This is one of my favourite spots in Madrid for relaxing. You can enjoy its exhibitions and it’s also a beautiful place in the winter, during spring and in summer. But I think it’s especially nice during autumn. The leaves and the different colours make the small pond and the Crystal Palace itself worth a visit.

The Retiro park was originally the site of a royal palace built in 1632 under the reign King Philip IV. Most of the palace was destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars, leaving a space that was eventually opened to the public in 1868. The few remaining buildings of the palace now house museum collections. The Crystal Palace is a glass pavilion inspired by The Crystal Palace in London and designed in 1887 by Ricardo Velázquez Bosco. Velázquez Bosco also designed the park’s Palacio de Velázquez.

It is a great place to spend some time after a visit to the nearby Museum Del Prado. There are many other tourist attractions in the Retiro district of Madrid but this place is absolutely amazing!!

I enjoy just sitting and watching the swans and the ducks floating on the water. The reflections of the sun in the Palace make it very impressive, especially when it gets dark.

It’s an ideal place for a Sunday morning but, as it gets more crowded, I’d rather prefer to spend a few afternoon hours during weekdays.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The Crystal Palace | Relaxing | Free
Inside the Retiro Park | Salamanca Area
Exhibitions Mon – Sat 10:00 – 18:00, Sun 10:00 – 16:00

Spain is one of the countries where you can find more smokers than average. There are a lot of women that smoke and the smoking ban hasn’t affected that as much as some would have liked. At least that is my impression, as I do not smoke. So, you will wonder why I recommend this place.

Well, La Mansión del Fumador is “the shop” for smokers and also the shop for those who don´t smoke but have to buy something new for a smoking friend or relative. As a few members of my family do smoke, I have visited this shop and I find it really unique selling all types of tools for smokers.

In La Mansión del Fumador they do not sell tobacco, but here you can find an authentic paradise for smokers. There is a huge variety of pipes, water pipes, lighters and funny things like pocket ashtrays!

It is actually a different place for a creative gift. So, even if you do not smoke, it is worth a visit!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Mansión del Fumador | Shopping
Calle del Carmen 22 | Sol | +34915320817
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 14:00 & 17:30 – 20:30, Sat 10:00 – 14:00

This is one of these lovely places in Madrid that combines books with drinks, magic with a great atmosphere. Nostalgia and vanguard in the same room, full of antiques on the walls. Images from the first Holy Communion, pictures in black and white, old furniture… There is a careful selection of champagnes that you can mix with fruits, sweets and other surprises.

And of course, always something new going on in María Pandora. And they are even on Facebook!

It’s also possible to celebrate your birthday party or even your wedding because they know how to arrange all details. There are exhibitions, cultural events and good music. From Portuguese fado to chançon francaise (from the 50´s), or blues.

Don´t miss their funny menu, where you can find what they call “cosquillas” (“tickling”) with cava, liquor, tenderness…Or just try any of their non alcoholic drinks and you will enjoy the sugar on top of the glass.

This mixture of coffee shop- champagne shop – book shop (three in one) was created in 1995. Inspired in the fantasy of the theatre, it has a relaxed atmosphere, full of good vibrations. It is definitely a wonderful way to start the evening by candlelight.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
María Pandora | Bars | Cocktail € 6.00
Plaza de Gabriel Miró, 1 | Lavapies & Latina | +34913640039
19:00 – 02:00 (or later) daily

For sure not all markets have an enchanting atmosphere. Just some keep on with the tradition and have a special touch. Thank God Madrid’s City Hall remembers the way our grandmothers used to shop for food and there has been a renovation of some of them.

Mercado de Ibiza market is located next to the house were used to live one of the key persons for the Spanish Transition (1912-1993), Carlos Ollero. There is a sign that says it on the wall, so you will not miss it.

It is a renovated and refreshing place , but what I like the most, is that is has the same style as before, but with a new face.

Just come over and have a look, and fill in your shopping list!!!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Mercado de Ibiza | Shopping | Free
Calle Ibiza, 6 | Salamanca Area
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 14:00 & 17:30 – 20:30, Sat 10:00 – 14:00

Situated between Sol and Plaza Mayor, Yambala is a small jewel in the heart of the city. It is a very cosy place for teas, coffees and natural shakes during the day and mojitos and cocktails by night.

Yambala has a very narrow entrance and a chill out area at the back of the venue, where you can lay down and perhaps smoke a hookah.

The only problem is that it is so small, that most of the times you need to go there early to find a spot. The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly, so it is perfect for passing the time.

Do not miss it!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Yambala | Bars, Coffee & tea | Tea € 2.50
Calle Coloreros, 4 | Sol
Mon – Fri 16:00 – 01:30, Sat – Sun 16:00 – 02:00

Right now there are some specific places for having an interesting flavour f the city. This emblematic place (people say it is for tourists but I do not agree with that) is located inside the Retiro park, surrounded by trees and shade.

In Florida Park you can celebrate a wedding, enjoy a drink and a flamenco show, and of course you can eat. On Thursdays you can taste good paella. It is actually not a very cheap place but very appropriate for a special occasion.

So if you ever have the chance to go there, do not hesitate and try their scrambled eggs with young garlic and prawns. I would recommend their turbot fillets, basque style; and their pork sirloin steak with cream as a second course. And, of course, their custard with blueberries as a dessert.

My grandparents celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at Florida park and we really enjoyed the atmosphere… So, why not have a look if you want to try something different?

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Florida Park | Restaurants (Spanish) | Paella menu € 25.00
Inside Retiro Park | Salamanca Area | +34915737804
Tue – Sat 13:00 – 16:00 & 21:00 – 23:30

Madrid is full of surprises. One day you are walking in the street with your look down to the sidewalk and you do not realize it. But, if you pay attention, this city can be fascinating.

Look at this building in the corner of Calle Orellana and Campoamor. I wish there will be more places like this, as they make a city really unique and amazing.

Sometimes you do not need to go to a museum to see art. Just open your eyes and look around! Enjoy the view!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Painted building | Art & culture | Free
Calle Campoamor | Moncloa & Arguelles
It is not open to the public

Aula 11 is one of my favourite places in Madrid. I do not think there is anything similar as it offers a combination of cultural events and personal growth.

Three brave partners thought about the idea during the summer of 2006 and now this unique place is located in the heart of the city, in Plaza Tirso de Molina; so it is easy to find.

Apart from the regular agenda that varies every week on their website, there are several interesting seminars that you can try. There are yoga or belly dance courses, you can try your skills in the theatre or performance, or learn about body language, positive attitude and coaching.

Concerts are mostly during weekends. Last time I went to Aula 11, there was a very relaxing Jam Session on a Friday night. The atmosphere was different from any other place. The light, the location, the staff… Trust me, you can feel like at home, sitting down on the wooden floor, enjoying your drink. Do not miss this place, try once and you will get addicted! And do not forget to experience a Hindu concert!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Aula 11 | Art & culture, Music, Relaxing | Free
Plaza Tirso de Molina 8 | Lavapies & Latina | +34913691127
Check the website for opening times

Whenever I do not have any plans I try to join a cultural activity. Sometimes, Casa de America is the right place!!

Created in 1990 in the heart of Madrid, this place was built with the purpose of generating a forum of ideas and debates concerning economic, political, scientific, technological and cultural aspects of Latin America.

There are thousands of activities every day. From book presentations to art exhibitions, story telling workshops or poetry series.

I love its garden, called Jardin Brugal-Casa de America, inspired in the Dominican nature, and also its restaurant called Bistronómico.

The projection room is very good and most of the times the shows are free, so you can see interesting documentaries or attend fascinating conferences.

Highly recommended for people who have a soft spot for culture!! Do not miss it!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Casa de América | Art & culture | Free
Plaza de la Cibeles, 2 | Gran Via & Princesa | +34915954800
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 21:00

Who said it’s impossible to find waffles in Madrid’s streets? Bravo’s is a very convenient store for getting popcorn, hot dogs and of course “gofres” (waffles) in the very centre of the city.

Just behind the building of FNAC (see the FNAC article) it is possible to buy all those things that are hardly difficult to find in other Madrid´s streets.

There is actually no tradition of having lunch or a dessert while you walk in the street here. And that´s mainly one of the first shocking differences compared to other European cities. (You know, we like to be seated after lunch, have a long chat and enjoy the conversation…)

So, for those who like having a hot and delicious waffle covered with chocolate and cream, Bravo´s (a very Spanish name for the type of food they serve, by the way) is the best option.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Bravo’s | Snacks
C/ del Carmen, 27 | Sol
09:00 – 22:00 daily