Getting to know any city is easier if you get a general sense of the personality and location of each neighborhood. Madrid is enormous, so here’s a roughly drawn map up top and a brief description of Madrid’s central neighborhoods, which are often divided by just one street or overlapping. Sometimes, there are even disagreements as to where certain neighborhoods begin and end. However, Madrileños often associate barrios with their respective metro stops, so this is a good way to get an idea of where everything is. Happy exploring!

Also, you can watch a short video series on Madrid’s best neighborhoods made  by our friends at Spotahome, an online housing booking agency. Enjoy!

SOL is the city-center and home to Madrid’s most popular meeting-point: “the bear statue” or as it’s called in Spanish, “El Oso y el Madroño”. Sol also marks Kilometer Zero, meaning that all of Madrid’s building numbers and highways stem from there. It’s literally the middle-point of the entire Iberian Peninsula. Sol is also the center-point of the city when it comes to transport, shopping and tourist destinations. All of Madrid’s most popular shops are located within walking distance from Sol, and there are plenty of restaurants, both new and old, to dine at. The Plaza Mayor is a hop skip away, and a ten minute walk from Sol will conveniently bring you either to the Prado Museum or the Royal Palace. Watch a video about Madrid’s historic center here.

Metros: Sol, Sevilla, Ópera, Gran Vía, Santo Domingo, Callao, Tirso de Molina (Lines 1, 2, 3, 5)

see all our posts about places to go and things to see in Sol

CHUECA is a stone’s throw from Gran Vía and one of the best places to go out in Madrid. Its main street is calle Hortaleza. Known as the gay neighborhood for the past two decades, Chueca is undoubtedly one of the trendiest nightlife destinations in the city. During the day, Chueca offers fabulous restaurants, outdoor terraces and boutiques, especially a whole street of shoe stores on c/ Agusto Figueroa. Also along this street is another highlight–Mercado de San Antón–a 3-story gourmet food market offering all types of delicious food and a fantastic rooftop bar. Chueca is also proudly home to one of the world’s largest Gay Pride Parades, as well as many other city activities. For its mix of edgy and high-end nightclubs, restaurants, bars, stores and ambience, Chueca is easy to fall in love with. Watch a video about Chueca here.

At Mercado de San Antón’s rooftop, just across the street from Plaza de Chueca

Metros: Chueca, Gran Vía & Alonso Martínez (Line 1 & 5) and Tribunal (Line 1 & 10)

see all our posts about places to go and things to see in Chueca

MALASANA is known as the hippest part of town, especially for its history. Its main street, Fuencarral, runs parallel to calle Hortaleza, making Malasaña and Chueca very friendly neighbors. Its main plaza, Plaza de Dos de Mayo, was home to the battle in 1802 when the Madrileños rose against Napoleon on the same day. Now the plaza is full of cafés and restaurant terraces. Malasaña was also home to Madrid’s breaking experimental movement known as La Movida Madrileña which sparked after the fall of Franco’s dictatorship in the late 1970’s. The highly drug-ridden and sexually-open movement ran throughout all of the 80’s, and well into the 90’s, leaving a heavy imprint on the neighborhood. It also seeped into Chueca. Remnants of graffiti can be seen as you walk through its tiny streets, and the seedier places have since been replaced by high-end tattoo parlors, vintage shops, and uber-trendy cafés, bars and restaurants. You could call it the East Village of Madrid. Here’s a video to watch about Malasaña.

Plaza de Dos de Mayo in Malasaña

Metros: Tribunal (Line 10 & 1), Bilbao (Line 1 & 4), Noviciado & San Bernando (Line 2)

see all our posts about places to go and things to see in Malasaña

HUERTAS is colloquially named after its main street, Calle Huertas, although its official name is Barrio de las Letras. More than a neighborhood, we should call Huertas a place to go out. It’s five minutes walking from Sol, and the perfect place to start your night. Huertas street is lined with all types of bars, some upscale and some divey, plus lots of great restaurants too. There are many other little streets to discover such as Calle Leon (on the left in the photo below) also lined with fun bars and old-school delicatessens, boutiques and more. One of Huertas’ highlights is Restaurante Meceira (amazing Galician food) and Bar Populart (often called Madrid’s best jazz bar), though the list goes on. If you walk down Huertas street, you’ll end up on the Castellana, Madrid’s largest boulevard which at that point is actually called Paseo del Prado, full of museums and sightseeing activities, thus turning Huertas into a good day-neighborhood as well.

where calle huertas meets calle leon

BARRIO DE LAS LETRAS usually refers to the neighbourhood just above calle Huertas, and it is named after the many writers who lived there, such as Cervantes, Quevedo and Lope de Vega. You can actually visit Lope de Vega’s former house which is now a museum on c/ Cervantes, 11. Oddly enough, c/ Lope de Vega is parallel to it just one street down, where Cervantes is buried. This neighbourhood is slightly different from Huertas, as it is less of a party town. There are many arts and crafts fairs and cultural sites hidden away here.

Metros: Sol, Sevilla, Atocha, Tirso de Molina, Antón Martín (also too many metro stops here)

see all our posts about places to go and things to see in Huertas & Barrio de las Letras

LA LATINA boasts the city’s oldest architecture (hence the name, the Latin Quarter) and some of its finest cuisine. Especially beautiful are the small alleyways nestled between 18th century buildings, and the tiny streets that turn into staircases, where restaurants put tables out on each individual stone step. On Sundays, La Latina’s most famous street, La Cava Baja, turns into Madrid’s place to be. This charming street is lined with tiny bars serving up cañas (draft beer), wines and tapas. It’s tradition to go here on Sunday afternoons after the city’s flea market, El Rastro, and hop from bar to bar until late.

Metro: La Latina (Line 5)

see all our posts about places to go and things to see in La Latina

LAVAPIES is fast becoming Madrid’s trendiest neighborhood, though it still has an underground and rugged feel, as it’s been home to an influx of immigrants for many years, namely from African and Middle Eastern countries. Once considered the dodgier side of town, Lavapiés is now being embraced for its edgy culture, diverse cuisine and alternative (oft-artsy) nightlife. Just one stop from Sol, Lavapiés is the perfect place to check out Madrid’s changing personality, especially for its amazing Indian restaurants. In fact, I like to call Lavapiés street Curry Row because it is lined with Indian restaurant after Indian restaurant. The other famous street in Lavapiés–c/ Argumosa–is lined with more hipster bars and tantalising outdoor seating area. It stretches right to Atocha Street behind the Reina Sofia Museum.

Metros: Lavapiés (Line 3, yellow), extending to Tirso de Molina, Antón Martín & Atocha (Line 1)

see all our posts about places to go and things to see in Lavapiés

MONCLOA & ARGUELLES are fantastic neighborhoods to live in, especially for young people. Madrid’s main university, La Complutense, is very close by. The area is packed with neighborhood bars and shops. Plus it also has an important main street, Calle Princesa, which has all the major shops from Zara to El Corte Inglés. In fact, Calle Princesa turns into the Gran Vía right after Plaza de España. It’s also a relatively quick walk from Sol (anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes depending on where you are, the neighborhood is quite large), and it is right next to the two most happening neighborhoods–Malasaña and Chueca. It also borders Chamberí, a slightly more expensive and residential neighborhood.

Metros: Moncloa (Line 3 & 6) and Arguelles (Line 3, 4 & 6)

CHAMBERI is located just to the East of Moncloa and stretches to the Castellana, after which it becomes Salamanca (see below). You could call it Moncloa’s older brother, as it is a much prettier neighbourhood and caters to a slightly older crowd. Chamberí boasts beautiful architecture–some of its buildings are absolutely gorgeous, such as Museo Soroya, Instituto Internacional and even the British Council. It also has quaint plazas such as Plaza de Chamberí and Plaza de Olavide, the latter being my favorite plaza for drinking and terraza time in all of Madrid. Chamberí is also a business district with many offices and thus plenty of restaurants and bars throughout the area. One of the best streets for wining and dining is Calle Ponzano, where you can find great restaurants like Bar Lambuzo and Sala de Despiece

my favorite plaza in Madrid, Plaza Olavide

Metros: Bilbao, Iglesia and Rios Rosas, Alonso Martínez, Gregorio Marañón, Colón, Rubén Darío, San Bernando, Quevedo, Canal 

see all our posts about places to go and things to see in Chamberí

RETIRO is Madrid’s most popular city park and also refers to the residential neighbourhood which borders the park’s eastern side. It’s a great neighbourhood to live in if you enjoy the quiet, as you can leave the city’s hustle and bustle on the other side of the park. Inside Retiro you can enjoy plenty of beautiful attractions, such as the lake in the photo below, as well as a glass palace, rose garden and inviting green lawns. Also, many free activities are held regularly, from bootcamp and running clubs, to roller skating and yoga lessons.

Metros: Retiro, Príncipe de Vergara, Ibiza and Sáinz de Baranda

SALAMANCA is Madrid’s most upscale neighbourhood. Let’s call it Madrid’s “Upper East Side” (a.k.a. where Carrie Bradshaw lived in NY). Located just above Retiro Park and to the East of the Castellana, this neighborhood’s two main streets are Serrano and Velázquez (as are the metro stops with the same name). It is much quieter than the other neighbourhoods mentioned on this list. As in most fancy neighborhoods, you will find the high-end shoe stores, top-notch restaurants and prime real estate. Barrio Salamanca is no exception. However, chique nightclubs and lounges aside, you will also be pleasantly surprised to find many hidden gems. After all, Salamanca is a neighborhood where people live in, and they too have mom and pop shops and friendly bars. You just have to search for them… Here’s a video about Barrio Salamanca.

Metros: Príncipe de Vergara, Retiro & Goya (Line 2), Serrano, Velázquez, Lista & Goya (Line 4) Núñez de Balbao (Line 5)

see all our posts about places to go and things to see in Salamanca

Hope this list is helpful! It’s one of those articles that is going to keep growing and growing, by way of adding photos, more posts and more neighborhoods! If you have any specific requests don’t think twice about letting us know.

In addition to keeping fit, a big plus of joining a gym, dance class or fitness group in Madrid is getting to meet people – I honestly can’t recommend a better way to make friends in the city, especially if you’re no longer at university. And if you’re only passing through Madrid for a short while, I still recommend dropping in on a dance class or going for an organized hike or bike ride, as a non-conventional way to get a feel for the city.

The best place to find out about group fitness activities is through meetup.com. And if you want to go cycling, running or swimming, check out our previous posts: Cycling in Madrid: A beginner’s guide, Exercise opportunities in Madrid and Where to swim in winter in Madrid.

Now, here’s a guide to Madrid’s best gyms, dance and fitness clubs.

Before signing up, we recommend taking a look at a few different gyms (they usually offer a free trial), considering which one is closest to your home, work or university, and trying to get a long-term contract (careful with this one, make sure you really like the place before you sign up).

Madrid has three types of gyms and studios:

• (A) Public
• (B) Private (including dance & yoga studios)
• (C) Big Chains

Here are a few examples of our favorite places to keep fit, as well as useful links to find out about other options:

A) Public GYMS

1. Casa de Campo’s public gym has one of the best facilities in the city, especially for its swimming pools (winter and summer), which make this place perfect for pool lovers.

• Official Madrid Site
• Address: Pase Puerta del Angel, 7   (metros: Lago, Puerta del Ángel)

2. Another great swimming pool can be found in the heart of Chueca, at a public gym called Centro Deportivo Municipal Escuelas de San Antón. Although this gym is small and does not have fitness classes, its glass-covered indoor pool is gigantic and the neighbourhood is unbeatable!

• Official Madrid Site
• Address: c/ Farmacia, 13   (metros: Chueca/Tribunal/Alonso Martínez/Gran Vía)

Madrid public GYM full list (in Spanish).

B) Private GYMS, fitness clubs & groups. For something special

These private gyms are for those seeking something different, a friendly ambience and not-your-average fitness class. Here are my top three private gyms in Madrid, plus our recommended dance and yoga studios, and fun fitness groups.

1. Club Deportivo Metropolitano. This one is really convenient for those who live close to Complutense University, as it has a huge variety of activities such as martial arts, boxing, capoeira, wall climbing, pilates, yoga, a pool and much, much more.

• Website
• Facebook
• Facilities: swimming pool, weight and fitness room, pilates & yoga room, martial arts room, boxing ring, climbing wall
• Address: Calle Aravaca, 7 (Metro: Guzmán el Bueno)

2. Centro el Horno. My favourite spot in the city, “The Oven” is both a full dance studio and gym. At Centro el Horno, you will find every type of dance class under the sun, for both professionals and amateurs who just want to have fun in Madrid. Please stop by the acrobatics class, it will make your day! There’s also pole dancing, zumba, classical ballet, flamenco, crossfit, contemporary, hip-hop, you name it.

• Website
• Facebook
• Address: Calle Esgrima, 11 (Metro: Tirso de Molina)

3. CrossFit Krig. I came here once and, literally, I couldn’t move my body after one session. You have to be really tough to keep going here. There is no gym in CrossFit Krig, instead you will find the most hardcore sports center–they only offer CrossFit, straight-up.

• Website
• Address: two locations:
  • Cuatro Caminos: Calle Guipuzcoa, 11 (Metro: Cuatro Caminos)
  • Retiro: Calle Vicente Caballero, 10 (Metro: O’Donnell or Sainz de Baranda)

*Another gym recommended to me by others is Soho Studio, great for cross-fit, pilates and all that, near metro Bilbao.

Recommended Dance Studios:

1. El Horno, for all dance styles (mentioned above)

• Although dance classes at El Horno are almost always open levels, meaning it’s hard to find an advanced class, you’ll find an amazing quantity of dance styles here and wonderful teachers. This is our favorite dance studio by far. Here you can really delve into new activities, from pole dancing and acrobatics, to classical ballet or hip hop.

2. Amor de Dios, for the best flamenco dance classes

• Want to take a flamenco class in a studio that actually smells like flamenco? Well, this is your place! As you step inside the dance studio, which is situated atop a fish market, you will immediately feel the authentic flamenco vibe. It’s the real deal.

3. Karen Taft & Madrid Dance Center, for serious and more traditional dance classes

• If you’re looking for high quality ballet, jazz, modern or contemporary dance classes, try either of these two studios, both of which offer a young professionals program and top instructors.

Recommended Yoga Studios:

Madrid is full of yoga and pilates studios, thus finding the right one for you can be tricky. Luckily, most yoga studios offer a free first class or inexpensive trial week, so don’t be afraid to drop in on a few different classes before picking your studio:

• For Yoga outdoors:
  • Yoga at Retiro Park has become very popular, and isn’t limited to vinyasa. You can also find acroyoga and more. Check out the link.
• For Bikram Yoga, you can go to:
  • Bikram Yoga Center: in the hip neighbourhood of Chueca.
  • Bikram Yoga: in the hip neighbourhood of Malasaña (this web also offers info on workshops)
• For Ashtanga Yoga:
  • Yoga at Espiritu 23: For a very inexpensive and good quality yoga class, you can go to a cultural center in Malasaña called Espíritu 23

Recommended Fitness Clubs & Groups:

If you’re not into the standard kind of workout, not to worry. You can join running groups in Retiro, weekend hiking groups to Madrid’s mountains and even go rock climbing in the outskirts. The best place to find out about fun fitness groups is at Meetup.com (make sure to look under all the different categories: health & well-being, fitness, sports & recreation, and dance). Here you can find long-boarding, salsa classes, yoga, everything!

Here are two clubs that I’ve heard particularly good things about, being great ways to get to know new people and the city:

1. Running Company Madrid: 

• Organised running and training sessions starting near Atocha.
• Check out their schedule and different levels. Facebook and Web

2. Skating (Roller Blading)

• Skating classes in Retiro and Madrid Rio, they also have free routes and activities.
• Facebook Skating Meet-up Group where people organize free meet-ups to skate around the city every day

C) Big chains

As in any other city, you will find some of the big GYM chains. I personally don’t find them to be that cool, but they do have great prices and some have swimming pools and passes that allow you access to various locations around the city. Here is a list of them:

• Holiday Gym
• McFit
• Body Factory
• Centro Wellness (the Manuel Becerra location has a huge pool)
• Altafit 

Also check out:

• Cycling in Madrid: A beginner’s guide

• Exercise opportunities in Madrid

• Where to swim in winter in Madrid

What’s your favorite place to keep fit in Madrid? Let us know so we can add it to this list!

Here’s a long list of Madrid museums worth visiting while you’re here. And to make things easier, we’re breaking it down into two parts: the obvious (like the Prado) and the not-so-obvious (like Cerralbo). We’ll also tell you how to get in for free!

If you’ve already read up on the famous Madrid museums, then scroll down…

The Obvious:

All of these Madrid museums are classified as “obvious” because they’re situated along the two great boulevards – Paseo del Prado and Paseo de Recoletos – where you’ll find the city’s finest arts institutions, including the Golden Triangle of Art which refers to the first three institutions on this list. Only one place is not situated here – the Royal Palace.

1. Prado Museum

Spain’s national art museum houses a wide collection of European art from the 12th to the early 19th centuries, and its most notable works are by Spanish painters, Diego Velázquez, Francisco de Goya and El Greco. Considered one of the best museums in the world, the Prado’s most famous piece is Las Meninas by Velazquez. Do give yourself a few hours to walk around – the Prado is gigantic!

Website
When is it free? Always for under-18-year-olds and students ages 18-25 (with valid ID); Sundays and holidays from 5pm-7pm; and Mon-Sat from 6pm-8pm.
Prices & Hours: General admission 14€. Open Mon-Sat from 10am–8pm. Sundays and holidays from 10am-7pm.
Metro: Banco de España
Where: Paseo del Prado (s/n)

2. Reina Sofia Museum

Spain’s national museum of 20th-century art is located at the bottom of El Paseo del Prado, near Atocha train station. The Reina Sofia’s permanent collection consists of art by Spanish painters such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí, and its most famous piece is Picasso’s Guernica. Temporary exhibits feature works by international artists, plus the building’s impressive architecture and free-access art library are alone worth a visit!

Website
When is it free? Sundays from 1:30pm-7pm; weekdays from 7-9pm (except Tuesdays).
Prices & Hours: Mon-Sat from 10am-9pm and Sundays from 10am-7pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Metro: Atocha
Where: c/ Santa Isabel, 52

Additionally, you can visit a glass palace situated in the middle of Retiro Park featuring works from the museum.

3. Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

This is my brother’s favorite. In fact, he loved the Thyssen so much that he actually visited it two days in a row (during a five-day visit). The Thyssen is named after its founder and houses one of the largest private collections in the world. You’ll find an amazing permanent collection of more than 1,600 masterpiece paintings spanning seven centuries of art and representing a myriad of genres, as well as must-see temporary exhibits showcasing Van Gogh to Pop Art.

Website
When is it free? Mondays 12-4pm.
Hours:  Mondays 12pm-4pm; Tues-Sun 10am-7pm. 
Metro: Banco de España
Where: Paseo del Prado, 8

4. Caixa Forum

Created by the Catalonian bank, La Caixa, the first thing that stands out about Caixaforum is its impressive exterior design, including an urban garden wall. As you step inside, you’ll notice that the building’s interior design follows suit. Architecture aside, here you’ll see outstanding temporary exhibits on everything from up-and-coming photographers to Pixar!

Website
When is it free? Always free for La Caixa clients and under-16-year-olds.
Prices & Hours: General Admission €4. Open Sun-Mon from 10am-8pm
Metro: Atocha
Where: Paseo del Prado, 36

5. The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of the most beautiful spots in the city, situated in Plaza de Oriente, facing the Royal Opera House and overlooking the Gardens of Sabatini. It’s the official residence of the King of Spain, although he doesn’t actually live there. Used today for national ceremonies and as a popular museum, Madrid’s Palacio Real is the largest royal palace in all of Western Europe, boasting 3,418 rooms which are ornately decorated with fine paintings, sculptures and tapestries. One last thing – if you go here, you absolutely must pay a visit to its gardens, called “El Campo del Moro”, located just behind the palace (always free and open to the public at the same hours as the palace).

Website
When is it free? For anyone with an EU or Iberoamerican passport/residency card/work permit from Mon-Thurs from 4pm-6pm during April-Sept; and from 6pm-8pm during Oct-Mar.
Prices & Hours: Normal entrance fee is 10€. Students with valid ID get a discount (5€). In Winter (Oct-Mar) open daily from 10am-6pm and in Summer (Apr-Sep) open daily from 10am-8pm.
Metro: Ópera (line 5 & 2) and Principe Pio (line 10)
Where: c/ Bailén (s/n)

6. Palacio de Cibeles

Madrid’s most emblematic building, Palacio de Cibeles is situated in the famous Plaza de Cibeles which joins Madrid’s two boulevards – Paseo del Prado and Paseo de Recoletos. One wouldn’t imagine that this ornately decorated palace was once Madrid’s post office, but it was indeed! It was turned into a cultural center in 2013, and now holds free exhibits throughout its first four floors. It also boasts a café, restaurant, and a rooftop terrace on the 6th floor that offers breathtakingly beautiful views of the city. You can also visit the lookout point at the top of the building for just 2€, where you’ll surely get one of your best pics of Madrid.

The lookout point (mirador):

When is it free? Free entrance every first Wednesday of the month.
Price & Hours: 2€ for adults and 0,50€ for children under 12 years of age. Visits are held every thirty minutes from Tues-Sun from 10:30am-1:30pm and from 4pm-7pm. Closed on Mondays. You must reserve tickets at the CentroCentro office situated near the main door of the building.

The exhibition spaces:

Website
When is it free? Always.
Hours: Mon-Sun from 10am-8pm. Closed on Mondays.
Metro: Banco de España
Where: Plaza Cibeles, 1

The Not-So-Obvious

Madrid has some wonderful art havens scattered about the city which are less spoken of, although still much deserving of a visit. Here are some of our favorites:

1. La Casa Encendida

Created by the bank, Caja Madrid, you’ll find “The Burning House” located just a five-minute walk from the Reina Sofia Museum. This arts and cultural center showcases modern and contemporary art exhibits, and also hosts many cultural events, screenings, workshops concerts, and more. Entrance is always free, and the café is very nice too.

Website
When is it free? Always.
Hours: 10am-10pm everyday
Metro: Embajadores
Where: Ronda de Valencia, 2

2. El Matadero

This is one of our absolute favorite spots in Madrid. A former pig slaughterhouse, El Matadero was turned into an arts and cultural center in 2006. It has many warehouses (naves) showcasing film, theater performances and art galleries, as well as events and a great café called “La Cantina” where you can taste local food products from Madrid. We highly recommend going here, and taking a stroll along Madrid’s river (Madrid Río) afterwards which is just across the street. Here’s a more in-depth article we wrote about El Matadero.

Website
When is it free? Always
Hours: Tues-Fri from 4pm to 10pm; Sat-Sun from 11am to 9pm
Metro: Legazpi (line 3, yellow)
Where: Paseo de la Chopera, 14

3. Museo Naval

Although Spain’s maritime museum is situated on the Paseo del Prado, we don’t consider it as obvious as the ones listed above. Many people are surprised when they go here, precisely because it’s not talked about enough. The exhibits take you through Spain’s maritime history in chronological order, showcasing artefacts such as old coins, maps, books, weapons, and more.

Website
When is it free? Always (recommended donation of 3€)
Hours: Tues-Sun from 10am-7pm. (During August it closes at 3pm). Closed on Monday.
Metro: Banco de España
Where: Paseo del Prado, 5

4. Museo del Romanticismo

Located in the heart of Madrid’s trendiest neighborhoods – Malasaña and Chueca – you should definitely stop by this museum if you’re in the area. El Museo del Romanticismo gives you insight into the history, art and daily life in Spain during the Romantic Era (European intellectual movement during the 19th C). And I must admit that my favorite thing about this museum is its quaint and hidden garden café. If you’re not into museums, at least pop in for a coffee or tea.

Website
When is it free? Saturdays from 2pm onwards and Sundays
Prices & Hours:  General admission 4€. Closed on Mondays. Sundays from 10am-3pm. In Summer (May 1-Oct 31) Tues-Sat from 9:30am-8:30pm. In Winter, (Nov 1-Apr 30) from 9:30am-6:30pm.
Metro: Tribunal or Alonso Martínez
Where: Calle San Mateo, 13

5. Museo Sorolla

This charming museum is my mother-in-law’s favorite, not only for its beautiful art pieces but also for the old architecture of the building itself, which was the former private residence of Spanish painter, Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida (1863 – 1923), who is especially famous for his portraits and landscapes. Another note – my mother fell in love with this museum too.

Website
When is it free? Saturdays from 2pm onwards, and Sundays.
Prices & Hours: General admission 3€. Tues-Sat from 9:30am-8pm. Sundays from 10am-3pm. Closed on Mondays.
Metro: Iglesia and Rubén Darío
Where: Paseo del General Martínez Campos, 37

6. Museo Cerralbo

The Cerralbo Museum is by far one of my favorite places in Madrid. Tucked away on a side street near Plaza de España and Templo de Debod, this stunning little museum was a former residence of the Marquis of Cerralbo, who lived here with his family in the 19th century. As you walk through the mansion’s corridors and up the elegant stairwell to the ballroom, you’ll find everything remains exactly in tact, from the furniture and art pieces to the wall colors and lighting. Read our full post: Museo Cerralbo, an art lover’s dream house.

Website
When is it free? After 2pm on Saturdays; Thursdays from 5pm-8pm; Sundays.
Prices & hours: General admission €3. Open Tues–Sat 9:30am-3pm; Thursday also from 5-8pm; Sundays and holidays from 10am-3pm. I highly recommend booking a guided tour in English, Spanish or French
Metro: Plaza de España
Where: Calle Ventura Rodríguez, 17

7. Casa Museo Lope de Vega

This 16th-century house was the former home of Spanish writer, Lope de Vega, who was famous during the “Golden Age” of Spanish literature. His house is located in Madrid’s “Barrio de las Letras”, a central neighborhood whose streets are named after the several famous Golden Age writers who also lived there, such as Miguel de Cervantes, Quevedo and Góngora. Lope de Vega resided in this house during the last 25 years of his life, from 1610-35. His home was turned into a national monument and museum in 1935. Here you can see his private collection of art, furniture, books and more. To visit, you must make a reservation in advance for a free, guided tour (see details below).

Website
When is it free? Always.
Hours: Tues-Sun from 10am-6pm. Guided tours begin every half hour and are available in Spanish, English and French. Make a Reservation by telephone (91 429 92 16) or email (casamuseolopedevega@madrid.org).
Metro: Antón Martín and Sol
Where: Calle de Cervantes, 11

8. Espacio Fundación Telefónica

This arts and cultural exhibition space was created by the telecommunications company, Telefónica, and is always free and conveniently located on the Gran Vía. We highly recommend paying a visit, not only because it’s free and has good air conditioning, but also because you’ll find surprisingly current and interactive art exhibits. Plus, one of our Naked Madrid writers, Alex, recommends this place as a great first date idea!

Website
When is it free? Always.
Hours: every day from 10am-8pm.
Metro: Gran Vía (line 1 & 5)
Where: c/ Fuencarral, 3

9. Museo de América

This national museum houses 25,000 pieces of art and historical artifacts from the American continent. My friend, Ryan, wanted to make sure that I mentioned the shrunken heads on display here (apparently, native Americans used to shrink dead humans’ heads and use them as talismans).

Website
When is it free? For under-18-year-olds, over-65, university students and unemployed (with valid ID), holders of carné joven.
Prices & Hours: General Admission 3€. Tues-Sat from 9:30am-3pm; Thurs from 9:30am-3pm; Sundays from 10am-3pm; Closed on Mondays.
Metro: Moncloa
Where: Avenida de los Reyes Católicos, 6

10. Fundación Mapfre

This foundation was created by the insurance company, Mapfre, and exhibits art mostly from the last third of the 19th century to after World War II. It also showcases a lot of photography. The foundation has two rooms, both located next to each other.

Website
When is it free? Always.
Hours: Mon from 2pm-8pm. Tues-Sat from 10am-8pm. Sun/holidays from 11am-7pm.
Metro: Colón
Where: Paseo de Recoletos, 23

11. Conde Duque

I have particularly fond memories of this cultural center because I used to go here often during university. Located in one of my favorite neighborhoods – Conde Duque – this building served as the former barracks of the Royal Guard Corps and was turned into a cultural center in 1983. Ever since, it has used its enormous space wisely. Here you can see free exhibits including large scale art projects, photography and documentaries. Its space is also used for concerts, performances, dance rehearsals, book archives, and even outdoor cinema which runs from July through September.

Website
When is it free? Always.
Hours: Tues-Sat from 10.30am-2pm and 5.30pm-9pm. Sundays/Holidays from 10.30am-2pm.
Metro: Noviciado, Plaza de España, San Bernardo and Ventura Rodríguez.
Where: Calle Conde Duque 11

12. Museo del Traje

Madrid’s fashion museum showcases different modes throughout the centuries. Although its current name is rather recent, the museum first opened in 1925 as “Exposición del Traje Regional e Histórico”, meaning the exhibit on regional and historic attire. Today it showcases a wide range of collections as well as cool activities and events which you can see here.

Website
When is it free? Saturdays from 2:30pm on; Sundays. If you’re under 18, over 65, a student between 18-28 years old.
Prices & Hours: General admission is 3€. Open Tues-Sat from 9:30am-7pm. Sundays and holidays from 10am-3pm.
Metro: Moncloa
Where: Avenida de Juan de Herrera, 2. 

13. La Tabacalera Promoción del Arte

La Tabacalera is a very unique community center in Madrid that occupies an abandoned factory and holds free activities on a daily basis, from salsa and capoeira classes to concerts and markets. Adjacent to the community area is an exhibition space that is free and open to the public, and mainly showcases photography and contemporary art works. Warning: it’s a large and almost spooky space.

Website
When is it free? Always
Hours: Mon-Fri from 12pm-8pm. Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 11am-8pm. Closed on Mondays.
Metro: Embajadores
Where: Calle Embajadores 51 (the community center is number 53)

General Information: 

*Most museums allow free entrance to under-18-year-olds and over-65-year-olds, as well as free entrance or a considerable discount to university students with valid ID and groups of over 5 people.

**All of Madrid’s museums allow free entrance on the following holidays: April 18th (World Heritage Day), May 18th (International Museum Day), October 12th (National Spanish Holiday) and December 6th (Day of the Spanish Constitution).

As always, if we’ve left out any of your favorite art institutions or museums, please let us know! We intend on expanding this list.

Madrid has a new second-hand bookstore thanks to three men – Michael, Corey and Craig – whose unique concept to provide insatiable readers with good books and a literary haven has already won a loyal following in Santorini, Greece, and Brooklyn, New York. Just opened in May, Desperate Literature comes to Madrid as a new-found treasure for tourists, expats and Madrileños alike.

Editor’s note: in 2018 we published a new article – Desperate Literature: so much more than just a bookshop 

What’s in stock?

Desperate Literature has a wide selection of used books in English, Spanish and French, and vinyls too. They get most of their books from library sales in New York and then ship them over, which is why half of their floor is currently usurped by boxes. The shelves are stocked with novels ranging from fiction and crime to philosophy and even erotica. Although they’re not against best-sellers (you’ll find 50 Shades of Grey and Game of Thrones), the space is small, so they do turn down books, aiming for quality rather than quantity. When I walked in, the first three books I spotted were by Franz Kafka, James Joyce and George Orwell, to give you an idea.

on Calle Campomanes 13, near metros Opera, Callao and Santo Domingo

Why Desperate Literature?

As quoted by Joaquín Font on their web, there are books for all occasions–for when you’re bored, sad, or calm. Whatever mood you’re in, if you’re passing through Madrid or live here and find yourself desperate for a good read, you can either swap the book you’ve just finished or buy a new one for 3-9€. You can also say hi to Michael, the California-raised and Brooklyn-adopted owner; and Jamie, who works there and is also from Brooklyn. Plus they play good music and host events where they experiment with cocktails–one of the ways they’re getting to know Madrid is by making homemade vermouth!

What’s the story behind Desperate Literature?

All three partners are avid readers and part of the so-called international booklovers connection. Corey had sold books on the streets of New York for many years, where he met Michael, who joined in to open used bookshops in Brooklyn. Ten years ago, Craig started Atlantis Books in Santorini, Greece. Atlantis is an international bookshop that, despite being tiny and hidden away on the island of Santorini, is quite well-known. My mother bought her favorite book there–East of Eden by John Steinbeck. My sister, Amanda, actually lived and worked there for a month, as did my sister-in-law, Erin. Every Summer, Atlantis showcases a film festival on their roof, where the projector is set up against a backdrop of red sunsets and the Aegean Sea.

Of course there’s more to the story, but the philosophy at Atlantis Books goes: if you’re a book-loving traveller, you can work there and in turn, live and get taken care of for free. It’s kind of like WOOFING for books instead of farms. It’s also a place for travellers to meet, hang out and hold book readings and concerts. Under the same joint venture, these three young partners own two locations in Brooklyn, New York: Book Thug Nation and Human Relations; and just opened Desperate Literature in Madrid in May.

Who came up with the whole idea?

It started with Atlantis Books in Santorini, opened by Craig and a bunch of friends (if you check out their web, Atlantis’ opening involved a lot of luck and a bit of whisky). Michael says the idea is based off Shakespeare and Company, Paris’ famous book store and writers’ institution. Opened in 1919 by American expat, Sylvia Beach, Shakespeare and Company was frequented by the likes of Gertrude Stein, James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway, and became a gathering place for literary culture, selling high-quality English-language books, some of which were banned, such as Joyce’s Ulysses and D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Although it was closed during WWII, it was reopened in 1956 by American expat, George Whitman, who had amassed a huge collection of English books and wanted to return the generosity he had experienced while travelling the world as a young vagabond, by creating a friendly place for English-speaking expats and bohemian culture, allowing writers to stay there if they helped out. Today, Shakespeare & Company is run by Whitman’s daughter who continues the tradition.

Why did they open Desperate Literature in Madrid, and not… Amsterdam?

Michael says ‘it was kind of happenstance.’ He and Corey have an affinity for the Spanish language, and both knew people in Madrid.  The location was perfect as it was an already-established international bookstore, Petras; and is situated a stone’s throw from the Royal Palace.

At the moment, only Michael is living at Desperate Literature and hopefully Corey will take his place in November. Michael says that when he visits a city, even for a day, he always checks out the local book stores. He expects that visitors to Madrid will do the same and that Desperate Literature will be their literary home away from home.

They’re here, so come and say hello!

Desperate Literature

• Facebook& Web
  Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-9pm
  Address: Calle Campomanes, 13
  Metro: Santo Domingo, Opera and Callao

Please also read our 2018 article – Desperate Literature: so much more than a bookshop

Coffee shops selling books? Bookshops selling coffee? However you call them, here are five wonderful café-bookshops in Madrid where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while surrounded by good reads. (See round two for more!)

1. Ocho y Medio Libros de Cine

This charming bookshop (featured in the cover photo) specializes in cinema, and boasts a cozy café and outdoor seating area. I love going here for a drink and a tosta right before seeing a film at one of the independent movie theaters just across the street. All screenings are in original version with Spanish subtitles. A tip: this makes for a great date night!

• Facebook 
• Address: Martín de los Heros, 11
• Metro: Plaza de España

Also read: Where to enjoy good film in Madrid

2. La Libre

This is my mom’s favorite cafe in Madrid. Why? Because a few years ago while she was visiting me in the dead of winter, we went in to warm up after a visit to the Reina Sofia Museum around the corner. When she ordered a coffee, the server said, “No ma’am, I think you need a whisky.” He couldn’t have been more right! They also have nice teas and snacks to nibble on, from breakfast pastries to empanadas.

• Facebook
• Address: c/ Argumosa, 39
• Metro: Atocha

3. La Infinito

This little café-bookshop lies on a corner in Lavapiés and serves up coffee, books and art on a daily basis. Not only does it have a welcoming ambience and lots of light streaming in through its tall glass windows, but it also throws great events, from micro-theater performances (one of which took place in the café’s bathroom!) to popular weekend brunches.

• image from La Infinito
• Facebook
• Address: c/ Tres Peces, 22
• Metro: Antón Martín & Lavapiés

4. La Fugitiva

Books are the centrepiece at this cafe, and I love how its window seats and tiny bar are nestled between towering bookshelves and overflowing tables displaying bestsellers and rare reads. La Fugitiva has all you need from a café (coffee and sweets) and all you could ask of a bookstore – readings, talks, workshops, and of course, that distinct smell of books.

• Facebook 
• Address: c/ de Santa Isabel, 7
• Metro: Antón Martín

5. Tipos Infames. Libros y Vinos 

Wine and books? Quite a killer combination in my opinion. Located right off the popular Calle Fuencarral, this trendy bookshop, café and wine bar is a favorite of many in Malasaña. Tipos Infames offers a much appreciated rest from the bustling shops and streets in the area. It has a lot of seating area, a full bar and high ceilings, making it feel open, friendly and comfortable. It’s a great place to go with friends for a quieter conversation in the afternoon. Plus they throw fun events, so make sure to follow them on social media.

• Facebook
• Address: c/ San Joaquín, 3
• Metro: Tribunal

Keep reading Round 2 of Madrid’s Best Cafe-bookshops

And if you’re looking for a few of our favorite cafe in Madrid without books:

• Pepe Botella, a coffee place where you can think
• Toma Café, fuel up, feel hip
• Acid Café, seasonal, minimalist and just good coffee

Madrid’s public bike stations had been lonely for weeks, but yesterday morning we woke up to see the much-awaited electric bikes finally parked in their slots! So here’s a look at all you need to know about getting tickets, finding stations and participating in Madrid’s rising bike scene.

Although far from being comparable to Amsterdam, Madrid is in the midst of a fast transition towards becoming biker-friendly. In recent years, bike lanes have appeared on main streets such as calle Alcalá and calle Mayor. Community biking groups and blogs such as En Bici Por Madrid, Ecomovilidad and Ciclosfera encourage city biking culture in Madrid by providing info on the best cycling routes, workshops and how to lock up your bike properly. Bici Crítica organizes a free meet-up on the last Thursday of every month at 8pm, when cyclists gather at Plaza de Cibeles for a pleasant ride around the city. Now the new electric city bikes should be another fun way to explore, get through traffic, and tackle those relentless hills!

What’s BiciMAD?

BiciMAD is an initiative launched by Madrid’s Ayuntamiento (City Hall) to provide affordable, public rental of electric-powered bikes, allowing city-dwellers to move around Madrid on eco-friendly wheels 24/7. Electric-powered means there’s a small engine that helps you pedal, especially when starting off or going up hills. The engine automatically shuts off when you reach a speed of 16km/hr. The first phase of the initiative consists of 1,580 bikes and 123 stations, in the following neighborhoods: Center, Retiro, Salamanca, Arganzuela and Moncloa.

Important links:

• BiciMAD’s web and facebook
• Madrid city’s official info on BiciMAD
• Google map of all the electric bike stations
• Interactive map of Madrid for bikers, including calmest streets and bike paths

How does it work?

All transactions–registration, payment, getting and charging your card, bike pick-up & drop-off, and reporting of problems–can be carried out at each bike station, where you will find a machine (tótem) with instructions in English and Spanish. What’s more, you’ll be able to check availability and routes on your mobile device: IOS, Android and Windows P, and download a handy app.

How much does it cost?

Price depends on if you buy an annual pass (abonado) or not (no abonado). 

For abonados, you will have to pay 25€/year and only 15€/year if you already have the monthly abono transporte (public train and bus pass), plus an additional cost per ride of 0,50€-0,60€ (see all rates above). For no abonados, also called usuarios ocasionales, rides up to an hour cost 2€-4€.

All rates include insurance. Sanctions are established for abuse or misuse.

How do you sign up & get your card? 

Whether you’re an annual user or an occasional user, you still need to sign up. Here are the steps:

1. Sign up to get your code:

• Online
• At any station’s totem
• By phoning 010
• In person at Línea Madrid offices

2. With the code, pick up your card (tarjeta) and charge it at the station

*As an annual user (abono anual), you’re automatically part of the public bicycle club of Madrid (Club de la Bicicleta Pública de Madrid), a virtual forum for other biking fans to find out about events, workshops and exchange info.

How do you use it?

• Once you’re signed up and put money on your card at the station, you’re ready to start riding.
• To pick up the bike, there should be a Green light indicating that the bike is available. Swipe/hold your card close to the light until you hear a beep. Then gently remove the bike from its slot.
• To drop off the bike, there should be a red light at the slot meaning it’s empty. Push the bike in until the light turns green, hear a beep and voilá! Just make sure that the bike is stationed well by pulling at it slightly.
• If it’s blue, that means that the spot has been reserved by another user.
• If there’s no light, it means that it’s disconnected and you can’t use it.

What happens if you return a bike and the station is full?

• Check in so you don’t get penalized, and then you will be given 10 more minutes to go to the next station.

*We’ll be updating this post as the new initiative sets in… stay tuned!

And if you’re looking to take these city bikes out for a spin, check out: 4 Best City Biking Routes in Madrid

‘Where do you go to the bathroom in Madrid?’ is one of those important questions that’s not often talked about. Of course you can go into any bar you wish, but we’re focusing on those easy and clean bathrooms, where you don’t have to ask for permission to enter and you know there will always be toilet paper.

While this list of Madrid’s best public bathrooms should be useful for tourists, it will be particularly handy for Madrid’s language teaching community who are out all day travelling to their students’ private houses and it’s just plain awkward to ask if you can use their toilet.

So here’s a list of Madrid’s best public toilets!!

1. El Corte Inglés

Madrid’s major department store, El Corte Inglés, is a true godsend when you’re out in the city and nature calls. I can’t think of any neighbourhood in Madrid that doesn’t have a Corte Inglés, especially in the center. So just look for those green letters and know you’re in good hands!

2. Markets and city shopping malls

Most neighbourhoods have indoor markets and shopping malls such as ABC Serrano in Salamanca and Mercado de Fuencarral in Malasaña, the latter being the favorite of my friend, Sarah, who actually gave me the idea for this article. She said their bathrooms are perfect for English teachers who are constantly on the move. I used to frequent Moda Shopping near Santiago Bernabeu along the Castellana. Here’s a link to all 7 Madrid shopping malls so hopefully you will find one near your classes!

3. Museums and Cultural Centers 

pristine toilets at Espacio Telefónica on each floor of this free cultural center on calle Fuencarral, right off the Gran Vía

Madrid is full of museums and cultural centres which have large and clean public bathrooms conveniently located in their entrances and cafés.  Fundación Telefónica on calle Fuencarral, right off the Gran Vía, has pristine bathrooms and free entrance. Just walk in, take the elevator to any floor and find the restrooms to your right. The Reina Sofia museum on calle Atocha has a beautiful café with entrance on street level, where you will also find the bathrooms. Here are some other similar places, Conde Duque, Caixa Forum, El Matadero, Palacio de Cibeles, just to name a few.

The Reina Sofia Museum’s café on calle Atocha. Great public bathroom.

4. FNAC

Madrid’s huge technology store near Callao and Sol has a newly renovated bathroom on the fifth floor. It’s so clean, so easy and so convenient. They have a nice café too, by the way.

5. Casa del Libro

Can’t go wrong with a bookstore! Casa del Libro has plenty of locations around Madrid as well and people don’t usually think to go here, so I’ve hardly ever seen a queue. I used to go to one near Goya, but there is also one right on the Gran Vía (restrooms on the second floor).

6. McDonald’s 

I personally steer clear of McDonalds’ bathrooms, most likely because I immediately think of the one that’s on calle Montera (yikes!). But my husband, James, says there’s a nice one near metro Begoña, right below the 4 towers in Plaza de Castilla.
Fellow Madrid language teachers and wanderers, do you know of any other good bathrooms in Madrid?

7. Hotels

As in any other big city, you can always pop into a hotel too.

Mercado del San Ildefonso, a three-story food emporium, has just opened on calle Fuencarral, 57, in Madrid’s trendy area of Malasaña. Its open architecture and urban design are so cool that I think this market is already looking as good, if not better than Madrid’s other amazing food markets–Mercado de San Antón and Mercado de San Miguel. Here’s a look!

As you enter you find food stalls and a few stools. And then… 

As you walk up to the second floor, you’ll find a cozy outdoor seating area sandwiched between the market’s neighbouring buildings.

On this floor you can delight in little food stalls serving up simple dishes, such as croquettes, meat skewers, seafood and more. At the tables you can look up to see beams, lights and windows.

On the top floor there’s a full bar which also gives you views to the floors down below. You’ve just gotta go!

Here’s the facade, since it’s not as pretty on the outside, we’ve saved this photo for last…

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Web
Address: c/ Fuencarral, 57
Metro: Gran Vía and Tribunal

If you are into food, markets and eating outdoors, here are some other posts you might like:

• Lavapiés and its market, the real food emporium
• Mercado de Motors, Madrid’s coolest monthly market
• Madrid’s best rooftop bars
• Beer state of mind in Madrid  (best craft beer)
• Top 4 swimming pools

Having heard wonderful things about Tandoori Station from so many people, I finally went there the other night with a group of friends, one of whom had previously written about the restaurant in her own food blog, Las Mesas de Vanessa. 

Tandoori Station is located in Barrio Salamanca. Now I must admit that I was reluctant to eat Indian food that far from calle Lavapiés (if you don’t know this street, it’s lined with cheap and fun Indian restaurants that I like to call curry row). But Tandoori Station is different. One, it’s higher-end and thus pricier, which is well worth it for its generous portions and outstanding quality. And two, the service is very good–you will be asked how everything is and given recommendations. If you go often enough, your name will be remembered and after-dinner shots will be on the house. And lastly, it’s the kind of comfortable place where you can linger over drinks and dessert as long as you wish. So needless to say, it lived up to my expectations indeed!!

Just one last note before I talk about the food–the décor includes features of a train station (as its name implies) and they have a spacious outdoor seating area which was very alluring even though we decided to sit inside.

from Tandoori Station’s web

So here’s what we ordered:

To start, they give you the typical crispy bread with three sauces to choose from. To drink, we ordered Indian beer called Crown and Vanessa ordered her favorite, salted lassi. We then ordered two appetizers–Samosas (filled with potato, peas and cilantro seeds) and Aloo Tikkia (mini potato hamburgers with paneer cheese). The ingredients tasted fresh and delicious, plus the sauces added a great kick to each bite.

When it came to the main course, I was planning on ordering lamb curry, because my friend Alondra told me it was out of this world. But as I looked at the menu I instantly fell in love with Murghi Ki Balti  (curried chicken with yogurt sauce, tomato, cilantro, anis and other spices). It was really nice, but I still want to go back for the lamb!

Murghi Ki Balti chicken curry

We shared several other dishes too. Our table was full of colours and smells, and it took some creativity as to what sauce and rice to mix with what chicken or vegetable. We had Murgh Ka Tikka (marinated tandoori chicken) which I liked even more than the Murghi Ki Balti.

Murgh Ka Tikka (marinated tandoori chicken)

curried spinach

We also ordered Kashmir Ka Pulau (rice dish with raisins, nuts, and saffron), curried spinach, aubergines and Madras Wali Machli (swordfish curry, mildly spicy with a touch of coconut milk), and some naan bread too, of course. What can I say? It was all delicious! I don’t think you can go wrong with anything here.

Madras Wali Machli swordfish

Kashmir Ka Pulau rice

Although I’ve only been here once, my friends have been back many times and say they’ve always enjoyed it thoroughly. So if you’re looking for great quality Indian food in Madrid, I would definitely recommend Tandoori Station. It’s especially good for groups (I noticed that many of the tables around us were either large groups of families or friends, and there was plenty of space). Do make a reservation!

Web
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 Address: c/ José Ortega y Gasset 89-91
Phone: 914 01 22 28
Price Range: (20-30€)

Buying gifts for friends and family in Madrid can be a difficult task. Pretty much everything can be found everywhere nowadays. I often see the same Spanish brand names and products when I walk around my neighborhood in New York. So I think to myself, why did I even bother lugging that bottle of Marqués de Riscal all across the ocean? If you find yourself faced with this same problem (and not inclined to buy your mom a keychain or a magnet), here’s a list of well thought-out gift ideas from Madrid. Hope it helps!

First let’s quickly name some of the more obvious gift ideas, which are also good but run the risk of being found in your hometown (scroll down if you’re all too familiar with these):

Handheld fans, flamenco shawls, ceramic tiles and dishes, paella pans, recipe books, aprons with a flamenco dancer or the flag of Spain, football/soccer jersey, wine, cured ham and sweets with long shelf-lives such as mazapán, turron and polvorones (can be bought at El Riojano or Casa Mira, two very traditional pastry shops in the city center) or a swiss army/pocket knife (best from Toledo but also sold in Plaza Mayor). While it’s always best to buy these items from independent sellers (which you will find below), if you’re pressed for time you can find absolutely everything at El Corte Inglés, the country’s major department store with locations all around.

Now let’s move on to the more original gift ideas:

1. Anything from La Violeta

La Violeta is a candy shop located in the center of Madrid. It must be included in this list because it is a typical place where Madrileños buy gifts for other Madrileños. Las violetas are purple-colored sucking candies wrapped in pretty little boxes and ribbon. You can buy them plain or escarchadas, meaning sugar-coated. You can also find cajas de bombones (boxes of chocolates) and many other sweet treats. Prices range from €5 to €15.

2. Saffron or a pack of mixed Spanish spices for anyone who likes to cook

My sister, Amanda, actually gave me this idea. Her boyfriend’s family is originally from the Basque Country. Her father-in-law loves little trinkets from Spain and also makes paella every year for the whole family. So she had the bright idea of buying him a pack of azafrán (saffron). Yes, saffron! It costs peanuts in comparison to what it costs in the States. She bought it at Corte Inglés and he was over the moon when he received it. For non-purists, you can also buy sachets, which is a bag of mixed Spanish spices, also used for making paella. Anyone who likes to cook will enjoy this gift!

3. Berets; can be bought at a charming century-old hat shop right in Plaza Mayor

Founded in 1894, Madrid’s oldest hat shop–La Favorita C.B.–is now in the hands of its family’s fourth generation. It remains in its original location in Plaza Mayor and sells all types of traditional Spanish hats that make for fun and useful gifts. Amanda gave me this idea too. She bought a black beret for her stylish sister-in-law which cost €19. Although the black beret is traditionally worn in the Basque Country, where it’s called a Boina, it very well looked like it could have been bought at Top Shop. I’m sure anyone could rock this look in any city around the world, and they’d have a nice story to tell when someone asked them where they bought it.

4. Chocolate for dipping churros; can be bought at the famous Chocolatería San Gines (near Sol)

In Spanish, this is simply called chocolate a la taza or chocolate caliente. However, for English-speakers this can be quite confusing–this is not just hot chocolate. It refers to the thick chocolate that you dip churros into. When my husband’s relatives from California were visiting, they bought bags and bags of this chocolate as a present for all their friends back home. It was a hit! And it’s not exclusive for dipping churros, you can also use it for dipping strawberries, bananas–anything you like! You can buy it in bags by the kilo at Madrid’s most famous churros shop, Chocolatería San Ginés, open 24/7 and just a stone’s throw from Sol.

5. Peseta; for millions of small gift ideas made in Madrid, using fabrics from around the world (in Malasaña)

Named after Spain’s former currency–las pesetas–this charming store was founded by Laura Martínez del Pozo around ten years ago. She collects fabrics from all over the world and uses them to make unique, creative and very handy items, from tablet and laptop cases to handbags and wallets. They even sell beautiful shoes, also typical from Spain–espadrilles and alpargatas–though with a nice twist as the fabric is a hundred percent unique. Seeing as these everyday items are useful for everyone, you’re sure to find great gifts here.

You can also find Peseta’s products sold at an awesome book store and cafe near Callao called La Central, which will talk more about below.

6. Summer shoes; can be found in stores everywhere (also in Peseta)

alpargatas at the top and mallorquinas at the bottom

Esparto (espadrilles), alpargatas and mallorquinas are the three most popular summer shoe styles originating from Spain. All can be found in any colour and in any standard shoe store (the center is littered with typical shoe stores, especially around Plaza Mayor and Calle Carmen which is right off of Sol). The latter two styles are unisex, so you’re bound to find something for both your male and female friends and family. Since Spain is well-known for its amazing shoes, why not wow them with some Spanish summer footwear they can strut around their own city in style? Plus you don’t have to limit yourself to the traditional ones. You can find snazzier versions too. You can also check out our post on “3 Places to Find Espadrilles in Madrid” for more recommendations.

This photo is from a new store called Alpargatus which is located just off of Plaza Mayor on Calle Postas. They have all types of alpargatas, espadrilles and mallorquinas, plus other souvenirs. It’s really convenient.

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Address: C/ Postas, 20 (just a few steps away from Plaza Mayor)
Metro: Sol or Opera

Or check out another post of ours dedicated solely to espadrilles: “3 Places to Find Espadrilles in Madrid“

8. Traditional gloves with silk lining from 100-year-old glove shop in Sol

Just a note–I couldn’t get a photo because the owner closed the shop for the whole weekend to go to Lisbon and watch the football match…

Believe it or not, Spain still has entire shops dedicated solely to gloves! One of Madrid’s most well-known and oldest glove shops is called Guantes Luque, nestled between the streets of Sol and Sevilla. Entering the shop is an experience in and of itself. These elegant gloves take you back to another era, when items were not mass produced and were meant to last a lifetime. Understandably on the expensive side, these traditional Spanish gloves are not only beautiful, but have silk lining which is a godsend in winter.

7. Gift Basket – 3 simple and delicious ingredients

image from gastronosfera.com

When I asked around for good gift ideas, one expat said that he always brings home a basket of 3 items: pimientos de piquillo (roasted red peppers), aceitunas campo reales (olives) and a really fancy aceite de oliva (olive oil). After speaking with many foreigners living in Spain, it became clear that campo real olives are a major hit among the gift-giving crowd. Though if you don’t like olives, you can always replace them with a bottle of wine (my favorite red is Ribera and my favorite white is Albariño), a box of marzipan from Toledo or sweets from La Violeta (mentioned #1).

Where to buy: while you can buy these items all over the city and of course at El Corte Inglés, we recommend you go to Mercado de Antón Martín or Mercado de San Fernando. These markets are very traditional, unlike many of the others that have become over-priced and over-touristy. You can also go to Qué Rico Tó, mentioned #2 on this list.

Mercado de Antón Martín

Mercado de San Fernando

8. Spanish Comic Books

For your alternative or comic-book loving friends, a Spanish comic could be a really cool gift. It’s always fun to read comics in other languages, especially because the drawings and images help you figure out the story. But of course this gift isn’t for everyone. The above photo is of El Coleccionista, a well-known comic shop in Lavapiés with a wide collection. My sister, Amanda (also in the photo), bought a few rare books for her friends here. When I asked Amanda if I could include her photo in this article, she said of course–she’d be happy to support any type of independent shop like this one which make up the backbone of a city’s personality and charm. I’ve also just found out that one of the world’s best comic stores is located in Madrid too, it’s called Akira Comics and is located a bit further out in the city.

9. Second-hand books with personality from Desperate Literature

At Desperate Literature, a new international bookstore located in the center of Madrid (close to the Royal Palace), you can find good quality used books in English, Spanish and French, many of which are related to Spain and can make for a great, personalized gift. Also, this bookstore has a nice story behind it, as its three young owners–Michael, Corey and Craig–have opened used international bookstores in Santorini, Greece and in Brooklyn, New York. With the recent opening of Desperate Literature in Madrid, they aim to provide a literary haven for travellers, expats and Madrileños alike. Here’s a long article on Desperate Literature.

10. New books and much more from a La Central, an ultra hip bookstore/cafe near Callao

While my first suggestion would be to go to Desperate Literature, if you’re looking for all kinds of new books in Spanish (i.e. children’s, novels, poetry, you name it) or other gift ideas such as board games, notebooks and fun nicknacks, then this is the store you should be going to.

11. Trinkets from a Funky Madrid Gift Shop called Curiosite

As far as gift shops go, this one is quite original. At Curiosite, you can get maps of Malasaña and Chueca for €12, which look great framed, as well as tons of other fun little tchotchkes. This gift is recommended for someone who has lived or spent a good amount of time in Madrid.

Any other gift ideas? Please share! We’ll be happy to add more to this list 🙂