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

Image by Teresa Juan

Faunia is a biodiversity theme park that is made up of eight of the world´s eco-systems and 3,500 animals.

The first time I visited it was because I was making a report for the radio station I work for. It really impressed me! I don´t find the zoo particularly amazing, but this is a completely different concept. It’s divided into different areas so you can see the animals in their habitat, not in cages.

My favourite is the ‘Night time’ area. Many animals and birds are kept outside. The most enjoyable aspect of the Faunia park is that many of the animals are allowed to roam quite freely. There are, what we call in Spanish, “perritos de la pradera”, a lot of very cute little furry animals who pop up out of holes in a grass bank. They are able to run totally free in the park, so you can imagine how fun it is for the visitors!!

The aquarium section should not be missed, as it contains the world´s largest species of fish. But something unique is the Amazon Jungle area, a recreation of a real one, even because there are artificial storms that make all type of exotic birds very very happy!!

In Faunia you can also find the largest reconstruction of a Polar Eco-system in Europe so it´s a place for children but also for grown-ups, as I have an incredible time whenever I go back!!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Faunia | Art & culture, Relaxing | Entrance adults € 23.00
Avenida de las Comunidades, 28 | Salamanca Area | +34913016235
See the website for opening times

Image by Teresa Juan López

This tiny bakery shop is one of the sweetest recommendations for a breakfast or “medienda” (in the afternoon). There are a few of these shops in Madrid, but I will talk about the one located in Plaza de las Salesas, very close to Colón.

At Cosmen & Keiles the artesan bread is king and you can find all types of American pastries (donuts, muffins, sponges…) There are lots of different flavours so you can try carrot, raisin or red fruit cakes for a decent price.

There is also a delicious selection of salty products such as quiches or “empanadas” and sandwiches. Simply delicious!

I usually don’t stay there to drink my coffee or eat my pastry, but go outside and eat it in the park.

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Cosmen & Keiless | Snacks | Anti crisis menu € 2.20
Plaza de las Salesas, 8 | Salamanca Area | +34913196742
08:30 – 20:30 daily

Image by Teresa Juan López

I discovered this shop one day when going to another place. It was by chance and after a while I got addicted to their books, their nice staff and also their food!

I am in the process of changing my eating habits so this was the perfect place to start. In El Almazén Natural there is a selection of biological food, relax music, candles, minerals and stones. They also offer all kind of information about different courses and news related to having a healthy life style.

There are all types of very specific books about acupuncture, natural medicine, Feng Shui, aromatherapy, yoga or foot reflexology. If they don’t have a certain title, the would just find it for you in a few days.

So if you are new into this world, it is an amazing place to get informed. Here I have found the best air fresheners in the whole city and my favourite natural toothpaste. A friend of mine bought a very comfortable pillow recently so now I am thinking of buying the same one next time I will go to El Almazén Natural. We will see…

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El Almazén Natural | Shopping
Alcalá, 78 | Salamanca Area | +34917817760
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 20:30, Sat 10:00 – 14:00

Image by Teresa Juan López

People say these are bad times for the music (in Spanish: “Corren malos tiempos para la música”). So it could be quite hard to find a good pianist… Well, in Toni 2… they have three!!!!!

Toni 2 is not a karaoke; the people that go here to singare actually incredible artists!!

Located in the heart of the city, close to the National Library, between calle Barquillo and Paseo de Recoletos, Toni 2 was originally a different business, but the owner introduced a piano and now it is the reference of the place.

I could say that Toni 2 and just a few other, like Café Gijón and El Espejo, are the only emblematic venues for a different night out in Madrid.

It is a very special place, a symbol of spontaneity because everybody is sitting around the large piano and there are turns for everybody to take the microphone and sing. It is surprising how you can see people from different ages with the same passion.

It’s open from midnight till six in the morning, every day of the year. So here you will listen to traditional Spanish or international songs that you can ask the pianist to play.

A totally different concept for a piano bar. A real discovery!

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TONI 2 | Bars | Alcoholic drink € 15.00
Calle Almirante, 9 | Salamanca Area | +34915320011
00:00 – 06:00 daily