An Alternative Guide To Madrid: Unusual Things To Do See

Madrid has some of the greatest museums and most beautiful squares, but they are frequently filled with hoards of tourists. If you want to explore Madrid but are keen to get off-the-beaten-track and away from the crowds, check out this alternative guide to the city.

View a Fernando Botero sculpture

Although Botero is actually a Colombian sculptor, you can find three of his statues right here in Madrid. So grab a bike and visit them all. You’ll stumble across La Mujer del Espejo in the Plaza de Colón, see La Mano in the Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz on the famous Castellana Street and when you’re heading home, check out El Rapto de Europa in Terminal 1 of the Madrid Barajas airport. You’ll love his signature style, Boterismo, which features people and figures in large, exaggerated form.

“The Hand” sculpture by Botero in Madrid

1. Shop at the Mercado de Motores

Market, Market, Shop

This quirky market happens once a month in the Museo del Ferrocarril, giving you the chance to shop for home decor, antiques, second-hand clothes, jewelry, gourmet foods and more, all while perusing vintage trains. The Mercado de Motores has both indoor and outdoor stands and plenty of snacks, if you need a break from all the shopping.

Museo del Ferrocarril, Paseo de las Delicias, 61, 28045 Madrid, +34 672 31 95 82

Hit up the MadrEAT Food Truck Festival

Once a month, food trucks gather and locals flock to eat, drink and hang out. The dates and location vary each month, so make sure to check out their website to see what’s on and where it’s at. This is the perfect spot to sample all types of international foods plus Madrid specialties, all while enjoying the Spanish sunshine.

3. Visit the lesser-known parts of the Parque del Buen Retiro

Everyone loves a visit to the lake or the famous glass Palacio de Cristal, but not nearly as many visitors get over to the rose garden or Los Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez, the official enclosed peacock garden on the edge of the park. Exploring the Retiro is a great way to get away from the crowds. You can also check out the old petting zoo (even though its closed, the old structures and cages still stand) or the Casita de Pescador, a teeny tiny house on a mini-pond. If you want to break a sweat, try a rollerblading class along the Paseo Fernán Nunez, pump iron with the locals at the outdoor bars near the Estatua del Ángel Caído, try a Saturday boxing class with Jab Cross Training or zen out with a yoga class from The Natural Yogi.

Pabellón de los Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez, Paseo Uruguay, 5, 28009 Madrid

Do a street art tour

For 5 euros, Madrid Street Art Project conducts tours called Safaris Urbanos that focus on street art in one specific area of town. For 15 euros, Cooltourspain will give you a guided tour of Madrid’s best street art, including a visit to La Neomudejar, a contemporary arts center, along with walks through areas such as Lavapies and Malasaña.

4. Take selfies in front of the Wall of Grass

If you need to find that perfect spot for your Instagram, check out the vertical wall of grass, designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc. Located next to the Caixa Forum entrance, the green wall was created to seamlessly blend in with the Botanical Gardens, which are just down the street. While the tourists wait in line for the Caixa Forum art exhibits, you can find that perfect angle and snap some photos.

Caixa Forum, Paseo del Prado, 36, 28014 Madrid, +34 913 30 73 00

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.