Need more ideas for great plans this fall? Check out my guide to the Best Things to do in Madrid this Fall or What to do in Madrid in November.
UNUSUAL THINGS TO DO IN MADRID: VISIT THE BIGGEST CACTUS GARDEN IN EUROPE
We recently discovered Desert City, the biggest cactus garden in Europe. It consists of an impressive 5000m2 garden and a nursery -closed at the moment- which are a must for any cactus and plant enthusiast. Plus, you can join a free tour in Spanish where you can learn all about these peculiar plants.Desert City
Opening times: Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 13:30.
Guided tour: 10:30
Free Admission
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UNUSUAL THINGS TO DO IN MADRID: HAVE LUNCH IN A GREENHOUSE
Continuing with plans for all-things-green lovers, there's a beautifully decorated restaurant called El Invernadero de los Peñotes, which serves delicious food. Invernadero is Spanish for "greenhouse" and it's called like this because the restaurant is located in a former greenhouse. The restaurant is huge, with three areas each decorated in a different way. Portions are small but the cuisine is delicate and they use good quality ingredients.Prior or after your meal, you can shop next door at one of the biggest garden shops in Madrid, Los Peñotes.
El Invernadero de los Peñotes
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UNUSUAL THINGS TO DO IN MADRID: HAVE LUNCH IN A BUBBLE
Los Peñotes has two restaruants: El Invernadero and La Cúpula -Spanish for "the dome"- which is just as beautiful as the other one but smaller and cozier. We had had such a wonderful experience at El Invernadero that we went back to try La Cúpula just a few weeks later.This place is amazing no matter the weather. The see-through glass dome looks like a bubble and it shelters you on a rainy day. The place is surrounded by nature: there are trees, a pond, plants and flowers. So if it's a lovely day, you can eat al fresco outside, around the dome.
The restaurant was flawlessly decorated by the decorator team at the garden shop so if you like anything from the restaurant you can actually buy it!
And if that wasn't enough to like, this place is environmentally friendly: napkins are biodegradable and plates and glasses are made with 100% recycled glass.
As far as the food is concerned, the menu is similar to that of El Invernadero. All the dishes are healthy and cooked with first-class ingredients.
La Cupula de los Peñotes
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UNUSUAL THINGS TO DO IN MADRID: HAVE DINNER AMONG OLIVE TREES
You may think city centers are all houses houses houses. You'd have never imagined there's an olive tree garden in the center of Madrid, right? Well, it gets even more unique. Every summer there are classical music concerts and afterwards dinner is served among centenarian olive trees.What's the name of this place? Fundacion Olivar de Castillejo. They are open from mid-July to mid-September. Don't bother making reservations online because those who attend the concert have priority even if you have booked a table online. Concerts start at 8pm so be there a bit early and book a table then. Concert tickets are 10€. Dinner starts after the concert, around 10pm.
As dreamy as it sounds, we didn't have the best dinning experience. First, because it's not the comfiest setting and second, because we found the food scarce and expensive. But it surely is something unusual to do in Madrid!
Fundacion Olivar de Castillejo
Google Maps
UNUSUAL THINGS TO DO IN MADRID: HAVE RETIRO'S MONUMENTS TO YOURSELF
I hope you are a morning person because this requires some effort on your side: waking up VERY early. If you are anything like me, you are probably tired of having to share city landmarks with swarms of tourist trying to get the best photo.One day this summer, I realized the best thing to do was to go to Retiro Park when they open it at 6am to have the park to myself. It turned out to be a wonderful experience. It was so calm and quiet, there were just a few joggers and only ducks could be heard. Totally worth the early wake up call!
As far as photography is concerned, it's not only the best time to avoid crowds but also the light is amazing for photos.
Are you spending Halloween or Thanksgiving in Madrid? Check out these guides:
Halloween in Madrid
Places to Enjoy a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal in Madrid
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