Lope de Vega is considered Spain's most important playwright ever. Born in 1562, 15 years after the great Cervantes, this astonishingly multi-faceted and prolific figure from Spain's Golden Age led a colourful life which included producing over a thousand plays and having seventeen children with several wives and numerous lovers. He had a naval career, was exiled and was also ordained a priest at 52. Casa Museo Lope de Vega is the Madrid house where he lived the last 25 years of his life, in the beautiful neighbourhood of "Letras".
To see the beautiful interior of the house and get the really informative (free!) half-hour tour you must book ahead. Phoning is best, but you can also email - they got back to me within an hour. English and French tours are available, but only on certain days.
The garden is open to visits without reservation. There are free events going on all the time; plays, concerts and workshops. Some you can book, others you just show up for - it's all on a first come first served basis as numbers are limited.
Do check out the website before you go, it will help you better appreciate the genius of Lope.
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VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?
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Each covered market has its own flavour; Chamberí I would say is high quality and traditional but also one that has adapted successfully to the times.
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His favourite time seemed to be that magic hour when the sun is sinking low in the West and turns everything a golden pinky hue.
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"Casa Dani" in my opinion makes the best Spanish omelette in Madrid, and this is coming from a passionate Spaniard himself!
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"La Hummuseria" is a vegetarian restaurant in Madrid made for hummus fans like me! My favourite's the one with mushrooms. Protip: say yes to the egg...
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"Konnichiwa" is a Japanese street food restaurant in Madrid. Their specialty is the ramen with the egg, which they cook with a blowtorch at your table!
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"Sala de Despiece" Madrid defines itself as "a bar with a kitchen and a great tasting of raw materials". Once I was there I understood.
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"Harvey's Cocktail Bar" in Madrid makes me feel as if I've entered an American vintage speakeasy. Unlike new hip retro chains, this one feels authentic...
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"Bosco de Lobos" in Madrid is 'a bar that serves Italian food in a garden. It's a brunch and meeting place...' My favorite though, is their 'library'...
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"Quesería Cultivo" is a cheese shop in Madrid where you can find a wide artisanal selection. My protip: do get some bread from two numbers down the street.
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"Tapería La Pequeña Graná" in Madrid is still holding on to the proper tradition of tapas -- more and more difficult to find. Also, they have great beer!
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241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters