Although Madrid is full of modern restaurants and bars, there are also traditional establishments that retain the charm of the past.
In this article we introduce you to the most emblematic cafés in Madrid, charming spots where you can have a hot drink and a sweet while you travel back in time.
Historic cafés in Madrid
Some of Madrid's most legendary cafés have disappeared, but there are still places that remind us of the city's past.
These places were important meeting points for social debate during some of the most turbulent times in Madrid's history, and many of the most famous Spanish writers and politicians sat at their tables. Are you up for discovering them?
Café Comercial
Located in the well-known Glorieta de Bilbao is Café Comercial, which has become one of the most emblematic cafés in Madrid with 130 years of history.
Since its opening in 1887, this café has served such illustrious figures as Antonio Machado, witnessing more than a century of political and social changes. Today you can still enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, or simply have a drink among the mirrors decorating its interior. They also have an extensive cultural agenda that includes workshops, monologues, and live music.
Chocolatería San Ginés
More than a café, San Ginés is one of the most famous chocolate shops in the Spanish capital. Here you can enjoy the legendary chocolate with churros every day of the year, whether it’s late at night or in the early hours of the morning after a night out in Madrid.
Its two floors decorated like the cafés of the 19th century offer the ideal atmosphere for breakfast with the traditional churros, which over the years they have exported to Colombia, Mexico and even Japan.
Café Barbieri
In business since 1902, this century-old café that took its name from the old Barbieri theatre retains all its charm today. Its offer, a little different from traditional cafés, includes delicious coffee and Italian gastronomy. Pasta, pizzas, the best Italian dolci, house vermouth and a wide variety of cocktails are part of the excellent offer of this historic café in Madrid.
Gran Café Gijón
An epicentre of Madrid's culture and literature, the elegant lounges of the Gran Café have seen some of the most important writers, artists and thinkers in Spanish history, such as Dalí, Valle-Inclán, Rubén Darío and Federico García Lorca.
Founded in 1888, this café became a source of inspiration for Madrid's most illustrious personalities, and today it continues to attract a bustling crowd with a full menu of tapas and homemade desserts and a wonderful terrace in the heart of Paseo de Recoletos.
Café Central
This late 20th century café stands out as one of legendary jazz venues in Madrid. Customers can enjoy an extensive programme of jazz concerts that includes the most prestigious Spanish and international artists of the genre.
If you are looking for cafés in the Madrid city centre with good music, this is the place for you. Cocktails, tapas, pinchos and an extensive schedule of live music in one of the most emblematic jazz clubs in the city.
La Pecera del Círculo de Bellas Artes
Considered one of the most beautiful cafés in Madrid, La Pecera is located on the ground floor of the Círculo de Bellas Artes and is an exponent of early 20th century architecture. Its interior is reminiscent of great European cafés, with high ceilings, period lamps and columns.
In addition to a wide variety of cocktails, La Pecera has a very complete daily menu and an extensive tapas menu with seasonal products. It is open from Monday to Sunday, every day of the year.
Discover the emblematic Madrid cafés
Are you planning a trip to Madrid? We invite you to stay at the Hotel Único Madrid, a centrally located hotel in the elegant Barrio de Salamanca, from where you can visit the most beautiful and emblematic cafés in Madrid.
Our 5-star hotel in Madrid offers a luxurious rest in spacious rooms, as well as the best range of services for you to enjoy a stay with all the comforts. All of this in the charming atmosphere of a 19th century palace, a unique experience in this exclusive hotel!
After your tour of Madrid's cafés, don't forget to go upstairs for a drink at The Bar, a signature cocktail bar where you can enjoy a drink in a quiet and sophisticated atmosphere.
Visit the RFXM restaurant and let yourself be surprised by the gastronomy of the chef Ramón Freixa and the two Michelin stars that the restaurant holds. His creative proposal will delight your senses to create an unforgettable culinary experience. You can also relax in our fitness space and wellness area, where we offer beauty treatments to forget the stress of everyday life.
