Madrid Local Secrets

As an organization that sends thousands of students abroad each year, CEA has captured a list of local secrets - a collection of discoveries from our students, resident staff, as well as other locals - that make this city unique. We hope you will find the information helpful and, at the very least, an interesting read.

Palacio Gaviria

Palacio Gaviria is a three- to four- story dance club with a red carpet staircase leading to each level. Different music is featured on each level, such as Latin, techno, jazz, etc. On Thursday nights, they host an “Exchange Party,” where students can meet people from all over the world. This is hosted by FOROCIO international friends and is just a two- to three- minute walk from el Puerto del Sol.

Iroco

Iroco is a local favorite for delicious salads and pastas, located at Calle de Velazquez.

Botin

Situated in the historic Plaza Mayor and established in 1725 – the world’s oldest restaurant according to the Guinness Book of Records – Botín is another local favorite, known for its succulent pork.

Museo del Prado

If you like museums, check out the Museo del Prado, Paseo del Prado, located at Centro, 00 34 91 330 28 00. It carries collections from around the world (Goya, Titian, Velázquez and El Greco). There’s a café, book and souvenir shop and a reference library for visitors to enjoy.

Delic Café

Take a stroll to Delic Café and enjoy a wonderful brunch in the Plaza de la Paja. Located at Costinilla de San Andres 14, 00 34 91 364 54 50.

Parks

Two of Madrid’s largest parks are the Arguelles and Casa de Campo. Arguelles can be reached by the metro, and a cable car ride will take you to Casa de Campo. In only 15 minutes, you will be in the center, where the views are green and gorgeous.

El Rastro

El Rastro is Madrid’s biggest and best flea market. It is suggested that you arrive by 10 a.m. as it gets extremely crowded after noon. There are cafes along the way to enjoy and the Plaza de Cascorro, which has the statue of Eloy Gonzalo, a Spanish soldier who challenged the Cubans in their war of independence with only a tin of petrol. Admission is free, and the market is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Feria del Libro de Madrid

From the beginning of May until the end of June, Retrio Park becomes a giant outdoor bookstore. Enjoy the park and find great bargains among the millions of books on sale. Admission is free.

Festival Internacional Madrid en Danza

This festival features 30 different shows in different venues across the city. The main stages performed are Teatro Albniz, Teatro de Madrid, Centro Cultural de la Villa, and Circulo de Bellas Artes. The dance styles vary and include contemporary, circus performers, flamenco, and classical. Admission is EUR 6.01-21.03. The festival runs through the month of April.

Mercado de Monedas y Sellos

Mercado de Monedas y Sellos is a coin and stamp collectors market. It is held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays year round in the Plaza Mayor. During the Inquisition, they used to hold executions and trials in the square. Bullfights were also held in this venue. Now it is used for a Christmas Market in December and concerts are held here in the summer months.

Corridas de Toros

Corridas de Toros are the Spanish bullfights that are very popular in Spain. Las Ventas is the bullring where the events take place year round on Sundays, beginning in March and running until the end of October. Special fights are held on August 15th and October 12th. In the months of July and August, on certain Friday nights, reduced price shows are offered. Admission: EUR 3.30-102.62

Festival de Alcala de Henares Comunidad

Festival de Alcala de Henares Comunidad is a film festival held in the month of November. Film makers who wish to be discovered frequent this festival, as do well-known directors. The festival accepts 35mm or 16mm media for their competitions in animation, shorts, documentary and experimental films.

Noche de San Juan

On June 22 and 23, celebrate the summer solstice until midnight for free at one of the popular bonfires. Bring along any old furniture or a picture of your ex and throw it into the flames! A few of the favorite meeting places are Parque de la Cornisa (next to San Francisco el Grande church), Parque de San Juan (Ciudad Lineal), open spaces in Hortaleza district, or Vallecas and Vicaro fairgrounds if you want to join in the fun.

Mercado de Fuencarral

This is a combo shopping center/flea market where you can find items that you can’t at regular conventional stores. Geared for today’s youth, you can find bags, belts, clothes, jewelry, accessories, music and furniture. There have piercing, tattoos and hairstylists too. They even have internet access. Hours are 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Casa de Granada

A treasure hidden in a rooftop terrace in Plaza de Tirso de Molina, Casa de Granada is a restaurant favored by the locals. Indulge in sangria and tapas as you gaze out over the city of Madrid. This sky-high Spanish gem is located on Calle del Doctor Cortezo 17, but can only be accessed by a call up to the restaurant from the building’s doorbell buzzer on the street below. Tel: 91 369 35 96

Las Cuevas de Sésamo

Sangria is the name of the game at Las Cuevas de Sésamo. Located on Calle Principe, with Puerta del Sol nearby, young people come from all over the city to sip sweet sangria in the underground caves of this local favorite. Famous quotes of some of the world’s most renowned singers, writers, and philosophers litter the walls while a live pianist serenades the room. Accessible from metro stops Sol and Sevilla.

El Tigre

Take a trip to the neighborhood of Chueca, right off of Gran Vía, to experience more bang for your buck at El Tigre. This small bar teems with a young, international crowd at night that comes for the great atmosphere and affordable prices. Pay €4 - €6 for a large beverage that in exchange will earn you two hefty tapas plates for free, ranging from la tortilla Española, to spicy las patas bravas, to the classic jamón y pan. Located on Calle Infantas, 30, walking distance from the Gran Vía or Chueca metro stops.