Some of the coolest galleries I have been in are right here in Madrid. This city has done a tremendous job of converting historic buildings into incredible community spaces for art and culture. One of my favourites is the Matadero Madrid.
The beautiful and interesting buildings of the Matadero were constructed between 1911 and 1925 in the neomudéjar architectural style, and this vast site served as the slaughterhouse and cattle market until 1996. I am not a vegetarian, but I try not to think about this too much.
In 2006, 10 years after the closure of the slaughterhouse, the Matadero, as we now know it, reopened as a bustling centre for contemporary arts. Today, there are a whole host of events and exhibitions, offered all year round, highlighting the visual arts, fashion, design, film, and music. There are even artists’ workspaces on-site, making collaboration between artists and the community possible. It’s always fun to take a peek and see the artists at work.
Many exhibitions are free to the public, while others, like the films at the Cineteca or fashion shows at Nave 16, have ticketed entries. But on a sunny day, it’s a joy to simply come and hang out. Sit with a coffee or glass of wine at one of the many tables in the plaza and watch Madrid at play. While the Matadero is a little outside the central core of the city, the short metro ride is so worth it to discover and enjoy this unique and vibrant place.
Find your way with 258 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Autocine Madrid" is the largest drive-in cinema in Europe! My recommendation: grab a snack before the movie at any of the foodtrucks or at the diner.
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Hidden in Madrid’s Salamanca district, Brownie’s café offers a Parisian-style courtyard, specialty coffee by Hola Coffee, and a cozy mix of fashion and flavors.
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"Microteatro por dinero" in Madrid is simple: 15m² - 15-minute plays - 15 spectators. It's a new way to to go the theater. What a thrilling experience!
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"La Pentola Mágica" in Madrid makes the best Italian food I ever had. The chef's a character, the food's amazing... I can't stress it enough. Just go.
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Madrid in the 1980s was certainly rocking and she became a fixture in the city’s music scene, always going out in her famous leather jacket and cap.
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Misión Café serves top-tier coffee and flaky pastries in a cozy, modern space — perfect for a quick fix or a slow, dreamy breakfast in Madrid.
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This fantastic wine shop, "Vino y Compañía" is the place to discover the fantastic variety and quality of wine on offer in Spain. Come with an open mind!
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Although it’s a Galician restaurant, they do an excellent paella mixta (chicken and seafood) and arroz negro, flavoured and coloured with squid ink.
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The apartment block this cafe sits under is an ugly beauty and I love it, not least for the exuberant planters that are an integral part of the building.
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I didn’t think Madrid was lacking anything but now I’ve found "Mazál Bagels and Café" I’m wondering how I survived without its bagels all these years!
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What sets this bar apart is its exceptional handling of ingredients, creating dishes that sing with Andalusian flair—a nod to Manu's roots.
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258 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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