Not only does Mad Cool Festival have one of most exciting line-ups of this summer (with Olivia Rodrigo, Nine Inch Nails, Iggy Pop, and their latest addition of Muse all set to top the bill across the weekend), but it also takes place in one of Spain’s most vibrant cities, with the capital being a must-visit destination for all things food, drink and culture.
What better way to spend a few days away than by wandering around the city’s streets, sampling tapas and cervezas while doing a spot of vintage shopping in the sun, before heading in for a huge night of music courtesy of the likes of Gracie Abrams, Weezer, St Vincent and FINNEAS? And to make it all even easier, we’ve asked a handful of Madrid natives – including Lala Hayden, Chlöe’s Clue, and the festival organisers themselves – to give us the lowdown on the best places to go before and after the festival takes place.
So, if a Mediterranean-flavoured long weekend sounds up your street this summer, what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets to Mad Cool over on their website now, then dig out your passports and get booking those flights!
Where To Eat?
Charrúa
Where is it? Just around the corner from the impressive Puerta de Alcalá and the serene El Retiro Park.
When should I go? Open for three hours in the afternoon, with dinner service running through to midnight, you’re spoiled for choice.
What’s the deal? Billed as a restaurant with a “passion for meat”, this Uruguayan steakhouse has chic interiors and a gorgeous atmosphere, making this the perfect spot for an indulgent meal that’ll have you properly prepped for the night ahead.
Casa Tabacos
Where is it? Lavapiés – about 20 minutes by car or 40 minutes by public transport from the festival site.
When should I go? For lunch or early evening drinks.
What’s the deal? With no-fuss decor, a terrace and a loyal local crowd, Casa Tabacos is the place for authentic Spanish wines, vermouth and Madrid-style tapas done right. A local favourite for good reason.
Sacha
Where is it? In Tetuán, just north of the city’s epic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and a half hour drive from Villaverde.
When should I go? Head for a delightful late lunch and try to bag a seat in their courtyard.
What’s the deal? If you’re in the market for something that feels quintessentially Spanish, but not all too traditional, this is the place. A longtime favourite in the city for locals, it’s a cosy spot that offers up playful takes on Catalan and Galician dishes.
Casa Amadeo Los Caracoles
Where is it? About 15 minutes’ walk from the Sol underground station, where you can catch the C3 line all the way to the festival!
When should I go? Open from 10am through ‘til midnight, grab a few dishes before or even after the festival.
What’s the deal? A well-loved tapas restaurant in the heart of the city, this Madrid institution has been serving up traditional dishes since 1942. It’s not all patatas bravas and croquettes though; for a more authentic taste of the city, try the Burgos blood sausage or the caracoles themselves (which are snails, fyi).
Chocolatería Sans Ginés
Where is it? Find the original outpost in central Madrid, just by the Ópera underground station.
When should I go? A cheeky churro at 4am sounds like the perfect remedy for post-festival recovery.
What’s the deal? Over a century old(!), Chocolatería Sans Ginés is a bona fide Madrid institution, and not only is it one of the best places to grab a famous hot chocolate con churros, it’s also open 24 hours a day, so you can get your sugar fix at literally any time.
Where To Drink?
Zíngara
Where is it? Chamberí – 20 minutes from the site by car, or about 40 minutes via public transport.
When should I go? After the festival – it’s open until 2am.
What’s the deal? Vintage interiors and one of the most inventive cocktail menus in town, it’s currently the place to drink in Madrid.
Faraday
Where is it? Chueca – around half an hour from Villaverde by car or cab.
When should I go? It opens at 10am (aka the perfect time to start your day).
What’s the deal? A record store, specialty coffee shop and boutique store all wrapped into one, this is the perfect place to get a caffeine hit whilst prepping yourself for the weekend ahead. Speaking about it, Lala Hayden says, “Faraday combines my two favourites: coffee and records. Great coffee and an even better vinyl selection.”
Bar Cock
Where is it? Just tucked off the city’s Gran Vía.
When should I go? It opens at 7pm and runs through til 3am, so you can head here for a festival afters.
What’s the deal? One of the oldest bars in the cities, it became renowned with creatives back in the ‘70s and still has a distinctly old school flavour. Roll up for their infamous gin cocktails.
Acid Café
Where is it? Malasaña – a trendy area just 25 minutes from the festival site by car or around 45 minutes by public transport.
When should I go? First thing! It opens early and is ideal for a pre-festival caffeine hit.
What’s the deal? Minimalist interiors, fresh sourdough and top-quality coffee make this spot a hit with Madrid’s creative crowd. Grab a flat white and start your day like a local.
La Estrella
Where is it? Situated on Calle de La Estrella (naturally), it’s just a stone’s throw from Callao and Santo Domingo stations.
When should I go? It’s open ‘til 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, so is the perfect spot for a tipple post-fest.
What’s the deal? A hip but intimate bar – opened in 2023 – which serves a variety of delicious snacks, some very indulgent pizzas and a delectable range of drinks. Perfect for, as Lala Hayden tells us, “late night cocktails and food with friends.”
Where To Visit?
Espacio Solo
Where is it? Plaza de la Independencia, about 20 minutes by car or 45 minutes on public transport from the festival.
When should I go? One Friday or Saturday before the music – it opens at 10am but is closed on Sundays.
What’s the deal? With over 1,200 works from over 270 artists, Espacio Solo is one of Madrid’s most exciting contemporary art spaces. The collection includes everything from sculpture and painting to sound art – and entry is totally free from Tuesday to Friday mornings.
The Edition Madrid
Where is it? Near Sol – just 20 minutes from the festival by car, or 40 minutes via public transport.
When should I go? Head to the rooftop pool in late afternoon or early evening for a pre-festival drink and skyline view.
What’s the deal? Opened just weeks ago, this sleek rooftop spot offers cocktails, poolside views and one of the most beautiful panoramas in the city. The perfect place to reset or start your night.
Palacio de Cristal
Where is it? In the middle of El Retiro Park.
When should I go? Head here for a late morning stroll to stretch your legs before heading on-site.
What’s the deal? A gorgeous glass and iron structure built back in 1887 (and modelled on South London’s own Crystal Palace), this exhibition centre was originally intended to be a giant greenhouse but now hosts modern art displays, and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit spot for anyone visiting the city.
Recycled Music Center
Where is it? Malasaña.
When should I go? Midday to early evening.
What’s the deal? A proper crate-digging haven with rare vinyls and reissues and a focus on Spanish and international underground music. Run by real music heads.
Friperie Vintage
Where is it? Chamberí, about 20 minutes away from Mad Cool’s site in the car.
When should I go? Head there before siestas kick in and grab a fresh new ‘fit before going to the festival.
What’s the deal? Recently named one of the city’s best vintage shops by Vogue, this is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in vintage Levi’s or military garb. It’s also a big favourite of Lala Hayden. “It’s the best place to find the perfect leather jackets and vintage denim,” she tells us.
