Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’ve been living here for years, this guide provides a little something for everyone. You’ll find a mix of touristy and non-touristy things to do in Madrid, along with hidden gems and quirky tidbits scattered throughout.

We plan on updating this guide regularly with our own discoveries and friendly suggestions. So feel free to comment!

Wining & dining

As you walk through the streets of Madrid it can feel like there are more bars and restaurants than people. Choosing where to eat and drink among all the options is tricky at times, so here’s a list to start off with:

Food markets

Many of Madrid’s neighborhood markets have been revamped while preserving their traditional spirit. They’re one of the best ways to experience Madrid’s food culture. Here’s a list of the most popular mercados: 

Mercado de San Miguel: The city’s prettiest and most famous food market, situated right off Plaza Mayor. The quality here is excellent, although you’ll usually find hordes of visitors.

Mercado de San Fernando: My favorite food market in the city, situated in Lavapiés. Here you’ll find a great, casual atmosphere, visited by locals and foreigners alike. There’s a wonderful mix of food stalls, from the Asturian El Guaje de Lavapiés to the Portuguese Mercadillo Lisboa.

Mercado de San Antón: If you’re in Chueca and not sure where to go, head over to this multi-level food market and grab a drink on the rooftop bar, open year round!

Mercado de Antón Martín: This popular market offers several classic food stalls and international eateries, including one of the city’s best Italian restaurants, Fiaschetteria La Saletta.

• Tip: just one flight up you’ll find the most important flamenco dance studio in Madrid, Amor de Dios! Pop up to feel the vibe.

Mercado de la Cebada: Located in La Latina, this market especially comes alive on Saturdays. You’ll find visitors eating and drinking amid the labyrinth of stalls. Join them!

• Also read: La Latina’s seafood party in Mercado de la Cebada

Mercado de Vallehermoso: Located near Arguelles, this one’s a little less central than the others, but no less active. You’ll find the traditional market stalls situated alongside modern options like the popular Kitchen 154, specializing in spicy Asian street food dishes.

Restaurants, bars and cafés:

Bodegas Rosell: If you’re looking for an authentic Spanish meal, it’s best to go to one of the old-school tabernas that have stood the test of time, like Bodegas Rosell, situated by Atocha.

Three more Spanish eateries we love:

• Juana la Loca: A family-run Spanish restaurant in La Latina offering a wonderful ambience and a menu featuring traditional and international dishes, and pintxos with a creative twist. Always a great choice.
• Casa Mingo: A one-of-a-kind and very no-frills restaurant specializing in roasted chicken and sidra (cider) – so you get to learn how to pour it in the Asturian way (escanciar).
• Bar Lambuzo: One of the first restaurants we ever wrote about on Naked Madrid, back in 2014. Lovingly run by a family from Cádiz, this welcoming taberna serves authentic dishes from Andalucía. Bar Lambuzo now has three locations: Sol, Mercado de Chamberí, and Retiro.

Tapas bar hopping in La Latina: At least one night in Madrid should be dedicated to tapas bar hopping, and one of the best streets to do this on is Cava Baja, along with its surrounding calles and plazas. Here you’ll find bar after bar… after bar.

Calle Ponzano, the city’s top foodie street. Madrid has chosen Calle Ponzano to become its gourmet golden mile, lined with great restaurants to choose from, including Sala Despiecie, Alipio Ramos and Toque de Sal.

• Here’s a longer list of places to eat on Calle Ponzano.

Corredera Bajo de San Pablo in Malasaña. This is another street that’s full of fun bars and restaurants, including Amargo Place to Be (with live music), Elemental Bistro (French-Spanish cuisine) and Aió (Sardinian restaurant with a bike storage downstairs). There’s also the famous Teatro Lara, and…

• Secret bar at Kikekeller: This design studio turns into a clandestine bar at night on the weekends, when art and mixology come together.

Lavapiés has it all: Malasaña and Chueca have become so popular that it’s a bit overwhelming at times. The multicultural neighborhood of Lavapiés offers a more casual vibe, yet there’s no shortage of food options.

• Some of our favorite places in Lavapiés include: Los Chuchis, Badila, La Berenjena, Los Porfiados, and Barbieri, just to name a few.
• Also see: 10 eateries from around the world in Lavapiés and Embajadores

Barrio Slamanca: This is the city’s higher-end area. It’s very pretty and has some of the best eateries in the city, from Michelin-starred restaurants to friendly neighborhood bars. We’d love to explore Salamanca’s hidden gems more. Here are some of the places we’ve previously featured:

• StreetXO, a casual version of the world-famous DiverXO by rockstar chef Dabiz Muñoz
• Arugula, a restaurant by Retiro Park serving great salads and healthy dishes
• Tandoori Station, one of the city’s top Indian restaurants
• Banibanoo, a wonderful market-style Iranian restaurant

Go on a hunt for the best tortilla: This Spanish comfort food always hits the spot and you can order a “pincho” (slice) at just about every bar in the city. Try these spots (and many others) and see which one you like best: Where to find the best tortilla in Madrid.

Sip on sherry at La Venencia: Please don’t leave the city without visiting this truly unique bar in Barrio de las Letras. Entering La Venencia means traveling to another time period. They only offer sherry (four types).

• Also check out: What to see in Barrio de las Letras
• And: Take a peek inside 5 historical Madrid bars

La hora del vermut: The city is reviving an old ritual, which entails drinking vermouth along with an aperitivo before lunchtime, especially on Sundays. Experience this tradition at these timeless bars, or at the newer vermuterías to join in on the vermouth craze.

Cocktails at The Cock: Madrid has some great cocktail bars. If you’re looking for the kind that hasn’t changed in… forever, then The Cock’s your safest bet. Right down the street is Del Diego, another good option.

Pepe Botella: If you’re looking for a place to get a coffee or a glass of wine in Malasaña, I personally recommend this bar in Plaza Dos de Mayo. Grab the window seat if you can. After a couple of rounds, you’ll be in the perfect state of mind to explore the neighborhood.

Also see: Work-friendly cafés in Malasaña with great Wi-Fi

María Pandora: Have champagne at this funky arts bar in La Latina. You’ll also get to watch the sunset over Parque de las Vistillas. The hours are a little odd so check online if they’re open.

Also see: Discover Madrid’s passionate poetry scene

Have a sweet treat at an old-world pastry shop: The city’s most famous is La Mallorquina, located right in Sol. You’ll usually find a line out the door for take-away, but there’s a spacious tea room upstairs.

• Right down the street is another traditional pastry shop, El Riojano, also with a tea room.
• Also see: 7 best pastry shops in Madrid and the city’s best churros spots.

Cultural activities

El Matadero: This former slaughterhouse is now one of the city’s most active cultural hubs, complete with a cinema, theater, café, an outdoor area used for markets and more!

Conde Duque: An enormous cultural center holding free exhibits including large-scale art projects and exhibits. It also hosts concerts, performances, book archives and even outdoor cinema which runs during summer.

• Plaza de Guardia de Corps: it’s located in a cute little plaza, surrounded by bars, restaurants and shops.

Cine Doré/La Filmoteca: A funky old cinema screening classic films from around the world in original version and at an unbeatable price of €2.50. It’s one of the city’s most popular movie houses, located right by Mercado de Antón Martín.

• Also check out: Where to enjoy good film in Madrid

Sala Equis: One of the city’s trendiest hotspots, a former XXX theater transformed into an eatery and cinema, located in Tirso de Molina.

Desperate Literature: An international bookstore selling the best selection of English-language books in the city. They also throw great events, from readings to concerts.

• Also check out: The city’s best café-bookshops

Microteatro por Dinero: “Micro-theater” performances are all the rage in Madrid, and one of the best places to see these 15-minute shows are at Microteatro por Dinero in Malasaña. Get your €4 ticket, grab a drink and enjoy the show! It makes for a really fun night, although you do need a good level of Spanish to appreciate it.

• If you’re looking for theater in English, check out the interactive shows put on by Mad Improv. Lots of fun!

Mercado de Motores: The city’s trendiest monthly market, held in a train museum. You’ll find a variety of stalls set up along the tracks, and food trucks outside. Get there early before the crowds swarm in.

Check out Madridnofrills.com: This website offers incredibly insightful information on a side of Madrid that tourists (and locals) almost never experience, from the city’s anti-mainstream music scene to a photo series of 100 of Madrid’s no-frills bars (that’s recently gone viral!). Do have a look.

Museums

Madrid boasts several world-renowned arts institutions as well as lesser-known museums and “casa museos” (former private mansions). Here are some top picks, although you can also check out our guide to the city’s museums (and how to get in for free) here.

The Golden Triangle of Art: Madrid’s three world-famous museums are located on Paseo del Prado, and need no introduction: 

• The Prado Museum
• Thyssen
• Reina Sofía Museum 

Within walking distance are three other museums I’d highly recommend:

• Museo Naval: Located beside the Prado is the Maritime Museum, which houses an impressive collection that’s a surprise to many, even Madrileños.
• La Casa Encendida: Situated near Reína Sofía, this dynamic cultural center holds contemporary art exhibits and activities, both inside as well as on its rooftop terrace. Free entrance.
• CaixaForum: Also located on Paseo del Prado is a contemporary arts center with great exhibits and an urban garden wall. 

Three “Casa Museos” that are incredibly charming and take you back in time:

• Museo de Cerralbo: My personal favorite. This small museum is a portal to another era. It was a former private mansion and is located next to the stunning Templo de Debod (more on that below).
• Sorolla Museum: The former house of famous Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla. Step inside his private living quarters to see his studio and personal collection. It’s well worth a visit.
• Museo del Romanticismo: Walk through the beautiful rooms of this museum in Chueca that have been kept in tact from the Romanticism Era. Make sure to have a tea in the lovely garden afterwards.

La Neomudéjar: This is the most avant-garde museum on the list, occupying a former industrial railway building near Atocha train station.

Art shows and festivals: Madrid has a thriving arts scene, with events held year round, such as the world-famous Madrid Art Week that’s going on right now. Time Out Madrid is the best place to find out about the city’s events in English.

Plazas & streets

After seeing the mandatory Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, here are a few other must-see places:

Plaza de la Villa, the city’s original town hall is absolutely beautiful, especially at nighttime. The little surrounding streets, like Calle del Codo, are also charming.

• Tip: just a few steps away from the plaza lies a sweet shop run by nuns: El Jardín del Convento, on Calle del Cordón 1.

Plaza de Oriente: Here you’ll see the Royal Palace, Royal Opera House, the Sabatini gardens and the Almudena Cathedral. There’s also a lesser-known crypt below the cathedral that boasts hundreds of columns, each one unique.

Plaza de Dos de Mayo: This happening plaza is nestled between the streets of Malasaña, one of Madrid’s trendiest neighborhood. My favorite café in this plaza is Pepe Botella (mentioned above).

Plaza Olavide: A charming plaza in Chamberí, loved by locals. Come here to sit out on a terrace and soak up the sun.

Plaza de la Paja: A very popular plaza in La Latina, full of bars and restaurants. When the weather’s nice you’ll find spacious terrazas set up everywhere – you’ll have to be quick to find a table!

• Palacio del Príncipe Anglona Garden: This charming little garden is located right inside the plaza.

Staircase streets of La Latina

La Latina is one of the city’s oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods. Take a stroll through the area’s windy, narrow streets. You’ll find several streets that have stairs, like Calle del Rollo and Travesía del Nuncio (pictured below). Just wander around a little.

Streets of Lavapiés: Explore this vibrant, multicultural neighborhood. You’ll find a lot of street art on Calle Embajadores, Miguel de Servet, and Doctor Fourquet (where you’ll also find many micro-galleries).

Parks

Retiro: The city’s most popular park, situated in the center. There are several spots worth visiting, such as the lake, the rose garden and of course, the stunning glass palace.

Templo de Debod: Madrid houses a beautiful Egyptian temple surrounded by greenery. Come here to watch the sunset! Then take a walk through Parque del Oeste (next point).

Parque del Oeste. This spacious park is located in the western part of Madrid, near Moncloa and Templo de Debod. It provides a much-needed breath of fresh air, plus there are outdoor concerts held during the warmer months of the year.

• Rose garden: There’s a beautiful rose garden you shouldn’t miss in spring, Rosaleda de Madrid.

Casa de Campo: The largest park in Madrid. It really makes you feel like you’ve left the city. You’ll find lots of hills, trails, bike paths, bars with outdoor terraces and a lake. It’s also connected to Parque del Oeste and Madrid Río (mentioned below). You can rent a bike for the day and explore the park on wheels. Here you’ll also find:

• A theme park
• The zoo and aquarium
• Piscina Lago: one of the city’s most popular public swimming pools, open in summer.
• According to Madrid No Frills, there’s an old Spanish Civil War map that you can follow…

Madrid Río Park: Madrid’s Manzanares river has been turned into a public recreation space for children and adults alike. You’ll see people having picnics, rollerblading, running, cycling, playing sports and having a drink on the terraces. Madrid Río has sprinklers open during summer, playgrounds year round and the famous “spiral” bridge.

• I like going to El Matadero first, and then taking a walk along Madrid Río afterwards, as they’re connected.
• At the other end of Madrid Río is Casa de Campo, so you can bike through both on the same route.

Rooftops

One of the best things to do in Madrid is enjoy its rooftop craze. The city has tons of azoteas, and many are open year round:

Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes: Pretty much all the city’s best postcards feature views from this famous rooftop. Whether you’re in the mood to stay awhile and have a drink, or just pop up to take in the view, make sure to include it on your list. 

CentroCentro Cibeles: This is the city’s most famous building, hands down. It used to be a public post office but is now a free-entrance arts and cultural center. There’s also a rooftop bar where you can see panoramic views of the city, as well as a lookout point at the very top. 

Low-key rooftop bars: If you’re in the mood for a casual rooftop setting, one of our favorites is The Hat Madrid, a hostel located near Plaza Mayor.

• Also check out our full list of low-key rooftop bars open year round.

Shopping

Rastro Flea Market: Spend a Sunday rummaging through Madrid’s largest open-air flea market, open from 9am-3pm. Start off in Plaza de Cascorro and walk down Ribera de Curtidores. Make sure to explore the surrounding calles and plazas as well. You’ll find an endless number of shops and stalls selling trinkets and antiques from around the world.

• Best of all, it’s tradition to spend the rest of the day having tapas in La Latina. Just follow the crowds and do as the locals do!

Gran Vía and Calle Fuencarral: You can get all your shopping done on these two popular streets, which are connected. Gran Vía has all the big-name brands like Zara and Mango, while Calle Fuencarral is also lined with smaller shops. Once you’re on Fuencarral, explore the whole neighborhood of Malasaña on foot, and Chueca too while you’re at it. They’re next-door neighbors. 

Barrio Salamanca: This is the city’s most upscale neighborhood and it’s much less touristy than Gran Vía and Malasaña. It’s full of designer shops and independent brands.

Vintage and thrift shops: A few years ago it was hard to come by good thrift stores in the city, but now you can find a bunch to choose from. Check out our list of 10 great secondhand and vintage stores in Madrid.

Tour

Take a tour with Devour Madrid: This is the tour I’d most recommend going on. The folks at Devour Madrid food tour truly know what they’re taking about. This is one of the best things to do in Madrid if you’re just visiting: eating your way through the city as you learn about its history, culture and language.

Stunning local olive grove tour – in English: The founder of Madrid No Frills, Leah Pattem, suggests an olive oil tour in the outskirts of Madrid, called Proyecto los Aires. It’s a family-run olive grove with an innovative mission: to connect the local countryside with the city of Madrid and make farming a sustainable way of life once again.

Travel

Take a day-trip to a nearby town: There are several trips you can take from Madrid, which are very easy to get to by public transport. Here are a few recommendations:

• Toledo: If you’re short on time, I would highly recommend the breathtakingly beautiful city of Toledo. 
• Segovia would be next on the list, especially for its Roman aqueduct.
• Alcalá de Henares, the hometown of Cervantes, is another great option and very nearby.
• Check out our list of the 10 most beautiful surrounding towns. 

Know of any other things to do in Madrid that should be included on this list? Let us know in the comments and we’ll add them in!

Knowing where to take your mom in Madrid can be tough, especially if she’s already visited you five or six times. So here’s a follow-up to my first version of this post with some fresh ideas, some favorites, and some recommendations from fellow Naked Madrid writers – and my mom, too, of course. She also helped me edit this whole piece. Thanks ma! 

Not to mention these ideas are great for any out-of-town guests. Here goes:

1. Museo del Romanticismo for an intimate art experience

Madrid has several charming museums worth visiting, and if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate their small size. My mom and I loved Museo de Artes Decorativas and Museo Naval; but we enjoyed Museo del Romanticismo the most. Something about wandering around someone’s former mansion makes it unique, and each room tells a different story. Just stay on the grey carpet or the attendant will scold you, like she did my mom when she wanted to take a closer look at the 19th-century furnishings and art! Plus it has a wonderful tea room.

For more ideas, check out Madrid’s obvious and not-so-obvious museums (and how to get in for free!)

2. Mad Improv events for fun and laughter

This was such a great discovery. My mom has been to Madrid several times over my ten years of living here, yet we never quite found the right way to spend an evening out that didn’t just involve food. Mad Improv is an English-speaking theater group that holds shows (right now on Thursdays at La Escalera de Jacob) and regular workshops and jams at VeraContent (Naked Madrid’s sister company).

Jams cost 3€ and include a first drink. Anyone is welcome to get up and join in on improv games, or you can just watch if you’re on the shyer side – understandably so, as you’ll see some pretty impressive improvisors up there. Either way, you’re going to laugh a whole lot. I promise.

Here’s a full post on Mad Improv to find out more.

3. Juana la Loca for excellent Spanish food

Juana la Loca is an exceptional family-run restaurant in La Latina, serving Spanish food with lots of fusion and lots of love. Everything you eat here is exquisite, from the pintxos at the bar to the main dishes. I had been several times before I finally got the chance to speak to one of the family members, the son, who explained everything on the menu with such passion. Culinary arts clearly run in the family.

4. Bosco de Lobos and Ana la Santa for cozy and chic dining

I wanted to include a few more restaurants on this list so I asked for recommendations from Cat, one of Naked Madrid’s most active writers. With no hesitation at all, she said: “Bosco de Lobos and Ana la Santa are both mum pleasers!” Bosco de Lobos is situated in a beautiful courtyard of an architecture school in Chueca, and its casual-chic look immediately lures you in. Ana la Santa also has a great location, right in Plaza Santa Ana. Cat especially recommends going here when it’s cold outside, as it’s the perfect place to warm up.

Check out Cat‘s articles on Bosco de Lobos and Ana la Santa – I’d definitely take her word for it.

5. Chuka for Japanese ramen and gyozas

Once you’ve had your taste of Spanish food, you shouldn’t feel bad about going to an international restaurant. Really, it’s okay. Madrid’s culinary scene is full of fusion cuisine from all over the world, and Madrileños love it. Chuka is one of our all-time favorites for ramen, gyozas and baos. And we just found out the owners are actually two Americans who have been living in Madrid for over a decade. Go figure!

Here’s a full post on Chuka. Another great restaurant nearby is L’Artisan Furansu Kitchen, offering French-Japanese fusion cuisine and a menú del día that changes daily.

6. Salmon Guru for fun cocktails

Before going into Chuka we had a half hour to kill so we walked down the street and got a drink at Salmon Guru. This funky bar has a great cocktail selection and truly unique decor. If we’d stayed a little longer and sampled another round, my mom thinks we might have solved the mystery of what “Salmon Guru” actually means.

Read our full post on Salmon Guru here.

7. Swinton & Grant for when you’re working

Coffee shops are always great places to park your mom while you’re working (or napping). If she hasn’t brought her own book with her, she’ll surely find something to read at Swinton & Grant – a café that sells art books and also has a downstairs gallery – while enjoying a cortado, a spicy ginger soda, or a beer.

Another one of my mom’s favorites, mentioned in the previous article, is Café La Libre, right by the Reina Sofia museum. She couldn’t resist going back twice on her most recent visit. And we always make a pit-stop at Desperate Literature to check out their international book selection and delightful event calendar.

8. Templo de Debod for stunning views

This beautiful ancient Egyptian temple is perched on a hill providing breathtaking views of the city, making it the perfect spot to watch the sunset or have a picnic. Templo de Debod is also a great place to walk to after a visit to the Royal Palace or the Cerralbo Museum which are both a hop skip away. You’ll find a free-entrance museum inside the temple – one of Mad Improv’s organizers, Summer, said her parents loved it.

9. Casa Pueblo for another cocktail

I’ve been going to this bar since my first year in Madrid. You can bring anyone here – a date, a friend, a colleague. There’s something warm and special about Casa Pueblo that makes me keep coming back. And my mom couldn’t agree more. There’s also a small stage in the back where they regularly put on live music. 

10. The Rastro for a Sunday flea market experience

When I asked for a recommendation from Leah, she said: “My mum absolutely loves the Rastro, of course. She wants to buy everything but can’t fit it in her suitcase, but she always manages to squeeze something in like a spoon!”

Leah has been writing about and capturing the Rastro for years on her awesome blog, Madrid No Frills, and instagram accounts @rastrolife and @portaitofmadrid. Here’s her latest Rastro-inspired post: Seven eccentric museum-worthy collections found only in the Rastro

11. Shopping day in Malasaña – and a mandatory drink afterwards

When it comes to shopping, I like getting it over with in one shot on Calle Fuencarral (which merges with Gran Vía if you want to hit all the big stores like Zara and H&M). Afterwards, there’s beer and tapas waiting for you at some of our favorite spots. I recommend going into one of the happening food markets in the area – Mercado de San Ildefonso or Mercado de San Anton – both with great outdoor seating areas.

Another amazing place for a post-shopping drink is El Paracaídas. This multi-story and multi-purpose concept store actually has two rooftops – our favorite is Cubanismo, a tropical rooftop escape!

12. Food tour for insight into Spanish bar culture and cuisine

Another Naked Madrid writer, Melissa, recently went on the Context Tavernas and Tapas Tour in Barrio de las Letras. Melissa is a true foodie, and works as a full-time writer and translator at VeraContent, where she researches Spanish food on a daily basis. She said the culinary tour was truly insightful, and a wonderful way to better understand the history and nuances behind Spain’s delicious cuisine as you enjoy every bite.

Read Melissa’s full article on the Context Travel Tours here.

 

Don’t forget to read round one of Where to Take Your Mom in Madrid for more ideas!

You might also like: Take a Peek Inside 5 Historical Madrid Bars

Of course Madrid is full of more options that mothers will love, so please feel free to share in the comments!

If you’re looking to explore Madrid’s museum scene beyond the famous Prado and Reina Sofia, I recommend starting with Los Cinco Museos, five former mansions that are all perfectly restored and house outstanding art collections: Cerralbo, Lázaro Galdiano, Artes Decorativas, Sorolla and Romanticismo.

These five museums take you on a journey to a different era, allowing you to see and feel what life might have been like when they were occupied. While each one is worth visiting, Museo Cerralbo is my personal favorite. I’ve been here twice – first on my own and then on a guided tour – and both times I was blown away by the museum’s special charm.

Tucked away on a side street near Plaza de España and Templo de Debod, this museum is one of the former residences of the Marquis of Cerralbo, who lived here with his family in the 19th century. Today, everything remains exactly in tact, from the furniture and art pieces to the wall colors and lighting.

As you walk through its many rooms and corridors, let your imagination run wild, picturing what life was like when this house was actually a home.

The Marquis was a well known archeologist and passionate art lover. He amassed a collection of art, furniture and objects from Spain and around the world that you can see in every nook and cranny. You’ll see beautiful paintings, mirrors, chandeliers and clocks dispersed throughout, and so much more.

The house has two floors. The first floor was where the family actually lived their normal lives, while the second floor is where you’ll find the extravagant ballroom and dining room, for example, that were meant to be shown off to guests.

Each particular room had a different purpose and decor, acting as a unique exhibition space. Here are a few examples.

The armor collection

After going up the gorgeous stairway (the house was actually designed to accommodate for a unique wooden banister), guests would step into the hallway displaying the Marquis’s armor collection. This is my favorite exhibit.

The ballroom

To the right of the armor collection you’ll find the stunning ballroom. I would certainly like to dance here one day…

As you can see, the Marquis was particularly fond of playing with lighting and mirrors to add as much depth to each room as possible. And not an inch of the house was left unadorned.

The library

The library features British-style decor and houses an impressive collection of books in several different languages, some dating back as far as the 15th century. Here you’ll also find one of the largest coin collections in Spain.

The billiard room

Right off the dining room you’ll find the billiard room. In that time, women weren’t expected to join in on the game, so there was a seating area designed just for them to watch as the men played.

Snapshots of more rooms and objects

There are so many little rooms and corridors to check out, each one providing a window into another era and giving your eyes plenty to marvel at. I don’t want to give away too much, so here are just a few more images to give you a glimpse of the Cerralbo Museum’s collection. But please don’t pass up the chance to see it in person!

Photography by Jose Luis Magaña from @asecond.art

Info

• Website, Facebook & Instagram
• I highly recommend booking a guided tour in English, Spanish or French
• Address: Calle Ventura Rodríguez, 17
• Hours: Tues–Sat 9:30am-3pm; Thursday also from 5-8pm; Sundays and holidays from 10am-3pm
• Metro: Plaza de España
• Los Cinco Museos pass: if you want to visit all five of these former mansions turned museums, you can purchase a €12 pass called Los Cinco Museos at any of their ticket offices. The pass gives you unlimited access to all five museums for 10 days, and after that you can enter on Saturdays with a plus one for the rest of the year.

You may also like:

• Madrid’s obvious and not-so-obvious museums (and how to get in for free!)

When the sun shines on the big city… Madrid is spectacular, especially in the sun. The authentic Spanish architecture on every building looks picturesque against a backdrop of blue skies, and even the areas coated in graffiti look artistic and vibrant in a summery light. You can walk pretty much anywhere; take a stroll in El Parque Retiro; sip sangría in Plaza Mayor; visit a rooftop in almost any barrio.

But with some Autumnal showers it can be difficult to experience Madrid to the full, so here are a few ideas to keep you busy come rain or shine…

Get even more culture in you

It goes without saying that rainy days are perfect museum days. Stay warm and dry inside beautiful exhibition rooms, and feel like you have really experienced at least a snippet of the art and culture that Madrid has to offer, even on a miserable day.

This can also be a free way to enjoy Madrid! Just as though you were wandering through tourist sites in the sun, like the grounds of Palacio Real or within Plaza Mayor, many art exhibitions in Madrid are free to the public.

To get started with art in Madrid, a true tourist or cultured expat must visit the city’s main art museums. El Museo del Prado houses Spain’s finest works ever produced, and is free from 6 to 8pm every day. La Reina Sofia boasts the breath-taking Guernica (Pablo Picasso) and four floors of thought-provoking artwork; it is free on Sunday mornings and afternoons. To get even more authentic, El Museo Taurino is Spain’s bullfighting history museum, and is free to the public every day of the week.

For less well-known exhibitions, keep checking websites to find the best ones, as lots are exhibited for limited time periods. Photography exhibitions seem to populate the Embajadores area: La Tabacalera is home to many temporary shows for renowned Spanish photographers and artists.

When you think of Spanish culture, you think of Flamenco. A quintessentially Spanish dance art that is both vibrant and dynamic. La Villa Rosa Flamenco is the oldest flamenco bar in the world. It opened in 1911, and has since promoted the Flamenco art with regular shows. Enjoy a class of vino in this relaxed, lively atmosphere.

Foooooooood: cake, churros and tapas with a twist

When it’s rainy, chilly, or just a bleak day, we often entertain ourselves with food. I mean, eating is great at any time, but there seems to be something about a miserable day that makes you feel peckish for a tasty gastronomic experience. Luckily, any street in the centre of Madrid is largely populated by tapas bars and restaurants. But these can too often feel very same-same.

When it comes to eating tapas and savouring every single taste because you have never tasted anything quite like it before, think: LA MUSA. It’s what foodie dreams are made of. Forget your standard croquette, and think Croqueta 2.0. Forget your standard patatas bravas, and think of La Patata Bomba filled with meat and served on bread crumbs and a magical pea puree. If you are lucky enough to go to La Musa you will enjoy the fusion of Asian and Spanish cuisines in one, revolutionary tapas menu. Find La Musa in both La Latina and Malasaña.

As well as typical Spanish bars, Madrid boasts a plethora of cool artisan cafes to choose from. Cosy up on a Central Perk style sofa with a caramel macchiato and a slice of red velvet cake. There is always a buzz running through such places, whether that be from the coffee grinder or the many chatty customers: they really seem to be a hub for expats and travellers sheltering themselves from the drizzle. Some personal favourites in Malasaña include: 

La Bicicleta: an industrial-chic, modern and artistic café with homemade cake and great coffee. It has a work station for those with laptops, and slowly transforms throughout the day from a bustling café to lively and casual bar by night. Here, I would recommend their Chai Vanilla Latte (not many places do it Madrid!) and a slice of fluffy carrot cake. Be careful not to head there in peak hours (2-5pm) as you will struggle for a table.

HanSo Café: a hidden gem. By hidden I mean there is literally no sign on its exterior. Inside it is pretty minimal too, with concrete walls, floor and bar area. The grey tones are contrasted with the warm low-hanging lighting, and the soft sound of music and subtle smell of sourdough toast adds some atmosphere.

Fresh cakes are constantly brought out by HanSo’s friendly owners, with some postres looking colourful and fruity with an Asian twist. There is a large central table for social hipsters and a few window seats for more private coffee dates. They have a never-ending list of frappes – so you will be spoilt for choice.

When you think of Madrid in cold or rainy weather, you will warmly dream of chocolate con churros. In fact, you can kill two birds with one stone. You get your daily dose of ‘culture’ by trying typical Spanish delicacies, whilst also satisfying your chocolate cravings…

Artesanos 1902: ‘La mejor churreria’ – this churros joint stands wide and proud on Calle San Martín (between Sol and Opera), complete with twinkly fairy lights that make it all the more inviting. What better way to spend your day eating churros than in a place that has made them their speciality for over 100 years?

They serve their rich chocolate accompaniment in either dark of milk flavours, and also have waffle and crêpe options just in case their mouth-watering churros don’t tickle your fancy. 

Still up high: panoramic views without getting soaked

One of Madrid’s main attractions is the ability to take in the majestic skyline at sunset from one of its many rooftop terraces. In the rain however, this is still possible! Just find somewhere indoors that is still high up with panoramic views of the city.

To many, El Corte Ingles is just a large department store with everything you may want from furniture to fashion. But it can also be on your list of ‘things to see and do’ in Madrid. The 9^th floor in Sol is a foodie hub, with many street food stands and joints offering all types of world cuisines.

Called Gourmet Experience, El Corte Ingles’ 9^th floor has cafes and restaurants with window tables that provide customers with an almost birds-eye view of the city. It provides a warm and dry haven to enjoy while feeling on top of the world.

Mercado San Anton, Chueca: here you will find 4 floors of foodie market heaven, topped with a rooftop restaurant and bar. Fear not, 70% of this floor is covered to keep you dry from the rain, and you still feel as though you are high up in the city air with the ability to take in the views.

Faro de Moncloa: a viewpoint standing tall in the heart of Madrid’s university district, Moncloa. Visitors have access to two panoramic lifts that will take them up to the 92-metres-high, glass viewing room. Although yes, a view so high of Madrid would probably look better on a sunnier day, it’s still a tourist activity that grants a breathtaking view sheltered from rain or wind.

By night: secret gardens and sandy beaches 

A problem with rain is that you can’t access a sandy beach or an enchanted forest without getting soaked. That’s where Madrid’s bohemian and artistic student area, Malasaña comes in handy.

El Jardín Secreto: a bar disguised by indoor plants, trees, fairy-lights, unicorn heads, bird cages and swinging princess-style chairs. For a simple cocktail with friends, you can enter this enchanted world and keep dry from the rain. It’s most definitely Instagram worthy: you won’t be able to keep your eyes from gazing around the room at all the Midsummer-Night’s-Dream-style décor.

Ojalá: a tastefully decorated cocktail bar and eatery upstairs, and a sandy beach downstairs. I don’t know who came up with the idea to create an indoor beach bar, but it’s genius. Relax on their floor level seating whilst running your hand through the sand and enjoying a nice copa, cocktail or milkshake. Who says Madrid doesn’t have any beaches?!

So here you have it: just my personal selection of the endless activities available in this amazing city, during rainier weather. Other indoor pursuits include Madrid’s many cinemas and theatres, but the list could go on forever.

It is often way too easy to opt for a day in bed watching Netflix when the weather gets miserable, but that’s no fun is it? You may be able to take advantage of Madrid’s frequently fine weather and stunning outdoor spaces most of the time, but rainy Madrid weather brings with it the chance to discover quirky bars and cafes, taste amazing food and appreciate Spanish art in all its glory. Enjoy!

By Rosie Dowsing

You might also like:

• Where to Take Your Mom in Madrid
• Madrid’s Best Rooftop Bars
• Madrid’s Obvious and Not-so-obvious Art Institutions

 

Wondering where to take your mom when she comes to visit you in Madrid? Here’s a list of places (aside from the Prado and the Royal Palace) that are all hand-picked, tested and approved, if not by me then by my friends. All these ideas have definitely worked – and not just for my mom, but for a lot of out-of-town guests and other family members, too. Here goes!

1. Madrid Food Tour, for a culinary experience full of insight

I can’t recommend this tour enough. The guys at Madrid Food Tour are young and passionate about the city’s food culture and history. They offer a variety of tours that take you through the city’s most authentic neighborhood markets, tapas bars and restaurants. Plus you get to walk around the city while the tour guides give you insights into Madrid’s history. I went on the Huertas market tour and wrote about it in a previous post.

But you can check out all the tours here and then choose the one that appeals to you most! The tours are given in English and can be personalized if you have particular food preferences or needs. Just ask them! Another note – I recommend starting out the trip with this tour so your mom can get a better feel for the city and its gastronomic offerings.

2. Bar Lambuzo, a family-run Andalusian restaurant

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Madrid. What makes Lambuzo perfect is that it is an authentic, Andalucían-style taverna in the heart of Madrid, run by a whole family, and each member has his or her role. For example, you’ll find Pepe, the father, working the front and Luis, one of the sons, working the bar. They specialize in food from the South of Spain, so get ready for a variety of fried fish, rice dishes and other delicious treats. Lambuzo now has two locations, although my favorite is the one near Opera, which you can read more about in my previous post here.

3. Museums, Museo Sorolla & Thyssen in particular

My mother has been to the Prado and Reina Sofia twice now and although they’re of course worth visiting, she actually preferred the Thyssen (so did my brother and sisters) and Sorolla museums. While the Thyssen’s collection is considered one of the best in the world, the Sorolla’s is less expected – it is in the painter’s former home and houses an outstanding collection of pieces that you can see as you walk through the charming rooms. Here’s a post on all of Madrid’s obvious and not-so-obvious arts institutions (plus how to get in for free) so you can add more to your list.

4. El Matadero & Madrid Río, for an off-the-beaten-path experience

I always jump at the chance to take friends and family to this place. A former slaughterhouse turned cultural center, El Matadero is a must for anyone into contemporary art and cultural activities. It is a huge space with different warehouses, each dedicated to their own type of art. For example, there’s the theatre nave, the reading nave and the music nave, among many others. The Matadero also holds wonderful farmers’ markets with local products and food trucks, as well as live music and activities for the little ones. It’s also situated along Madrid’s river so if the weather is nice, I recommend taking a stroll afterwards or even hopping on a bike.

5. Casa Mingo, an old-school Asturian cider house

I have too many good memories of Casa Mingo, a century-old Asturian restaurant serving roasted chicken and cider by the bottle. Please take your mother here if she likes the good-old kind of restaurant that cannot be imitated no matter how hard you try. This is the real deal (plus it’s incredibly cheap!) Here’s a previous post I wrote on it.

6. Food markets, not just Mercado de San Miguel

Madrid has a thriving indoor and outdoor market culture. My mother’s first experience with Madrid’s market scene was Mercado de San Miguel, naturally. While I do suggest taking your mom there, don’t forget about Madrid’s other markets. On my mom’s most recent visit, we went to Mercado del San Ildefonso in Malasaña and she was stunned by the architecture, vibrant food scene and open-air seating areas. Then there’s Mercado de San Antón in Chueca which is never a bad idea for its gourmet food stands and amazing rooftop bar (check out other rooftop bars here). Plus, virtually every weekend there’s an outdoor market (aside from the Rastro) and food festival in Madrid. Some of my suggestions are Madreat, Mercado de Productores and Mercado de Motores. 

8. Desperate Literature, a charming international bookstore

My mom adored this place, mainly because the owner, Craig, gave her a glass of whisky to drink as she browsed through the paperbacks and hardcovers, used and new. There’s more to the story, though. Desperate Literature was opened in Madrid about a year ago by the guys who run a very special international bookstore in Santorini, Greece, where my mother had actually visited and my sister had previously worked for a summer. Maybe it’s the music, the high quality book selection or the people from all over the world who run Desperate Literature with such care and love, or maybe it’s because it’s nestled in between the streets that bring you to Madrid’s Royal Palace and Opera House…. I guess it just has that je ne sais quoi. And if your mom is an avid reader, she’ll get to donate the book she finished reading on her flight to Madrid and find herself a new one for the trip home! Here’s a full post on Desperate Literature.

9. Toni 2 or Bar Cock, for cocktails and more…

If you’re wondering where to get a drink late at night, you can try Toni 2, a sort of piano bar mostly for patrons of a “certain age” – only the classics are sung here, accompanied by a live pianist. It’s an old-fashioned kind of bar with an extra long grand piano in the center (here’s a full article on Toni 2). If your mother isn’t so into the vintage karaoke scene, then I’d definitely recommend getting a cocktail at Bar Cock, another beautiful old-fashioned bar off the Gran Vía. The only time I went here, Harrison Ford was there! Also, across the street from Bar Cock is La Barraca, the restaurant mentioned next.

10. La Barraca, for paella and other Valencian dishes

I’ve been asked a lot about where to get paella in Madrid and never knew what to say, until recently. One of Madrid’s most active writers, Dan Catalan, just discovered a place that his grandmother took him to in Madrid. It’s a Valencian restaurant located in the city center called La Barraca, which specializes in rice and seafood dishes like paella, which he says is definitely mother-worthy. Just note that this restaurant is on the pricey side – maybe you’ll take your mom here, but she’ll have to pick up the tab… Check out Dan’s post here.

11. Rooftop bars, like Casa Granada or Mercado de San Anton

Madrid has an impressive number of rooftop bars and we’ve written about 20 or so in our 4-part series. If I had to recommend just a few, I’d say Palacio de Cibeles and Circulo de Bellas Artes for stunning views, and then Casa Granada and Mercado de San Anton for great food and ambience. My mom loved Casa Granada back when it was in such desperate need of renovation that we actually felt our chairs were going to slip off the roof. It’s since been refurbished so you’ll still get the dining experience, just without the fear… 

12. La Cava Baja, for “tapas bar” hopping

Lined with tapas bars and restaurants, La Cava Baja is the most happening street in La Latina. The first time I walked along it with my mother was during winter and it was very foggy outside. She said it looked like a fairy tale – as if a knight on a horse was going to appear riding through the mist. Even on a clear day, La Latina is a must if your mother (like mine) enjoys going into Madrid’s charming little bars and walking through the area’s old and windy streets. For specific recommendations on bars in La Latina, check out this article: Coziest Wine Bars in La Latina (with gluten free options!)

13. Flamenco, when in Spain…

I personally can’t recommend any particular flamenco performance in Madrid, but if you think your mother would enjoy experiencing a tablao, our friends at Madrid Food Tour have compiled this list of Where to See Flamenco in Madrid and we trust them.

14. A nearby town, beyond Toledo

My mom went on a guided tour of Toledo a few years ago and didn’t enjoy it so much because she didn’t get to “roam around freely” as much as she would have liked. So while I’m not against taking a tour, I do think you should make sure to have enough time to wander around and explore the nooks and crannies of wherever you go. I’ve taken my mom on a number of day trips around Madrid and her favorite was when we drove to Segovia and El Escorial in one day. If you can get your hands on a car, I highly recommend it. You can also check out our article on Madrid’s 10 most beautiful surrounding towns which all link to a description, map and transport details.

15. Pepe Botella & Plaza del Dos de Mayo, for coffee and tea

Pepe Botella has long been my favorite café in Madrid, as anyone who’s ever visited me will already know. Its ambience, location and simple drink menu has always set it apart from the rest of Madrid’s cafés, for me at least. I recommend going here either before or after lunch and sitting with a book or a newspaper, or just chatting away. When I go in the afternoon, I like starting with a coffee or tea, and then welcoming in the evening with a glass of wine. Here’s a full post on Pepe Botella.

Any other suggestions? We’ll be coming out with a part 2 so all recommendations are more than welcome!

You’ll also like:

• Eating our way through Huertas with Madrid Food Tour!
• Madrid’s  Obvious and Not-so-obvious Museums (and how to get in for free)
• Madrid’s 10 Most Beautiful Surrounding Towns (and how to get to there)
• Madrid’s best rooftop bars – part 1