Secret Places in Madrid You Need to Know About

August 27, 2018
casita pescador fisherman house parque park retiro madrid spain
The first time you are in a new city you are bound to visit the main attractions but if you are anything like me, you also want to find those non touristy places that only locals know about. Every city provides an array of hidden gems waiting to be found. So, this is not just another what to do in Madrid post. Today, I uncover best-kept secrets of the capital of Spain for those of you who are looking for treasures off the beaten path. From under-the-radar museums to cozy cafes, I've got you covered. Let's dig into it.

LA CASITA DEL PESCADOR
Everybody has heard of the lake and the Crystal Palace in Madrid's most famous park: El Retiro. However, not many people know about this little gem: the Fisherman's Little House. Located in the northeast of the park, king Fernando VII used to fish here back in the 19th century. Nowadays it's an animal adoption center. Retiro is a beautiful park by itself but wandering its paths and finding charming romantic fairy-tale spots like this one always brings a smile to my face. 
casita pescador fisherman house parque park retiro madrid spain
casita pescador fisherman house parque park retiro madrid spain
casita pescador fisherman house parque park retiro madrid spain
CALLE PUIGCERDA
In the heart of Madrid's most luxurious neighborhood, Barrio de Salamanca, you can find an alley where the cutest restaurants line up. One of them is Taberna Los Gallos (TripAdvisor), I met there some friends for tea and we had a wonderful quiet and relaxing time there. We didn't try the food but from what I've heard a true foodie can't miss this place.Los Gallos Taberna restaurante calle Puigcerda Madrid barrio Salamanca
Los Gallos Taberna restaurante calle Puigcerda Madrid barrio Salamanca
Los Gallos Taberna restaurante calle Puigcerda Madrid barrio Salamanca
Los Gallos Taberna restaurante calle Puigcerda Madrid barrio Salamanca
Los Gallos Taberna restaurante calle Puigcerda Madrid barrio Salamanca
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS
Ok, maybe the Royal Botanic Gardens are not so secret but the little cute cafe there is. La Catedra, located in Pabellon Villanueva, is a coffee place + store -not your average museum store, totally worth checking out- with a lovely outdoor area in the Garden. Picture yourself having breakfast among plants and flowers from all around the world. A pleasure for the senses.
Entrance to the Gardens is 4€. Downside is you still have to pay even if you are just going to the cafeteria.
La Catedra cafe shop Royal Botanic Gardens Madrid Spain
Royal Botanic Gardens Madrid Spain
Royal Botanic Gardens Madrid Spain
Royal Botanic Gardens Madrid Spain
MUSEUM OF ROMANTICISM
This museum is devoted to the Romantic period of the 19th century and it houses paintings, furniture, porcelain, books and much more from that time. The best-kept secret of this place is a -very romantic- tearoom: El Cafe del Jardin. They serve tea, coffee and a variety of homemade cakes at reasonable prices (tea is just 1,50€). Next time I'm in this place I'll bring a book to read by the fountain. It's such a peaceful place, only soft music and the water pouring can be heard. The high walls and trees create a micro-climate which makes this place a blessing in summer.
Entrance to the museum is 3€ (it's free on weekends from 2 pm), but you don't have to pay if you are only going to the cafe.
Cafe Jardin Museum of Romanticism Madrid
Cafe Jardin Museum of Romanticism Madrid
Cafe Jardin Museum of Romanticism Madrid
SOROLLA MUSEUM
Sorolla is one of my favorite Spanish painters, he depicted light and the Spanish coast -especially his hometown Valencia- like no other. The building that houses the museum was originally the impressionist painter's home. The delightful garden that leads to the house is a beautiful oasis in the city. This place is away from the touristy masses in the center of Madrid, but easily accessible by metro.
Entrance to the garden is free. If you want to visit the museum you have to pay 3€ (it's free on Saturdays from 2pm and on Sundays).
Sorolla Museum Garden Madrid
Now, these 4 are new never-published-before on the blog secret places. However, Madrid has much more to offer. Check out these hidden gems from previous posts:

EL CAPRICHO PARK
This is one of those places off the beaten track that needs to be on your Madrid must-see list. You won't find many tourists here, only locals. This 18th century park houses many interesting places including a labyrinth, flower beds, beautiful buildings and surprising nooks. Read more about it on this post.
El Capricho Park Madrid
EL JARDIN DE ORFILA
If you follow the blog, you probably remember this place. This is where we celebrated our first wedding anniversary this summer and it's considered one of the best brunch spots in Madrid with a menu designed by a 2 Michelin star chef . Find all the details here.
jardin garden hotel orfila brunch madrid spain
CERRALBO MUSEUM
The Marquis of Cerralbo donated to the city of Madrid an impressive collection that holds more than 50,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture, weapons and the list goes on. I still cannot believe this is one of the least known museums in Madrid because it certainly is a very important one. Feeling intrigued? Read more here.
Cerralbo Museum Madrid
LA QUINTA DE LOS MOLINOS
This place is the Spanish equivalent of the cherry blossom festival in spring. Long walking paths and charming spots await. See how beautiful it looks during fall here.
Quinta de los Molinos Madrid flower cherry blossom almond tree

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18 comments

  1. I'm a total fan of botanic gardens and little gems like in this post! Thanks for sharing and happy Monday xx

    https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/08/26/bazoches/

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  2. I really enjoyed these hidden gems - I have been to the botanical gardens, but there are so many things here worthy of another trip to Madrid! xx Maria from Passion fruit, Paws and Peonies

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  3. All these places are gorgeous. I do love finding places that are off the beaten path and aren't too touristy. These all look like great pieces!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

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  4. Gorgeous places indeed. Love your chic look dear. Cute colorful shorts you got there!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  5. Lovely places! I love this little insiders look and will keep this on hand if I ever visit Madrid.

    Brooke
    Pumps and Push-Ups

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  6. Paula @ I'm Busy Being AwesomeAugust 31, 2018 at 6:20 PM

    These places look amazing, I love how unusual they are

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  7. I love to find secret places in cities, they make the holiday super special

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  8. These pictures are gorgeous! I really love your blush purse and retro sunglasses! Super cute.

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  9. Lane & Holly @ With Two SpoonsAugust 31, 2018 at 6:45 PM

    Definitely bookmarking! Madrid is on my list of places for my spain trip !

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  10. This looks so colorful. The design is so different and beautiful. I definitely will add this to my wish list of places to go.

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  11. Wow, always such beautiful pictures and places you go- that museum!
    and I love your shorts :-)
    thanks for linking
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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  12. Thanks so much! So glad you like it :)

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  13. I agree, even if you come to Madrid a few times you can always find new beautiful things to see

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  14. Thanks so much, Jess! Those shorts are my favorite, they get me so many compliments :)

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  15. Thanks, Brooke! I hope you get to visit some day, I'd love to meet you

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  16. These are lovely places you just should not miss. I like that it is not overcrowded. Your outfits are awesome.

    StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova

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