I spent four days in Madrid this month and chose “Delightful & quirky Madrid” as a theme for this discovery trip. I have visited Spain’s capital several times, and I did all the classic sights: the Prado Museum, the Retiro Park, the Royal Palace and a few more places. I was delighted to discover Madrid in a new light. Learn more about it in this post.
1. The ghost metro station of Chamberí
I was reading about the city when I realised that one quirky Madrid thing was the presence of a ghost metro station called Chamberí between the Bilbao and Iglesia stops. Lucky me. I was staying at a friend’s place in Cuatro Caminos. This meant every time I came back home, I could see the ghost metro station from the moving wagon. Indeed, the metro does not stop at Chamberí.
The station was shut down in 1966 and opened again after reconstruction in 2008 as a museum called “platform 0” about the history of Madrid’s metro. The museum can only be visited through a guided tour booked in advance on the Madrid Metro Museum website. The entrance and the guided tour are free.
2. The National Museum of Romanticism
Ok. With all the world-class museums in Madrid, why on Earth would I talk about the Museum of Romanticism? I stumbled upon it while wandering around the city centre. I loved the one in Paris and thought I’d check out the one in Madrid to see what it is all about.
This museum is housed in an 18th-century palace. It is home to a fascinating collection of 19th-century paintings, furniture and decorative art that perfectly portrays Madrid’s culture, politics and way of life at the time. All the rooms are superb and elegant, and most furniture is well-maintained. The museum also features a garden and a café.
Website: Museum of Romanticism
3. Madrid mysteries and legends walking tour
I love walking tours led by locals. There is no better way to learn about the city because not only do local guides show you around the city and provide you with tips only locals know about, but they also tell you stories about the places you are visiting. This walking tour is no different. It focuses on out-of-the-beaten-track stories like the one of a serial killer that operated in a restaurant in Madrid. I liked those odd facts.
The tour costs 10 euros and lasts 2 hours. The booking and the payments are to be done online. The voucher is electronic. You can just show your phone to the guide. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity starts. We did the Spanish walking tour but it is also available in English.
Madrid mysteries and legends tour
4. Work-friendly vintage café: Café de la Luz
My original idea was to work with my laptop in Café de la Luz. I found out on-site that it is possible from Monday to Thursday. But not on Saturday, and I was there on a Saturday morning…
The place is warm and welcoming with an intimate atmosphere. You already know I like vintage places that feel like home and where you can sit comfortably drinking your tea or eating. This place is it. In addition, the staff is friendly. I enjoyed the couple of hours I was sitting in the café and sank into my armchair to rest from a tough week.
Website: Café de la Luz
5. A Thai massage in the middle of the city
You might treat yourself to a massage to relax and rest from all the walking and visiting the city. I experienced this Thai massage in the heart of Madrid. The good news was that they had space available at the last minute.
The place is calm and clean. The massagists are very smiley and sweet, but the massage was rather vigorous. Well…Thai. I felt pretty relaxed at the end of it. The cost of the Chang Thai general treatment is 95 euros for one hour and thirty minutes. On my way out, I saw a French couple waiting. They booked a couple massage. Yes, it is one service that is also available.
Website: Masaje Tailandés Madrid Centro – Chang Thai Massage
6. Tasting a delicious calamari sandwich
Calamari sandwiches were frequently mentioned by the few people I spoke with about Madrid. It consists of a fresh bread roll filled with breaded and fried calamari rings. I tried two from two different places and my favourite was the bocadillo (sandwich) from Casa Rua.
In the beginning, I feared the sandwich would be dry. But it was enjoyable. You can also wash it down with a beer. Seats are available upstairs. The venue is fairly small, but the turnover is fast so after a few minutes, you can find a free seat.
A calamari sandwich cost 3.60 euros. They also have different sandwiches with chorizo, Spanish omelette and much more. But when in Rome, I mean, Madrid why not try the typical calamari sandwich?
Website: Casa Rua
7. Sala Equis
Sala Equis is a special venue. It was once an x-rated movie theatre. As a matter of fact, there is a little souvenir of its naughty past at the entrance. I leave you to find the translation from Spanish. Nowadays, the place has evolved into a trendy multi-space with notably a bar serving cocktails, street inspired-food and lounge chairs and a space where you can watch old and not-so-old movies on a big screen. The venue also organises other cultural events including stand-up comedy, concerts, etc. It is a pretty cool venue and it is a very nice cultural stop if you spend a few days in Madrid.
Website: Sala Equis
8. Brunch in a conservatory at Salvador Bachiller
My friend took me to brunch at the Salvador Bachiller conservatory restaurant (Restaurante Invernadero). It is conveniently located in Gran Via, in the centre. To enter the building, we went through a concept store before going downstairs to a magical place of plants and mirrors. From the moment I entered, I felt at ease with the atmosphere.
I had a burger and tomato juice. The burger was a la carte and normally not available for brunch. The staff was ok with me ordering it still. And that was cool. My friend had eggs, an açai bowl and an orange juice from the brunch menu. The food and the fruit juices were nicely presented. For me, the best of this place is the decoration and the setting. They also serve afternoon teas with champagne (from 30 to 80 euros per person). Good to know.,.
Address: Calle Gran Via, 65, 28013 Madrid
Website: El invernadero
9. Stroll at El Rastro flea market
One of Madrid’s oldest flea markets, El Rastro is located in the La Latina neighbourhood. This open-air flea market occurs every Sunday and on bank holidays. You can find here various items including antiques, clothes, records and many more. The place was crowded and huge.
Opening hours run from 9 am to 3 pm. The flea market is also a place for encounters for locals who get a beer and bites to eat at the typical tapas bars around.
Website: El Rastro
10. Have a drink at Lolina Vintage café
I got a pink lemonade at Lolina Vintage café while waiting for dinner at a vegan restaurant nearby. It was still pretty hot in Madrid in September and this was a welcomed stop. The place is super cute and cosy with its vintage decoration and armchairs. The staff is warm and welcoming. I like that.
My lemonade was delicious. I did not order food but from where I was, it looked tasty at other customers’ tables. I can see myself coming back here regularly for a delightful and quirky Madrid drink, alone or with friends.
Website: Lolina café