Madrid’s Hidden Gems: 5 ways to experience Spain’s vibrant capital

Now that the weather is finally heating up, many of us have officially caught the travel bug. And if you’re thinking of heading to Spain, Madrid is a fabulous destination.

But before you create your itinerary, take a peek at our latest blog post as we share the hidden gems in Madrid!

1. The Crypt of the Almudena Cathedral

For those with a penchant for incredible architecture, the Crypt of the Almudena Cathedral will be right up your street. This stunning church, which was first opened in 1911, sits below the cathedral and features a Latin cross plan.

Inside, there are 400 columns lining the walls, each belonging to different capitals and decorated with ornate details from biblical figures to breathtaking nature scenes. As the largest crypt in Spain, many of the country’s most noble families find this stunning chamber to be their final resting place. If you’re already planning to visit Almudena Cathedral, a guided tour of the crypt is something you cannot miss!

2. Chamberí ‘Ghost’ Station

Planning to see Madrid by metro? When travelling on Line 1, AKA the Blue Line, you’ll likely pass through the Chamberí ‘Ghost’ Station. First opened to the public in 1919, it was one of Madrid’s original eight stations and a popular starting point of travel for locals and visitors. However, the trains on Line 1 were lengthened to keep up with demand, and Chamberí became too small to function effectively.

It closed in 1966, but the rails remained. It wasn’t until 2006 that the station was restored to its former beauty, becoming a unique historical attraction in the city. Today, you can explore the original ticket offices and see adverts dating decades as trains whizz by! Why not take a visit?

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3. Parque Europa in Torrejón de Ardoz

If you’re eager to see Europe’s most incredible monuments but don’t have time to fit them into your schedule, Parque Europa in Torrejón de Ardoz is the next best thing. This famous park spans over 230,000 square metres and is the largest in the city. Inside are 18 replicas of iconic monuments from cities across Europe, including the Trevi Fountain in Rome and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. There’s even a real fragment of the Berlin Wall.

Once you’ve toured the monuments, it’s well worth sticking around in the park. There are multiple restaurants and chilled-out picnic areas, as well as family-friendly activities like zip wiring, trampolining, and archery. Without a doubt, you could spend the entire day at Parque Europa!

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4. The Museum of Illusions

If it feels like your mind is constantly playing tricks on you, just wait until you visit The Museum of Illusions in Madrid! This immersive museum promises a one-of-a-kind adventure for all ages as you unravel a series of mind-boggling visual, sensory, and educational illusions. There’s everything from an upside down room to a confusing vortex tunnel that’ll have you questioning why you made the visit – but it’s worth it for the experience!

Take your entire clan to this fascinating attraction and leave with endless smiles all around.

5. Cines Callao

Partial to a little celeb spotting? Cines Callao is the place to be! Located in Plaza de Callao, this spectacular building is often used for press screenings and film premieres. When it was built in the 1920s, it was the first cinema to display a film with sound in Spain, making it a wonderful slice of the country’s rich history.

For those who fancy watching a Spanish-speaking film, it’s well worth booking tickets to one of the screenings. However, admiring Cines Callao from the outside presents an equally fantastic experience as every inch of the building is drenched in art déco inspired details. Visiting in the evening when the entire building is illuminated is the best time to see Cines Callao come to life!

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