Madrid is a city that reveals itself in the everyday—long lunches that turn into late nights, neighborhoods that shift block by block, a pace that’s entirely its own. And if anyone knows how to tap into that energy, it’s Nigel Hack, who has spent more than three decades living- and really living- in the Spanish capital.
The founder and CEO of Madrid & Beyond, a Madrid-based travel company that plans high-end bespoke trips for travelers visiting Spain and Portugal, first arrived from his native England in 1992. He went back thome and took a teaching job at an elite British school, but eventually gave in to his Spain pull, returning in 1997 to live in Madrid full-time.
“Madrid is full of little idiosyncrasies, scenes, and everyday details that I simply don’t encounter anywhere else,” Hack says. “It’s a city that lives by a quiet “live and let live” philosophy. People are open, non-judgmental, and genuinely welcoming, whether you’re visiting, moving here from another part of Spain, or arriving from overseas.”
He also values Madrid’s sense of community, where “people of all ages live side by side: young families, professionals, older generations.” “That mix creates a genuine neighborhood feel that hasn’t been lost,” Hack says.
According to Hack, Madrid is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own rhythm and personality. “Sometimes you notice the shift just by crossing a street, and that contrast is part of what gives the city its richness and character,” he says.
If you’re the social type, Hack wants you to know that Madrileños, as the locals are called, have “a long-standing love of life after dark.” “The nightlife isn’t just for one group or generation; it’s something that spans all ages, and it feels both lively and safe,” he says.
But what Hack loves most about his adopted home is that it’s a place where you can be entirely yourself. “There’s no pressure to fit a mold… being who you are is enough,” he says. “That’s probably the hardest thing to explain but also the most important. There’s something about Madrid that stays with people. It’s not just what you see, it’s how the city makes you feel.”
Nigel Hack’s Top Madrid Recommendations:
Neighborhoods
“I lived in the neighborhood of Chamberí for nearly twelve years, and it remains my favorite. It’s not the most famous, nor the most fashionable, but that’s precisely its charm. It’s a place where Madrid unfolds at its own pace, away from the bustle of the more touristy parts of town. The simple rhythm and routines of daily life… mornings with coffee at a local café where the same faces appear each day… daytime local stores where you still find the owners, evenings stretch out over unhurried dinners in traditional taverns or on local terraces (terrazas).”
“Also Justicia. I love the architecture; elegant 19th-century buildings, wide streets, and plazas like Plaza de las Salesas that give it a quiet sense of character. It’s central, yet it still feels genuinely local. Around Calle de Barquillo, there’s a great mix of independent boutiques, cafés, and restaurants that are stylish without being too cool for school.”
Hotel
“It sits in a prime part of the city (Salamanca neighborhood), yet manages to feel completely removed from the more touristic side of Madrid. You genuinely feel like you’re part of the capital’s day-to-day life here, rather than just passing through it. There’s a very distinct local energy to the hotel. It attracts a well-heeled Madrid crowd, whether in the lobby, the bar, or over a long lunch.”
“Of course, the fundamentals are exactly what you’d expect at this level- the rooms are beautifully done, the service is polished, and everything runs seamlessly.”
Restaurants
“As soon as you push past the heavy curtain, ascend the stairs and see the meat being grilled, plus the beautiful décor and character within, you know you’re in a great restaurant. The Uruguayan owner has ensured that some of the best meat is served here, so I always go for a steak- usually the “Solomillo” but on special occasions, I have indulged with the Galician beef rib steak (chuletón), dry-aged for 50 days. Plus, I just love the side green “San Ramón” salad… just fresh lettuce and onion but the dressing is soooo good.”
For tapas, Hack recommends Taberna y Media, near the Retiro Park in the Ibiza neighborhood.
“I always order the Bravas. The owner and chef, José Luis Martínez, won first prize at the 1st World Championship for Patatas Bravas! The Torreznos- a traditional Spanish dish made from pork belly- is also outstanding here.”
“With outstanding seafood and fish dishes, it enjoys one of the capital’s most exclusive addresses. The atmosphere is warm and refined, with elegant presentation and attentive, polished service throughout. Specializing in cuisine from Asturias, it offers a sophisticated take on classic dishes, executed with real precision.”
Attractions
“The Prado is THE standout Museum…. one of the world’s great art galleries. Another “attraction” would be the local markets in the center.”
Madrid, Spain
