Hidden Homes and Tapas With a Twist: Sylvia Pérez’s Guide to Madrid, Spain
Hidden Homes and Tapas With a Twist: Sylvia Pérez’s Guide to Madrid, Spain
A sprawling Spanish capital, Madrid is an artistic hub with a buzzing scene of creatives working across industries. Sylvia Pérez is an art/creative director who crafts intricately detailed and bold campaign ideas for high-end and premium brands.
Born and raised in Madrid, she finds inspiration from her city from panoramic viewpoints to curated vintage shops. A bustling city where modernity blends into history—a walk over the 16th century Segovia Bridge to exploring the underground home of a famous 1970s brutalist architect—Madrid is both easy on the eye and culturally fascinating.
Below Sylvia gives us her insider's guide to the city's must-see sights.
In this Guide
Faro de Moncloa
“This viewpoint is built on a 110-meter-high lighting tower, constructed in 1992. It’s metal and has a somewhat dystopian feel. You take a panoramic elevator to the top and see a stunning panoramic view of the city. My favourite time to visit is at sunset to witness Madrid’s famous pink skies. The entrance fee is very affordable at 3 euros, but take note that it closes early.”
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RUGE Studio
“A photography studio in the Carabanchel neighbourhood, run by friends of mine, feels like my second home since I’ve done some of my latest work here in Madrid. It’s a perfect size, fully equipped with all the technical gear you might need, and even has natural light if you want to use it. As a bonus, you can head up to the terrace to grab a coffee or smoke a cigarette between shots. The interior is amazing. If you’re in Madrid for a project, check it out!”
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Rascainfiernos, Fernando Higueras Foundation
“This is an underground house in the garden of a property built by late brutalist architect Fernando Higueras. It was originally his studio but later became his home. It is now the headquarters of the Fernando Higueras foundation. You can arrange private visits by reservation or visit during the Open House Architecture Festival. It’s one of my favourite spots in the city and one of Madrid’s hidden treasures. ”
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Palacio de Velázquez
“This gallery, which houses large-scale contemporary art exhibitions, is part of the Reina Sofía Museum in a separate building in El Retiro park. The park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the museum is near the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. The stroll through the park and the gallery makes it well worth a visit. It’s currently temporarily closed for renovations until Dec 2025, but usually it is open every day and free to enter.”
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Quality Sportswear
“This is the best-curated vintage clothing store in Madrid, with a finely selected range of designer vintage and archive clothing and collectables. Run by two brothers, Charly and Nacho, it’s a key spot in the city to get a feel for Madrid’s youth culture. You’ll find an international atmosphere where you can mingle with the city’s young and creative crowd.”
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Bodegas El Maño
“This is a great place for an aperitif, lunch, or dinner, offering traditional tapas and dishes with a modern twist. The venue is traditional yet renovated, run by a young team that aims to keep the authentic vibe. It’s best to reserve a table in advance for meals, but no reservation is needed if you’re just stopping by for a drink. I’m a regular here and often hang out with international friends or hold casual professional meetings at this spot. If you come, you might even find me here!”
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Farah
“This restaurant blends flavours from Eastern Mediterranean Arab countries. It has a cozy atmosphere where chef and owner, Heba Kharouf, will gladly explain each dish to you. It’s a place I’d bring someone if I wanted to impress them. The ambience is laid-back and international, with a mix of younger, modern customers and locals from the neighbourhood. I recommend booking in advance.”
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Bar Cock
“There’s no bar like Cock in Madrid. It’s one of the city’s oldest cocktail bars, dating back to 1921. Located on a side street behind Gran Víia, it served as the back door and secret entrance to another famous cocktail bar on Gran Vía, called Chicote. History is palpable here. Luminaries such as Buñuel, Dalí, Audrey Hepburn, Ava Gardner, and Frank Sinatra have all passed through. The bar has an Old English-style decor, with dark carved wood walls and waiters serving you with white gloves. It’s still a meeting point for Madrid’s creative elite today and is open every day of the week.”
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La Gildería
“In Madrid, the aperitif, or pre-meal “vermouth hour,” is deeply ingrained, and there’s been a revival of pairing it with “Gildas” —a traditional pintxo from northern Spain. La Gildería specialises in Gildas, adding a signature experimental twist. You’ll find a wide variety of Gilda combinations (I recommend the sun-dried tomato, cheese, and basil) and an extensive selection of vermouths. The place has a contemporary, casual atmosphere, and reservations are not required.”
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Cine Doré
“This small, historic movie theatre with modernist architecture is located in the Anton Martín area, near the market of the same name. It’s now the home of the Spanish Film Archive. Besides the beautiful facade, I highly recommend going inside to watch a film and see the stunning restored blue main hall. Even the café at the entrance is worth a visit alone. They screen films from different eras in their original language. Be sure to check the schedule in advance. It’s a great plan any time of the year, with tickets priced at just 3 euros.”
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Segovia Bridge
“Walking along the Manzanares River always takes me to another time. It’s not a gushing river, but more of a biosphere reserve, with little water flow and lots of vegetation for birds and other species to nest. You can spot herons, ducks, and other birds. The views from Segovia Bridge are sick, offering a vista of the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, and North Station, all surrounded by greenery and pink skies at sunset. When you need a break, you can rest in the open space below the bridge or at the terrace kiosk nearby.”
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Ivorypress
“It is one of the best bookstores in Madrid with the widest selection of artist and photography books. Founded by Elena Ochoa Foster, it also functions as an exhibition space, editorial, and contemporary art consultancy. Though it’s not in the city centre, a visit is well worth the trip to get there. ”
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Mini(LAB)Mayor
“The new lab in Madrid to develop and print your analog images. They’ve just opened and are located right in the city center—perfect if you’re looking for convenience and personalized service. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re in town and need to get something printed!”
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