Do you want to visit Madrid differently? off the beaten track ? In this article, I take you to places like no other, and less frequented by tourists. These unusual places will surprise you both for their beauty and their original character. Here are 6 original sites to discover.
An Egyptian temple in Madrid: Templo de Debod
The Templo Debod (also known as the Temple of Amun) is an egyptian temple which is located in the Parque del Oeste. It is starting to become more and more famous in the capital, but it is still an original and unusual visit!
What is a Nubian temple of ancient Egypt doing in the Spanish capital? For the record, the Spanish state had helped Egypt to build a dam following a big flood. This disaster threatened a historic site which contained important archaeological treasures. It is therefore to thank Spain that Egypt offered a temple. This is how we end up with this fabulous monument in the heart of Madrid.
The temple of Debod at night
It is advisable to go there for the sunset because behind the temple, the view is extremely clear on the South of the Capital, the spectacle is therefore extraordinary.
A unique place under the city: Metro Anden Cero
Halfway between a museum and a work of art, Metro 0 traces the history of the Madrid metro. You can even access the oldest metro station in Madrid. An unusual and out of the ordinary place to discover for rail transport enthusiasts. There is also, at this same station, an exhibition of old classic trains.
Chambéri Station (Metro Anden Cero)
The Anden Cero Metro is located north of Madrid near Chambéri Station. Entrance is free but the opening times are relatively few, so check the website before going.
Stroll with the locals: Madrid Rio
The Madrid Rio is a landscaped natural space in the south of Madrid. Usually frequented by locals, it can be very nice to take a tour and enjoy the activities that this space offers. By bike, segway or on foot, explore this 8 km greenway, le long du Rio Manzanares.
It is also children's paradise with 17 ultra-modern play areas that compose it and the Playa de Madrid Rio. A real alternative place, you can complete your visit by ending with the Matadero site. Former slaughterhouse rehabilitated as a cultural space, you can see exhibitions, walk or eat there because there are 2 catering points.
Madrid Rio (and the Matadero center in the background)
See the city from an original perspective: the Madrid Cable Car
Madrid has its own cable car! Created in 1965 on the occasion of San Isidro, it leaves from Parque del Oeste, where the Temple of Debod is located, to the Casa de Campo. At the time, it allowed urban traffic to be limited by offering a solution for people from Madrid to join the big lung of the city : Cottage.
Madrid and its Cable Car
Count € 6 round trip, excluding special rates (more info). This cable car has 80 cabins that hold up to 6 people (probably less in the coming months with the Covid crisis))
To eat in the Madrilenian style: the Mercado San Anton
In the heart of the Chueca district, there is another market very different from San Miguel: the mercado San Anton. This place is to be discovered for appreciate its atmosphere and its good tapas. The San Miguel, we go there for its architecture, while the mercado San Anton, we go there to eat at the Madrilenian.
On the first floor, you will find stalls of small traders to do your shopping and the next two floors are dedicated to catering. You will find many stands, where you order a variety of tapas and then you sit at the central communal tables. To spend a convivial and unusual moment, to meet up with locals at the end of the day, this is the place to go.
Eating at the San Antón Market
If you prefer to eat outside, so go up to the top floor and enjoy the restaurant terrace! A very pleasant cozy place to have a drink or nibble on some tapas.
The oldest restaurant in the world: El Botín
Here is one last unusual place to complete this list, and it is another place to eat! El Botín is a restaurant located in Cuchilleros street. His particuliarity ? It is recognized as the oldest restaurant in the world! It was created in 1725. The certificate of the Guinness Book of Records which proudly stands in the window, proves its seniority. This restaurant, on 4 floors, by itself, is a typical place.
The restaurant El Botín
Old-fashioned but neat decoration, we eat a specialty of Segovia : the oven-baked suckling pig: the cochinillo. This restaurant was created by Botín, a French chef, and has crossed the generations, it has even been Hemingway's refuge! Ask the waiter he will show you his favorite table!
Madrid has many so-called unusual places that few tourists know. So now is the time to think outside the box and discover another side of Madrid! But if this is your first time in the capital, and you don't have much time, then focus on the city's must-sees and be sure to read our tips before your visit.
