What's in the Museo Geominero? Well, pretty much everything that's ever been dug out of the ground in Spain. Minerals, fossils, dinosaur bones, human skulls and arrowheads. This delightful but little-known Madrid museum also boasts a stunning collection of precious stones from around the world.
The building itself is amazing; the stained glass ceilings and four floors of galleries which are flanked with beautiful display cabinets are a visual treat. You access the galleries by tiny corkscrew staircases; the kids will love it!
Another plus is that it's nearly always empty, and it's usually an oasis of peace. There are red velvet banquettes where you can sit and write your postcards or edit your Instagrams or whatever if you are really not interested in minerals. Saturday is the busiest day, but even then it’s pretty peaceful. Also, it's right by Calle Ponzano of cool restaurant fame, so if you have half an hour to kill before Spanish lunchtime starts (14:00) step inside the Geominero Museum.
Oh, and did I mention it was free? I know! Don't forget I.D. though - they won't let you inside without some.
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