ROXY's Guide to Madrid

Hola ROXY girls! We made it to Madrid! Before we hosted the ROXY Pool Club event we had the chance to explore this vibrant city and fell in love with its blend of historic charm, modern allure and unforgettable food!

Here's our guide to making the most out of your Madrid adventure.

Following a local recommendation, we started our day at Gosto Cafe.

As the city slowly came to life we fueled up with a delicious coffee and ordered the avocado toast & turkish eggs. I think we could dedicate a blog post to the turkish eggs and the incredible spice mix they used, but take our word for it, go, eat, thank us later.

After breakfast we wandered through the local neighborhood, heading in the direction of Plaza Mayor, and we stumbled on this unique book shop, Panta Rhei. What captured our attention from the window was an illustrated surf book. Once inside the store and leafing through the pages of Surferas, by Paola Hirou, we were blown away with the detail, the cataloging of women's surfing and plenty of familiar faces too.

With our first souvenir purchase secured we wandered over to Mercado San Antón, a gem in the trendy Chueca neighborhood. This modern market, spanning three floors, offers a unique blend of traditional Spanish flavors and contemporary culinary experiences.

From the market we made our way to the bustling shopping district of Grand Via. Nothing quite prepares you for the grandeur of what this street has to offer. Walking down Gran Vía is like stepping into a living museum.

It's hard to focus on where you're going when you're looking to the sky at these incredible buildings!

We slowly made our way towards El Corte Ingles, where we dropped by to pick up some last minute pieces for the ROXY Pool Club event that evening. So fun to find a Boardriders store in the heart of the city.

Just around the corner was the iconic Chocolatería San Ginés.

Nestled in a charming alleyway, Chocolatería San Ginés has been a beloved institution in Madrid since 1894. With crowds swelling by the doorway to try and secure a table we patiently waited for our chance to taste a piece of Madrid's culinary heritage.

And they were definitely worth the wait! The churros were light, crispy, and slightly salted which beautifully balanced the sweetness of the chocolate.

With lunch on our minds we crossed the impressive Plaza Mayor to Mercado San Miguel.

Mercado San Miguel is a lively food market offering a tantalizing array of Spanish delicacies.

On entering the market we were greeted with fresh fruit, seafood and jamón ibérico to delectable tapas, this market is a food lover’s paradise! We joined the queues to taste the selections of tapas, featuring mouthwatering combinations like smoked butter & anchovy… with our feed of delectable bites, we wandered the historic streets towards a flower market.

Every corner offering another captivating view you find yourself immersed in Madrid'.s old-world charm

Each turn reveals a new discovery, whether it’s a centuries-old building adorned with intricate carvings, a quaint café bustling with patrons, or a hidden plaza where locals are going about their day.

As we browsed the vibrant flower market at Plaza de Tirso de Molina, we noted how perfect this setting was to the backdrop of the city. A peaceful spot to shop colorful blooms and our final stop on our tour before heading back to the hotel to prepare for the ROXY Pool Club event.

We loved our time in Madrid and hope you have it on your bucket list travel destinations.

Madrid is a city that captivates the senses and leaves you wanting more. From its artistic treasures and royal grandeur to its bustling markets, there's something for everyone in this dynamic city. 

Hasta luego!