Image by Nikko Hinderstein

Just down from the Mercado de San Miguel (check the San Miguel article), the Mesón del Champiñon is a cave with fungi-esque decor.

They specialize in fantastic mushrooms drenched in olive oil, garlic and adorned with bits of chorizo, but in addition to the tapas, you get entertainment. There is a guy playing the electric piano for tips and you can make song requests (his repertoire is vast, but random) and then sing along group-style.

The last time I was there a microphone was taken out for a few customers who reminded me of characters from an Almodóvar film; they sang Spanish ballads, danced and we applauded.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Mesón del Champiñon | Bars, Music, Restaurants (Tapas) | Mushroom tapas € 6.00
Cava de San Miguel 17 | Sol | +34915596790
Spring – Summer Sun – Thu 18:00 – 01:30, Fri – Sat 18:00 – 02:30, Winter lunch 12:00 – 16:00

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.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
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

Image by trixi.com

Madrid’s long streets and vast parks can be overwhelming on foot, so Trixi’s bike rentals offer the perfect remedy.

You can pedal around the city on your own or request a specialized tour to see some sites. Their tour guides are multi-lingual (and handy with bikes!) and can organize tours to see some typical historical buildings or you can request a tour to see an area you want to see.

There is usually a daily tour that leaves every morning at 11:00, complete with stops for drinks and snacks. In general you don’t need a reservation, but it’s wise if you’re going with a bigger group to call ahead to reserve the bikes. Extra bonus, the bikes aren’t too modern (the seats are wide!).

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Trixi Bike Rental | Relaxing | 4 hour rental € 8.00
Calle de los Jardines 12 | Sol | +34915231547
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 14:00 & 16:00 – 20:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 20:00

Image by Teresa Juan

This is one of my favourite cafes for going out during the week. It gets crowded, lets you meet very different people from all cultures, and it´s located in the heart of the city. Just a few meters behind Café del Real (see the Café del Real article), Café Madrid is also near Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. They serve an assortment of beers and wines in a pleasant atmosphere.

The reason why I usually go there is that, since 2000, every Wednesday there is what is called an International Evening. So either if you´re a local and you´d like to practise other languages, or you´re just visiting the city and you don´t know anyone, this is the place!!

In Café Madrid I find people from different countries, languages and cultures. Actually, language exchanges are getting popular in the city. We call them “intercambios” and they offer people the chance to practice their language skills with “native” speakers.

The madrileño´s guy who came up with the idea of these meetings at Café Madrid also acts as the host of the evening and helps with introductions. So don´t worry if you´re shy, as he´ll give you a little stick with the language you want to practice, for everybody to know. It´s pretty similar as what they do at O´Neills (see the O’Neills article) but in a different day of the week.

Trust me, it is the cheapest way to practice a foreign language!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Café Madrid | Bars
Escalinata s/n | Sol
Language exchanges Wed 21:00 – till late

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