What's in the Museo Geominero? Well, pretty much everything that's ever been dug out of the ground in Spain. Minerals, fossils, dinosaur bones, human skulls and arrowheads. This delightful but little-known Madrid museum also boasts a stunning collection of precious stones from around the world.
The building itself is amazing; the stained glass ceilings and four floors of galleries which are flanked with beautiful display cabinets are a visual treat. You access the galleries by tiny corkscrew staircases; the kids will love it!
Another plus is that it's nearly always empty, and it's usually an oasis of peace. There are red velvet banquettes where you can sit and write your postcards or edit your Instagrams or whatever if you are really not interested in minerals. Saturday is the busiest day, but even then it’s pretty peaceful. Also, it's right by Calle Ponzano of cool restaurant fame, so if you have half an hour to kill before Spanish lunchtime starts (14:00) step inside the Geominero Museum.
Oh, and did I mention it was free? I know! Don't forget I.D. though - they won't let you inside without some.
Find your way with 258 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,
by
"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!
by
"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
by
"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'.
by
"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.
by
The "Fallen Angel Fountain" in Madrid is a beautiful bronze statue of Lucifer. Spookily, this fountain stands exactly 666m above sea level...
by
"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...
by
"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...
by
"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...
by
"Bar Casa Paco" in Madrid is a very popular restaurant for the classic tortilla (and another 32 varieties) and some of my favorite croquetas around...
by
"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...
by
"Bodegas Rosell" in Madrid is the bar to try real Spanish food together with beer, wine, vermut or sherry. The more people you go with, the better!
by
258 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 258 Insider Tips