WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN MADRID: 7 SECRET PLACES:

The wonderful thing about a city as big as Madrid is that you meet all kinds of people, from those who want to take a tour of the most basic things of the capital, because they are in the middle of a transatlantic flight, and their connection leaves from Baraja's airport; even those who like to walk, see, and mingle with the locals.

If your case is the second, you cannot miss the article below; or if you are considering a getaway to Madrid and you don't feel like taking a classic tour, or you simply live in the city, and are looking for inspiration for the weekends, this article on secret plans in Madrid is for you.

We leave you seven suggestions for unconventional tourists, or even for Madrid residents eager to broaden their horizons.

1. SEVEN TITS PARK

From Madrid, to heaven! And never better said, because our first secret suggestion places you right in the sky of Madrid.

This park located in the Vallecas neighborhood offers privileged views of the Madrid sunsets. It is not a very extensive park, but it has green areas, and some recreational areas for children.

And to put you in perspective, we will tell you that its name comes from the seven hills by which it is made up, and that from the top of each of them you can get perfect views of the Madrid skyline. 

You will be able to see the layout of the city's main skyscrapers, as well as delight in the infinite rooftops that can be seen from above.

During the spring it is quite busy, and you may even have a hard time finding a table, if your intention is to eat in the area.

If you want to wow your friends, all you have to do is take note: the closest metro stop is Buenos Aires (line 1), from which you will have to walk approximately ten minutes. 

Once you reach the top of the hill, don't forget to take photos, have a beer, and above all, enjoy the moment.

2. MICRO THEATER FOR MONEY

If the title makes you curious, what to tell you about what comes next...

Microtheater for money is a different plan, and one in which you will not know very well what to expect in the afternoon. Located at number nine on Loreto and Chicote streets (Gran Vía or Callao metro), you will find a bar where, in addition to drinks, there is living culture.

And during one afternoon you can be spectators of five plays, lasting between ten and fifteen minutes.

The works are performed in a closed room, for very small groups, and although you can read a synopsis on the venue's website, the most interesting thing happens once the door to the room in question is closed.

There are works almost every day, starting at 7:30 p.m., and each performance has a price of 4.5 euros, except on promotional days, when you can see five works for 15 euros.

3. MONCLOA LIGHTHOUSE

This emblematic Madrid building, which largely defines the skyline of the capital of Spain, reopened its doors in 2017, becoming one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the city.

The charm of the Moncloa Lighthouse begins from the moment you arrive, and you enter a spectacular elevator, which runs up the ninety meters of the lighthouse in just fifty seconds.

And furthermore, once up, you will witness a view that takes away the sense, and thanks to its panel, we will know at all times what we see through the immense windows.

If you are looking forward to living this experience, don't hesitate, it is worth it. The closest metro is Moncloa, and the price of tickets is three euros, except for children, the unemployed and retirees, who have a 50% reduction.

4. MAUNA LOA

You may be thinking that we have confused the location, because, after all, what could there be in Madrid with that name? Well, as incredible as it may seem, you will find a bar called Mauna Loa in Plaza Santa Ana.

It is a Hawaiian bar, where the waiters will welcome you with flower leis, and where the menu includes fun options such as a smoking volcano that you can share if you go in a group.

It is undoubtedly a perfect plan to enjoy the crowded center of Madrid, although we recommend that you make a reservation if your intention is to go on the weekend. 

The closest metro stops are Antón Martín (line 1), and Sevilla (line 2).

5. MADRID RACE DRIVE-IN

This peculiar movie theater is perfect for the summer, and why not, also for the winter. 

The main feature, which makes it essential for us, is that the film is projected on a huge screen that you will see from inside your car (although in summer there are also a few rows of seats in the front area), tuning in to a radio station to listen to the audio.

In addition, the experience is completed with the typically American facilities (the kind that appear in all the movies that drive us crazy), among which we find a diner, where we can dine, food trucks with popcorn, and various perfectly restored classic vehicles. .

If you are eager to go, don't miss the opportunity of an evening at the movies on Calle Isla de Java, 2. Tickets cost approximately nine euros per person.

6. ELBOW STREET

This small street, located next to Plaza de la Villa, is one of the jewels of classic Madrid that you cannot miss.

El Codo Street is one of the emblems of the city, and it goes unnoticed by many visitors precisely because of its location, since it is true that almost everyone who walks through this area uses wider streets to get from the Plaza Mayor to the town square.

We have decided to include it among the essentials, because it is full of History and stories. 

Of history, because you will find it mentioned several times among the pages of the famous Captain Alatriste; and stories, because according to legend, among others, the famous writer Quevedo, on his way back from the nearby taverns, always made a stop to urinate in this small alley.

7. COLD STOVE OF JUAN CARLOS I PARK

The Juan Carlos I park is one of the unknown jewels of Madrid. Much less known than other parks, such as El Retiro, it is a perfect option for friends of green areas.

In the Juan Carlos I park, apart from areas for sports activities, such as cycling, running, or walking, you can find a half-hidden wonder: the Cold Stove.

An impressive greenhouse of 4,000 square meters, in which a Japanese garden, various aquatic plants, a space reserved for the growth of bamboo, the famous succulent area, several species of citrus fruits, a dimly lit area reserved for ferns share space. , and a plantation of climbing plants, which stand out for their originality.