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.

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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

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!!

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Faunia | Art & culture, Relaxing | Entrance adults € 23.00
Avenida de las Comunidades, 28 | Salamanca Area | +34913016235
See the website for opening times

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

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

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

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

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

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

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

Image by Teresa Juan López

Not a lot of people will write about this type of places but I said to myself. Why not me? So I will recommend you a good spot just for flirting. Its name says everything. Translated into English would be like “Let someone kiss you”. So, if you really want to find a one night stand, you are at the perfect place. Hahaha…

Lots of guys, sometimes interesting conversations (it is not assured) and at least a great fun for a different night in Madrid.

Have you ever discovered how Spanish people interact with each other and flirt? So this is the place. Sometimes it gets a little bit crowded and too snobbish, but in general it is a good option, just to try.

So… good luck!!!

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Bar de copas “Déjate besar” | Bars | Free
Calel Hermanos Bécquer, 10 | Salamanca Area | +34915625485
22:00 – 03:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

Image by Teresa Juan

The owners of El Séptimo own two more in Madrid. But, in my opinion, El Séptimo is the best one.

I personally enjoy a good meal in an enjoyable venue, so when a friend recommend me this one for a Saturday night dinner, I definitely said to myself: I am going to write about this restaurant.

El Séptimo is a place that plays with the fantasy. It is decorated as in the fairy tales, where all details have been carefully chosen. From the colour of the walls and the light to the decoration and the furniture. Last time I was here I booked it in advanced as it can be crowded in the weekends.

I find it perfect for a romantic dinner combined with vegetarian preferences. Please, order their huge apple “croquetas”, or any of their salads (Greek salad or spinach with apples and nuts). And it is ok if you do not fancy vegetarian food as there are also other options. For example, delicious pasta and also different types of meat (“Toumedo ibérico” is amazing). Desserts are special, like everything in this place. So it is important to know what is best.

If I were you, I would not miss the passion fruit sorbet. (I told you it was a fantastic choice for a date…)

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El Séptimo | Restaurants ((non) vegetarian) | Daily menu € 13.38
Diego de León, 7 | Salamanca Area | +34915622940
13:30 – 16:00 & 20:30 – 00:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

Image by Teresa Juan

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!

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Retiro metro station | Art & culture | Free
Retiro metro station | Salamanca Area
06:30 – 01:30 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

Image by Teresa Juan López

Right now there are some specific places for having an interesting flavour f the city. This emblematic place (people say it is for tourists but I do not agree with that) is located inside the Retiro park, surrounded by trees and shade.

In Florida Park you can celebrate a wedding, enjoy a drink and a flamenco show, and of course you can eat. On Thursdays you can taste good paella. It is actually not a very cheap place but very appropriate for a special occasion.

So if you ever have the chance to go there, do not hesitate and try their scrambled eggs with young garlic and prawns. I would recommend their turbot fillets, basque style; and their pork sirloin steak with cream as a second course. And, of course, their custard with blueberries as a dessert.

My grandparents celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at Florida park and we really enjoyed the atmosphere… So, why not have a look if you want to try something different?

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Florida Park | Restaurants (Spanish) | Paella menu € 25.00
Inside Retiro Park | Salamanca Area | +34915737804
Tue – Sat 13:00 – 16:00 & 21:00 – 23:30

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid

Image by Teresa Juan López

For sure not all markets have an enchanting atmosphere. Just some keep on with the tradition and have a special touch. Thank God Madrid’s City Hall remembers the way our grandmothers used to shop for food and there has been a renovation of some of them.

Mercado de Ibiza market is located next to the house were used to live one of the key persons for the Spanish Transition (1912-1993), Carlos Ollero. There is a sign that says it on the wall, so you will not miss it.

It is a renovated and refreshing place , but what I like the most, is that is has the same style as before, but with a new face.

Just come over and have a look, and fill in your shopping list!!!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Mercado de Ibiza | Shopping | Free
Calle Ibiza, 6 | Salamanca Area
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 14:00 & 17:30 – 20:30, Sat 10:00 – 14:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Madrid