Five Reasons to Visit Madrid by a Jewelry Designer

Jessica is the founder and designer of Zahava Jewelry and The Brave Collection, a Forbes 30 Under 30, a wife to Patrick Yee (ex-CMO of Refinery29), and a mother to young son Ezra. The family moved to Madrid a few years ago to follow the living abroad dream, and as new parents in a new city, they’ve got a super interesting take.

Part of our Five Reasons series, here you’ll find the most local of tips – from unique hotels to small businesses and secret spots (we trust you to keep these on the DL). Because we firmly believe there’s no better way to get to know a place than when guided by someone who knows it best.

Read on for Jessica’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Madrid.

Name: Jessica Hendricks Yee

Where you live: Justicia, Madrid

Where you’re from: New York

What you do: Designer of Zahava, fine jewelry inspired by the wisdom of the past

Five reasons to visit Madrid

The hotel

Stay at the Urso Hotel –  my favorite boutique hotel in Madrid. You’ll get so excited pulling up to the doors, as the architecture is stunning and it’s on the perfect block. The lobby is the ideal place to people-watch while enjoying some Iberico ham, and taking in the original Urso scent by candlelight.

The market

Just across the street from the Urso is our local Barcelo Market, which has tens of stalls, selling everything from fresh fish to meats and freshly baked baguettes. It’s a great way to get a sense of the local culture.  Pro tip: The organic fruit stall is killer, but you mustn’t touch the fruit! Point to what you’d like and the woman behind the counter will pull the perfect piece for you with her gloved hand.

The bakery

The most divine bakery is La Duquesita. This hundred-something-year-old spot looks right out of a Wes Anderson film, and everything they make is out of this world delicious (and beautiful).

The thing to do

Visit the wild peacocks in the sprawling and perfectly manicured El Retiro Park.

The food and drink

Try the razor clams at Sala de Despiece, the coolest tapas bar in Madrid. They don’t take reservations, so come early and prepare to limbo under the communal table to get to a seat. Afterward, head over to the best cocktail bar –  Supernova. It’s a maze of tiny, impeccably designed rooms where you can sit, dance and sip. It’s chic as hell.

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