Hidden Gems for Madrid

1. Hidden Gem Madrid: Mercado de San Miguel

No Madrid city trip is complete without a visit to this food market. Here, you can discover Spanish culture and gastronomy at affordable prices. The building itself is worth seeing, food aside: It´s a historic edifice made out glass and iron. We recommend that you try some tapas and other Spanish delicacies. There’s something here to suit every taste!

2. Hidden Gem Madrid: The Hat Rooftop

Hands down, one of the hippest spots to hang out in the city center. It is actually the rooftop terrace of a hostel but is accessible to everybody. You can really spend the whole day enjoying the sun with an iced drink in your hand. How about a Mojito while you’re watching the sunset? You can find this amazing rooftop right next to the Plaza Mayor.

3. Hidden Gem Madrid: Rastro Flea Market

THE thing to do on a Sunday in Madrid is treasure-hunting in El Rastro. Here, lots of people sell unique jewellery, clothes, furniture, toys, etc. at the oldest flea market in town. We recommend going there in the morning, as early as possible, as it gets super crowded late in the day and you’ll be fighting for goods along with the crowd. Be sure to also check the side streets! Here, you’ll find additional, amazing antique shops. The flea market is really an experience; atmosphere is fun, and vibrant, and the market is huge!

4. Hidden Gem Madrid: Cafe Federal

Strong coffee. Hearty brunch. Is there anything else we need to say? When you visit Madrid, you should definitely stop by Cafe Federal for either a good start to your day, with a decadent breakfast, or a delectable, quick lunch pit stop. We highly recommend the eggs benedict! The cafe is located on a beautiful square in the lovely Conde Duce neighbourhood. There is lots to explore after, to burn off those calories!

5. Hidden Gem Madrid: Bosco de Lobos

Located at Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos in Madrid and hidden from the busy streets, you can find this amazing gem of a restaurant. Bosco de Lobos is more than worth your time thanks to their unforgettable dishes, great atmosphere and open terrace. Their main stars are their pizzas! Especially their exquisite pumpkin pizza with goat cheese and black dough or their truffle and egg pizza that will satisfy your taste buds. They also prepare an incredible pisco sour that goes together perfectly with all of their dishes. Rest assured, this restaurant is an excellent value for money experience you won’t regret.

6. Hidden Gem Madrid: La Rollerie

If there is something La Rollerie has, it is a wide variety of delicious dishes all perfectly prepared for either breakfast or brunch. All their courses are colorful, tasty and worth a picture for the gram. You can choose from pancakes, eggs benedict, cinnamon rolls, avocado toast, burgers and much more. Their decor is beautiful and modern, filled with plants making the atmosphere wonderful to be in. It is a great spot to either come alone or with a group of friends and have a great time.

7. Hidden Gem Madrid: Palacio de Cristal

Even though it is a more well-known tourist spot in Madrid, Palacio de Cristal it is worth mentioning to make sure you don’t skip this charming place. This conservatory is located in the beautiful park of El Retiro in front of a lovely lake. It has the shape of a greek cross and is around 22 meters high. Of course, like any amazing conservatory, it is almost entirely made of glass! Here you can take great pictures when it is nicely illuminated. Also, if you are in luck you can visit some of the temporary exhibitions they do inside it.

8. Hidden Gem Madrid: Parque Madrid Río

An excellent alternative to the more popular El Retiro park, Madrid Río Park is an awesome spot to enjoy nature, the view of the city and the unique bridges around it. All of this makes it perfect for anyone looking to have a picnic with family and friends, especially because the view is enhanced by a beautiful river crossing the park! You can also walk by or cycle through the park or its more original bridge, Puente Arganzuela. It is made with stainless steel and in the form of a spiral. With everything this park has going for it, you will want to stay here and chill for hours on end.

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