout experience that will leave you feeling amazing and ready to take on the day. They even have cycling shoes for loan so no need to try and squeeze them into your carry on!

Yoga in the Park
During your busy weekend of sightseeing around Madrid, take a moment to stop and centre yourself by taking one of The Natural Yogi’s group yoga classes in the beautiful Retiro Park, where you can find tranquillity in the midst of the bustling city. Trial classes are only 5 euros and all you need to do is RSVP to a class through her website. All classes are in English, and vary from Meditative Hatha Yoga to Power Flow Classes.

EAT

Honest Greens
This open, airy and beautiful restaurant is the place to go for the highest quality, organically sourced ingredients. Choose from their wide range of healthy, filling and gorgeously presented dishes or create your own plate and watch the chefs cook it from scratch in front of you. This place is a must for any foodies looking for a healthy and delicious option in Madrid.

Café Federal
If it’s the perfect Sunday morning brunch you are looking for, Café Federal is the place to go. Its founders based the café on the small town of Federal in New South Wales, Australia and this is reflected in the chilled-out, dreamy atmosphere of the café. Enjoy amazing almond milk lattes and perfect poached eggs as you sit on their cosy window sill seats and watch the world go by. We recommend trying the Shakshuka or the Eggs Benedict with a Morning Sunrise Cocktail of fresh orange and grapefruit juice for the perfect lazy morning combo.

La Encomienda
For any vegans seeking the true Madrid experience, tapas at La Encomienda is a must. They boast a completely vegan tapas menu including all the traditional options, as well as a daily dessert menu that proves the perfectly sweet end to the meal. You will be met by a welcoming and cosy atmosphere as you walk into this hidden gem, tucked away in the back streets of the trendy and beautiful neighbourhood of La Latina.

READ MORE: H&H Reviews: Daios Cove, Crete