Madrid city guide

This is one of my favourite spots in Madrid for relaxing. You can enjoy its exhibitions and it’s also a beautiful place in the winter, during spring and in summer. But I think it’s especially nice during autumn. The leaves and the different colours make the small pond and the Crystal Palace itself worth a visit.

The Retiro park was originally the site of a royal palace built in 1632 under the reign King Philip IV. Most of the palace was destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars, leaving a space that was eventually opened to the public in 1868. The few remaining buildings of the palace now house museum collections. The Crystal Palace is a glass pavilion inspired by The Crystal Palace in London and designed in 1887 by Ricardo Velázquez Bosco. Velázquez Bosco also designed the park’s Palacio de Velázquez.

It is a great place to spend some time after a visit to the nearby Museum Del Prado. There are many other tourist attractions in the Retiro district of Madrid but this place is absolutely amazing!!

I enjoy just sitting and watching the swans and the ducks floating on the water. The reflections of the sun in the Palace make it very impressive, especially when it gets dark.

It’s an ideal place for a Sunday morning but, as it gets more crowded, I’d rather prefer to spend a few afternoon hours during weekdays.

Spain is one of the countries where you can find more smokers than average. There are a lot of women that smoke and the smoking ban hasn’t affected that as much as some would have liked. At least that is my impression, as I do not smoke. So, you will wonder why I recommend this place.

Well, La Mansión del Fumador is “the shop” for smokers and also the shop for those who don´t smoke but have to buy something new for a smoking friend or relative. As a few members of my family do smoke, I have visited this shop and I find it really unique selling all types of tools for smokers.

In La Mansión del Fumador they do not sell tobacco, but here you can find an authentic paradise for smokers. There is a huge variety of pipes, water pipes, lighters and funny things like pocket ashtrays!

It is actually a different place for a creative gift. So, even if you do not smoke, it is worth a visit!

Whenever I do not have any plans I try to join a cultural activity. Sometimes, Casa de America is the right place!!

Created in 1990 in the heart of Madrid, this place was built with the purpose of generating a forum of ideas and debates concerning economic, political, scientific, technological and cultural aspects of Latin America.

There are thousands of activities every day. From book presentations to art exhibitions, story telling workshops or poetry series.

I love its garden, called Jardin Brugal-Casa de America, inspired in the Dominican nature, and also its restaurant called Bistronómico.

The projection room is very good and most of the times the shows are free, so you can see interesting documentaries or attend fascinating conferences.

Highly recommended for people who have a soft spot for culture!! Do not miss it!

Aula 11 is one of my favourite places in Madrid. I do not think there is anything similar as it offers a combination of cultural events and personal growth.

Three brave partners thought about the idea during the summer of 2006 and now this unique place is located in the heart of the city, in Plaza Tirso de Molina; so it is easy to find.

Apart from the regular agenda that varies every week on their website, there are several interesting seminars that you can try. There are yoga or belly dance courses, you can try your skills in the theatre or performance, or learn about body language, positive attitude and coaching.

Concerts are mostly during weekends. Last time I went to Aula 11, there was a very relaxing Jam Session on a Friday night. The atmosphere was different from any other place. The light, the location, the staff… Trust me, you can feel like at home, sitting down on the wooden floor, enjoying your drink. Do not miss this place, try once and you will get addicted! And do not forget to experience a Hindu concert!

It has just 14 ha, but it´s a jewel among Madrid’s gardens. Walking around El Parque de El Capricho will give you the relaxation you’ve been searching the whole week and it’s also a very romantic place!

This garden was first created at the request of the Duchess of Osuna at the end of the 18th century. Its beautiful and peaceful setting has earned it the name “The Caprice”. The garden also has additional historic significance, as it was used as a hideout for a soldier of Napoleon’s in the War of Independence and the Spanish Civil War.

The XII Duchess of Osuna was the last member of the family who owned it. When he died, La Alameda was acquired in 1920 by the Baüer family, who took care of the garden until they sold it, at the end of the Spanish Civil War. From that moment, this place remained totally abandoned till Madrid City Council started with its restoration in 1974.

There are some spots you cannot miss, like “El Casino de Baile”, that used to be a place for parties; “La Casa de la Vieja”, a symbol of the rural world, or “El Abejero”, built for the study of the bees´ behaviour. There´re also lots of beautiful fountains, a wonderful pond and even a pier with relaxing views.

A great plan for a stroll on a sunny morning in the weekend!