Elsa Pataky, who has lived in Australia for a decade, shares what she misses most about Spain. She details her must-visit places in Madrid and how the city has changed for her.
Madrid has undergone a striking transformation in recent years, according to Elsa Pataky, who returned to the Spanish capital to mark a decade as ambassador for Gioseppo. The actress, who spent her first 24 years in Madrid before relocating abroad, now divides her time between Australia and international film sets. Despite her long absence, Pataky says the city feels more cosmopolitan than ever, with a surge in new restaurants, terraces, and hotels redefining its urban landscape.
Pataky describes a familiar ritual each time she lands at Barajas Airport: meeting friends for dinner at the latest trendy restaurants. She emphasizes that Madrid's culinary scene is a major draw, especially for someone who misses Spanish flavors while living in Byron Bay. Her first stop is always a plate of jamón ibérico and tortilla de patatas, two staples she finds irreplaceable outside Spain.
Family and tradition remain central to her visits. Pataky notes that the Spanish custom of sobremesa—lingering at the table for hours after a meal—is something she cannot replicate in Australia. She values these extended conversations with friends and family, highlighting how such moments are unique to Spanish culture. Her children, raised in Australia, are fascinated by these traditions and the stories behind them, which are absent from their daily life abroad.
When asked about the places that evoke nostalgia, Pataky points to the neighborhoods and streets of her childhood in Madrid. Although her family no longer owns a home there, she often returns to those areas to reconnect with her roots. She admits that, as a public figure, visiting crowded spots like Plaza Mayor can be challenging, but she still enjoys the city's vibrant atmosphere and feels warmly received by locals.
Pataky's recommendations for first-time visitors to Madrid focus on the essentials: strolling through the historic center, sampling tapas, jamón, and tortilla de patatas, and enjoying the city's many terraces. For shopping, she prefers Zara and accessories from Loewe, while Diptyque candles are her go-to gift. She singles out Arima on Ponzano for Basque cuisine, Bar Manero as her latest discovery, and Restaurante Lana for dining with her husband, who appreciates its meat-focused menu.
Family outings often include attending one of Madrid's many shows, reflecting the city's broad cultural offerings. Pataky names the Thyssen Museum as a personal favorite, and for meeting friends, she recommends cocktails at Hotel Santo Mauro. El Retiro remains her preferred park, while Tacha Beauty is her chosen beauty spot. Chamberí stands out as her favorite neighborhood for its mix of lively venues and quiet streets.
For accommodations, Pataky suggests The Madrid Edition and its Oroya restaurant. Recent excursions have taken her to Pedraza and the Casa Taberna hotel, as well as to Cáceres for a meal at Atrio and a visit to the Helga de Alvear Contemporary Art Museum. She has also discovered Los Ciruelos in Cercedilla for horseback riding and enjoys exploring the Sierra Madrileña. A visit to the Banksy Museum is still on her to-do list.
Madrid's evolving identity is not unique among European capitals. The city's rapid modernization and growing appeal to international visitors echo trends seen elsewhere, as highlighted in recent coverage of cultural events and changing urban dynamics. For example, the growing prominence of Madrid as a cosmopolitan hub can be compared to the way other European cities, such as Brussels, have marked new eras in their own histories, as seen during high-profile state occasions like the one described in the recent royal banquet attended by Princess Elisabeth of Belgium and Japan's imperial couple.
According to ¡HOLA!, Pataky's perspective underscores how Madrid's blend of tradition and modernity continues to attract both locals and international residents. The city's ability to reinvent itself while preserving its cultural core is a key factor in its renewed appeal, especially for those who, like Pataky, maintain strong ties despite living abroad. Madrid's evolution offers a case study in how European capitals can balance heritage with innovation, making it a compelling destination for both returnees and newcomers.
