A Romantic Couple’s Guide to Madrid

Madrid’s regal parks and gardens definitely inspire love. Rowing a boat on the lake at the Retiro Park on a sunny day will be a bonding experience, followed by a walk through the Palacio de Cristal, a building made entirely of glass. Or, for just a couple euros, visit Madrid’s Botanical Gardens, which are especially lovely in spring, as the blooming lilies and tulips seem to stretch on for miles. The bonsai tree garden is a quirky exhibit that you can visit during any season to see different bonsai trees from around the world.

It’s no secret Madrid has some of the most beautiful boulevards. The Paseo del Prado’s tree-lined walkways are perfect for wandering an afternoon away. Malasaña’s tiny cobblestone streets, lined with quirky boutiques, coffee shops and tapas bars are perfect for exploring new spots. Sitting on a bench in any of Madrid’s beautiful plazas, like the Plaza Olavide or the Plaza España, and to have a drink, snack and people-watch is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with your significant other.

There are several rooftop bars and plazas where you can see the sunset in Madrid, and watching one with your significant other will make you fall in love all over again. Seeing the fiery orange and pink hues as the sun goes down from the Templo de Debod or the Círculo de Bellas Artes will reignite the fire in your own relationship.

A passionate getaway to the outskirts of Madrid is a great way for couples to escape the busy city. Segovia is less than an hour away, and features a Roman aqueduct, a 16th century cathedral and a massive castle resembling the Cinderella Castle at Disney World. Chinchón, also less than an hour away, has a special Plaza Mayor, with 234 balconies overlooking the circular main square. Many of the balconies are restaurants where you can sit outside and enjoy a meal in this peaceful, relaxing village. Both towns are accessible by a variety of options such as train, bus or car.

Madrid is one of the very best places for sampling and tasting wine. Couples will love the intimate La Fisna wine bar in the youthful Lavapiés neighborhood, where lovers and friends lounge among a wall of wine and exposed brick as they sip vino varieties from all over Spain. Or, be dazzled by the market Platea, a former theater with several floors of market stalls, restaurants and bars where you can enjoy tapas and wine.

When looking for a place to stay in Madrid as a couple, boutique is the way to go. The Dear Hotel’s rooms have romantic balconies overlooking Gran Via and a rooftop pool.

The Only You’s new property near the Atocha railway station has a quaint lobby with pop-up cocktail bars from New York, and a 7th floor rooftop eatery with amazing views of the city.