You can embrace Madrid's terraza culture almost any month of the year, and La Plaza de Olavide is the perfect spot to start. Spain delivers when it comes to a good climate; sitting outside and enjoying it is one of the many things that make living here so appealing.
Olavide is a round square that features lovely planting, plenty of benches, a cooling fountain and several playgrounds for children, with all the usual slides, swings and climbing frames. It is leafy, pedestrianised and completely circled by bars and restaurants with large popular terrazas.
It can be easy to spend a lot of money when you are on holiday, so I think cheap and cheerful places where you can spend a few hours without spending a fortune are always welcome. Classic sharing menus, such as a large mixed salad and a whole potato omelette, are a good deal. Add some "tinto con casera" (red wine and white lemonade) to the mix, and you'll be all set for lunchtime like a local in Spain's capital!
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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…
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Pastelería La Maravilla is one of the best bakeries in Madrid. Its cookies, cakes, breads and pastries have personality! I can never resist them...
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This modern, award-winning building houses three immense floors of some of the Crown's most spectacular paintings, sculptures, tapestries and carriages.
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For 5 euros, paid at the ground-floor, I received a lift ticket which would carry me up 27 dizzying floors to enjoy some of the best views of the city.
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All of the classic favourites are served up here at Masala Darbar – Butter Chicken, Korma and Tikka Masala – with sides of basmati rice and fluffy naan.
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Escape the crowds of Madrid’s famous art museums and explore Serrería Belga, a repurposed sawmill turned vibrant art space with diverse exhibitions!
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The museum is big and every inch of the Museo del Traje is enjoyable, but my favourite part is their magnificent display of traditional Spanish costumes.
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Discover Barceló Market in Madrid for a lunch filled with global flavors! Stop by Latino Arepa for Venezuelan delights — arepas, empanadas, and cachapas!
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"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!
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"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...
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"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.
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"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!
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266 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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