Madrid: the rise of urban businesses in the best commercial areas
Madrid has established itself as one of Europe's leading urban destinations. The growth in tourism, the arrival of international visitors with greater spending power and the expansion of new consumer areas are generating constant demand for commercial premises to let. Furthermore, the city has a competitive advantage over other destinations: economic and commercial activity remains strong throughout the year.
For those looking for premises to let in Madrid, the most attractive businesses at present are those capable of combining recurring custom, differentiation and efficient operations.
Speciality coffee shops and brunch spaces: a trend that continues to grow
Concepts linked to speciality coffee, premium breakfasts and brunch have demonstrated a strong ability to attract both residents and tourists. These are businesses that generate footfall for much of the day, require a more modest investment than traditional restaurants and fit particularly well in areas with high residential and professional density.
Neighbourhoods such as Chamberí, Salamanca, Justicia, Retiro and Malasaña concentrate a good deal of this demand. The combination of tourism, remote working and local consumption has turned these locations into some of the most sought-after for letting commercial premises.
Visit some of the available premises on the Castellana, Retiro, Salamanca axis.
Specialist restaurants versus the traditional bar
The market is increasingly rewarding specialist concepts over general establishments. Gourmet burger restaurants, contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, brunch restaurants and differentiated international offerings are amongst the best-performing formats.
Recent developments in the sector show that the most professional models with a clear proposition are those capturing the greatest market share. This makes areas such as Castellana, Bernabéu, Arganzuela and Barrio de Salamanca particularly attractive spots for locating a restaurant business.
New driver of urban commerce
Another segment that continues to grow is that of experiences. Escape rooms, cultural activities, gastronomic workshops and immersive spaces respond to an increasingly marked trend: consumers value experiences as much as products.
Madrid benefits particularly from this phenomenon thanks to its status as a tourist, cultural and business capital, which favours the establishment of such concepts in central areas with high footfall.
Barcelona: one of the most attractive cities for tourism-oriented businesses
Barcelona continues to be one of Europe's most important urban destinations. Its ability to combine international tourism, business activity, cultural offerings and beaches creates an ecosystem that is especially favourable for certain businesses.
The city receives millions of visitors each year and ranks amongst the areas with the highest levels of tourist activity in the country, a factor that directly drives demand for commercial premises to let on the main urban thoroughfares.
Premium ice cream parlours and impulse consumption concepts
Few businesses benefit as much from tourist flow as artisanal ice cream parlours, smoothie establishments, açaí bowl shops and specialist cold drink outlets.
These are businesses with high turnover, a relatively straightforward operational structure and a strong capacity to take advantage of locations with intense pedestrian traffic. In Barcelona, spaces in Barceloneta, El Born, the Barri Gòtic, Passeig de Gràcia and the area around the Sagrada Família stand out particularly.
Quality fast food
Fast food has evolved far beyond traditional models. At present, offerings such as poke bowls, healthy food, gourmet sandwiches and premium breakfasts are generating significant demand.
In a city with a strong tourist component and a substantial presence of short-stay visitors, speed of service and quality of experience are decisive factors. Districts such as Eixample and Born or Poblenou bring together many of the characteristics sought by this type of operator.
Tourist mobility and electric bicycle hire
Barcelona is also one of the Spanish cities where businesses linked to sustainable mobility find the best conditions for growth. Electric bicycle hire has become an increasingly in-demand service amongst tourists and visitors looking to explore the city comfortably and efficiently.
The combination of cycling infrastructure, tourist density and favourable climate make this model a particularly attractive option for certain investor profiles.
What are operators looking for today when letting commercial premises?
Beyond the specific activity, there are several factors shaping the expansion decisions of companies, franchises and entrepreneurs.
On the one hand, locations with high footfall remain a priority. On the other, aspects such as visibility, outdoor seating areas, space flexibility and proximity to tourist areas or affluent residential neighbourhoods are becoming increasingly important.
The growth in tourism and average spending per visitor is also favouring the opening of businesses focused on experiences, specialist restaurants and premium concepts, sectors that are demonstrating greater resilience compared to traditional models.
Beyond Madrid and Barcelona: other markets worth watching
Whilst Madrid and Barcelona concentrate much of the demand, there are other locations that stand out for their good prospects for retail and hospitality.
Málaga has become one of Spain's fastest-growing property and tourism markets, whilst Valencia offers a particularly attractive combination of costs, resident population and tourism development. Meanwhile, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante and Benidorm remain benchmarks in terms of overnight stays and economic activity linked to tourism.
Conclusion: location remains key
Current trends show that businesses linked to modern restaurants, speciality coffee shops, healthy concepts, urban experiences and tourism-oriented services are amongst the best positioned for the coming years.
For those seeking premises to let in Madrid or Barcelona, the challenge no longer consists solely of finding available space, but of identifying those locations capable of combining footfall, the right customer profile and growth potential. In a market driven by record tourism and consumption figures, choosing the right location can mark the difference between just another premises and a business with genuine prospects.
About the article
This article has been prepared based on analysis of retail market trends in Spain, combining industry sources together with data from JLL Research, Retail Report & Slide Deck H1 2026, which analyses developments in demand, supply, investment and new sector drivers.
Our Expert
Antonio Sánchez-Moliní is Head of Retail Leasing at JLL Spain. He has over a decade's experience in the property sector advising national and international operators on their expansion strategies, location selection and negotiation of commercial spaces. Throughout his career he has led projects for retailers across different sectors, with particular focus on prime locations and the evolution of retail formats adapted to new consumer demands. His market vision combines knowledge of brand behaviour, consumption trends and the dynamics of Spain's main commercial thoroughfares.
Email: A.SanchezMolini@jll.com
You can also explore available premises opportunities here: inmuebles.jll.es/locales-alquiler/locales-alquiler
