There is a Romantic Madrid that doesn't appear on the fast circuits: the one of the sunsets of Temple of Debod, the vermouths in Santa Ana and the narrow streets where nobody looks at the clock.
This guide explores the corners of romantic Madrid where the city is best enjoyed as a couple, and ends with the love letter that inspired the article.
These are the six must-sees, all in the city center and connected by foot:
- Temple of Debod, the best sunset in the city.
- Retiro Park, for a aimless stroll one morning.
- Santa Ana Square, terraces and vermouth in the Literary Quarter.
- Elbow Street, the most discreet alley in the old town.
- Caprice Gardens, 18th-century garden refuge.
- Sabatini Gardens, the most stately image next to the Royal Palace.
The best spots in romantic Madrid
Temple of Debod, at sunset
The quintessential plan for romantic Madrid. It's an authentic Egyptian temple, a gift from Egypt in 1968. The sunset is reflected in its pool, and the pink and orange hues mark the end of the day better than any paid viewpoint.
Just be sure to arrive half an hour early on weekends, because the esplanade gets crowded.
These are the best times for each corner:
- Temple of Debod: the hour before sunset.
- Withdrawal: early morning, no people.
- Santa Ana Square: midday, at vermouth time.
- Elbow Street: any time, she is always calm.
- Caprice GardensSaturday or Sunday morning.
The paths of the Retiro
Spending a morning wandering through El Retiro Park remains one of the most rewarding experiences. The Crystal Palace, the Great Pond, and the Parterre are all worth a visit. There, moreover, grows the ahuehuete tree almost 400 years old, the oldest tree in the city.
A vermouth in Santa Ana Square
It is also located in the heart of Literary Quarter, Surrounded by terraces and presided over by the Teatro Español, it is therefore the ideal place to discuss the sublime and the mundane under the gaze of Calderón de la Barca.
The Street of the Elbow
It's a tiny alleyway next to the Plaza de la Villa. It's so narrow that it's barely big enough for people, making it one of the most discreet corners of romantic Madrid.
The Caprice Gardens
When the noise of the Castellana becomes overwhelming, this historic 18th-century garden offers the perfect refuge. However, it's only open on weekends and holidays, so it's best to plan your visit.
La Latina and Cava Baja
For its part, it's the most traditional tavern area and, therefore, perfect for an afternoon with no fixed plans. On Sundays, it also coincides with the Rastro flea market.
Chueca and Malasaña at night
These are the two neighborhoods with the most vibrant nightlife in the city center. They are full of small bars and bookstores that stay open late.
The Royal Palace and the Plaza de Oriente
The Sabatini Gardens at sunset offer the most stately view of the city. Furthermore, opposite the Piazza del Oriente, the Royal Theatre opera program almost all year round.
Tips for your romantic getaway to Madrid
- Best timeSpring and autumn, with mild temperatures and pleasant sunsets to enjoy.
- Getting around on footAlmost all of these points are less than 30 minutes' walk from each other.
- Book dinnerIn the center, the charming restaurants fill up on weekends.
- Guaranteed sunset: Debod, the viewpoint of the Círculo de Bellas Artes or the Sabatini Gardens.
- Rain planThe Reina Sofía Museum, the Prado or the Thyssen can solve any rainy afternoon.
- Short getawayIf you have more time, check out our Madrid itinerary in 3 days.
Frequently asked questions about romantic Madrid
A love letter to Madrid
*This article originated from a text we heard one afternoon on the subway. We reproduce it verbatim because it summarizes romantic Madrid better than any list.*
With this immense distance, talent and intention matter little. There is no human strategy to describe to you the charm of the Puerta del Sol. You can't imagine how many times I've wanted to tell you why the Plaza is called Plaza Mayor, and then hum the chotis that Agustín Lara dedicated to his equally distant love.
Please understand that this request is not disguised. My only wish is that one morning our paths might wander together along the trails of El Retiro Park. It is also my desire that we discuss the sublime and the mundane, inspired by Calderón de la Barca, over a vermouth in Plaza de Santa Ana.
From there, the wind will caress even the face of Cibeles without permission. Even so, you and I will know how to resist its attempt. And if the free energy of Chueca and Malasaña makes you yearn for the night before, on Codo Street we will kiss, and our instincts will be true.
I don't expect you to carpet the Gran Vía with carnations when you come; I just want us to discover the *Soto Extension* at the Reina Sofía together.
My love, yesterday I couldn't tell you that, even though fate seems to be against us, no one can take away my hope. We can't let our days slip by with virtual contact and constant goodbyes, when Madrid has plenty of brightly lit streets where life doesn't play hide-and-seek.
We can only cling to the certainty that another lover will nurture their dreams. For this quintessential Madrid steals our souls, our breath, and even our reason.
The corners of romantic Madrid
Without a doubt, the Temple of Debod at sunset is the most popular choice, thanks to the combination of the Egyptian monument, the pond, and the setting sun. The Sabatini Gardens and Retiro Park are close behind.
En el Templo de Debod, en la azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes y en el mirador del Palacio de Cibeles. Los tres están en el centro y a poca distancia entre sí.
Generally, two full days are enough to cover the main sights without feeling overwhelmed. A long weekend allows you to add a day trip to Aranjuez or El Escorial.
Spring and autumn. Specifically, in May and October the temperatures allow for walks all day and the terraces remain open until late.
When to go and how long to stay
Yes. The historic center is compact and mostly pedestrianized. From the Temple of Debod to the Retiro Park is about a 40-minute walk, passing through some of the most beautiful spots in the city.
The Art Triangle makes the day easy: the Prado, Thyssen, and Reina Sofía museums are all on the same axis. The San Miguel Market and the historic cafes of the Literary Quarter are also great options.
My love, yesterday I told you that my eyes can't encompass all that I want to show you of Madrid, even though I look at the city with a similar longing to the one that keeps me thinking of you. That's why it's urgent that you come and hear the stories I haven't told you yet, stories I plan to whisper in your ear as we walk hand in hand through the Prado.
I know the time will come when Barajas Airport becomes the welcome hall. After that, bike rides through La Latina will be your favorite routine. Although that will only last until we move from embarrassment and theory to lust, and we lose interest in the Madroño tree and why we have to touch the Bear's paw.
Organize your visit to romantic Madrid
At the Temple of Debod, the pink and orange afternoon will mark the end of the day. And upon waking weary, we will pray to Neptune for a little energy. And if the clamor of the Castellana overwhelms this long-awaited encounter and its purpose, we will flee to El Capricho and let its beauty dispel the vengeful noise.
My love, when you finally arrive here, the darkness of the village will be my accomplice. Then you will call me beautiful again, your face to face, bringing color to my cheeks. And so it will be your fault that in the Royal Palace the illusion of being queen will overwhelm me, even though you have no blue blood and I am not seeking a king nor being crowned by him.
Let's take advantage of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza being in the Plaza de España to ask how to make this a normal occurrence, not a complicated feat. If the knight and his squire recommend asking for a miracle through a novena, we'll have to pray at Los Jerónimos or the Almudena Cathedral.
With that statement, the conversation we all overheard in that train car came to an end. She got off at the previous station, leaving a wave of unease within us, because we'll never know if her long-lost lover finally came to win back her heart.
