Discover these 7 hidden gems you must visit while visiting Madrid

Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain is a city where history, art and passion have been intertwined to make a memorable travelling experience. It is not only the grand palaces, the stunning plazas, and the constantly lively lifestyle that makes Madrid famous among the royal capitals. And in addition to all the splendor of the Royal Palace, the artistic wonders of the Prado Museum, and the bustle of Puerta del Sol, there is another Madrid, and that one inhabited by secret retreats, quiet escapes, and discoveries that the majority of visitors in the city never happen to make.

Madrid is the city that you would want to take a walk beyond the norm with its mixture of the ancient and a vibrant, contemporary beat. You need to have real experiences, serene gardens, hidden pieces of art or districts that seem to talk about the past, the city has a lot to be discovered.

This is a list of seven attractions in Madrid that are seldom visited, but will leave you with a mind-bending experience and your trip to Madrid will not be forgotten.

1. Casa de Campo

When you want to breathe the fresh air and have a rest-stop off the busy streets of Madrid, go to the West and to the large parkland of the Casa de Campo which was used by the Spanish monarchy as their hunting grounds. It is the green lung of Madrid nowadays, and it gives visitors as many outdoor ventures as they can have.

One can take walks in its beautiful walking and cycling paths, hire a rowing boat on the lake, or just sit on the shores of the water with a nice book as the city blurs in the background. The Madrid Zoo Aquarium and an amusement park are also located in the park, which makes it perfect both for individuals who prefer solitude and families. Casa de Campo is the soul of the city – the peace and the unplanned.

2. Mercado de San Antón

Covertly located in the colorful Chueca district, Mercado de San Anton is among the favorite Madrid culinary secrets. Enter and a dynamic environment welcomes you with the smell of tapas which are being cooked, fresh seafood, and jamon which has been aged to the right age.

This is not a shopping market but a multi-level one as far as the market is concerned and it is all about experiencing the food culture of Madrid to the best. Locals take fresh goods and artisan delicacies on the ground floor. The skywalks are well equipped with different types of luxury food stalls where you can taste Spanish traditions such as tortilla, croquetas and the local wines. And the roof top terrace is also a must-not-miss area to have your lunch and all the Madrid rooftops are surrounded by gold light.

3. El Capricho Park

El Capricho Park is one of the most charming but least visited treasures of Madrid, far out of the track of the ordinary tourist. This 18th century garden is located in the Alameda de Osuna and was commissioned by the arts patron, the Duchess of Osuna. It is an artistic fugue with sculptures, springs, mazes, and pavilions of love.

Your footsteps will lead you to think that you have been transported back to time as you turn its twists and turns and every single corner of it brings to life quaint structures and greenery. Be it in the flowers of the ivy-covered ruins, walking around some tranquil ponds, or sitting under the trees that are several centuries old, El Capricho feels almost out-of-this-world with all its peace and nostalgia.

4. Templo de Debod

Templo de Debod is one of the most distinctive things in Europe which introduces the touch of ancient Egypt to the very center of Madrid. The Egyptian donated this temple to Spain in 1968 as a way of repaying its debt of assistance in restoring the temples in Abu Simbel in Egypt which were under threat of being submerged by the river Nile.

Located on a hill near Plaza de Espana, Templo de Debod is not only an excellent view of the history of the city, but also gives one of the most breathtaking sunset scenes that the whole city can have. When the sun is setting behind the silhouette of the temple, the photo reflected in the pool around the temple produces a magical glow. Go during a dusk and experience one of the most serene moments that is a perfect combination of mysticism and modernity.

5. Barrio de las Letras

Stroll the pavement streets of Barrio de las Letras, the so-called Literary Quarter of Madrid, and you can have a sense of following the footsteps of the most renowned Spanish authors. The neighborhood, which was once the home of literary stars, such as Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Quevedo is still full of creativity and flair.

The city is decorated with bronze signs of well-known quotes, and comfortable cafes and bookstores ask you to rest and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the bohemian style. Explore the restored home of the writer Visit Casa Museo de Lope de Vega or just walk down the alley on one art-choked street to the next. During the night the neighborhood is turned into a lively place of tapas, live music and chatting a perfect mixture of old and contemporary Madrid.

6. Sorolla Museum

The Sorolla Museum in Chamberi is an underground gem, to the lovers of art who would not want to miss the Prado and Reina Sofia. Previously the house and studio of the renowned painter Joaquin Sorolla, it is a small area which is full of his bright works – portraits, seascapes, and family scenes which represent the light and warmth of Spain.

The atmosphere of the museum is what is really special about it. It is not only that you are looking at paintings, you are entering the world of the artist. His brushes, easels and sketches are still in the studio, and the court-garden garden provides a peaceful rest with the odour of orange blossoms. It is a place where art is so alive, intimate, emotional, eternal.

7. Palacio de Cristal

The Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) is located in the middle of Retiro Park and is one of the most impressive buildings in Madrid. It was constructed in 1887 as a shining glass and iron building and was based on London’s Crystal Palace and was aimed at placing exotic plants of the Philippines.

It is currently used as a platform of contemporary art shows, directed by the Reina Sofia Museum. It has transparent walls through which the sunlight passes and reflects off the glass giving an amazing show of colors. It is encircled by a serene pond and tall trees and it can well be described as the ideal location to take a moment, ponder, and take pictures of one of the most enigmatic landmarks in Madrid.

In Conclusion

The beauty of Madrid is based not only on grandeur but also on secret places and the hidden secrets that it holds. These seven treasured jewels include peaceful parks and artistic retreats, literary quarters, and ancient temples, bringing out the gentler and less commercial side of the city.

Thus, when you visit the capital of Spain next time, do not stick to the obvious. Get out of the principal avenues and walk with eyes open and Madrid will astound you- because the best things in it are the ones you would least suspect.