How many times have you visited a popular holiday hotspot only to find you crave a quiet, tourist-free experience that shows you what a city or town is really like?
Have you found yourself in Paris, desperately trying to avoid the Louvre and Eiffel Tower queues?
Or perhaps in Rome, overheating as you try to navigate the crowds around the Colosseum?
What about Madrid – with its busy central areas, queues outside the Royal Palace and hordes of tourists lining the big boulevards?
Regardless of where you are in the world, you won’t be the first to seek a more authentic travel experience.
The best way to go about it? Ask the locals.
Agustina Gómez, 27, has lived in Madrid for more than six years.
Originally from Tenerife in the Canary Islands, she moved to the Spanish capital to study – and stayed after she graduated from university.
Agustina Gómez, 27, has lived in Madrid for more than six years. Originally from Tenerife in the Canary Islands, she moved to the Spanish capital to study – and stayed after she graduated from university
She’s shared her top undiscovered gems in Madrid that the locals frequent – and they promise all the culture, atmosphere and taste of the famous spots, without any of the inconveniences
Following Madrid’s last literary cafe, Cafe Gijon, closing after 150 years, she’s shared her top undiscovered gems in the city that the locals frequent – and they promise all the culture, atmosphere and taste of the famous spots, without any of the inconveniences.
Number one on the list? Taberna la Indigna.
Spain – and, indeed, Madrid – is known for its food and drink. One popular local beverage is vermouth, a type of fortified wine. Finding a good one in Madrid is a sign of a quality establishment.
Agustina says: ‘At Taberna la Indigna, they have my favorite vermouth, the only one I still drink, actually.
‘There are different kinds of it, and they serve it with an explanation of their origin and all. The food is also very good. A nice place for a date – or a girls’ night out!’
The bar is popular with locals, meaning you’ll get a young, energetic atmosphere full of people who know the area.
Another option for great drinks is Bar Tupperware, Agustina adds.
‘It’s a funky, decorated, interesting music bar, great for a late night drink,’ she says.
Number one on the list? Taberna la Indigna. They have Agustina’s favourite vermouth
But Madrid’s not just known for its food scene – there’s lots to do there in the way of activities
Or, for a glamorous lunch or brunch, she suggests El Jardín de Salvador Bachiller – ‘a gorgeous rooftop next to Gran Via, with good food and a lovely ambiance’.
Alternatively, head to El Jardín Secreto, although Agustina says this is ‘only for those who can manage high levels of sugar… the funky-fantasy decoration is very fun.’
But Madrid’s not just known for its food scene – there’s lots to do there in the way of activities.
Of course, tourist favourites are popular for a reason – the Prado Museum houses many historic works of art by the most eminent artists.
But sometimes, we all prefer something off the beaten track.
Agustina recommends Museo Cerralbo, one of the least well-known museums in the city.
Located in the former stately home of the 17th Marquess of Cerralbo, visitors are transported back in time to experience what life was like for an aristocratic family in late 19th-century Madrid.
Agustina says: ‘This place is outside of the most common museums circuit.
Agustina recommends Museo Cerralbo, one of the least well-known museums in the city
Agustina has an alternative option: Parque del Oeste, which is beautiful in the autumn
‘It used to belong to an aristocrat, who collected a lot of different items. The architecture is incredible.’
Another big draw in Madrid is its famous El Retiro Park.
El Retiro Park was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site – which is not surprising, given its imposing beauty and historic status.
It’s beautiful and peaceful, but can get busy.
Instead, Agustina has an alternative: Parque del Oeste.
She says: ‘It’s less known, and wilder, than the Retiro park. It’s absolutely stunning in the autumn. And there is a rose garden. So romantic!’
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