The best 10 cafes in Madrid, Spain

Welcome to the caffeine paradise of Madrid, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee intertwines with the lively spirit of the city. Brace yourself for a thrilling coffee adventure as we uncover the hidden gems of Madrid's café culture. From the charmingly quirky baristas at Cafe Dos Pistolas to the hipster haven of Mama Framboise, this article will leave you yearning for a cafe-hopping escapade that goes beyond your wildest latte dreams.

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1. Toma Café

4.5 (2922)

C. de la Palma, 49, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Welcome to Toma Café, Madrid's caffeine haven and the sacred grounds of all bleary-eyed urban explorers! Nestled in the heart of this vibrant city, the aroma of freshly brewed magic wafts through the air, leading you to this cozy den of hipster sophistication. Immerse yourself in their quirky décor, eccentric baristas, and the hum of lively conversations, for a truly addictive coffee experience that will leave you buzzing with delight, and possibly a newfound appreciation for suspenders.

tomacafe.es

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2. Café de la Luz

4.3 (3257)

C. de la Puebla, 8, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of Madrid, Café de la Luz is like a tranquil oasis serving piping hot cups of coffee and spontaneous dance moves. With its cozy ambiance and eclectic décor, this quirky café is the ultimate spot for caffeine enthusiasts looking to escape the chaotic city streets. Be prepared to dance your way to the espresso machine in a tango showdown with the barista – it's all part of the Café de la Luz experience!

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3. La Bicicleta

4 (4941)

Pl. de San Ildefonso, 9, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Welcome to La Bicicleta, where Madrid's love affair with bicycles reaches pedal-pushing heights! This quirky café is more bike-friendly than a Tour de France post-race party. Step in and you'll be greeted by walls adorned with all things bike-related, from rusty chains to cheeky cycling quotes, leaving you feeling like you've stumbled into an eccentric street art museum on wheels. But it's not just about the decor; they also serve up delicious coffee that fuels both caffeine enthusiasts and cycling aficionados, making it the perfect spot to embark on your very own Spanish cycling adventure, sans the lycra!

www.labicicletacafe.com

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4. Café de La Opera

4.4 (781)

C. de Arrieta, 6, 28013 Madrid, Spain

Welcome to Café de La Opera, where history and caffeine collide in a delightful uproar! Bursting with old-world charm, this Madrid gem has seen more drama than a soap opera marathon. Nestled in the shadow of Teatro Real, it offers a unique experience for those seeking to sip coffee while secretly pretending to be an opera diva or a dashing Don Juan. So, grab your vocal cords and a freshly brewed cup of java, and step into this caffeinated wonderland where even the espresso machines belt out Pavarotti's greatest hits.

www.elcafedelaopera.com

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5. Federal Café

4.1 (2771)

Pl. del Conde de Barajas, 3, 28005 Madrid, Spain

Welcome to Federal Café, where the coffee is stronger than Superman's caffeine addiction and the atmosphere is more alive than a salsa dancing llama. Located in the bustling heart of Madrid, this quirky café will tempt your taste buds with its menu, which is as diverse as a buffet at a space station. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur, a brunch enthusiast, or a baked goods lover, Federal Café will leave you feeling more satisfied than a cat with a lifetime supply of yarn.

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6. Café Comercial

4 (6434)

Gta. de Bilbao, 7, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Once upon a time there was a charming little café in Madrid called Café Comercial, and let me tell you, it was so much more than just your typical caffeine hub. This place was like a time capsule, transporting you back to the elegant glory days of the 19th century. With its vintage décor, grand chandeliers, and waiters in bowties who happen to possess a certain air of great importance, it's like stepping into a movie set where coffee gossip flows as smoothly as the espresso from the barista's hands. So, grab a seat, order a cup of Joe, and prepare to be whisked away on a caffeine-laden journey through history!

cafecomercialmadrid.com

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7. Café de Oriente

4.2 (4428)

Pl. de Ote., 2, 28013 Madrid, Spain

Welcome to Café de Oriente, the place where history meets caffeine addiction! Step into this charming café located in the heart of Madrid and immerse yourself in a delightful blend of elegant decor and delicious blends. Indulge in their aromatic coffees while marveling at the surroundings fit for a king, just be careful not to spill on your royal robes - they tend to frown upon that! Nestled in the romantic Plaza de Oriente, Café de Oriente offers a fantastic view of the Royal Palace. Keep your eyes peeled for potential celebrity sightings, because who knows, maybe the King himself will appear to grab a cup of joe and join you for a morning gossip session. And don't worry, they've got you covered if you need to escape some royal respite - their extensive menu boasts a variety of treats that will make any tea party jealous. This café is not just a place to fill your caffeine cravings, but also a time machine that will transport you to the good ol' days of yesteryear. With its elegant decor and classic charm, Café de Oriente exudes a nostalgic atmosphere that will have you feeling like you've slipped through a wormhole and landed in an era where monocles, frilly lace, and grand gestures were all the rage. So don your fanciest hat, sip your coffee with pinky held high, and prepare for a jolly good time at Café de Oriente!

www.cafedeoriente.es

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8. Café del Real

3.8 (1055)

Pl. de Isabel II, 2, 28013 Madrid, Spain

Hidden in the heart of Madrid, Café del Real is a delightful oasis for those seeking to cure their caffeine cravings and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Witty baristas with superhero-like coffee-making skills transform the humble coffee beans into magical elixirs that have been rumored to make patrons levitate with joy. The whimsical decor, reminiscent of a Salvador Dalí painting mixed with a sprinkle of Alice in Wonderland, will have you feeling like you've stepped into a parallel universe where coffee reigns supreme and whimsy is the main course of the day.

cafedelreal.com

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9. La Ciudad Invisible

4.4 (1031)

Cost.ª de los Ángeles, 7, 28013 Madrid, Spain

Nestled in the vibrant streets of Madrid lies La Ciudad Invisible, a quirky haven for the adventurous and caffeine-driven wanderers. This eclectic hub pays tribute to the idea of invisibility, with its hidden corners and nooks inviting you to get lost in its maze-like charm. With a dash of whimsy and a sprinkle of offbeat characters, this cozy café transports you to a parallel universe where time stands still, and you can sip your quirky coffee creations while pondering life's most pressing questions.

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10. El Jardín Secreto

4.3 (3927)

C. del Conde Duque, 2, 28015 Madrid, Spain

Welcome to El Jardín Secreto in Madrid, where even the most sociable of plants can maintain social distancing! This hidden gem of a garden will have you contemplating the meaning of life while sipping a cup of tea, surrounded by greenery that’s more organized than your calendar. Don't be fooled by the name, because this secret garden isn't just whispered about in hushed tones, it's a whimsical escape that will have you feeling like you stumbled into Alice's wonderland.

www.eljardinsecretomadrid.es

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Madrid, Spain by plane is to fly into Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) from your nearest major airport. Many airlines offer direct flights to Madrid from around the world, so check with your preferred carrier for availability and pricing.

Car

If you are traveling to Madrid by car, the A-6 is the major highway that links Madrid with northwest Spain, while the A-4 links Madrid with southern Spain. Other routes may also be available depending on your starting location. Be sure to check for tolls and plan your route accordingly.

Train

While there are train routes to Madrid from other European cities, the best option will depend on your starting location. The most popular national railway company in Spain is Renfe, which offers high-speed trains that run to Madrid from several cities throughout the country.

Boat

While there are no direct boat routes to Madrid, some cruise lines offer packages that include a stop in the nearby port city of Valencia. Once there, you can take a train or bus to Madrid. The port of Valencia is serviced by several major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to get to Madrid from other Spanish cities. Several companies, such as ALSA and Avanza, offer daily bus service to Madrid from cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. The main bus station in Madrid is Estación Sur de Autobuses.

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