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.
Find your way with 243 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Calle Redondilla (bottom of the square to the left) has maybe the oldest standing building in Madrid at Number 10 - it's from the 15th century,
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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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"Casa Lope de Vega" Madrid is the house where Spain's most famous playwright ever spent the last part of his life. Great museum to appreciate his genius.
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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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"Casa Gonzalez" is a lovely little delicatessen in Madrid and a great place for some great wine, cheese & tostas! My favorite is the 'azul picón de hojas'.
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"Museo Geominero" Madrid is quite the hidden gem. Even locals don't know about it, and its collections of things unearthed is astonishing. It's also free!
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"Mercado de la Paz" is a fabulous market in Madrid, a hidden treasure right in heart of the 'golden mile'. Here you'll find the best tortilla in town...
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The "Fallen Angel Fountain" in Madrid is a beautiful bronze statue of Lucifer. Spookily, this fountain stands exactly 666m above sea level...
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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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"Fundación Juan March" in Madrid is one of those place I can't believe took me so long to discover. It's got interesting exhibitions and concerts...
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"Espacio Fundación Telefónica" is one of the places that make me happy to live in Madrid. Completed in 1929, it was Europe's first skyscraper...
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"La Violeta" Madrid is a bar with more than 25 varieties of vermouth from around Spain. Now that 'vermut' is cool again, don't miss the chance to visit!
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