Art lovers, you need to check out this diaphanous new(ish) gallery in southwest Madrid’s Carabanchel district. It’s 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? The first time I went, I had the place to myself - quite a contrast from the tourist-saturated centre.
VETA is the brainchild of Fer Francés, a young gallerist who chose this 1,200m2 space in the working-class neighbourhood of Carabanchel to take advantage of low rents and the availability of large abandoned warehouses and factories. Property in Madrid has become so expensive; people are starting to look to less central areas such as Carabanchel to live and open small businesses. While still far from being gentrified, there are plenty of green shoots to be found there; cool restaurants, microbreweries and galleries ready to be discovered by the intrepid traveller.
I am still exploring, so watch this space for new spots!
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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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