Madrid has several centres, and Nuevos Ministerios is one. It’s home to the largest and fanciest Corte Ingles, Spain’s most beloved department store, resplendent after its recent remodelling. This shop has almost everything; I found a puppy department once, while looking for an ironing board! The puppies have gone, but you can spend hours lost in here, looking at stuff!
Also in the neighbourhood, and just a 10 minute walk away, is the National Science Museum, always a hit with kids and well worth checking out.
Most recently opened in December 2023, is la Casa de la Arquitectura, which makes a great addition to Madrid’s rich cultural offering.
Housed in the Nuevos Ministerios building in a long diaphanous space, this new museum has an ambitious aim - to raise awareness of how architecture impacts the quality of our lives.
Catch the last few days of the current expo if you are in Madrid over Easter (ends March 31) and visit the fascinating website to see what’s coming next.
"Terraza Atenas" in Madrid is right next to the Palacio Real, the river Manzanares & Viaducto de Segovia. It's an outdoor bar with just the right hipness.
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"Alquitara" offers a great menu del día -- if you ask me, one of the best deals in Madrid. Not only that; it has a great terrace and food quality!
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Despite its hidden location and exclusive ambiance, Jack's Library welcomes all who enter its hallowed halls with warmth and hospitality.
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"El Winnie", as it has been baptised by locals (guess why!), is one of Madrid's most authentic Chinese restaurants. My favourite dish? The cold noodles...
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"Pollo y Carbón" is the reason why the Peruvian cuisine is one of my favorites in the world. Highly recommend!
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The Margherita at Menomale, with its simple yet perfect combination of fresh ingredients, is a testament to the art of pizza-making.
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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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"Antigua Pastelería del Pozo" (since 1810) has been my favourite bakery and empanada spot in Madrid for decades. Also try the pastelitos & croissants...
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"La Montería" Madrid is an old-school bar with class and superb tapas. It has existed since 1963 and you can feel its history by how the staff treats you.
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"CaixaForum Madrid" is a good alternative to the nearby, more touristy Prado and Reina Sofia. It's beautiful, cool and quite small if you have limited time
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"Caramelos Paco" in Madrid sells sweets - its window display leaves no doubt about that. I love old shops like this, the opposites of one-stop shopping!
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Madrid's "Outdoor Sculpture Park" close to Calle Serrano is worth exploring: I felt as if I was in a gallery, even though I was next to a very busy road...
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