The Fashion Insider’s Guide To Madrid

The founder of Spanish fashion label Celia B, Celia Bernardo, provides us with her fashion insider’s guide to Madrid, with what to see, where to stay, what to eat and, of course, where to shop. 

My Madrid 9-5

Madrid is a city I never tire of exploring. Beyond the grand boulevards and famous museums, there are neighborhoods that pulse with creativity, colour, and little surprises around every corner. For me, one of the most inspiring is Malasaña, a place where you can feel the city’s energy in the streets, the cafés, and even the boutiques.

I love experiencing Madrid on foot. Wandering allows me to discover the city’s hidden corners, quiet courtyards, and unexpected design gems. Some days I’ll start with a strong coffee, walk past a gallery, peek into a new concept store, and end with dinner in a spot I’ve never tried before. Nights in Madrid are just as exciting as days, you can travel back to the 80s at a local bar or catch the latest vibe at a contemporary hotspot.

What I love most about this city is its people. Artists, chefs, gallerists, and visionaries make Madrid feel like a living atelier. They inspire me every day and give the city its distinctive character. This is my guide to the Madrid I live, love, and explore — the spots I visit, the streets I wander, and the people I admire.

Where The Fashion Crowd Eat & Drink In Madrid

I usually start my mornings with coffee at Hanso or Pan y Pepinillos. Both have the perfect mix of charm and energy to kickstart the day.

For lunch, I often go to El Café Comercial. There’s something about its history and atmosphere that feels so authentically Madrid.

Dinner depends on my mood: sometimes I want something experimental at Mo de Movimiento, other times I crave the playful, immersive experience of Sala de Despiece. For me, food in Madrid is about discovery, it’s where creativity and tradition meet.

Chic Places To Stay In Madrid

Where I stay depends on the kind of day I want to have. If I’m traveling on a budget, Bastardo is quirky and full of personality. But when I want to treat myself, Madrid Edition or Santo Mauro are unbeatable.

I love Edition for its rooftop garden, the marble pool table in the lounge, and the soft textures everywhere. It’s one of those places where every corner feels like it’s meant to be photographed, or just enjoyed slowly while planning your day in the city.

© David Fernandez

What To See

Of course, I love showing visitors my showroom in Malasaña (Calle San Andrés 20, 3D). It’s right in the heart of the neighbourhood, and it really captures the creative spirit of our brand. Around it, Malasaña is full of inspiration; colourful streets, little shops, and the best hidden spots for people-watching.

I also never miss walking along the street where Museo del Prado, Thyssen, and Reina Sofía are all close together. But my favourite thing to do in Madrid is simply wander. Turn corners, get a little lost, find a secret courtyard; there’s so much magic in the small, unexpected details.

Shops & Studios To Check Out In Madrid

Malasaña is full of treasures. Besides my showroom, I love visiting Sin Clon Ni Son, Nest Boutique & El Moderno, the Sybilla shop in Noviciado, and Pequeña Inglaterra. Each shop has its own personality and feels like a small discovery, which is exactly why I keep coming back.

Madrid After Dark

Madrid at night is a story of contrasts. I sometimes go to La Vía Láctea to feel the energy of the 80s – there’s a magic in that nostalgia. Other nights, I prefer Gilda Haus, which has a more modern, curated vibe. Both feel completely Madrid to me, just in different ways.

Local Legends & Who to Know

I love spotting Pedro Almodóvar around the city. He slips into cafés, enjoys a crepe, and reminds me that the city shapes its artists as much as they shape it.

Madrid is full of inspiring people. Clara Diez is my go-to cheesemonger – she’s the coolest. Nino Kiltava gathers the city’s who’s who around her Georgian restaurants, and Sara Aznar & Nacho Ventosa of Los 33 have made their restaurant the place to be.

In the art world, I admire Armando Mesías, Anton Aiguabella, Enrique del Río, and Sabrina Amrani, all of whom make Madrid feel like a living, breathing gallery.

Other favourites include Paula Móvil, the incredible PR at Edition; Natalia Swarz, who created the dreamy Museum of Minis; Ferchi de la Puente, whose yoga studio is a must; and beauty innovators Gabriella Salord and Anabel Vázquez, who keep Madrid on the cutting edge of wellness and style.

Madrid Under The Radar

Some of my favourite spots aren’t in any guidebook. Small studios, quiet ateliers, and local makers are where Madrid’s true creativity lives. These are the corners of the city that inspire me the most, and I love sharing them with friends who are curious enough to explore. 

The Last Word

The best way to know Madrid is on foot, exploring streets, meeting people, and letting its food, design, and energy surprise you every day.

Find out more about Celia B’s designs at celiab.com