Art & culture

This charming little store opened in 2005 and it is owned by young people who are fanatics of the comics and its culture so you feel at ease when you ask for advice.

You can find almost everything related to the Comic culture (Marvel, DC, Manga, American Underground, BD, etc.) and if you do not come across of what you are looking for they will get it for you.

They also have merchandising, t-shirts, DVDs… The owners can spend with you hours and hours trying to explain all the aspects of this art. Since I like comics but I am not a fan, when I go there I like to spend time with them so I can learn what’s new…

Madrid is full of surprises. One day you are walking in the street with your look down to the sidewalk and you do not realize it. But, if you pay attention, this city can be fascinating.

Look at this building in the corner of Calle Orellana and Campoamor. I wish there will be more places like this, as they make a city really unique and amazing.

Sometimes you do not need to go to a museum to see art. Just open your eyes and look around! Enjoy the view!

Aula 11 is one of my favourite places in Madrid. I do not think there is anything similar as it offers a combination of cultural events and personal growth.

Three brave partners thought about the idea during the summer of 2006 and now this unique place is located in the heart of the city, in Plaza Tirso de Molina; so it is easy to find.

Apart from the regular agenda that varies every week on their website, there are several interesting seminars that you can try. There are yoga or belly dance courses, you can try your skills in the theatre or performance, or learn about body language, positive attitude and coaching.

Concerts are mostly during weekends. Last time I went to Aula 11, there was a very relaxing Jam Session on a Friday night. The atmosphere was different from any other place. The light, the location, the staff… Trust me, you can feel like at home, sitting down on the wooden floor, enjoying your drink. Do not miss this place, try once and you will get addicted! And do not forget to experience a Hindu concert!

Whenever I do not have any plans I try to join a cultural activity. Sometimes, Casa de America is the right place!!

Created in 1990 in the heart of Madrid, this place was built with the purpose of generating a forum of ideas and debates concerning economic, political, scientific, technological and cultural aspects of Latin America.

There are thousands of activities every day. From book presentations to art exhibitions, story telling workshops or poetry series.

I love its garden, called Jardin Brugal-Casa de America, inspired in the Dominican nature, and also its restaurant called Bistronómico.

The projection room is very good and most of the times the shows are free, so you can see interesting documentaries or attend fascinating conferences.

Highly recommended for people who have a soft spot for culture!! Do not miss it!

I’ve read somewhere that in Madrid we have one of the best metro systems in Europe. Come here and check it by yourself.

It’s new, clean, safe and sometimes artistic. So if I’d have to decide among all Madrid´s metro stations for my favorite, I’d definitely choose Retiro. Not only because the Retiro Park has one of my favourite spots in Madrid (see the Crystal Palace / Retiro Parkarticle) but also because its metro station is different from the rest.

When they renovated it, they included Mingote’s paintings (a very popular Spanish cartoonist). They are displayed on huge ceramic signs. There’s also an exhibition area that I sometimes visit as well.

It’s nice to look at a painting or photography exhibition when I have the chance to stop for a little longer on a certain platform. In my opinion, metro stations don’t have to be ugly or dark, since we spend a lot of time waiting there. This is one of the best examples!