KINTO City Tour — Madrid A city finding new momentum

Madrid is a city that reveals itself slowly. While a growing international community of creatives, designers and entrepreneurs continues to reshape parts of the city, its strongest appeal remains rooted in everyday life: neighbourhood cafés, lively plazas and a culture built around gathering, conversation and connection. It is this balance between new perspectives and enduring local character that makes Madrid one of Europe's most exciting cities to explore right now.

SALESAS CHAMBERÍ SALAMANCA ARGÜELLES ADDITIONAL PLACES MAP

SALESAS

Madrid's elegant creative quarter

Salesas has become one of Madrid's most influential creative districts, where independent boutiques, galleries, cafés and hospitality concepts occupy beautifully restored 19th-century buildings. Bordering Chueca and stretching towards Paseo de Recoletos, the neighbourhood combines the elegance of central Madrid with a distinctly creative spirit. Often seen as a more curated counterpart to Salamanca, Salesas is best explored on foot, wandering along streets such as Barquillo and Fernando VI, where independent fashion, thoughtful hospitality concepts and some of the city's most exciting restaurants and cafés sit side by side.

ACID Shop

Part of the ACID project, which now spans three locations across Madrid, ACID Shop pairs expertly brewed specialty coffee with artisan pastries and baked goods in one of the city's most distinctive café spaces. Designed by Plantea Estudio, the former gemstone shop has been carefully reimagined into a warm, characterful interior that reflects ACID's thoughtful approach to both hospitality and design.

Instagram

Llama Inn

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Llama Inn brings a contemporary interpretation of Peruvian cuisine to Madrid. Combining the vibrant flavours of Lima with the energy of Brooklyn, it pairs bold dishes, natural wines and a lively atmosphere that perfectly reflects the neighbourhood's cosmopolitan character.

Instagram

Faraday

Part record shop, part speciality café, Faraday brings together coffee, music and culture under one roof. Alongside expertly brewed coffee, its carefully curated selection of vinyl records—available to browse and buy—has made it a favourite destination for music lovers and collectors alike.

Instagram

    OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS

    GOTA

    Created by the team behind ACID, GOTA pairs natural wines from independent producers with seasonal small plates in a thoughtfully designed setting. Carefully curated music and a warm, intimate atmosphere complete one of Salesas' most distinctive dining and drinking destinations.

    Dr.You

    Part wellness destination, part contemporary apothecary, Dr. You brings together supplements, rituals, food and objects for everyday wellbeing. Its programme of workshops, talks and community events makes it well worth checking the agenda before your visit.

    CHAMBERÍ

    Timeless Madrid with a distinctly local soul

    Long considered one of Madrid's most desirable neighbourhoods, Chamberí combines elegant architecture, strong community life and a thriving food scene. At its heart lies Plaza de Olavide, one of the city's most beloved gathering places, where residents meet from morning coffee to late-evening aperitivos. Just moments from the creative energy of neighbouring Malasaña, Chamberí balances local tradition with a growing wave of cafés, restaurants, independent shops and historic cinemas, creating a vibrant district that feels both timeless and contemporary.

    PANDA Tokyo

    A pioneer of modern Japanese pastry in Madrid, PANDA has built a loyal following around matcha, fluffy pancakes, cotton cheesecake and specialty coffee. Beautifully presented pastries and a refined, minimalist setting have made it a favourite among dessert lovers.

    Instagram

    Toma Café 2

    Part of Toma Café’s three locations across Madrid, Toma Café 2 has become a cornerstone of Chamberí’s speciality coffee scene. Just moments from Plaza de Olavide, it serves expertly brewed coffee alongside homemade cakes, pastries and savoury dishes, with an all-day menu that has made it a favourite from breakfast through lunch.

    Instagram

    OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS

    La Gildería

    Dedicated to Spain's iconic gilda, La Gildería serves dozens of creative variations alongside vermouth, conservas and small cold plates. Designed by Codoo Studio, its standing-bar format, lively atmosphere and carefully curated aperitivo menu have turned it into one of Madrid's essential pre-lunch and early evening destinations.

    Casa Pei+

    A family-run dumpling café where warm hospitality is as memorable as the food, Casa Pei+ has earned a loyal following for what many consider Madrid's finest handmade dumplings. Korean and Chinese influences, speciality coffee and house-made desserts complete the experience.

    MYO Handroll Bar

    Centred around an intimate counter where every hand roll is prepared to order, MYO Handroll Bar pairs Japanese craftsmanship with a minimalist interior designed to heighten the dining experience. Every detail, from the architecture to the service, reflects the precision behind its exceptional temaki.

    SALAMANCA

    Beyond luxury and labels

    Known for its elegant avenues and refined atmosphere, Salamanca remains one of Madrid's most distinctive districts. Stretching from the grand boulevards of Paseo de la Castellana and Plaza de Colón to the leafy edges of El Retiro — the city's most beloved park and green heart — the neighbourhood offers a sophisticated blend of culture, shopping and everyday life. Alongside luxury boutiques on Serrano and the vibrant restaurant scene of Jorge Juan, visitors will find innovative cafés, contemporary dining concepts and a growing number of cultural projects. Its close proximity to neighbouring Ibiza, one of Madrid's most dynamic local dining districts, adds another layer to a neighbourhood that effortlessly balances exclusivity with a distinctly urban energy.

    Zacaffé

    Located inside Zara Man's flagship store, Zacaffé extends the brand experience beyond fashion with specialty coffee, pastries and light bites. Designed by Art Recherche et Industrie, its warm, carefully crafted interiors make it a destination in their own right, not just a stop between purchases.

    Hola Coffee Lagasca

    Hola Coffee Lagasca showcases the brand's approach to specialty coffee through beans roasted at its own Madrid roastery, seasonal signature drinks and artisan pastries. A reference point for Spain's coffee scene, it combines technical precision with an accessible, welcoming approach to coffee culture.

    Instagram

    ARGÜELLES

    La Florida Café & Bistro

    Overlooking Parque del Oeste, La Florida pairs specialty coffee and artisan pastries with seasonal dishes, a daily changing lunch menu and a carefully selected list of natural wines. Its light-filled interiors and leafy terrace make it an ideal spot from breakfast through to sunset drinks.

    Instagram

      ADDITIONAL PLACES

      Sala de Despiece SDD2

      CENTRO

      Inspired by the atmosphere of a traditional butcher's shop, Sala de Despiece prepares many of its dishes directly at the counter, where ingredients are weighed, sliced and assembled in front of diners. Exceptional produce, an ever-changing menu and its theatrical market-inspired concept have made it one of Madrid's defining contemporary restaurants.

      El Moderno Concept Store

      MALASAÑA

      A long-standing reference for contemporary design in Madrid, El Moderno offers a carefully curated selection of books, stationery, homeware and objects from independent brands.

      Alma Nomad Fábrica

      PUEBLO NUEVO

      Housed in a former industrial warehouse redesigned by Plantea Estudio, Alma Nomad Fábrica combines an artisan bakery, speciality café and working bakery under one roof. Organic stone-milled flours, naturally leavened breads and exceptional viennoiserie make it well worth the journey beyond the city centre.

      Flor

      LEGAZPI

      Led by Brazilian chefs Cadu Gasparini and Bruno Gouvêa, Flor celebrates seasonal vegetables through an ever-changing tasting menu shaped by Italian influences and close relationships with local producers. Natural wines, vinyl records and an open kitchen complete one of Madrid's most exciting new dining experiences.

      Tramo

      PROSPERIDAD

      The second restaurant by Proyectos Conscientes after Mo de Movimiento, Tramo transforms a former industrial workshop—later one of Madrid's most iconic nightlife venues—into an award-winning dining destination. Designed by Selgascano and Andreu Carulla, the project preserves the building's industrial character while integrating low-impact materials, passive climate strategies and circular design.

      MAP

      Explore all of KINTO's recommended spots in Madrid

      VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS


      Editorial support:
      Cecilia Camacho, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of CC/magazine
      INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

      CC/magazine is an independent editorial platform focused on design, architecture, art, travel and culture. Published in Spanish and English, it explores global creative hotspots, inspiring people and the ideas shaping contemporary culture through carefully curated editorial content and thoughtful storytelling.

      Featured Products

        CAST water glass 250ml

        €7

        CAST beer glass 430ml

        €9

        SCS-S02 coffee server 2cups

        €15

        CAST coffee cup & saucer 220ml stainless steel

        €20

        RIM plate 160mm

        €13

        SCS-S04 brewer stand set 4cups

        €178

        CLK-151 cup 180ml

        €14.50

        SEPIA jug 4cups

        €33

        UNITEA nonslip tray 210×145mm

        €14

        UNITEA unimug 350ml

        €19

      Related Stories