A few years ago, I was able to work in Madrid over the European winter. My 2 months there allowed me to immerse in the culture and really explore the city (and some of its surrounding towns). While my recommendations may differ for those visiting in summer, the land-locked city has some ever-green must-visit spots and hidden gems. Some are touristy, others are my hidden oases – enjoy:
Attractions:
Plaza Mayor
Not really a ‘destination’ but Plaza Mayor is Madrid’s square and surrounded by cute little stores (look for the sweet shops with the ropes of liquorice and taffy hanging from the windows). On specific occasions, there are light displays in the square with animations projected onto the building facades.
San Miguel Market
This market is over 100 years old, but has recently been recognised as Madrid’s first gourmet market. While it is quite touristic, the olives and cold hams I tried there was some of the best I’ve ever tasted. The building itself is also quite unusual to see and is located close to the Plaza Mayor.
MadrEat Market
Held on the third weekend of every month, MadrEat is a street food market around Plaza de Pablo Ruiz Picasso. From what I remember, the initiative is to support local entrepreneurs and chefs, while making certain culinary experiences accessible (more affordable) to the public. It’s a sweet place to grab a bite to eat, and sit on the stairs around the fountain.
La Rollerie
Maybe it’s a cultural difference, but we struggled to find ‘good coffee’ – the majority of places served milky filter coffee at heafty prices. We did, however? find a franchise called La Rollerie that served great cafés and we’d often walk quite a distance to enjoy a cup.
Maestro Churro
If you want to try the infamous churros, this little cafe is quite central and located on a square (allowing you to watch the busy streets as you indulge). Another reason I came here a few times was because they offered GLUTEN FREE CHURROS! (Pretty big deal for me). Also: when you get the mug of dipping chocolate, after eating the churros, I wouldn’t suggest drinking the whole lot of literal liquid chocolate. I only say this because I was in a sugar coma thereafter.
Palacio Real
The country’s palace and emblem of opulence; for the history geeks, visiting the palace is quite a cool experience. I will say that it’s quite contrasting ro see the big pale block of a building filled with intricate and brightly coloured interiors. Also: I forgot what the times are, but I do recall that there is a free entry period.
Catedral de Almudena
THIS was my favourite place in the whole of Madrid – I’d never seen a Cathedral with such a brightly painted interior (instead of stained glass windows) especially with its ‘classical’ structure and design. I just think it’s well worth a visit and is right by the Palace.
Heladerías Palazzo
I’ll be honest: this was the only place where we found good gelato. I would walk the 10kms every few days just to get scoops of the coconut flavour and, as the name implies, it’s close to the Palace (and, therefore, the Cathedral too) so if your stay is short, be sure to pop past when you’re ‘that side’.
Temple of Debod
Given as a gift from Egypt, Madrid has its own Egyptian temple (that was moved, piece by piece, in the early 1970s). In winter, the area is covered in water creating beautiful reflections – it is known as one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Madrid.
Parque El Retiro
The best thing about the park is the Crystal Palace (imo) – I don’t know why I found it so beautiful but the glass space, surrounded by trees, often had musicians playing classical music inside and it was such a peaceful place to sit and take it all in. As for the park itself, I imagine it’s a great spot for picnics in summer, or evening paddling around the water.
Palacio de Velázquez
Found in El Retiro park, the palace forms part of the Reina Sofia Museum spaces, along with the neighbouring Crystal Palace, and has rotating displays of art. Free access for all open hours.
Palacio De Cibeles
I find this quite extra but up until 2011, this was Madrid’s post office HQ. I’ve heard that there’s a museum inside, but I used to walk past the Palacio because I find the building beautiful.
Santiago Barnabeu Stadium
OKAY SO! Even if you aren’t a Real Madrid fan, if there is a game on, I would highly recommend watching a football match. The energy is just incredible. Pro tip: there are these stalls outside that sell all kinds of snacks, I had never tried fried favas (beans) before and there’s quite a nice game snack.
Teatro Real
Okay, if if if you have the time and there’s an appealing performance on, I’d recommend watching a show here! We got given tickets to watch Swan Lake (the ballet) and it was so lovely.
Las Tablas Tablao Flamenco
I love dancing, so I had it in my mind to watch a Flamenco performance. I’ll admit I only went to one show and I found it based on posters I had seen throughout the streets, but it was still an incredible show and so glad I got to see it!
BROWNIE
The photos don’t do this little courtyard justice – but maybe I just found comfort in this hidden gem. In winter, these gardens are lit up with fairy lights and have cosy corners where you can drink hot chocolate, explore the little boutique or just read a book in their greenhouse.
Museo Reina Sofía
Madrid is known for the heaps of museums, galleries and rotating exhibitions – and most with free entry periods. The list of places worth visiting is long, but for those on a short trip, I would recommend the visit the ‘triangle’ (3 art spots): While there is a lot of art, the most popular attraction at the Reina Sofia Museum is Picasso’s Guernica – the most heavily guarded piece isn’t allowed to be photographed but many visitors sneak a quick shot. The museums is closed on Tuesdays, but free access is granted for the other days between 19:00-21:00 (Sundays at 12:30-14:30).
Thyssen-Bornemisza
If you’re a fan of European art – think Degas, Caravaggio, Cézanne and van Gogh – this place homes works spanning from the 13th to 20th century. Free entry is on Mondays from 12:00-16:00.
Museo del Prado
This museum is over 200 years old, allowing it to gather the impressive collection of paintings and sculptures on display. For those interested, some works featured are by Titian, Rubens, Caravaggio and Goya. Free entry every evening from 18:00-20:00 (Sundays at 17:00-19:00).
TEATRO KAPITAL
A staged arena with balconies – but each level is a club. Towering 7 stories (+ basement), each with its own music genre and vibe, Teatro Kapital is an experience like no other. From deep house and “funky R&B”, to Latino and Karaoke rooms – there’s a space for everyone.
Platea
Sitting in a converted cinema space, you’ll find a ‘gourmet food hall’. Platea homes a host of restaurants and bars, allowing you to enjoy a variety of food while vibing to the hall’s music. I don’t particularly remember any dish that was ‘wow’ but I do recall having a pre-drinks / tapas before going out and that was cool (for winter).
Space Monkey
A few locals recommended this place – it was a chilled bar with pool tables and €2 glasses of wine, and weekly beer pong nights. It’s also kind of retro with renaissance style paintings on the walls.
Calle de Serrano
Hard to pin point where exactly to start, but Calle de Serrano was known as the ‘high street’ and had beautiful boutiques hidden in the elaborate buildings. If you like exploring a place by foot, I would recommend walking through the area.
Chueca
A little bit further out and accessible via the metro, Chueca is a vibrant and fun neighbourhood. The station itself is painted in the pride flag, along with many of the cafes and streets surrounding it.
Neighboring town
Toledo
If you have loads of time and would like to explore the medieval town of Toledo, you can catch a train out and explore the castles and brick faced buildings. I will say that we found the whole experience a little odd, but glad we got to see it nonetheless, and adding it here for anyone with extra time.
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