REAL JARDÍN BOTÁNICO
The Royal Botanical Garden, the entrance to which is adjacent to the Prado Museum is an institution that dates back to 1755 (in its current location since 1781) founded in order to exhibit plants and teach botany as well as promoting the study and classification of plant species. Its history is closely connected to the Spain’s colonial empire and the Age of Enlightenment when modern scientific method first emerged. Nowadays the Real Jardín Botánico covers 8 hectares, the grounds are organised over 3 levels that accommodates seven outdoor sections and five greenhouses. The herbarium alone contains more than a million plant species sourced from around the globe.

FUNDACIÓ FRANCISCO GINER DE LOS RÍOS
The Free Educational Institution was founded in the 19th Century by a group of university professors under Francisco Giner de los Ríos (1839 – 1915), philosopher, educator and intellectual as a constantly evolving laboratory for new teaching methods, underpinned by a belief that society can be reformed through education. The built project was completely refurbished in 2014 by Cero9 Architects with the focus on the garden spaces that occupy the voids between the buildings. This idea reflects Francisco Giner de los Ríos’ belief that landscape was “an educational resource as well as one of the main products of culture.” These green spaces transform over the course of the year with the changing seasons, the building facades are considered an extension of the garden.

CAIXAFORUM MADRID
The Caixa Forum cultural centre situated opposite the Prado Museum was designed by the renowned Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, a gravity defying refurbishment of a former industrial building that now accommodates temporary exhibitions managed by Obra Social “la Caixa” affiliated with CaixaBank, one of Spain’s most important banks. The ground floor is almost entirely disconnected from the ground plane with only a stair that leads to the upper floors that accommodate the exhibition space and cafeteria. Opened in 2008 the building itself is as much a reason to visit as its exhibitions; the scale, materials and detailing betray a practice at the top of its game. Entrance is free for clients of Caixa Bank.

MATADERO MADRID
A sprawling precinct of 48 industrial buildings formerly used as a slaughter house and livestock market up until 1996 when it was acquired by the Madrid City Council and completely refurbished in order to become a contemporary arts centre. The Matadero is a laboratory of interdisciplinary creativity closely connected to the city of Madrid, situated in the Arganzuela district, between the city centre and the Manzanares river, the activities include cinema, performing arts, visual arts and artist residencies. The Matadero represents a necessary foil to the city’s extraordinary classical art collections ensuring a continuation of the city’s visual arts culture into the 21st Century.

MUSEO SOROLLA
Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida the Valencia born painter who better than any other artist captured the unique light of the Mediterranean on canvas lived and worked here up until his death in 1923. The house which Sorolla commissioned from architect Enrique María de Repullés y Vargas during his life was subsequently converted into a museum of his work after his widow passed away. The original furniture of the main living areas and his painting studio are preserved together with the garden where he painted many of his subjects. This museum located in the city centre represents an intimate portrait of both the man and the artist who specialised in portraits and landscapes.

JOY ESLAVA
Occupying this building on Arenal just off Plaza del Sol since 1981, Joy Eslava takes its name from the Eslava Theatre that was formerly located here. During that decade it became one of the favourite haunts of the Movida madrileña, a group of artists including director Almodóvar and pop star Alaska that shaped the city’s vibrant cultural scene after the introduction of democracy. Hosting live performances, parties as well as social events the club is a vital part of the Madrid nightlife scene. Be warned however that Spanish socialising has its own rhythm, although open from 12 midnight nobody gets here till after 2 a.m.



SHOPPING

BORCA
The traditional mantilla shawl is one of the clothing garments most associated with Spain, one that is still used in the southern region of Andalusia. Borca is a famous shop located in Madrid’s city centre (between the Paza Mayor and Puerta del Sol) with a wide selection of different shawls, both mantilla and other types available in traditional and more contemporary styles in a range of textiles. With a large exhibition area that also includes home textiles such as bed clothes, towels, table cloths, napkins etc. the shop is renowned for its hand embroidered products. There’s also a baby section. A great gift idea, an authentic Spanish souvenir.

EL PARACAIDISTA
This concept store located in the Malasaña neighbourhood is one of the trendiest places in Madrid currently, a retail experience unlike anything else in the city inspired by sophisticated conceptual stores in Tokyo, New York and London (there’s even a cinema). Four floors accommodated within an historic building showcasing fashion, design, technology, books, music, beauty products as well as a kids section. If it all gets too much there’s a cocktail bar and rooftop restaurant. El Paracaidista (meaning parachutist) offers a delivery service which makes life easier by not having to carry any bags around.

FLORISTERÍA FRANSEN ET LAFITE
Much more than just a flower shop Floristería Fransen et Lafite offers all things olfactory related such as home perfumes and scented candles as well as decorative objects. The floral traditions of Holland, France and Spain are combined here reflecting the origins of the proprietors Patrick Fransen and Francisco Javier Alcain Lafite, the latter an interior and landscape designer. Located around the corner from Mercado San Miguel this shop is an Aladdin’s cave of perfumes, colours and beautiful objects, one that changes over the seasons as different flowers and plants come into bloom.

MALABABA
Malababa is a company specialising in the production of leather goods including bags, limited edition jewellery, shoes and decorative objects. Everything is designed and made in Spain at their workshops located in Madrid, Ubrique (Cádiz) and Alicante. Malababa has shops and sales points throughout the country, its most recent shop to open is on C/ Serrano, one of the most exclusive shopping areas of Madrid. The space measuring 190 sq.m. features an avant-garde and minimalist decoration which also defines this brand’s designs that exalts the qualities of the raw materials. Founded in 2000 the brand has grown exponentially over recent years, from two annual collections Malababa now produces new products in all its lines on a monthly basis.

La Terraza which crowns The Principal Madrid is the ideal backdrop for meeting friends for a drink at the heart of the city centre, with one of the most extraordinary panoramic views that the city Madrid has to offer within a cosmopolitan and elegant.

Enjoy the selection of classic traditional cocktails, like the mythical Dry Martini or a perfectly prepared Gin&Tonic alongside more creative mixology options, served in an authentic urban garden landscaped with olive trees, cypresses and other plants providing 360° views over the Madrid skyline accompanied by a carefully curated musical soundtrack.

La Terraza is closed during the autumn and winter months and is open during spring/summer.

Situated in one of the capital’s most iconic locations, just at the start of Madrid’s Gran Vía, the Ático restaurant hosts Chef Ramón Freixa’s most intuitive and informal gastronomic project, the chef with two Michelin stars under his belt serves a day-to-day type cuisine: simple Prêt-à-Porter dishes based on traditional Spanish recipes but which nevertheless are guaranteed to surprise. Intuitive and fresh cooking with an innovative and creative flourish presented beautifully.

The restaurant space is accommodated on the sixth floor of The Principal Madrid Hotel and with which it shares truly impressive vistas over the heart of the city within a stately interior that is eclectic, warm and comfortable. And in addition the adjacent light filled “La Pérgola” terrace also serves a wide variety of classic and creative & signature cocktails signed by the award-winning Manel Vehí, as does the rooftop La Terraza with its jaw-dropping 360º views of the Madrid skyline within an ambience that is best described as sophisticated and warm, like a private club which is the perfect place for an after-work drink with colleagues, a romantic dinner or to catch up with friends.

You are cordially invited to visit the hotel's “Wellbeing Zone”. An area designed for your complete wellbeing that includes an exclusive and very well equipped fitness facility on the second floor with top-of-the-range Technogym machines and including some exercise routines recommended for being in shape while away from home.

This wellbeing area also includes an exclusive treatments room offering Natura Bissé products as well as a wide range of beauty treatments.

And, of course you are also very welcome to join yoga sessions.

Personal training and running in the city can also be arranged.