Continuing my series on shops that only sell one thing... no wait; Casa de Diego sells two things! Fans and umbrellas, which pretty much has you covered for all the weather conditions in Madrid!
Fans are not just for decoration in Spain; people use them to keep cool - they really help in Madrid's scorching hot, dry summers. I'd feel a bit self-conscious using a fan in most countries, but in Spain it's very common, and if anyone is looking at you, it's probably out of envy because they don't have one!
I often buy summer visitors a fan from Diego's as a welcome present. The prices vary wildly, from large undecorated ones for 8 euros, to elaborate hand-painted antique fans for many 100s of euros. They make all the fans themselves, and have been doing so since the 1800s.
As well as being practical, a fan is a brilliant keepsake or gift - they're as Spanish as paella and sangria! This delightful shop is in the Plaza del Sol, unmissable for tourists, so when you are there, step into Casa de Diego. And as climate change means more rain, you might also need to invest in an umbrella!
Find your way with 243 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Although it’s a Galician restaurant, they do an excellent paella mixta (chicken and seafood) and arroz negro, flavoured and coloured with squid ink.
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The apartment block this cafe sits under is an ugly beauty and I love it, not least for the exuberant planters that are an integral part of the building.
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I didn’t think Madrid was lacking anything but now I’ve found "Mazál Bagels and Café" I’m wondering how I survived without its bagels all these years!
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What sets this bar apart is its exceptional handling of ingredients, creating dishes that sing with Andalusian flair—a nod to Manu's roots.
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They have a wide selection of wines to suit all pockets, and you can also discover some weirder flavours if your tastes run to the unique...
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"Mo de Movimiento" in Madrid offers a new take on the restaurant business - sustainable organic ingredients, recycled materials and second opportunities!
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Sala Canal Isabel II in Madrid used to be a water tower: now it's an uber-cool gallery used for media exhibitions. I love it, and not just because...
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VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?
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Don’t worry about collecting and counting plates - there’s an “all you can eat” lunchtime menu, you can fill your boots for a very reasonable fixed price.
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His favourite time seemed to be that magic hour when the sun is sinking low in the West and turns everything a golden pinky hue.
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Each covered market has its own flavour; Chamberí I would say is high quality and traditional but also one that has adapted successfully to the times.
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"Konnichiwa" is a Japanese street food restaurant in Madrid. Their specialty is the ramen with the egg, which they cook with a blowtorch at your table!
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243 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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