Madrid has a great many surprising little museums tucked away all over the city. The Museo Cerralbo, once the home of the Marquis de Cerralbo, is less than 5 minutes walk from the very central Plaza de España, but nevertheless, it feels like a well-kept secret.
Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa, who died in 1922, must have been a total magpie because this mini-palace is stuffed full of his many collections, which are artfully displayed around the house in cabinets and on every available wall and surface...
The many swords and knives are a favourite of mine. Why stop at having a pair of sabres on the wall if you can have several hundred, all arranged in a gigantic, shiny, pointy pile?
Everything is richly decorated with paintings, wall hangings, murals or giant mirrors. There are red, pink and blue rooms, a library, ballroom, study and an Oriental room, complete with opium pipes. It's absolutely over-the-top and completely fascinating. Once, I had a long conversation with one of the very knowledgeable attendants, who told me some juicy gossip about the old Marquis... maybe you'll be as lucky as me!
Free entrance on Thursdays 17:00 - 20:00 and all day Sunday.
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La Desayunería in Madrid serves hearty American breakfast classics like pancakes, fried chicken, and grilled cheese with options for all diets.
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The real stars of the show are Santa Eulalia's luxurious cakes, cookies and pastries. They use only the best ingredients and traditional wood ovens.
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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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Librería Santa Bárbara, a charming bookstore in Madrid's Plaza de Santa Bárbara with a unique collection of used books, city maps, and art prints!
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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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The po’boys at Trikki are amazing! I tried the po’boy Forrest Gump which was filled with Cajun battered prawns and topped with their delicious spicy aioli.
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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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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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Once a slaughterhouse, Matadero Madrid is now a stunning hub for art, film, and design—grab a coffee and soak in the city’s creative spirit.
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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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266 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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