I have a terrible sweet tooth and living in Madrid does me absolutely no favours with its bakeries, churrerías and candy stores on every corner. My favourite, without a doubt, is the gorgeous Bombonería La Pajarita, with its lovely candies and beautiful atmosphere.
A new sensibility arose in 1850's Madrid as Madrileños sought out more refined luxuries. Opened in 1852 to meet this demand, La Pajarita is now the oldest confectioner in Madrid, with a long history of providing high-quality sweets to the city's elite.
Named for a popular origami bird which people used to create with napkins, La Pajarita's first location was opened in bustling Puerta del Sol by the Aznárez family. It still remains in their hands today, six generations later. In 1969, the family opened their current location in the tony Salamanca neighbourhood, across the street from the National Archaeology Museum.
Essences of violet, rose, lavender and mint are extracted to create their classic hard candies, and the Pajarita-shaped chocolates and seasonal Marrons Glacés are made only with the best ingredients. They also have ice cream! Jars of candies line the light blue walls and the antique decor gives La Pajarita a sophisticated old-world feel. Packaged in exquisite floral boxes and tied with a coloured ribbon, it is evident that great care and pride go into everything here.
Picking up my favourite mints and walking around the streets of Madrid with La Pajarita's classic pink and blue bag always makes my day feel extra special.
Find your way with 266 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
"La Mejor Tarta de Chocolate del Mundo" in Madrid doesn't just make the best chocolate cake in the world because the names says so. It's not joking around.
by
"Club Alma Sensai" in Madrid is a private club for women but also open to a few good men. It is a concept in exclusive leisure, fun and elegance...
by
"Cafe Berlin" in Madrid is a legendary club that has concerts and music until the early hours in the morning! It is a mix of cinema, theater & 20s bar...
by
"Taberna La Daniela" serves Madrid's typical meal, the cocido madrileño. For many locals, it's a tradition to come eat here at least once a year!
by
"Terraza Atenas" in Madrid is right next to the Palacio Real, the river Manzanares & Viaducto de Segovia. It's an outdoor bar with just the right hipness.
by
"El Capricho Extremeño" is a minuscule take-away in Madrid with excellent food and a great atmosphere. You should definitely go around 13:30 on a Sunday...
by
"Plaza de los Carros" in La Latina, Madrid is a great meeting point with a beautiful fountain and lots of sun. Come and enjoy the quiet surroundings...
by
"Santa Rita Brasería" in Madrid is a restaurant with character: it's exquisite and cosy at the same time. I love their menus and their smoked specialties.
by
"Restaurante Don Giovanni" in Madrid is a high-level Italian restaurant run by star chef Andrea Tumbarello. Even the plain carbonara looks exquisite here.
by
"Casa Postal" is Madrid is an old-school paradise for collectors of postcards, old photographs, dolls and more! Nostalgia is the protagonist here...
by
Famous "Guantes Luque" has been hand-making gloves around the corner of Madrid's Puerta del Sol since 1886. They truly make them to last a lifetime...
by
266 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 266 Insider Tips