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Madrid information
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Our recommendation of things to do and not do in Madrid
Stuck for what to do in Madrid?
Take a look at our 5 simple suggestions for enjoying your Madrid city break, from people who know and love the city.
Want to know what to avoid?
Read through our 5 tips from Madrid residents and independent travellers who’ve discovered Madrid for themselves.
But remember…Madrid is what you make it, the decision is yours!
5 Things to do
5 Things not to do
5 Things to do
1. Check out the "Museo de escultura al aire libre”
Located between the Paseo de Eduardo Dato and calle de Juan Bravo.The collection includes works of Julio González and Alberto Sánchez, members of the avant-garde of the 1920s and 1930s. A real eye-opener!
2. Chill out in the El Buen Retiro park
This popular park in Madrid was named by king Felipe II. The lungs of Madrid, and great place to spend a sunny afternoon.
3. Explore the legendary Chueca district by night
Explore the legendary Chueca district by night. This alternative neighbourhood inspired the films of famous Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar.
4. Experience the night time vibe around Plaza del dos de Mayo
Live the Madrid "movida" in the lively bars, clubs and pavement cafes in one of the most emblematic areas of the Spanish capital. This popular square was also the scene of major historical events during the war of independence with France in the early 19th century.
5. Go for a stroll along the “Paseo de Recoletos”...
...and visit the National Library containing over 6,000,000 books!
5 Things not to do
1. Plaza Mayor……Watch out for the tourist shops in the Plaza.
High prices and tacky junk. Walk a few blocks and get the same stuff for less. Also, El Rastro, the giant outdoor flea market is more about tourist/cheap junk than antiques or unique finds
2. Avoid using Chequepoint to change money.
Some tell horror stories of the rip-off rates charged by Chequepoint when changing currency.
3. If approached by a policeman…
…unless they are in uniform, and when asked to do anything (show ID, open your handbag etc), insist on doing it at the main police station. Obviously do not go with them in their car! Spain is not a police-state, so if they object, do the same loudly! (Note. Posing as police is a common trick used by petty thieves in Spain: So, remember your rights and don’t get tricked!)
4. The big pick-pocket area is “Puerta del Sol”....
Beware, these people are professionals. Don't carry important valuables with you, especially not your passport or large amounts of cash
5. As a rule, avoid flamenco music in Madrid…
...It’s generally put on for the tourists and lacks the genuine Spanish flamenco “duende” (spirit) i.e. tired journeymen going through the motions. Having said that, if you can’t imagine going to Madrid without checking out some flamenco, we totally recommend a visit to Candela, in Calle Olmo, 2. There you can witness wonderful live Flamenco performance while drinking wine (probably more than one glass) with the local crowd.
Why not send us your 5 Madrid essentials, and / or 5 things to avoid in the city? Share your insider information with other independent travellers: Please send an e-mail listing your 5 suggestions to: content@engrande.com
DISCLAIMER:
The opinions represented in this section are the subjective views of independent contributors, and not necessarily those of EnGrande SL itself.
