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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El Pato Mudo prides itself on its traditional Spanish fare, offering dishes that are both a feast for the eyes and a delight to the taste buds.
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Not too far from the lively centre of Sol, on a street where the hustle and bustle of the city fades away, lies a truly unique gem: La Venencia.
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Churrería La Andaluza is off the tourist track and serves mostly loyal locals. Buy some to go, or eat them in the adjoining café...
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Since 1615, San Antonio de los Alemanes has been the home of La Hermandad del Refugio, an association that helps those in need through meals and donations.
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Everything is so flavourful and tasty! It’s difficult not to always eat the same things I know and love so I try to get something different every time I go.
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As you enter, rows of food stalls line this cool, industrial space, and stepping in here is like being transported to the bustling food markets of Asia.
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This is one of the most diverse spaces in the city for arts and culture and it is evident that the folks here take a great deal of pride in their work.
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Sunset is the perfect time to come and visit La Dama del Manzanares. Not only will you get a natural light show in the sky, but she comes alive as well.
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Café del Art is not only a great place for a liquid pick-me-up, but they also offer delicious snacks such as traditional tostadas or carrot cake.
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The books are the star of the show here, and Bar de Libros has a beautiful collection devoted to poetry, fiction, philosophy, and the classics.
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Picking up my favourite mints and walking around the streets of Madrid with La Pajarita's classic pink and blue bag always makes my day feel extra special.
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St. Anthony of Padua is one of Madrid’s finest examples of Neoclassical art. The interior is austere, but its ceiling is where the magic lies.
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