Madrid has many art spaces owned by big businesses and run as non-profits. Fundación Mapfre (Sala Recoletos) is one of my favourites, mostly because they have excellently curated exhibitions that are always very well lit and hung. At a reasonable 3 euros, I can think of few better ways to spend an hour or so. It is housed in a beautiful “palacete” - these little palaces are very typically Madrileño and near Plaza de Colón, so very central.
The ticket office is in the courtyard, but buying online is a good idea if you plan to go on a weekend, as it gets busy on Saturdays and Sundays as locals love it (although you won’t see many tourists here!).
In the basement, there is a permanent collection of works by Catalan genius Joan Miró, who could do no wrong in my opinion! There is also a very attractive shop to buy postcards or prints of your favourite pieces.
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"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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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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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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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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They have a wide selection of wines to suit all pockets, and you can also discover some weirder flavours if your tastes run to the unique...
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266 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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