Literary Madrid at Sunset: Tótem Madrid & The Principal
Golden sunsets, rooftop cocktails, and literary trails – your guide to a romantic weekend in Spain’s soulful capital.
Why Madrid is Made for Lovers
Madrid is a city of passion, not loud and showy, but simmering beneath the surface. It’s in the heat of a shared tapa, the hush of a museum corridor, the guitar riff floating from a doorway in Malasaña. Hemingway fell for it, Almodóvar framed it, and poets continue to write verses in its cafes. From Retiro’s rowboats to Gran Vía’s Art Deco skyline, Madrid offers couples a weekend of timeless elegance and heartfelt moments.
This city doesn’t just flirt—it romances. Each neighborhood reveals a new mood: the stately boulevards of Salamanca, the artistic intimacy of Huertas, the bohemian flair of Malasaña, the grandeur of the Paseo del Prado. Whether you're sharing a bottle of Rioja at a rooftop bar or tracing literary quotes in cobblestone, Madrid will charm you slowly, thoroughly, and with impeccable taste.
Friday Afternoon: Check-In at Tótem Madrid
Where to Stay: Tótem Madrid
Begin your romantic escape in Barrio de Salamanca, where broad boulevards meet boutique glamour. Tótem Madrid is discreet luxury—Parisian blue walls, herringbone wood floors, and soft jazz in the lobby. Rooms are bright and modern, with rainfall showers, plush beds, and windows opening onto quiet, leafy streets. It's refined without being fussy, and ideal for couples who appreciate design with soul.
Unpack, unwind, and toast with a vermouth from the hotel bar. Salamanca’s upscale boutiques are steps away if you're in the mood for a spontaneous gift run—perhaps a silk scarf or limited-edition scent to remember the trip by.
First Strolls
Head south for a slow paseo into El Retiro Park, Madrid’s green heart. Rent a rowboat on the pond and drift under the shadow of the Monument to Alfonso XII. Visit the Palacio de Cristal, a glass jewel nestled among sycamores that often hosts poetic contemporary art installations. As the light softens, share an ice cream by the fountains, lounge on the grass under whispering trees, and watch the city pass by in slow motion.
Before heading back to the hotel, stop at Calle Jorge Juan, known for its quiet elegance and beautiful terraces—perfect for a glass of cava or two.
Friday Night: Cocktails, Flamenco & Golden Light
Start your evening with a pre-dinner drink at Habanera, a chic cocktail bar housed in a colonial-style villa with lush interiors and a tropical vibe. Sip mojitos under palm fronds as the sky blushes pink.
Book a front-row table at Cardamomo Tablao Flamenco, one of the most authentic tablaos in the city. You’ll be drawn into an electric hour of song, dance, and guitar—the passion of flamenco echoing in your bones.
After the show, take a leisurely walk through Plaza Mayor, where golden lighting transforms the arcades into a romantic film set. Wind your way through Calle Cava Baja in La Latina for a last glass of red or a shared plate of manchego. Or if the mood strikes, find a cozy churrería and split a portion of churros con chocolate.
Back at Tótem, toast to your first magical night in Madrid.
Enjoy a slow breakfast in bed with freshly brewed café con leche and buttery pastries, or head to the lobby café for a locally inspired breakfast spread. Then wander into the Barrio de las Letras, Madrid’s Literary Quarter.
Stroll the very streets where Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and Quevedo once lived and wrote. Their legacy is etched into the pavement—literally—with famous quotes engraved between cobblestones. Pop into Lope de Vega’s House Museum, a preserved 17th-century home with tranquil gardens that whisper of simpler, poetic times.
Pause for a cortado at Café del Príncipe, then continue toward the Prado Museum. Skip the line and marvel at Goya’s haunting black paintings, the drama of Rubens, and the intricate detail of Velázquez’s Las Meninas. For a lighter contrast, walk over to CaixaForum, a contemporary art space with a lush vertical garden adorning its entrance.
Saturday Afternoon: Check-In at The Principal Madrid
It’s time to turn the volume up. Leave the leafy calm of Salamanca behind and check into The Principal Madrid, an iconic address on Gran Vía, Madrid’s answer to Broadway meets Champs-Élysées.
From the moment you step inside, the Principal’s vibe is one of elegance and drama. Velvet headboards, black marble bathrooms, and moody lighting set the tone. Book a suite with a private terrace if you can—you’ll want to linger here.
Before you unpack, make your way to the rooftop garden, where sculptural fountains and lemon trees offer a serene oasis high above the buzzing city. Order olives, jamón, and sparkling cava. From here, Madrid feels both thrilling and yours.
Saturday Night: Rooftop Romance & Fine Dining
Stay in-house tonight—it’s worth it. Ático, The Principal’s Michelin-starred restaurant, is helmed by Chef Ramón Freixa. The menu is elegant, seasonal, and ideal for sharing. From truffled eggs to lobster rice, every dish is designed to be savored slowly.
After dinner, ascend to the rooftop bar, one of the best in the city. Fairy lights twinkle above, jazz floats through the speakers, and the skyline glows with promise. Order gin tonics—Madrid’s specialty—and cuddle into one of the lounge corners. If you’re lucky, there’ll be a DJ spinning smooth soul or bossa nova.
Sunday Morning: Art, Parks & Goodbyes
Rise slowly. The light in your suite is golden, the city outside still half-asleep. Consider one last cultural hit: Museo Reina Sofía, home of Picasso’s Guernica, or the Thyssen-Bornemisza, with its eclectic blend of masters and modernists.
If you prefer something relaxed, head to Lavapiés. This artsy, multicultural neighborhood is full of independent cafes and murals. Try Pum Pum Café or Hola Coffee for brunch with a local twist.
Return to The Principal for a final treat: a rooftop brunch with views that stretch from Metropolis Dome to the Sierra in the distance. Eggs Benedict, flaky croissants, and a mimosa toast to the weekend you just lived.
It’s time to say hasta luego—but the memories will linger long after you leave.
Community FAQ
Q: What’s a romantic budget for 48 hours in Madrid? A: Expect €1,000–€1,800 for two, including boutique hotel stays, fine dining, museum visits, and a few rooftop cocktails. Add more for upgraded suites or private tours.
Q: Best time to visit Madrid as a couple? A: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are perfect—sunny, mild, and ideal for strolling. Winters are cozy; summers sizzle.
Q: Most romantic spots? A: El Retiro’s rowboats, sunset from the Debod Temple, The Principal’s rooftop, Literary Quarter's cobbled alleys, and Lavapiés cafes. Bonus: The streets around Plaza de Oriente glow at golden hour.
Q: Is Madrid walkable for a weekend trip? A: Absolutely. Most attractions are within a 30-minute walk. Comfortable shoes and a flexible spirit are all you need.
Published by Top World Hotel — your guide to the world’s most exceptional boutique and luxury stays.
