Sorry, folks. I am not a dog lover, and if there is one thing about Madrid I'm not crazy about, it's that dogs rule. I'm a cat lady, and aside from the odd stray, cat sightings are few and far between in this city. I am starved for snuggles. Thank goodness for La Gatoteca. Inspired by the famous neko cafés of Japan, La Gatoteca is a tranquil lounge that is home to around 24 cats at any given time. I love to grab a drink and spend quality cat time with all of the mischievous kittens, lazy tabbies, and sweet calicos.
Non-profit La Gatoteca partners with ABRIGA, a rescue organization committed to feline care and well-being, and all of the cats here are available for adoption. You might just go home with a new family member, but even if you simply come for a visit, that's fine too. They have merchandise for sale that also supports the cats! We definitely all need another cute coffee mug.
In the best interest of the residents of La Gatoteca, a booking must be made in order to visit, and you can spend anywhere from 15 minutes to one hour with the cats. The entry price is adjusted accordingly. The kind staff will also outline some rules to abide by before you enter the lounge to make your visit amazing. La Gatoteca is a quiet escape in this busy city and a place that offers immeasurable benefits to both the humans and cats of Madrid.
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.
by
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.
by
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!
by
What sets this bar apart is its exceptional handling of ingredients, creating dishes that sing with Andalusian flair—a nod to Manu's roots.
by
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...
by
"Mo de Movimiento" in Madrid offers a new take on the restaurant business - sustainable organic ingredients, recycled materials and second opportunities!
by
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...
by
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?
by
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.
by
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.
by
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.
by
"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!
by
243 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 243 Insider Tips