Andrea from Madrid

About Me I am a teacher and examiner who made a home in Madrid many years ago. I love live music, art, books, travel, food and dancing and am well served for all my interests in Madrid. I live on a special plane where I exist as an eternal tourist (check out Alain de Botton’s book The Art of Travel) who maintains a sense of wonder in a familiar place. I love showing people round my favourite...
Aug 11, 2025

Plaza de Olavide Madrid

My favourite Madrid square

""Plaza de Olavide" is one of most laid-back squares you'll find in Madrid, and a place I like spending some time with friends without spending a fortune."

You can embrace Madrid's terraza culture almost any month of the year, and La Plaza de Olavide is the perfect spot to start. Spain delivers when it comes to a good climate; sitting outside and enjoying it is one of the many things that make living here so appealing.

Olavide is a round square that features lovely planting, plenty of benches, a cooling fountain and several playgrounds for children, with all the usual slides, swings and climbing frames. It is leafy, pedestrianised and completely circled by bars and restaurants with large popular terrazas.

It can be easy to spend a lot of money when you are on holiday, so I think cheap and cheerful places where you can spend a few hours without spending a fortune are always welcome. Classic sharing menus, such as a large mixed salad and a whole potato omelette, are a good deal. Add some "tinto con casera" (red wine and white lemonade) to the mix, and you'll be all set for lunchtime like a local in Spain's capital!

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About this spot

Plaza de Olavide

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Madrid’s first dumpling house

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Republican Victims remembered

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FMCMP

Spanish art in a brand new space

FMCMP in Madrid is a quiet, elegant space that still feels fresh. It is a fantastic museum and I can't think of a better place to spend an hour!

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Slow Café

A standout coffee spot

It’s really cosy but airy at the same time - there’s room enough between the variety of seating arrangements for one not to feel boxed in.

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Monument to Victims of Terrorism

Lest we forget

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Le Secret du Marais

Perfuming Madrid

Le Secret du Marias in Madrid is a gorgeous perfumery with niche scents, Spanish brands and workshops. Learn about how fragrance are made!

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Vino y Compañía

Wine a bit – why not!

This fantastic wine shop, Vino y Compañía is the place to discover the wonderful variety and quality of wine on offer in Spain. Come with an open mind!

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