OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

TopTen

1. Parque Quinta de los Molinos

prac_info Calle Alcalá 527 • Open 6:30am–10pm daily • Metro Suanzes

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Every spring, almond trees blossom in clouds of pink and white in this pretty park, which dates from 1920.

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Parque Quinta de los Molinos

2. Hammam Al Ándalus

prac_info Calle Atocha, 14 • 914 29 90 20 • Open 11:30am–2pm & 5:30–10pm Mon–Fri, 9:30am–2pm & 3:30–10pm Sat & Sun • Adm • www.madrid.hammamalandalus.com

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Recover from museum-fever and tramping the Madrid pavements in this hammam, which has soothing Andalus-style decor, warm baths and a massage service.

3. Museo del Aire (Museo de Aeronáutica y Astronáutica de España)

prac_info Aeródromo de Cuatro Vientos, Autovia A5, km 10, 700 • All buses on the Madrid-Alcorcón-Móstoles route from Príncipe Pío station; Metro Cuatro Vientos, then walk 1 km or take a bus • 915 09 16 90 • Open 10am–2pm Tue–Sun • www.ejercitodelaire.mde.es

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The Spanish Air Force’s museum contains one of the largest collections of vintage aircraft in Europe. There are helicopters, jet fighters and more, including a Breguet 19 that crossed the Southern Atlantic Ocean in 1929.

4. CentroCentro

prac_info Plaza Cibeles 1 • 914 80 00 08 • www.centrocentro.org

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The chill-out lounge in CentroCentro is set in what was once the main hall of Madrid’s opulent former post office (and now city hall). With a wide selection of newspapers and magazines, it’s the ideal spot to relax before hitting the nearby Museo Nacional del Prado. Book ahead for guided tours of the original early 20th-century palace.

5. Matadero Madrid – Centro de Creación Contemporánea

prac_info Plaza de Legazpi 8 • Metro Legazpi; bus 6, 8, 18, 19, 45, 78 & 148 • 915 17 73 09 • Opening times vary, check website • Adm for films and some activities • www.mataderomadrid.org

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Located in a beautifully converted former slaughterhouse, this cultural centre is dedicated to the creative output of contemporary artists, and features cutting-edge exhibitions, film screenings at the Cineteca and more. It also has a fantastic café, bar, restaurant and a bicycle hire service.

6. Real Fábrica de Tapices

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Housed in an elegant Neomudéjar-style building, the fascinating Royal Tapestry Factory (see Real Fábrica de Tapices) is located in the Paseo del Prado area. Watch exquisite wall-hangings and carpets being made using traditional methods and admire antique looms at this factory, which was founded in 1721 by Felipe V. It also contains a superb collection of historic textiles created for Spanish monarchs over the centuries.

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Real Fábrica de Tapices of Madrid

7. Museo La Neomudéjar

prac_info Calle Antonio Nebrija • Open 11am–3pm & 5–9pm Wed–Sun • www.laneomudejar.com

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Located next to Atocha train station in the former offices of the state railway company, this trendy avant-garde arts centre hosts changing exhibitions of paintings, murals, installation art, video art and sculptures by young artists. It also has a year-round roster of workshops, talks and art festivals.

8. Museo del Ferrocarril

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Set in the 19th-century Delicias train station, this museum (see Museo del Ferrocarril) is packed with steam engines, period carriages, model trains and lots more to amuse all ages. Even the café is set in a delightful carriage from the 1920s. On second weekends, it hosts Mercado de Motores, a flea market featuring more than 200 designers, artisans, artists and musicians. The museum is also the starting point for the Tren de la Fresa.

9. Andén 0

prac_info Plaza de Chamberí s/n • 913 92 06 93 • Closed until further notice due to COVID-19

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Madrid has its very own underground “ghost station”– the Chamberí metro stop (its new name means “Platform Zero”) – which was closed in 1966 and hasn’t changed since, except to fall into disrepair. Now lovingly restored to its former glory, it is a small and interesting museum, with exhibits that recall its history and use as a bomb shelter during the Civil War.

10. Roof terrace at the Círculo de Bellas Artes

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A sumptuous 1920s art club and cultural centre, the Círculo de Bellas Artes has a hidden gem – its wonderful roof terrace, which can be accessed by a glass lift. Once up on the roof, you can enjoy fabulous city-wide views. It is the perfect spot for late-evening cocktails, and occasional live music as well. Note that the roof terrace is sometimes closed for private events, so check in advance. Entry also includes admission to the beautiful café, La Pecera.

TopTen

Círculo de Bellas Artes roof terrace

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