Curious things to do in Madrid
Author: Jools Stone
Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, blends rich history with a modern energy. Aside from its world-famous attractions like the Royal Palace, Retiro Park and the Prado Museum, you can seek out more off-beat gems like green spaces located in train stations and ancient Egyptian monuments. Pause to savour tapas, enjoy lively nightlife and people-watch in bustling plazas along the way.
1. The Museo Banksy
If you like the galleries of the Golden Triangle of Art, you’ll love this museum.
A recent addition to Madrid’s impressive list of galleries celebrates the work of one of the art world’s contemporary icons. The Museo Banksy is home to the largest collection of the enigmatic British artist’s work in Europe. There are more than 170 reproductions of some of his best-known works, including life-size murals. The museum promises an immersive experience highlighting the artist’s thought-provoking works which reflect on social, cultural and political themes.
Top tip: The museum is a little way outside of the city centre. Take metro line 3 or 5 to Acacias or Embajadores station, from where it is a short walk.
2. El Rastro market
If you like a good rummage, you’ll love this historic flea market.
Vendors at El Rastro market have been flogging their wares as far back as the 17th Century. This open-air market is open for business every Sunday and on public holidays from 9am to 3pm. In this labyrinthine maze of stalls, you can shop for all manner of goods, from clothes and souvenirs to handicrafts, antiques and all sorts of bric-a-brac. El Rastro spreads from the Plaza de Cascorro to La Ribera de Curtidores and Ronda de Toledo in the city’s lively and historic district of La Latina.
Top tip: Many stall owners only accept cash, so bring your wallet to snap up the best bargains.
3. Templo de Debod
If you like Madrid’s stunning architecture, you’ll love this ancient temple.
Did you know that Madrid is home to an ancient Egyptian monument? Something of a hidden treasure in the city, Templo de Debod is a temple dating from the 2nd Century BC. It was a gift from the Egyptians to the people of Spain for their assistance restoring the temples of Abu Simbel in southern Egypt. According to legend, it was a sacred site where Isis gave birth to the sky god Horus and was dedicated to Egyptian deities Isis and Amun. Transported from its original home by the Nile the temple was rebuilt brick by brick and unveiled in 1972 in the Cuartel de la Montana park.
Top tip: Head there at sunset when the temple gives amazing panoramic views across western Madrid and when the walls reflect in the neighbouring pools to stunning effect.
4. Atocha railway station
If you like El Retiro, you’ll love this green oasis within a railway station.
Once you have relaxed in El Retiro find time to hang out in the tropical garden found, of all places, at the bustling Atocha railway station. This major transport hub is home to a vast exotic jungle of greenery complete with 7,000 plants from more than 260 species. You can discover coconut, royal palm, mahogany, rubber, banana and palm bottle trees, from far-flung locations including Polynesia, Cuba, Brazil and the Philippines, as well as an impressive traveller’s tree from Madagascar.
Top tip: Look out for the lily ponds which used to be home to several species of turtle before they were later shipped off to a nearby wildlife park for conservation reasons.
5. The Dolmen de Dali
If you like the Plaza Mayor, you’ll love this square dedicated to a master surrealist.
Head to the plaza at the end of Felipe II Avenue to see the only urban sculpture created by Salvador Dali. The Dolmen de Dali is an eye-catching monument comprised of a statue of Isaac Newton in front of a giant dolmen. Dolmen are curious stone structures dotted around the globe, some of which date back to the Late Neolithic period (4000-3000 BC). Dali’s more modern version stands 43 feet high and features three carved granite pillars supporting an oval-shaped rock.
Top tip: Look out for the inscriptions on the four sides of Newton’s pedestal. The letters spell GALA, the name of Dali’s wife and muse.
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