MADRID : Walking With Paloma and Cristina Rato

Madrid is a city that doesn’t just invite you in, it pulls you in. 

With its bold colors, golden light, and the unmistakable scent of slow Sundays and strong coffee, the Spanish capital has a way of wrapping itself around you.

Paloma and Cristina Rato are co-founders of the elegant shoe brand AUGUSTA. For them, Madrid is not only where they live, it’s where they belong. It’s where their brand was born, where their creative energy thrives, where a community of thinkers and friends fuels their everyday rhythm.

In this exclusive Madrid city guide for IRK Magazine, they share the places that inspire them. From tranquil coffee spots and under-the-radar boutiques to rooftop cocktails. Whether you’re planning a first visit or rediscovering the city through their eyes, this guide is your invitation to experience Madrid the AUGUSTA way: with curiosity, intention, and unmistakable style.

Who are you?

We’re Paloma and Cristina, co-founders of AUGUSTA, a shoe brand proudly born in Madrid. Our journey began with a shared vision, one deeply rooted in timeless design, craftsmanship, and Spanish savoir-faire. From the very beginning, we wanted to create more than just shoes. Instead, we set out to design pieces that speak to the rhythm of real life, refined, resilient, and quietly bold.

AUGUSTA is for women who walk with intention. Women who move through the world with elegance, strength, and a sense of purpose. With every collection, we aim to balance heritage and modernity, comfort and sophistication, always honoring the beauty of movement. Because for us, style is not static, it’s always in motion, just like the women we design for.

What is the city, and why did you choose it?

Madrid is our city, in every way. It’s where we live, where we create, and where so many of our dreams have taken shape.

Not only are our headquarters based here, but so is our heart. Day by day, this city continues to inspire us with its energy and openness.

Right now, Madrid is in its prime, cosmopolitan, forward-thinking, and alive with creative momentum. There’s a vibrant pulse that runs through its streets, and wherever you go, you feel it. More importantly, Madrid is a place where everyone is welcome. That spirit of inclusivity, of effortless freedom, is something we carry into our work at AUGUSTA, from the way we design to the women we design for.

Best Restaurant & Why in Madrid ?

Charrúa, Calle del Conde de Xiquena, 4, Madrid

At Charrúa, quality is everything, and it shows. From the very first bite, you can taste the care behind every dish. The meat is perfectly grilled, the vegetables are seasonal, simple, and honest, and the wine list is just as broad as it is thoughtfully curated.

Beyond the food, the setting strikes a beautiful balance between rustic and refined. Sturdy wooden tables, soft candlelight, and genuinely warm service create an atmosphere that feels both elevated and effortlessly welcoming. In short, it’s the kind of place you discover once and keep coming back to, again and again.

Date Night, Where, What, Why, and When?

La Parra, Calle de Monte Esquinza, 34, Madrid

For a romantic dinner, La Parra is always our go-to. Tucked away in the city, this Anglo-Andalusian gem brings together the best of both worlds, a touch of British charm with the warmth of Andalusian soul. Here, Madrid’s fashion insiders casually mingle with creatives from the art world, creating an atmosphere that feels both curated and completely organic.

While the ambiance is discreet, there’s a quiet buzz that makes the evening feel alive. The cocktails are perfectly balanced, the dishes are elegant yet comforting, and the overall experience is designed to linger in your memory. For an extra touch of intimacy, we suggest going midweek, when the pace slows and the magic of the place really shines.

Street Food Choice?

Mercado de Antón Martín, Calle de Santa Isabel, 5, 28012 Madrid

Tucked away from tourist paths, Mercado de Antón Martín is a true hidden gem. At first glance, it seems like a classic market. However, step inside and you’ll uncover a world of flavors.

Here, third-generation butchers stand beside sleek Japanese omakase counters. Just steps away, Venezuelan arepas and organic vermouth await.

This mix of tradition and innovation turns every visit into a new discovery. In short, it’s authentic, diverse, and always surprising.

For street food lovers, it’s a must, a real taste of Madrid.

Favorite Bar & Why?

Bar Trafalgar, Calle de Alburquerque, 14, Madrid

Bar Trafalgar perfectly captures the effortless spirit of Madrid. 

From the moment you walk in, there’s a sense of authenticity, tiled walls, vintage mirrors, and a classic zinc bar nod to the city’s past, while a subtle modern touch keeps it fresh.

The menu stays true to tradition, but with a level of care that elevates every bite. The tapas are exceptional, especially the tender artichokes, and the pisco sour? Easily one of the best in town.

Without a doubt, it’s the kind of place where you sit down for a casual lunch and, before you know it, you’re still there as dinner rolls in, the conversation flowing, the glasses refilled, and time blissfully forgotten.

Favorite Coffee Spot?

Café Osom Atelier, Calle de Santa Teresa, 2, 28004 Madrid

At Café Osom, every detail feels intentional. 

From the poured concrete surfaces to the soft wooden accents and delicate handmade ceramics, the space is designed to slow you down. Even the coffee, brewed with almost monastic calm, invites you to pause and savor.

There’s no rush here, no background noise competing for your attention just a rare sense of stillness that’s hard to find in a city like Madrid.

In many ways, it’s our urban sanctuary, a place where creativity resets and quiet moments matter..

Name an Area of Madrid You Love & Why?

We absolutely adore Justicia, Madrid’s unofficial creative district.

It’s the kind of neighborhood where inspiration lives on every corner. From morning to night, designers, stylists, and editors move through its streets, giving the area a quiet but unmistakable buzz.

Here, independent concept stores sit next to cult-favorite wine bars, while neoclassical buildings have been transformed into contemporary art galleries. Even the cafés feel intimate, more like beautifully curated living rooms than commercial spaces.

What we love most, though, is how Justicia always has something new to offer. Yet, no matter how many times you return, it never stops feeling like home.

Museum, What makes this museum a must-visit?

Museo del Prado, Paseo del Prado, Madrid

A visit to the Museo del Prado is nothing short of essential. 

As one of the most important art institutions in the world, it holds an extraordinary collection of European masterpieces. A true treasure trove spanning centuries.

Inside, you’ll encounter the genius of Velázquez, the drama of Goya, the mysticism of El Greco, and the richness of Rubens, among countless others. But more than that, each visit offers something entirely new. The light changes, your gaze shifts, and suddenly, a familiar painting tells a different story.

In short, you never see the same museum twice, and that’s exactly what makes it so unforgettable.

Favorite Boutique/Shop – Where do you go for fashion or home decor?

Misia, Calle de Amaniel, 19, Madrid

Misia is a boutique with a bold, global curation—perfect for fashion lovers in search of something beyond the mainstream.

Tristan Domecq, CASTELLÓ 59, LOCAL 1 28001 MADRID

Victoire Home, C. de Serrano, 120, Salamanca, 28006 Madrid

When it comes to home décor, Tristan Domecq and Victoire Home offer timeless, textural, and irresistibly tactile designs. It’s about elegance without excess.

Where Can You Be Found on a Saturday Night in Madrid?

Casa Música, C. de San Mateo, 22, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Espagne

Del Diego, C. de la Reina, 12, Centro, 28004 Madrid

Bar Cock, C. de la Reina, 16, Centro, 28004 Madrid

PlayBack Karaoke, C. de Piamonte, 12, Centro, 28004 Madrid

We’re always drawn to discovering new spots, especially when it comes to Madrid’s nightlife. 

The city pulses with energy after dark, offering endless possibilities and unexpected gems. Lately, one of our favorite places has been Casa Música. Where the wine flows generously, conversations stretch long into the night, and people-watching feels like a curated performance in itself.

From there, we might slip into Del Diego or the iconic Bar Cock for perfectly mixed cocktails in spaces that carry a bit of old-school glamour. And then, when the mood turns playful and the group gets bigger, we head to PlayBack, a karaoke bar cheekily tucked behind a designer boutique.

Because in Madrid, the night never ends where you expect it to. There’s always a surprise just around the corner.

It’s Sunday in Madrid. What Do You Do?

Sundays are made for La Latina. 

It’s where we meet friends and enjoy the sun with leisurely aperitifs, usually near El Rastro, Madrid’s famous flea market.

First, we stop at La Gildería for a relaxed drink in a lively setting. Then, we settle in for a long, indulgent lunch at Farah, where the flavors match the vibrant neighborhood.

All in all, it’s the perfect mix of energy and ease, a true reminder that Madrid knows how to do Sundays right.

Where Do You Go for Peace and Quiet?

Whenever we need a full reset, we escape to Asturias, our birthplace in northern Spain. Nestled along the coast, it’s where our parents still live in a peaceful, small town by the sea.

Being there, surrounded by the soothing sounds of waves, the calm of silence, and the warmth of family, helps us reconnect with ourselves.

In many ways, it’s our personal retreat, a quiet refuge away from the city’s constant noise and rush.

One Must-Do Experience in Madrid?

Live the city, walk around, stop at any bar for a refreshing caña (glass of beer) and a pincho de tortilla. Enjoy the sun and the energy of the city.

Final Word

Madrid is so much more than just a backdrop, it’s our muse. 

For us at AUGUSTA, it’s where rich tradition meets boundless creativity, where timeless elegance always carries a bold edge. Indeed, every street corner has the potential to spark the next great idea.

While this guide offers a glimpse, it’s only the beginning. Ultimately, the real Madrid is something you have to experience firsthand, to walk its streets, feel its energy, and let it inspire you in your own unique way.

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Want some more ? Take a look at : Augusta The Brand: Sisters Redefine Quiet Luxury Shoes

Augusta The Brand: Sisters Redefine Quiet Luxury Shoes