How to be a tourist in your own city
How about being a 'guiri' in Madrid and throw yourself into that tourism that you never do? This is the most original and enriching route that you should follow, if you want to enjoy a vacation in your own city d.
1. THE LIFE OF THE NOBLE
We start with a walk through the palace gardens . Open to everyone, the Sabatini Gardens offer a wonderful view of Royal Palace and Casa de Campo.
Located between Calle de Bailén and Cuesta de San Vicente, they were created in the 1930s on the site of the stables built by Sabatini, hence their name. It has in its center a large pond, surrounded by trees and sculptures of castilian kings , where you can observe the peacocks showing off their tails in full splendor, if the temperature does not rise too much.
Sabatini Gardens or life 'like a royal'
two. DIFFERENT MUSEUMS
In addition to classics such as the Prado or the Thyssen, there are small treasures in Madrid that deserve to be "discovered".
Good examples are the ** ABC Museum ** _(Amaniel, 29) _, dedicated to graphic art, which occupies the premises of the old Mahou beer factory and which exhibits an exhibition of Joaquin Xaudrao call Good people.
Another good option is Count Duke Center , on the street of the same name, with exhibition halls and spaces for concerts, or the Cerralbo Museum (Ventura Rodríguez, 17), a mansion with puncture and romantic furniture . It is said that in times of the dictatorship they celebrated in it the most notorious parties in Madrid.
ABC Museum, on Amaniel Street
In the same way, it is also a must to visit the curious Church of San Marcos , in a side street of the España building with a curious plant of five joined ellipses which was built by the Madrid architect or Ventura Rodriguez , the same author of the palace of Liria, in the 18th century.
Precisely the Spain building, offers on its rear facade an aspect reminiscent of American skyscrapers, and is an almost unique example of this architectural style in Spain. We warn that it is not easy to see because the street is narrow but , it is curious when you discover it and the photo is very worthwhile.
Get lost in Madrid
3. ON THE TRACK OF LAS MENINAS
The protagonists of Velázquez's most famous painting have taken to the streets of our city until the first week of July, thanks to the artist Antonio Azzato , the promoter of the project Meninas Madrid Gallery . An original action that has turned Madrid into the largest urban contemporary art gallery with its iconic image as its theme.
“I decided to remove the silhouette of the menina from the painting, turning it into the canvas, so that each artist who intervenes in it embodies Velázquez, and send us a message through your work ”, explains Azzato himself.
You will not resist photographing yourself with the blue clouds of the Agahta Ruiz de la Prada in Preciados street; that of Jordi Molla in Callao , that of Carlos Baute in the Plaza Mayor wave of Marta Hazas looking at the Royal Palace . If you want to know where they are located throughout the city, you just have to click on this map.
Four. FRENCH FLAVOR IN THE MOST CASTILIAN STREET
precious , without a doubt the most well-known commercial street in Madrid, is rarely frequented by the people of Madrid, but on this bridge it is a perfect option to enjoy an original plan in it: **eat a delicious French menu at Antoinette ** _( Preciados, 34) _, a place with an excellent atmosphere that offers a new spring menu, with delicacies such as mi-cuit of foi-gras ; the succulent duck breast with sesame and vegetable stew or a daring sautéed frog legs and grilled crayfish.
Another excellent option in this case, one hundred percent Spanish, is have a vermouth (in your menu there are from Jérez, Galicia, Castilla y León, Rioja….) in the new big carnation _(Gran Vía, 11) _ a very crowded place at aperitif time that shares space with a tasty eatery where to taste traditional recipes.
El Gran Clavel and its croquettes on Madrid's Gran Vía
5. RELAXATION IN THE HEART OF THE HOUSING
Although it sounds unbelievable, in the center of Madrid there are temples dedicated to silence and calm . You will find that as soon as you cross the entrance door to the store's Spa that the English brand Lush owns in the number 24 of the street of the Carmen.
With the typical aesthetics of its country of origin, it offers a completely british what e emulates a piece of the English countryside in the center of the capital , and a menu of numerous treatments focused on mere enjoyment and relaxation.
The favorite? synaesthesia, based on the fusion of sensory stimuli by combining massage, essential oils, color therapy, music and flavors. Our advice is to go slowly since at least an hour and a half you will "disappear".
Relax at Lush with its products and find the perfect upgrade at its Spa
6. THEMATIC AND FREE TOURS
The agency X Treme Tours organize "The best and most personalized tours for you to discover all the great stories, customs, traditions, and secrets of the city for free", as they themselves explain.
Our favorite is the so-called Inspiring Madrid, that walks those streets witness to the life of the most important writers of the Golden Age of Spanish literature such as Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Quevedo, Góngora and Bécquer , among others.
Another good option is Haunted Madrid tour , if you dare to live a paranormal walk that dusts off the legends, curiosities, myths and inexplicable stories that few dare to tell. In any case, they have hundreds of them depending on the tastes of each one, even one of flamenco in Madrid.
The other fallen angel of Madrid... did you know him?
7. A TAPE AT GOING DOWN
Streets as central as Ventura Rodriguez or Martin of the Heroes host a multitude of bars to enjoy the best tapas, with good wines and a better atmosphere.
They will conquer you siphonery _(Martín de los Heros, 27) _ decorated with hundreds of siphons; ** Cáscaras _(Ventura Rodríguez, 7) _** with its fantastic cod omelette or Now (Martin de los Heros, 16), perfect for sharing a tapas menu that highlights the Iberian, anchovies and hummus , all washed down with an outstanding selection of wines from Madrid.
And to end the night, nothing like enjoying a session of good jazz music in the legendary Jazz Club Square (Martin of the Heroes, 3).
8. SLEEP IN A HOUSE THAT IS NOT YOURS
To curl more the curl of this foreigner life in your own city better to do it in a chain apartment Be Mate which, at the same time, offer hotel services.
This is the new project by Kike Sarasola, ** Plaza de España Skyline **, a building of 37 apartments (there are various sizes) located in the number 18 Cadarso street a few meters from the Plaza de España and Parque del Oeste.
The best? They are spacious spaces with a minimalist decoration to make you feel comfortable from the first moment; They have a reception 24 hour service ; own garage and an original plus and that is before going they call you to know what you like for breakfast to leave it prepared in the apartment.
Spain Square Skyline