Plaza de Daoíz y Velarde Madrid
Neighbourhood feeling
Plaza Daoíz y Velarde is a refreshing site where you can escape from the surrounding car hassle that is characteristic of Madrid. It's a car-free and pro pedestrian square. This location has many different purposes: it has terraces & restaurants; locals walking their dogs, sitting & relaxing on the benches, a playground, a fountain and a municipal sports center.
This place is versatile -- so many things take place here. I've seen everything from 500 karate kids attending competitions to elders chatting on benches, parents having drinks while kids are playing around... In summer, the people refresh themselves at the fountain, while neighbours are walking dogs.
I think it's a good place to get a feeling of how locals live their lives. If possible, better come between 17:00-23:00. It's a great location to enjoy its terraces, as you have much to see from your chair and you can choose between sushi or good tapas at Alquitara.
The building in the middle is now a popular municipal sports center, but before it used to be the old barracks of the soldiers who fought against Napoleon on May 2nd. Its architecture has been well-maintained; you can walk around it through its outdoor corridors full of roses. You may see the train rails and the kid playground at the end, unfortunately here was the location of 11M, the Al Queda train bombs. The building was used to aid many victims and received a memorial plaque.
The cycle of life can't be stopped by anybody. Madrid thrives!
About this spot
Plaza de Daoíz y Velarde
- 24 hour daily
€
no-price
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.
Cool place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Madrid
Almacén de vinos Casa Gerardo – You’ll be back
The tomatoes are so delicious they make you question everything you knew before; the wine flows and don’t get me started on the cheese…
By
Andrea
Roberts
Mauthausen Memorial – Republican Victims remembered
The largest piece represents the “Liberty Gate”; 3 large columns, inscribed with the names of all the deportees, are “the trees of dreams.”
By
Andrea
Roberts
Taverna Sacromonte – Wine in Madrid’s Chinatown
"Taverna Sacromonte" is an Andaluz tavern in Usera, Madrid. It feels village-y. Their tapas are great here -- I recommend going there and then for Chinese!
By
Andrea
Roberts
Mercato Italiano – Italian Aperitivo in Madrid
"Mercato Italiano" in Madrid is in the city's Little Italy in Rios Rosas. Great bruschetta and salads, and I recommend getting a wine, spritz or Campari...
By
Andrea
Roberts
Toma Café 2 – Coolest coffee spot in Madrid
"Toma Café 2" in Madrid have not only created art out of coffee (I'm sipping a jasmine/white peach brew right now), I love their sandwiches & peacefulness.
By
Andrea
Roberts
Plaza de la Paja – Historical Madrid
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
Andrea
Roberts
CaixaForum Madrid – Beautiful art space
"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
Andrea
Roberts
Museo Geominero – A Madrid gem
"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!
By