Come with us, don’t be shy. You are in Madrid, in one of the European capitals of culture and leisure, and you want to enjoy it to the fullest.
But of course, you’ve already visited Madrid’s main monuments, you know the best routes through its main streets by heart and you’re starting to wonder, what else can I find here?
Let us tell you, Madrid has a lot to offer and many faces to show. You may have already seen the most touristy Madrid, but have you seen the Madrid of the locals?
The real gatos, which means cats and it is as the Madrileños are known, have their favourite corners of their city and although some are in plain sight, others are real hidden gems waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.
The best places of interest that only Madrid cats know about
El Retiro
OK, so you may not be very surprised by the site at first glance. That’s understandable. But even if it is a well-known place, we are talking about corners of Madrid. The park is always full of life, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find quiet places.
It’s a place with the perfect mix of greenery, monuments, and although it is visited by tourists and frequented by locals, there are always places to rest. Among those places, you will find some of the favourites of the Madrileños, the real cats.
In addition to the Crystal Palace and the monument to the Fallen Angel, there are less frequented places that are very dear to the hearts of the locals, such as the Bosque del Recuerdo and the Casita del Pescador (Fisherman’s House).
However, one of these magical places is a viewpoint that is visible to all, and which has been closed for more than thirty years. We are talking about the Torre Mirador, a viewpoint with panoramic views, which is located inside the statue of King Alfonso XII, presiding over the pond.
Montaña Artificial
We are not moving from the Retiro, and although it is listed as a tourist attraction, the locals were so keen to visit it that they visit it as just another corner of the capital.
We are talking about the Montaña de los Gatos, an artificial mountain with green areas, vaulted areas, ponds and waterfalls, dating from the 19th century. It is a real luxury, a place that will take you back in time and where you can enjoy a lesser-known part of Madrid.
Different dinners
In Madrid there is always a great variety and offer in the world of restaurants. And in a sector as dynamic and lively as this one, it is very difficult to keep up to date, to know the best restaurants and to try new things.
However, these places do offer something different, they are far from the eyes of the tourists and hide real surprises for those locals, and now you, who book a table. We are only going to give you a couple of examples to give you an idea of what the capital has to offer.
The first is the Bodega de los Secretos, on Calle San Blas, where you will dine in what was born as a bodega in the 17th century. Its interior is a labyrinth, between vaulted brick galleries, and a real pleasure for an intimate and different dinner.
Our next place known only to Madrid cats is Caluana. A magical mix of Italian and Spanish gastronomy, which takes place in a corner of the capital that you will fall in love with, also highly recommended for couples.
Its interior and decoration is just the tip of the iceberg, because just when you think the place has absorbed you forever, you try the food, and discover that this is its main dish. Between its vaults and its 16th century baroque chapel, this dream-like place is born to give you a unique experience.
Finally, we can’t resist not telling you about this little corner. It looks like an oasis of peace, located above all the traffic and hustle and bustle of people in the heart of Madrid. El Jardín de Salvador Bachiller is a fantastic place on the third floor of the Salvador Bachiller building. Here you will notice how time does not pass, between coffees, teas and a relaxed atmosphere.
La Quinta de los Molinos
In the famous, mythical and long Calle Alcalá you will find great corners known to all. Although it also hides some secrets, reserved only for the most observant and lovers of beauty.
Almost reaching the end of the street, we find a park, which could well be just another park in the capital. But no, it has something else: more than six thousand almond trees. And no, the special thing is not the fruit, the special thing is when to visit it.
Between February and March, the almond trees come into bloom, and give a spectacular colour to the park, tinging it with pinks and whites, as well as being a real treat to smell. Its beauty and the tranquillity it conveys is something reserved for connoisseurs of this special place for the people of Madrid.
A hidden garden
Another spot known mainly by locals, in this case, by the residents of the La Latina neighbourhood. In the Palace of the Prince of Anglona, there is a small garden well sheltered from the gaze of the curious.
Cobbled paths, a gazebo, a fountain, tall trees and stone walls make this garden a real discovery for those strolling through the neighbourhood. It is intimate, beautiful and a place of which Madrileños are very proud.
The Bonaparte tunnel
Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon’s brother, had this tunnel built at the beginning of the 19th century, linking the Royal Palace to the Casa de Campo. The reason for this? A quick escape route in case things got ugly.
It was never finished, so it could never be used, although it is a well-kept secret by the people of Madrid, it is known that there is a project to finish its construction and open it to the public. So this site of interest and its interesting history known to the people of Madrid will have to wait a little longer.