Almost twenty years ago, Siobhan Murphy wandered the cobblestone streets of Madrid with her mum, marvelling at its grandeur and diverse culture. Fast forward to today, our Interiors Editor returned to this vibrant city with her husband, Nick, eager to see how it had evolved.

Spain has always held a special place in our hearts due to its intoxicating architecture, food, and art mix. Madrid is no exception; its impressive buildings fuse various styles, from Baroque to Gothic. The tapas scene is extensive, with both contemporary takes on sip-and-snack bars and traditional taverns. A food crawl—or ronda as it’s known in Spain—allows visitors to take in the diversity of Madrid’s food scene while strolling around its pretty streets and impressive squares.

But what sets the Spanish capital apart is its thriving contemporary art scene. Highlights include the vast Reina Sofia Museum and the lesser-known Art Gallery Tour with María Burgaz, where visitors can explore Madrid’s hidden contemporary art scene and visit an artist’s studio for an intimate look at their creative process.

Our base for the trip, Avani Alonso Martínez Madrid Hotel, matched the city’s art scene as a haven of colour and creativity. The hotel is in the heart of Chamberí, one of Madrid’s most charming and exclusive neighbourhoods—and just a stone’s throw from some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. 

Avani Alonso Martínez Madrid: More than just a hotel

I have a soft spot for hotels that are more than just a bed and breakfast, and Avani Madrid didn’t disappoint. The lobby greets you with a kaleidoscope of colour, featuring a stunning painting by the renowned local artist María Burgaz.

Little did we know that this artwork would lead us on a journey through Madrid’s contemporary art scene, thanks to an exclusive experience offered by the hotel where we spent an unforgettable day with María, exploring hidden art galleries in the Salesas neighbourhood.

The galleries were a feast for the eyes, from minimalist spaces showcasing emerging talent to avant-garde exhibits challenging the norm. As well as paintings, we also got to see embroidery and photography exhibitions, and the day culminated in María’s art studio—a treasure trove of colour and creativity. Her workspace felt like a gallery in itself, brimming with her eclectic paintings.

We sipped on beers and nibbled on appetisers, including homemade tortilla as María shared her journey and inspiration for her artwork. For anyone looking to immerse themselves in Madrid’s artistic offering, this is a must-do experience and so inspiring. 

A taste of Spain with a tapas cookery class

No trip to Spain is complete without indulging in tapas, and I always love adding a hands-on/workshop element to my travels. The hotel arranged for us to attend a tapas cookery class at The Cooking Clubhouse, which turned out to be the highlight of our trip.

The evening started with a glass of cava—because, let’s face it, everything is better with bubbles! The charismatic chef, Erik Belli, brought the room to life with his infectious energy. Originally from Nicaragua, Erik is a globetrotting culinary genius who loves to teach people to cook. 

Under his guidance, we crafted a variety of dishes: stuffed peppers with tuna, garlic prawns, bruschetta, fried chorizo, and garlic mushrooms. The cava flowed freely, as did the laughs as we bonded with three American couples over our shared culinary triumphs (and a few amusing mishaps).

After cooking, we sat down for a five-course feast paired with an array of Spanish wines. It wasn’t just a cooking class—it was a party with new friends, great food, and even better memories; good job, we had planned a lazy day the following day! 

Where to wander in Madrid, a city for meandering

When we weren’t diving into art or mastering the art of tapas, Nick and I spent our days strolling from one picturesque square to another. Madrid is a city meant for aimless wandering, with its sun-drenched plazas, bustling cafés, and vibrant street life. We put away our phones and just walked and walked, getting lost in the city and marvelling at the ornate architecture at every turn. 

One of our favourite discoveries was the Mercado de San Miguel, an upmarket foodie paradise. We feasted on lobster rolls, crab, deep-fried whitebait, and numerous glasses of vino.

The market is a sensory overload in the best possible way, with the tantalizing aromas of fresh seafood, sizzling meats, and sweet pastries filling the air. It was a bustling place at all times, and it had such a fun vibe; I recommend walking around first before choosing your food because there are so many choices you need to see it all first to decide. 

For a unique way to see the city, we hopped on a tuk-tuk tour. For €90, we enjoyed a 90-minute whirlwind ride through Madrid’s iconic landmarks, led by a hilariously entertaining guide. Tuk-tuks may not be the traditional method of transport in Spain, but they’re undoubtedly a fun and efficient way to explore the city. We learned some fun facts and history about the city and gained insight into the political landscape, which was really interesting. 

Unwinding at Avani Alonso Martinez 

Back at the Avani Alonso Martínez Madrid Hotel, every detail reflects a commitment to creativity, comfort, and creative design. This isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a space to inspire. The vibrant interiors, carefully curated with bold splashes of colour and thoughtful design, are a feast for the eyes.

The reception area and shared spaces are full of cool furniture and contemporary Spanish art, where every corner sparks joy and creativity. The breakfast was plentiful and delicious, with the bonus of a churros and hot chocolate cart, which I made good use of every day! 

The room itself within our luxury Madrid hotel was a sanctuary of modern, minimal style and comfort. Luxurious linens on the bed, a huge power shower, and indulgent toiletries brought a spa-like luxury to our daily routine. Extras like complimentary snacks and water in the room are small but thoughtful touches that add to the experience.

We did lots of walking in Madrid, between 15-20k steps per day, so it was great to return to a beautiful room to put our feet up, chill out and update our socials! It’s a place where design enthusiasts and creatives can feel at home, inspired by a space that’s as vibrant and alive as the city of Madrid itself. 

Must-dos in Madrid

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, here’s my fun list of must-dos:

• Art Gallery Tour with María Burgaz: Explore Madrid’s hidden contemporary art scene and visit an artist’s studio.
• Tapas cookery class at the cooking clubhouse: Learn to make classic Spanish dishes while sipping cava and making new friends.
• Seafood feast at Mercado de San Miguel: Indulge in fresh seafood and local wines at this iconic market.
• Flamenco show: Experience the passion and artistry of this traditional Spanish dance.
• Tuk-Tuk tour: See Madrid’s highlights in a fun and quirky way. Do this on day one to really get your bearings! 

Why Madrid stole my heart (again)

Madrid is a city that effortlessly blends the old with the new, the traditional with the contemporary. From its colourful art scene to its delicious cuisine, every corner of Madrid is steeped in history. The Avani Alonso Martínez Madrid Hotel was the perfect base for our adventure, offering a blend of luxury and creativity. 

As I sipped my final glass of vino tinto and watched the sun set over Madrid, I knew it wouldn’t be another twenty years before I returned. This city has a way of drawing you back, promising new adventures and experiences each time. So pack your bags, book your stay at Avani, and get ready to fall in love with Madrid all over again.

Need to know

• Siobhan travelled directly from Manchester to Madrid with Ryanair (return flights starting at just £89).
• During her stay, she enjoyed the comfort of a Superior Room at the chic Avani Alonso Martínez Madrid, with rates starting from €184.29 per night.