Image by Nikko Hinderstein

Just around the corner from the royal palace, this quaint bookstore is a great place to relax and peruse the books while having a cup of tea or coffee. Though mostly in Spanish, there is a travel section and a great kids section. Clients are invited to (carefully) look through the books while enjoying a snack.

La Buena Vida has cakes and savory snacks that change daily, while they also offer a wine special every month paired with a book. They use loose tea and Italian presses, so you actually get two cups out of an order.

For a truly royal experience, take your new book to read in the nearby Plaza Oriente or the Sabatini Gardens.

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La Buena Vida | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks | Tea € 2.00
Vergara, 10 | Sol | +34915429142
Tue – Sun 11:00 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 00:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

Image by Nikko Hinderstein

Hidden just off the busy shopping street, Fuencarral, Jhambala is a secret trove of food, teas and chill-out lounging. Pulling their inspiration from Buddhism, the decor is tranquil, the food tasty and the music relaxing.

During the day it’s nice to stop and have a tea from their extensive menu, a salad or one of their exquisite desserts. On a nice day, enjoy the terrace outside. At night the mood turns more festive with exotic cocktails and eclectic dishes.

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Jhambala | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Spanish/Arabic)
Pérez Galdós 3 | Chueca & Malasaña | +34915222061
Mon – Thu 10:00 – 00:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 02:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

Image by Nikko Hinderstein

The CaixaForum Madrid is an art exhibition space sponsored by the La Caixa Foundation.

They’ve withstood all criticism and worries about keeping their amazing outdoor vertical garden green and lush despite Madrid’s sunny disposition. Designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc, this wall of green has 15,000 plants of 250 species covering a 460 m2 wall in the square in front of The CaixaForum.

The building itself was an old electrical plant, built in 1899 that has been reconstructed to be a funky rust-colored modern eye-catcher alongside classical beauties like the Prado and the Thyssen museums.

Inside you’ll find a permanent collection, several temporary exhibits, a café, a lounge area with a view of the garden and Paseo del Prado, and a bookstore.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
CaixaForum Madrid | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Shopping | Free
Paseo del Prado 36 | Salamanca Area | +34913307300
10:00 – 20:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

Image by Teresa Juan

Located on the 9th (top) floor of the commercial centre called El Corte Inglés (don’t worry, there are escalators or several lifts to get there), this coffee shop is one of the best examples of how beautiful Madrid is from the roof.

You´ll never imagine that inside a huge commercial centre, in its cafeteria, you´ll find such a fantastic atmosphere. But it´s real!! And there´re still a few privileged people who can enjoy it. I say “just a few” because the large window from where you can observe the whole city is available for a maximum of six-seven tables. The rest of the coffee shop is a regular venue where you can order your meals or drinks.

It gets so crowded during lunch time, that I won´t recommend it because you even have to wait your turn to sit beside the window. So the best moment to enjoy your coffee with “tortitas con nata” is just before dinner, in the late afternoon (between 16:00 – 19:00).

This is an ideal place for a drink while you see how it gets dark, either to impress your friends or your couple with an exquisite place. It´ll depend where you sit, you´ll be able to see the Royal Palace, the Opera, Gran Vía, or even Casa de Campo.

Enjoy the view!!

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Cafetería El Corte Inglés | Coffee & tea | Main meal € 12.00
Plaza de Callao, 2 | Gran Via & Princesa | +34913798000
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 22:00 (11:00 – 21:00 on holidays)

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

Image by Teresa Juan

I know this cafe is mentioned in the Lonely Planet guides, but I can guarantee that locals also go there for a good chat. Café del Real is old-bistro style with dark-red painted woodwork, cigarette stain-coloured walls and ceilings and proper bistro tables and chairs. It´s usually crowded in the evenings during the weekends as it´s really cosy and comfortable for a cup of coffee.

I personally prefer the upper floor, where you can seat close to the window and see the Opera building from a perfect view. It’s actually perfectly located, just in front of Opera metro station (in the city centre) and it´s a good alternative after dinner or for a cake in the afternoon (what we call “merienda” time).

Once you enter, your eyes will go directly to the fantastic cakes that are shown at the bar. Carrot, chocolate, cheese cakes are some of the options. Then you can also ask for different types of coffees or teas. If you ask for a beer or a coke, for example, they´ll serve you some peanuts, so it´s pleasant to combine the salty snacks with your drink.

The music varies a fair bit, depending on who is working. I love when they play classical or instrumental music. It makes it a relaxing place, although people speak loudly around you…In Spain we normally do, so get used to it… you´ll enjoy it in the end!!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Café del Real | Coffee & tea | Cake € 4.75
Plaza de Isabel II, 2 | Sol | +34915472124
09:00 – 00:30 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

Image by By: Teresa Juan Lopez

Situated between Sol and Plaza Mayor, Yambala is a small jewel in the heart of the city. It is a very cosy place for teas, coffees and natural shakes during the day and mojitos and cocktails by night.

Yambala has a very narrow entrance and a chill out area at the back of the venue, where you can lay down and perhaps smoke a hookah.

The only problem is that it is so small, that most of the times you need to go there early to find a spot. The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly, so it is perfect for passing the time.

Do not miss it!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Yambala | Bars, Coffee & tea | Tea € 2.50
Calle Coloreros, 4 | Sol
Mon – Fri 16:00 – 01:30, Sat – Sun 16:00 – 02:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

Image by Nikko Hinderstein

I was recently asked where to get the best bread in Madrid and I was hard-pressed for an answer. Most of the Spanish breads I’ve tried are not spectacular – let’s assume that is to not take away from rich food it is usually sopping up.

I’m a big fan of this Belgian bakery chain that has popped up around Madrid because they have flavorful breads and delicious desserts. Their lunch and dinner menus are impressive as well featuring fresh greens and fruits. Do try the Belgian waffles or the multi-grain bread that is served with nut butters and tasty jams. If you take a loaf of bread to go, you can ask for it to be sliced.

Oh, and I don’t drink coffee, but apparently this is the best place to get real foam on a cappuccino! I stick to the homemade lemonades.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Pain Quotidien | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Baked goods) | Waffle with fruit € 3.80
Gran Vía 46 | Gran Via & Princesa | +34915234004
Mon – Thu 08:00 – 00:00, Fri 08:00 – 01:00, Sat 09:00 – 01:00, Sun 09:00 – 00:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

Image by Nikko Hinderstein

At first I was skeptical of this touristy-looking chain of restaurants around Madrid, but after some Spanish friends took me there, I’m a huge fan. First of all, the selection of jamón is immense, and secondly, they have a great lunch pre-fixed menu with so much food I was full after the first plate. If you order from the “carta” beware of the prices, some of the dishes can be ordered in small, medium and large sizes.

Another plus, the dining area is huge, but during lunch hours, it’s packed with a line down the stairs. They don’t take reservations, but there are seven locations in the city center. On your way out, stop at the busy counter and grab some ham, cheese, or bread for later in the day.

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Museo de Jamón | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Spanish) | Lunch menu € 12.00
Calle Mayor, 7 | Sol | +34915314550
Mon – Sat 07:00 – 00:30, Sun 10:00 – 00:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

Image by Mariah Young Williams

What better chocolate than the kind made locally? Valor Chocolate is Spain’s oldest (and only if I’m not mistaking) chocolate/coffee shop franchise which dates back to 1881 and has some mighty tasty options from dark, dark chocolate to white chocolate.

In the summer, go for the chocolate granizado – a glass of iced chocolate yumminess “guaranteed” to come to the table at sub zero temperatures. Or in the winter, try a cup of rich hot chocolate scented with cinnamon. You can also order from a huge menu of dessert options and buy chocolate bars and sweets to go from the counter.

There are two branches in Madrid and a handful around Spain, this one is just off the busy Plaza Callao.

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Valor Chocolate | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Chocolate & churros € 3.95
Postigo de San Martín, 7 | Sol | +34915229288
Mon – Thu 08:00 – 22:30, Fri 08:00 – 01:00, Sat 09:00 – 01:00, Sun 09:00 – 22:30

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

Image by Nikko Hinderstein

Taking a page from the success of the Mercado de San Miguel, this newly remodelled old market, el Mercado de San Anton, now has a traditional market on the ground floor, restaurant stands and shops on the middle floor, and a restaurant and lounging terrace on the top floor. There is also an art exhibition area, but the real plus is the variety of food: you can get anything from mini burgers (offered in a range of different meats – try the “buey” – ox meat!) to sushi, enjoy a tea on the terrace, or shop for fresh produce or meat. It’s a lovely feeling to see everything displayed with so much colour and freshness.

The restaurant gets overwhelmed at lunchtime on the weekends, so you might want to grab a bite from the second level and enjoy it on the terrace. We enjoyed some tapas from La Casa de Bacaloa stand, but those mini burgers keep calling me back!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
El Mercado de San Anton | Bars, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Restaurants (Intern.) | Mini burger € 2.00
Augusto Figueroa 24 | Chueca & Malasaña | +34913300730
Market Mon – Sat 10:00 – 22:00 | Shops, restaurant 10:00 – 00:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid