You have found your way to the popular Cava Baja and had your mind blown by all its wonderfully traditional taverns. Now head over to the spectacular Plaza de la Paja and sit on one of the busy terrazas, and have a coffee. You may spy an old brick wall at the bottom of the sloping square; the door leads into a secret garden - these are Los Jardines del Palacio del Príncipe de Anglona, commissioned by the Marquises of La Romana to Javier de Winthuysen, an 18th-century painter and garden designer.
It's a simple little garden with brick paths and low boxwood hedges, some trees, rose bushes and benches to sit on. It's not the most gorgeous garden ever, but it has history and a ton of charm. Peek over the back wall onto Calle Segovia, and you'll realize you are high up above it; the designer cleverly elevated and flattened out a steep slope to make this tiny jewel.
I love it here - it's really peaceful and a great place to read a book, or, if you are travelling, you can study your maps, edit your Instagrams or decide on the next great spot to check out!
Plaza de la Paja 5
€
free
Find your way with 252 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Fresh, seasonal, and healthy is the focus of the food here, and the folks at Naked & Sated have proved that healthy food can be both tasty and affordable.
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Nest Boutique specializes in unique greeting cards, stationery, and decorative paper, but also sells a wonderful collection of accessories and home decor.
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With their workshop a couple of doors down, these folks spend their days baking a variety of cakes, cookies, and pastries using minimal sugar and simple ingredients.
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Tucked in Mercado de la Cebada, Gelato Lab serves Madrid’s best artisanal gelato — seasonal, handmade, and full of Sicilian soul and Spanish flair.
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Beside the Almudena Cathedral lies Parque del Emir Mohamed I, home to Madrid’s oldest Arab wall — a quiet, powerful reminder of the city’s Muslim roots.
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In Chamberí, Amadeo di Napoli Napoli serves up true Neapolitan pizza — with fluffy dough, charred crust, and a warm welcome that feels like home.
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Hidden in plain sight, the Palacio de Liria blends aristocratic grandeur with artistic treasures—Madrid’s quiet gem where past and present meet.
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Tucked in La Latina, this “casa a la malicia” hides extra floors behind a modest façade — Madrid’s clever 16th-century trick to dodge royal lodging laws.
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El Perro de Pavlov is a tiny gem at La Latina’s edge — serving standout coffee, tomato toasts locals adore, and a warm, bookish, community vibe.
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Bar Colores y Sabores is perfect place to arrive after a long day of exploring the city! The menu is short, but every plate is packed with taste and soul.
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Misión Café serves top-tier coffee and flaky pastries in a cozy, modern space — perfect for a quick fix or a slow, dreamy breakfast in Madrid.
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252 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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