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 every least, an interesting read.
Palacio Gaviria
Palacio Gaviria is a 3-4 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. 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 2-3 minute walk from el
Puerto del Sol.
Iroco
Iroco is a local favorite for delicious salads and pastas, located at Calle de
Velazquez.
Botin
Located in the historic Plaza Mayor and established in 1725, Botin 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 centre where the views are green and gorgeous.
El Rastro
El Rastro is Madrid’s biggest and best flea-market. It is suggested to arrive by 10am as it gets extremely crowded after noon. There are cafes along the way to enjoy and the Plaza de Cascorro to visit which has the statue of Eloy Gonzalo, who was a Spanish soldier that challenged the Cubans in their war of independence with only a tin of petrol. Admission is free, open from 10am until 3pm 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 Crculo 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 in
the Plaza Mayor on Sunday mornings from 9am until 2pm year round. 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 which are very popular in Spain.
Las Ventas is the bullring where the events take place year around 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 and their films. 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 10am
until 9pm, Monday through Saturday.
