You've undoubtedly found yourself in Madrid's Salamanca area if you find yourself surrounded by upscale shops and dining establishments. Calle de Serrano, lined with exclusive stores, has been dubbed the 'Golden Mile' and is sometimes likened to Fifth Avenue in New York City or Bond Street in London. Unlike elsewhere in the city, enormous local and international designer stores coexist alongside magnificent houses set back from the street.
Salamanca also draws tourists to its alleys with charming 19th-century structures distinguished by their elaborate ironwork and balconies. Start along Calle de Serrano and move on to Calle de Jose Ortega y Gasset for the greatest architecture in the area. Visit the bullring in Plaza de Toros de las Ventas to see a bullfight and a concert. Visit Descubrimiento Garden, a section of Plaza de Colón, to view memorials honouring Columbus' exploration of the Americas. El Retiro Park contains beautiful gardens, a boating lake, playgrounds, and food stands as it runs south of the neighborhood. Also, visit the Italian Embassy on Calle de Velázquez to take in the architecture.
The Golden Mile, a fashion destination spread out across Ortega y Gasset Street and the surrounding region, makes the Salamanca neighborhood famous throughout the world. Everything from antique shops, bookstores, and jewelers to well-known names like Giorgio Armani and Louis Vuitton can be found here. It is worthwhile to stroll among the designer clothing, accessory, and shoe boutiques and admire the fine jewelry and timepieces on display.
The Museo de Arte Publico, a collection of abstract sculptures by Spanish artists, is located on Paseo de la Castellana beneath an overpass. Visit the National Archaeological Museum to see priceless remains from the ancient cultures of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Exhibits regarding the history of books, literature, and the Biblioteca Nacional may be seen at the National Library Museum.
The Juan March Foundation also offers many exhibitions and performances for fans of contemporary art and chamber music. The Carlos de Amberes Foundation, established in 1594 as a sanctuary for the pilgrims from this region, which belonged to the Spanish Empire, is a great place to learn more about Dutch culture.
Here, you can find several Michelin-starred eateries, including the two-star Ramón Freixa Madrid, housed in the Hotel Nico, the traditional haute cuisine institution Zalacan, which opened in 1973, and the Japanese-Mediterranean Kabuki Wellington. There are also additional restaurants that innovate international cuisine but do not have Michelin stars, such as Peruvian (Vir) and Mexican (Punto MX). The culinary markets of La Paz and Platea, which provide a wide variety of delicacies that would please even the most jaded gourmet food experts, should not be overlooked. The tastes of Asia, Italy, Mexico, and Peru will also appeal to you at Platea Madrid, a food market housed within a former theatre.
Around 200 stores participate in the Salamanca neighborhood's annual Vogue Fashion's Night Out in September, when guests are welcomed with special offers, live music, picture opportunities, freebies, cosmetic tutorials, and limited-edition merchandise. Catwalks presenting the newest styles round off the elegant evening. Anyone can register online without charge.
Duration RequiredJose Ortega y Gasset, 8 - patio, 28006 Madrid Spain
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