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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Delish Vegan Doughnuts Madrid makes donuts so popular they sell out every day! All their 12 varieties look sinful, like you need confession afterwards.
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"Taberna La Daniela" serves Madrid's typical meal, the cocido madrileño. For many locals, it's a tradition to come eat here at least once a year!
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"Terraza Atenas" in Madrid is right next to the Palacio Real, the river Manzanares & Viaducto de Segovia. It's an outdoor bar with just the right hipness.
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"Santa Rita Brasería" in Madrid is a restaurant with character: it's exquisite and cosy at the same time. I love their menus and their smoked specialties.
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