We are not talking about a fairy tale, but about a real glass palace located in the heart of the park most adored by the locals as well as the non-locals of Madrid. This place deserves your visit and your time: here you can see exhibitions and first class art installations. The Crystal Palace is part of the art circuit of the Reina Sofia National Museum. Although originally conceived as a greenhouse for tropical plants, it is now a place with open doors for art.
It was built by Ricardo Velázquez Bosco inspired by the Crystal Palace in London. So it is very possible that this place reminds you of a British corner. This structure, built in 1887, is like a guardian of the green heart of the city. Personally, I recommend going in the mornings on weekdays -- it's a paradise, and this way you can enjoy it without queuing up to enter.
It looks beautiful in any situation, and it will become one of the most photographed buildings in your stay in Madrid. I never get tired of seeing it.
Find your way with 243 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Madrid in the 1980s was certainly rocking and she became a fixture in the city’s music scene, always going out in her famous leather jacket and cap.
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This fantastic wine shop, "Vino y Compañía" is the place to discover the fantastic variety and quality of wine on offer in Spain. Come with an open mind!
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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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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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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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"Mo de Movimiento" in Madrid offers a new take on the restaurant business - sustainable organic ingredients, recycled materials and second opportunities!
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Sala Canal Isabel II in Madrid used to be a water tower: now it's an uber-cool gallery used for media exhibitions. I love it, and not just because...
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VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?
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Don’t worry about collecting and counting plates - there’s an “all you can eat” lunchtime menu, you can fill your boots for a very reasonable fixed price.
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His favourite time seemed to be that magic hour when the sun is sinking low in the West and turns everything a golden pinky hue.
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243 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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