Secret parks and a train station full of turtles: these 7 places not to be missed in Madrid
A jungle in the middle of the city, a crystal palace and an old tobacco factory full of art: FOCUS Online shows you seven extraordinary places that you should not miss on your visit to Madrid. The curious thing about it: some of them don't even know the locals.
- There are small parks in Madrid that even the locals don't know about.
- Contemporary artists exhibit their installations in the Crystal Palace in Retiro Park.
- The old train station in Madrid is now used as a greenhouse, which is also home to turtles.
1. Flower dream in the "Parque Quinta de los Molinos"
Couples in love and romantics, take note! If you travel to Madrid in spring, you should definitely not miss the "Parque Quinta de los Molinos". Because for a few weeks it turns into a pink and white flower dream. Somewhat remote in the northeast of the city, the park is not known to many locals. Vacationers who fancy a leisurely picnic in a quiet location should definitely take the 20-minute subway ride. The park is located directly at the “Suanzes” station and can be reached directly from the city center by metro line 5.
2. Crystal Palace: "Palacio de Cristal"
The "Retiro" is considered the Central Park of Madrid. The huge green area was laid out as a royal garden in the 17th century and houses the “Palacio de Cristal”, an impressive glass building that is reminiscent of the now destroyed “Crystal Palace” in London. In 1887 the “Palacio de Cristal” was built for a plant exhibition from the Philippines. Today it is the setting for modern art installations at the “Reina Sofia” museum. Admission is free.
3. Study in sacred halls: Biblioteca de Escuelas Pías
Admittedly, a visit to a university library is probably not on the typical sightseeing list for many, but anyone who enters the library of the National Open University of Spain (UNED) will be amazed. This is because it is located in the old walls of a church that was looted and burned during the Spanish Civil War and finally rebuilt as a university library in the 1990s.
However, if you want to visit the impressive building, you have to adhere to visitor times so that students are not disturbed in their work. These are Monday to Friday from 9.15 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 9.00 p.m. to 9.45 p.m. Groups with more than five participants should register in advance at [email protected]. Admission is free.
4. Art center in a former tobacco factory
The “Tabacalera de Lavapiés”, an old tobacco factory in the heart of Madrid, has established itself as a center for urban art. Photography, contemporary and visual arts are regularly exhibited in the dim halls. The abandoned, sometimes gruesome backdrop leaves a lasting impression and intensifies the art experience. The “Tabacalera” is not far from the “Embajadores” metro station on Calle de Embajadores. Admission is free.
5. Hidden garden in the city center: Huerto de las Monjas
If you are looking for a little break from the crowds, cars and tourist shops, you will find it in one of Madrid's hidden gardens. The "Huerto de las Monjas" is close to the La Latina metro station on Calle del Sacramento and can be easily reached on foot from the city center. When you arrive in front of the building in question, you shouldn't be surprised. Because house number 7 looks primarily like an unspectacular building. To get to the hidden garden you have to go into the courtyard of the building. One thing in particular awaits you there: peace and quiet – as well as a small fountain, park benches and a shady spot to relax.
6. Urban jungle at the main train station
Madrid Central Station has a very special attraction for travelers: its own jungle. Because when the station was rebuilt in the early 1990s and no more trains ran into the historic station hall, there was space for numerous tropical plants. In combination with the impressive roof construction made of cast iron and glass, the station jungle makes the hall look like a huge greenhouse. If you are passing through anyway, you should take time for a coffee under the palm trees and watch the numerous turtles in the artificially created pond.
7. From junk to vintage: Sundays on the "El Rastro"
Every Sunday morning, the “La Latina” district is transformed into a huge bazaar. Because every Sunday traders sell their goods here on Madrid's largest flea market, the "El Rastro".
From antique furniture to jeans from the 1980s to paintings and kitschy picture frames. If you are not looking for something in particular, it is also worthwhile to simply stroll through the alleys and admire the little treasures from bygone times. The flea market is easy to find from the La Latina metro stop.