At Naked Madrid, we love supporting the city’s local, independent businesses. And fortunately, the holiday season is a wonderful way to give our favorite shops a shoutout and also let you know where to find the perfect items for your loved ones.

Check out these 15 small shops in Madrid where you can find one-of-a-kind gifts, from clothing to jewelry, craft beer and wine, artisan coffee, and much more.

1. peSeta

A fan-favorite located in Barrio de Las Letras (formerly located in Malasaña), here you’ll find an array of unique gifts made from fabrics from all around the world, transformed into one-of-a-kind products including bags, garments and accessories.

• Address: C. de las Huertas, 37, 28014 Madrid
• Website
• Instagram: @pesetaofficial

2. ANCLADEMAR

One of Madrid’s standout concept stores located in the heart of Chueca, here you’ll find all sorts of high-quality odds and ends including candles, vases, decorative dishes, and much more.

• Address: C. del Barquillo, 37, 28004 Madrid
• Instagram: @anclademar

3. DESPACIO CONCEPT STORE

Another concept store in Chueca, here you’ll find an assortment of items for everyday living such as backpacks, journals, organizing trays and other pretty yet functional items.

• Address: C. de Belén, 10, 28004 Madrid
• Website
• Instagram: @_despacio_

4. Folklores

Located in Lavapiés, here you can find all sorts of eco-friendly, handmade garments created from 100% cotton that feature stunning African prints.

• Address: C. Meson de Paredes 20 , esquina Calle Dos Hermanas, 28012 Madrid
• Website
• @folklores.es

5. Lefrik

Located right off of Calle Fuencarral in Malasaña, here you’ll stumble upon bags, backpacks, and other smaller items made entirely of recycled plastic bottles which are lightweight, sustainable and sleek.

• Address: C. de Colón, 4, 28004 Madrid
• Instagram: @lefrik

6. Gracias Mamá

Located just behind Plaza Mayor, this shop has an eclectic mix of household goods, knick knacks and souvenirs, including a variety of Spanish olive oils, seasonings, and sweets, plus other odds and ends.

• Address: C. Mayor, 32, 28013 Madrid
• Instagram: @gracias_mama

7. La Mary

Funky, handmade earrings in bright colors and bold designs. Frequently found in weekend pop-up markets in La Plaza de San Ildefonso and Dos de Mayo, or at the Malasaña brick-and-mortar location on Calle San Andrés.

• Address: C. San Andrés, 30, 28004 Madrid
• Website
• @lamary_shop

8. Eturel Madrid

Located in the heart of La Latina, a collection of household goods and accessories—from blankets to bags to totes—handcrafted in Spain with beautiful patterned textiles.

• Address: C. de la Ruda, 8, 28005 Madrid
• Instagram: @eturelmadrid

9. La Positiva Concept Store

Located in Lavapiés, this concept store describes itself as “art and magic.” It offers a beautifully curated selection of jewelry, clothing, accessories and home decor.

• Address: C. del Ave María, 27, 28012 Madrid
• Website
• @lapositivashop

10. La oficial

One of Madrid’s dreamy ceramic shops, with a range of traditional items and other rare handcrafted pieces.

• Addresses: C. de Sta. Ana, 6, 28005 & C/ Pelayo 43, 28004 Madrid
• Website
• @laoficialceramica

11. La Fiambrera

A pint-sized Malasaña-based art gallery and shop that features works by both Spanish and international artists who specialize in surrealism, urban art and other genres. Prints for sale, plus other amusing items!

• Address: C. del Pez, 7, 28004 Madrid
• Website
• @lafiambrera

12. Desperate Literature

An international bookseller smack dab in the center of the city offering new, used, and hard-to-find works in Spanish, English, and French.

• Address: C. de Campomanes, 13, 28013 Madrid
• Website
• @desperateliterature

13. Labirratorium

Craft beer bottle shop (and brewery!) in Chamberí with a large assortment of domestic and imported beers, home brewing kits, and gift boxes.

• Address: C. de Vallehermoso, 34, 28015 Madrid
• Website
• Instagram: @labirratorium

14. Super by Dot (by Dot Café Bar)

A micro supermercado located in Legazpi with household decor such as pottery, candles, silverware, tablecloths and napkins, plus a variety of artisanal products including natural wines, craft beers, and more.

• Address: C. de Eugenio Sellés, 6, 28045 Madrid
• Instagram: @super_by_dot

15. Specialty coffee

If there’s one thing Madrid isn’t lacking, it’s specialty coffee shops. Grab a loved one a bag of artisanal coffee from any of these shops sprinkled around the center of the city:

• Toma Café | C. de la Palma, 49, 28004 Madrid | C. de Sta. Feliciana, 5, 28010 Madrid | C. de Raimundo Lulio, 16, 28010 Madrid
• Hola Coffee Roasters | C. del Dr. Fourquet, 33, 28012 Madrid
• Misión Café | C. de los Reyes, 5, Local Izquierdo, 28015 Madrid
• Pastora – Specialty coffee and natural wines | Carrera de San Francisco, 12, 28005 Madrid
• Randall Coffee | C. de Vallehermoso, 36, 28015 Madrid
• Naji Specialty Coffee | C. del Cardenal Cisneros, 39, 28010 Madrid
• HanSo Café | C. del Pez, 20, 28004 Madrid

What are your favorite independent shops in Madrid? Drop your suggestions in the comments below!

Need even more holiday gift guide inspiration? Also check out Nest Boutique Gift Shop

It’s International Women’s Day! And in order to celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite women-owned businesses, artistic projects and local initiatives in Madrid. This useful guide was created by Naked Madrid and VeraContent to showcase Madrid’s inspiring community of female entrepreneurs.

And in collaboration with Madrid For Refugees, these businesses have generously donated prizes for a benefit raffle to help celebrate International Women’s Day.

To take part in the raffle, click here!

Find out how you can support local, female-owned businesses in Madrid and win some fantastic prizes at the same time!

1. Eco Families ES

Eco Families ES specializes in eco-friendly clothing with no carbon footprint. They plant one tree for every garment that’s bought from their site, and 100% of the profits are invested in reforestation and conservation projects across Spain and around the world. Their products are donated by users, so each pre-loved item that’s purchased on ecofamilies.org skips the 8kg of CO2 that are generated in the production process, and the carbon footprint is reduced by 50kg as a result.

Raffle donation:

A €50 voucher for clothes on their site.

Contact info:

• Instagram: @ecofamilies.es 
• Email: info@ecofamilies.org (Abigail Austin)
• Phone: +34722593387

2. Made Obvious 

Lia Quigley is an Irish print designer who founded Made Obvious in July 2020. Her idea was to create ethical and sustainable products from her studio in Madrid. Lia’s prints are gorgeous, as she has over a decade of experience in the fashion industry with leading brands such as Calvin Klein, Topshop and Zara. 

All of Lia’s products are made using GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton through a process of no-waste pattern cutting, and she uses excess fabric to make heat therapy pillows. These are primarily intended to support pain relief and were inspired by Lia’s chronic pain condition and in-depth understanding of pain-relief techniques. 

Lia has also created a craft community which meets once a month to explore all things craft. The Made Obvious mission is to connect through creativity and be a powerful voice for chronic pain warriors in the sustainable fashion industry.

Raffle donation:

A “Labour of Love” eye pillow. (€35)

Contact info:

• Instagram: @madeobvious   
• Email: madeobviousbusiness@gmail.com (Lia)

3. peSeta 

peSeta is a sustainable fashion brand which was established in Madrid at the start of the century. The brand was founded by Laura del Pozo, an entrepreneur and lover of all things fabric. PeSeta’s leading values are people, sustainability and equality.

In addition to running her brand, Laura has given talks in Guinea, Palestine, Senegal and many other places about her role as a businesswoman in the sustainable fashion industry. She has also been involved in numerous projects, such as teaching women how to sew in Senegal and “Diálogos en femenino plural,” an initiative organized by the AECID (Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation) in Palestine, where participants discuss themes of fashion and social change among Spanish and Palestinian women. 

Raffle donation:

A backpack. (€109)

Contact info:

• Instagram: @pesetaoficial
• Email: Jaime@peseta.org 
• Shop: Calle de las Huertas 37, 28014, Madrid, Spain
• Phone: +34915211404

4. ALBURAYA

ALBURAYA specializes in unique necklaces that tell a story of the cultural and artistic wealth of Africa. Their goal is to design long-lasting jewelry that’s filled with memories and meaning. The brand focuses on creating a bond between those who share a passion and love for handmade jewelry as they are all crafted and designed at a workshop in Madrid. 

Raffle donation:

A necklace. (€40-120)

Contact info:

• Instagram: @alburaya 
• Email: sofiayanesburaya@gmail.com 
• Phone: +34640310175 

5. Entrelanados

Entrelanados offers in-person and online workshops on woven mandalas inspired by the Wixárika people. Julia, Entrelanados’s founder, explores how mandalas are more than just a craft—they strengthen skills, self esteem, reduce stress and help to generate connections in the present moment. Circles of positive energy are formulated by the flow of the fabrics in the workshops, combining the creation of mandalas and art therapy.

Raffle donation:

A Mandala Tibetano workshop voucher (for those in Spain), a gift card for those outside of Spain. (€35)

Contact info: 

• Instagram: @entrelanados 
• Facebook: Entrelanados
• Phone: +34679227290

6. Catus Bastet 

Catus Bastet is a self-managed design and illustration project. Its main focus is on feminism and sharing experiences and designs with customers to generate a sense of community and collective imagination. Their most iconic products are the t-shirts and sweatshirts, as well as the stickers with the Akelarre design. While their primary ambition is to share and celebrate feminism, they love embracing different fashion and accessory designs! 

Raffle donation: 

A bag and sticker with the Akelarre design. (€10)

Contact info:

• Instagram: @catus.bastet
• Facebook: @catus.bastet 
• Email: catusbastet@gmail.com

Address: They don’t currently have a shop but you can find lots of their products at La Oveja Negra taberna vegana, on Calle Buenavista 42, 28012, Madrid.

7. Bô Coffee Madrid

Bô Coffee Madrid is a specialty brunch and coffee shop located in the heart of Chamberí in Madrid. They have an extensive menu of drinks, desserts and brunch options, with some really healthy and tasty treats available. Check it out and support a female-owned brunch spot this International Women’s Day!

Raffle donation:

A complete brunch with a drink, meal and dessert.

Contact info:

• Instagram: @bocoffeemadrid 
• Facebook: @bocoffeemadrid
• Phone: +34913952089
• Address: Calle Espronceda 16, Madrid.

8. A Space to Express 

A Space to Express was created by Vesta Rounsaville in 2015 and was first implemented as an extracurricular activity in bilingual schools. It now hosts bilingual artistic events including the “Paint and Sip” art-technique workshops where participants recreate famous works of art while enjoying art therapy sessions with live music. 

A Space to Express is now collaborating frequently with the NGO Madrid For Refugees, and for every event, a portion of the proceeds are donated to the charity.

Raffle donation: 

A free ticket to a Paint and Sip night.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @a_space_to_express
• Facebook: A Space to Express: Paint and Sip
• Email: vesta.rounsaville@gmail.com
• Phone: +34685436995

9. Besha Wear

Founded in 2018, Besha Wear was created by Besha, a Congolese seamstress who moved to Madrid in search of better career opportunities. When founding Besha Wear, her initial intention was to get Spaniards to wear clothes from Africa. But before she knew it, her initiative had evolved into a hub for African migrants and a food bank which she runs with the help of contributions from World Central Kitchen. 

Raffle donation: 

A woven bag from Burkina Faso. (€35)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @beshawear
• Address: Calle Esgrima 5, 28012, Lavapiés, Madrid

Take part in our benefit raffle to support Madrid For Refugees & women-owned businesses in Madrid!

In addition to directly supporting these women-owned businesses in Madrid, with a €6 donation you can enter our benefit raffle for the chance to win an awesome prize and support Madrid For Refugees at the same time.

Thank you to all of the businesses listed above for donating gifts to the raffle, and to VeraContent team members Kyler Canastra, Emily Wilson and Jess Farmer for putting this guide together.

Considering everything going on in the world, it’s clear that giving back to our community will be especially important this year. And here in Madrid, there are plenty of ways to get involved! We’ve compiled an updated list of volunteer opportunities at the city’s community centers, food banks, nonprofits and more to help you make a difference in 2021.

This list was created by the team at VeraContent, a multilingual content agency based in Madrid. Their social impact committee, VeraImpact, focuses on finding ways to support the local community and promote equality and inclusion. 

If you know of any other Madrid volunteer opportunities, please get in touch with us and we’ll add them!

1. Madrid For Refugees 

Madrid For Refugees is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to helping and empowering refugees, asylum seekers, stateless people and migrants in Madrid, with a focus on community integration and employability. You can sign up to volunteer here, and they’ll contact you if an appropriate opportunity becomes available.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

2. Comunidad de Madrid 

The Comunidad de Madrid advertises volunteer opportunities on this page. You can filter the postings by type, location, hours and even the type of beneficiary. Alternatively, contact them directly to find an opportunity that suits your availability and interests.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

3. Food Bank of Madrid

The Food Bank of Madrid offers both long-term and temporary volunteer opportunities. Permanent volunteers manage food collection, storage and delivery three days a week for around four hours in the morning. Occasional volunteers work at one-off events—usually for around four hours at a time—such as pop-ups in shopping centers and other initiatives. Apply online here.  

Website, Facebook and Instagram

4. La Red de ONGD

La Red de ONGD (the Network of Non-Governmental Development Organizations) advertises a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, both in Madrid and around the world. It provides useful links so you can find and apply for the best option for you. Check out this page to see current openings.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

5. United Way España

United Way España works with a variety of NGOs focused on promoting education, income and health by helping children, youth and the elderly. You can get in touch with them by submitting a form online, or explore their corporate volunteering program.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

6. MASI

MASI was founded in 1999 by a group of agricultural engineers from the Polytechnic University of Madrid. They work to defend the rights of young people through community and social development initiatives, in partnership with other local organizations. Visit this page to find out how to get involved.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

7. Fundación Madrina

Fundación Madrina works to protect women and children who are at risk of social exclusion, particularly pregnant young women in vulnerable situations. They offer various kinds of volunteer opportunities, which you can learn more about here.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

8. Culturas Unidas

Culturas Unidas is based in Madrid’s Lavapiés neighborhood, and works to promote the social integration of people at risk of exclusion through education and interculturality. They currently work with around 50 volunteers, and are constantly welcoming new members to get involved in their community events and activities.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

9. Grandes Amigos

Grandes Amigos works to support Madrid’s elderly community, helping them to combat loneliness and enjoy their later years with health and dignity. You can volunteer to help people in your neighborhood through an easy online application.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

10. Fundación la Caixa

Fundación la Caixa works alongside various institutions and thousands of volunteers to fight poverty and exclusion, promote medical research, improve access to cultural resources and improve education. They implement a wide range of social initiatives, which you can get involved with here.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

11. FEVOCAM

FEVOCAM is a platform for volunteering in Madrid, made up of several NGOs that work together to promote volunteer work. Consult their list of current opportunities, with detailed information and contacts provided for each.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

12. Ayuntamiento de Madrid

The Ayuntamiento de Madrid (City Council) operates a local initiative called Voluntari@s por Madrid, promoting active and responsible citizenship through over 400 projects in all areas of life. They collaborate with social entities and companies and operate a virtual community where you can find out more about their work.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

13. BLUA

BLUA is a Madrid-based organization that provides international volunteer opportunities for those who want to engage in sustainable travel. Their programs focus on environmental conservation and the empowerment of local communities across the world.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

14. Proyecto Hombre Madrid

Proyecto Hombre Madrid is an NGO working in the field of drug addiction, offering therapeutic and educational initiatives to people in socially disadvantaged situations. They support children, families and adults across the Community of Madrid. You can learn more about their volunteer initiatives and get in touch here.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

15. La Cruz Roja

La Cruz Roja has over 230,000 volunteers across Spain working on a variety of local and national initiatives to promote social, environmental and economic development. They offer a wide range of online and in-person volunteer opportunities, which you can learn about here.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

16. Cáritas Madrid

This is the local branch of Caritas, a Catholic organization that works to end poverty and promote social justice around the world. Cáritas Madrid provides social support to those in need through donation drives, housing and employment programs and other initiatives. They offer permanent volunteer positions and advertise urgent volunteer needs online. 

Website, Facebook and Instagram

17. Voluncloud

Voluncloud is an application that connects people who want to volunteer directly with organizations that need their assistance. With headquarters in Madrid’s Lavapiés neighborhood, they collaborate with global organizations like UNICEF, Oxfam, Save the Children and many more. Download the app or browse opportunities here.

Website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

18. Gestión Felina Madrid

Gestión Felina Madrid is an NGO that works to control the city’s colonies of feral cats through the TNR (trap, neuter, release) method, in order to protect these animals and improve their quality of life. They offer two types of volunteer opportunities: caring for cats at the headquarters or helping in the capture and rescue process. To get involved, send an email to voluntarios@gestionfelinamadrid.org.  

Website, Facebook and Instagram

19. Hola Vecinas

In 2020, four women in the Lavapiés neighborhood set up Hola Vecinas to help the members of their community confront the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. They’re currently working on various projects with the support of Mbolo Moy Dole, including literacy classes, cultural workshops and educational support for children. Find out how to get involved here.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

20. No Solo Cultura 

No Solo Cultura works with various organizations to raise funds through cultural events. They aim to spread awareness of the richness and variety of cultures in Madrid, and are looking for volunteers to help with outreach and logistics. For more information, send an email to nosolocultura@gmail.com and sign up for their mailing list.

Facebook and Instagram

21. Soñar Despierto 

Soñar Despierto works with foster care institutions throughout Spain to provide children in foster care with equal opportunities. They regularly recruit volunteers to help with education, extracurricular activities and childcare in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. Find out more and apply to volunteer here.

Website, Facebook and Instagram

Know of any other Madrid volunteer opportunities? Let us know so we can spread the word!

You might also like:

• Fighting back for this amazing city – Support Madrid’s local businesses and community
• Refusion Delivery: Where refugee chefs prepare authentic flavors from Syria, Sudan and Venezuela

Step zero. Chill. There’s nothing better than drinking a few beers or having some wine with your besties – your cats, maybe dogs, and occasionally, a few humans (inspired by Niki). Once you’ve got this down, you’re ready to start my personal ongoing guide to killing time in Madrid while supporting local business at the same time. Let’s go!

Treat yourself to good food and drinks

1. Get local beer delivered to your home

My go-to beer is from Madrid’s local brewery Cervezas La Virgen. It’s definitely more expensive than my also-beloved Mahou, but also a lot better. Check out their Jamonera beer and the classic Lager. Thanks for the inspiration, Helen.

2. Learn from the real food experts, Devour Tours

Back in 2015, we went on one of Devour’s awesome tours (Huertas neighborhood food and market tour) and Lauren Aloise and James Blick’s team have been just killing it ever since then.

Today, they’re also offering tons of online food experiences where their local tour guides tell you how to make their city’s classic dishes over Zoom. And you get to cook with them in real time. I just took the “Cook Pasta Like a Roman with Abbie” where I learned how to make two Italian sauces. Here’s a glimpse of the end result – I was way too hungry to set up better pics but wow, they were good.

I also want to give a shout-out to my good friend Melissa who lives in Lisbon. She’s giving an online tour called Discover Portugal’s History Through 10 Dishes. I haven’t taken it yet but knowing her, I can only expect an absolutely kick-ass experience full of passion (inspired by Melissa, claro).

3. Make your own bread

Lots of my friends have taken up bread-making these past few months and sharing mouthwatering photos with me. So I started making my own recently, too. Although I’m far from becoming an expert on this, here’s an easy way to start:

• Take two cups of flour: I mix strong bread flour – ask for harina de fuerza at Spanish supermarkets – and wheat flour.
• Add two teaspoons of yeast (I guess it won’t be the end of the world if you can’t find it, but your bread won’t rise as much), olive oil (one spoon is fine!), sugar and salt (plus a little pepper if you’re like me).
• Mix it with one cup of beer (I made it once with La Jamonera mentioned above, and it rocked my world). You can also mix it with water, which is… meh.
• Let it rise for a couple hours in a bowl covered with dry cloth. Then deflate the air (check this technique out) and let it rise again.
• Last step: put your dough in a pot (make sure you add some flour so the dough doesn’t stick to the bottom) and make a cut in the dough with a knife. Then cover it and put it in your oven at 225º C for 45 minutes. After that, take the cover off and keep it in the oven for 10 more minutes.

Perhaps “easy” wasn’t the right word. But trust me, it seems more difficult than it actually is (I made it after all!). Let it cool for a bit and you’re good to go (inspired by Carmen and Joss).

4. Add even more great carbs to your diet (why not??) by making your own pizza from scratch

To make my own pizza dough, I followed Jaime Oliver’s 5-min recipe (I used beer instead of water, because beer simply makes everything better). I also added my family’s Bolognese sauce recipe – meat, onions, soy and “Worcestershire” sauce (or “salsa perrins” for my Spaniards out there who also find that to be the most frightening word to pronounce in English). Feel free to add whatever else works for you (arugula is also great, inspired by Jake).

Burn those extra kilos at home

Get moving with Stacy Quick (Mustard Fitness)‘s home workouts. I briefly met this guy a few years ago, and I can only say the dude is legit. Stacy contacted me a few days ago with his free home workouts and they’re bananas!

Put some art in your life

1. Practice your (new?) favorite instrument

I’ve been having regular piano and violin classes online with my private teachers. But if you’re looking to start from scratch or learn a new instrument on your own, Fender is offering a free trial period. I normally use Ultimate Guitar to learn my favorite songs, yet the Fender app is useful when it comes to picking up a new instrument (inspired by Meag and Bea).

2. Join my local choir!

Singers in Madrid, join me and my choir buddies at the Coralavapies (Lavapiés Choir), a non-profit organization founded by Osvaldo Ciccioli in 2003. Me and my ridiculous friend Kyler found out about them a couple months ago. Ever since, we’ve been singing mostly Spanish folk songs, every Wednesday night. Followed by drinks, of course (inspired by Kyler).

3. Get interactive with the Mad Improv crew!

Mad Improv is a local English-speaking theater group that usually performs in theaters around the city and holds really fun workshops. Now they’re offering online classes. For more info contact Steve Loader (inspired by Daphne).

4. Get your dance groove on every day at 6pm

My friend Martín, who happens to be a professional DJ (and teaches people how to mix), has been broadcasting live DJ sessions daily at 6pm, Madrid time. Watch big Helen and small Helen get their groove on (you’ll understand when you join the party).

Thanks for reading. Can’t wait to hug you all again.

Happy 2020! Perhaps you’re one of the many people who have made various resolutions to start the year afresh and become a better version of yourself. Is one of your resolutions to increase your cultural knowledge and take full advantage of the art offered by this great city? Even if you’re not the resolution type and you’re just looking for some guidance in terms of where to find out more about art in Madrid, never fear! We’re here to guide you to the relevant information.

1. EsMadrid

Now let’s say you don’t speak Spanish. In that case, your best choice to find information about art in English in Madrid is from the Art and Culture section of Madrid’s official tourism website, EsMadrid. In addition to English and Spanish, this site is available in 7 other languages, including Japanese and Russian. Now one of its great pluses is that it breaks down the various tourist passes available like the Paseo del Arte Pass which grants the holder one visit to the permanent collection of each of the city’s main museums, the Prado, The Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. This pass is great for visitors who are just in the city for a short while and who only want to dive into the big ticket sites but there are other passes which give you access to more museums for periods such as ten to fifteen days for the consummate art lover.

EsMadrid’s great strength is the breadth of its scope – it covers cultural centres to exhibition halls to house museums and contains the most pertinent information at a glance, including the location, price, opening hours and best transport options. And if you want a great overview of Madrid’s art offerings, be sure to take a gander at the Art in Madrid Guide PDF which is an unbeatable introduction to both the leading museums and their holdings as well as some of the lesser known but just as formative art centres like the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, just off of Sol. 

2. Time Out Madrid

Now if you’re looking for information that is a bit more curated, don’t miss Time Out Madrid. While the English version of their website is not quite as comprehensive as the Spanish one, there are still a number of articles, which are constantly updated, highlighting the most popular, current exhibitions, free art, street art and graffiti as well as the city’s most celebrated paintings and museums.

Time Out is an incredibly well-known and versatile publication with branches all over the world and it has even recently launched a print magazine here in Madrid which releases monthly. You can often find the print magazine being given out for free at major metro stations just after release, or later, in trendy cafes, independent bookshops and some libraries. I would highly recommend grabbing a copy if you can because it goes into even more detail of certain expositions and features some recommendations and interviews which are exclusive to the magazine. 

3. Madrid Diferente

Continuing on to Spanish-language recommendations, another favourite is Madrid Diferente. Similar to Time Out Madrid, Madrid Diferente publishes a weekly agenda of things to do over the entire upcoming week, not just the weekend. Their picks are often eclectic and a little bit off the beaten path. I almost always discover some activity or event that I’ve never heard of before and that is only happening for just this weekend and that’s why I try to check every Thursday because you don’t want to miss out!

Madrid has so much to offer it can be overwhelming but here you have a streamlined list of options. Now, if you check their “Es Capital” section, you will be exposed to a host of activities and spaces that are intimate and rewarding like Madrid’s smallest photo gallery or a self-guided tour of Madrid’s most unusual, outdoor sculptures. And if you want to kill two birds with one stone, Madrid Diferente’s writers have recently begun including suggestions for recommended restaurants or cafes near to the gallery or museum they’re currently highlighting. A win win, in my book! 

4. Madrid Free

Perhaps your number one New Year’s resolution is to sort out your finances and you’re afraid that this is all sounding very expensive. Well, did you know that there’s a website dedicated solely to free cultural activities in Madrid? It’s called Madrid Free and it has a dedicated section for Expositions which is updated frequently. It also covers exhibitions from contemporary art galleries as well as the ones from museums and cultural centres like CentroCentro Cibeles and the Matadero. If you want even more up to the minute information on free activities, be sure to also follow them on Facebook if you have it because they update it often. 

5. Arte Informado

So if you want the absolute, most comprehensive list of temporary art offerings in the city, look no further than Arte Informado. This is basically a holy grail for art lovers as this website aims to serve almost every country in the Iberian-American space and includes a magazine, art courses and art prizes. However, even if you just want to know about art expositions, they compile those too with an incredible search engine that allows you to narrow down your choices by date, city or country and even specify the type of art.

At this very moment, if you search for exhibitions in Madrid, narrowing it down no further, it shows 19,787 exhibitions available. You can’t deny – that’s a lot of art. If that sounds like a bit much, Arte Informado also has a weekly newsletter which you can sign up for that delivers some of the most prominent exhibits right into your mailbox. 

6. Museo del Prado’s Instagram account

If you want your Instagram experience to be more positive and enlightening, follow the Museo del Prado’s official account: @museoprado. Every weekday morning, they do an Instagram Live video highlighting either an art work or a room of the museum, which is then left up for the rest of the day so you can check it out when you can. Additionally, in their posts, they often share videos showing the mounting of exhibits as well as other day-to-day aspects of working and running a major museum. It’s a fantastic, accessible way to flesh out your art history knowledge.

7. Madrid Art and Culture Facebook group

Finally if you’d like to get more of my insight into Madrid’s cultural goings-on, feel free to join my Facebook group, Madrid Art and Culture, which is meant to showcase the many different sides of this city, although it is quite heavy on art and film. I created it about a year and a half ago and the group now has just over 1400 members with frequent posts about film festivals, art exhibits, plays and much more. Furthermore, as it’s a Facebook group, all members are able to post about activities and events that interest them or that they are taking part in.

I hope I’ve given you the tools to hit the ground running this year when it comes to art. To a culturally enriching 2020!

By Kristen Wiltshire (IG: @makidocious)

When she’s not at a museum or the movies, Kristen can usually be found trying to make headway in her giant pile of books or her miles long Netflix queue. She also runs Madrid Art and Culture, a Facebook group dedicated to Madrid’s myriad cultural offerings.

Bullfights, sangria, paella… So many of the things that, to the uninitiated, epitomise Spain’s culture are actually outdated, tourist traps, or limited to just one of the country’s regions.

But there’s one Spanish heavyweight that fully deserves to be celebrated alongside tortilla de patatas, siestas, and Rosalía on the list of the best things ever to emerge from the Iberian Peninsula. A cultural icon with adoring fans all over the country, from the hills of Asturias to sunny southern seaside towns, and in every metropolis and pueblo in between. I’m talking, of course, about the Spanish plaza. 

Some squares slip under the radar of anyone who doesn’t know to seek them out. Some are the perfect place for a protest; some are best suited for locals and blow-ins alike to meet for a beer, a gossip, and a people-watching session. Others have become tourist attractions in their own right, be it thanks to their historical significance or just because they make for an awesome photo op. 

Whatever you’re after on your next day trip or weekend away, here’s a list of eight of Spain’s best plazas you should make sure not to miss. 

1. Plaza Mayor, Almagro

Green and gorgeous, this recently-restored medieval plaza is one of the country’s favourites – and provided a beautiful backdrop for post-class coffees or cañas back when I worked in a nearby school.

Thanks to its flowers and fountains, Almagro’s Plaza Mayor regularly features on lists of Spain’s top ten most beautiful squares, and I monitor its progress like a proud manchego mother, rejoicing when it moves up a spot and sulking when it’s relegated. 

Make sure to try the local delicacy of pickled berenjenas at any one of the tapas bars dotted around the plaza – they were slightly too green and bitter for my liking, but they’re a regional favourite and sobre gustos no hay nada escrito, so you might enjoy them. 

What’s more, Almagro is home to the annual Festival Internacional de Teatro Clásico, and tucked away next to the square’s shops and restaurants is the entrance to the corral de comedias, a 17th-century playhouse and hidden gem of a tourist attraction which is more than worth the €3 entrance fee.

2. Plaza Dos de Mayo, Madrid

It’s no surprise that Spain’s capital has a square for every taste – Plaza de España (gone but not forgotten), colourful Chueca, floral Plaza de la Villa, Santa Ana for the literature lovers, and Plaza Mayor if you’re a fan of Baroque architecture and, eh, multi-coloured goats. 

But a particular stand-out is Dos de Mayo, just ten minutes’ walk from Sol. 

This plaza is a crucial one for history lovers: it marks a key date in the Comunidad de Madrid’s calendar, when the people of Madrid rebelled against occupying French troops on 2nd May 1808. 

Annual street parties marking the uprising liven up the already-bustling barrio of Malasaña, but this square is worth a visit at any time of the year – it boasts playparks for the peques, a weekly vintage and craft market, and plenty of places to stop for a snack or drink (Pizzería Maravillas is a stand-out). 

3. Plaza Mayor, Ciudad Real

Source: Image by © Rob Cousins/robertharding/Corbis

The small city of Ciudad Real is often overshadowed by its province’s more picturesque pueblos, but I maintain that my former hometown’s central square is still worth a visit, if only for its Reloj Carrillón – a huge clock from which life-size figurines of Cervantes, Don Quijote and Sancho Panza emerge to the sound of bells chiming at regular intervals throughout the day and night. 

This manchego capital isn’t known for being the most Instagrammable of towns, but it has a plaza that pays artistic homage to the stars of its regions, friendly locals, and more tapas bars than you could shake a stick at. What more do you need, really?

4. Plaza del Taller, Santiago de Compostela

Source

Whether you’ve trekked part of the epic Camino de Santiago or are just up north on a pilgrimage for Galician pulpo (guilty), this isn’t a square to be missed. Plaza del Taller – or, to use its gallego name, Praza do Obradoiro – is a spot in the rainy, atmospheric Galician capital. 

Located to the west of Santiago’s enchanting casco viejo, this square marks the end of the road for pilgrims who’ve walked St James’ Way, and it provides peak people-watching opportunities – I’d challenge anyone to watch pilgrims rejoicing at the completion of their journey without getting emotional. For travellers holy or secular, the plaza’s architecture, sheer size, and its magical (and traffic-free) atmosphere are definitely worth a trip next puente. 

This square is also home to the beautiful, baroque Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, where hikers participate in the post-walk ritual of the abrazo al Apóstol Santiago – a tradition that was temporarily outlawed in 2009 after an influenza outbreak. Maybe stick to a quick high-five if you’re a germaphobe. 

5. Plaza de Cervantes, Alcalá de Henares

Cons of Alcalá’s most famous public space: the storks (if, like me, you’re a wimp who’s scared of birds). Pros: literally everything else. 

This square pays homage Alcalá’s most famous son: the writer Miguel de Cervantes, who was born in the university city in 1547. The city’s central plaza hosts regular literary and cultural events in his honour, such as the annual Mercado Cervantino. 

Plaza de Cervantes also bridges two of the city’s most significant streets: the newly pedestrianized Calle de Libreros, and the Calle Mayor. On the latter street, which is the former hub of the medieval Jewish Quarter, you can find the Museo Casa Natal de Cervantes and the city’s most photogenic bench, featuring bronze statues of Cervantes’ most famous characters. 

Have a stroll through the surrounding area – don’t think about leaving without taking in the university’s impressive façade – and you’ll understand exactly why Alcalá has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Also read: 7 Reasons why Alcalá de Henares is worth more than a day trip from Madrid

6. Plaza de España, Sevilla

Oh, this one’s gorgeous. Constructed in 1929, the Andalusian capital’s Plaza de España is practically a newborn compared with some of the old-timers on this list, but in terms of impact and beauty, it can definitely give the classics a run for their money.  

This plaza’s most famous feature is the breath-taking range of multicoloured tiled alcoves, which depict almost every province in Spain. Photos can’t do them justice, but even the briefest of trawls through Google Images will show you exactly why the good people of TripAdvisor voted it the world’s segundo lugar más spectacular del mundo. 

Film buffs (not me) might recognise this square from movies like Lawrence of Arabia and the Star Wars franchise, while Instagram lovers will be more familiar with its pretty canals, where you can row your boat for just €6. The Plaza de España is also located in the Parque de María Luisa – a beautiful spot to seek out the shade during the infamously hot Sevillian summers. 

7. Plaza Mayor, Salamanca

Golden hour enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Salamanca is known far and wide as one of the most gorgeous places in Spain, and its main plaza is no exception. Built between 1729 and 1755, the sandstone square still shines – and if you ever want to hear several hundred people simultaneously say ‘Ahhhhh!’, make sure you’re standing in the centre when its buildings get illuminated at dusk. 

The plaza is adorned with medallions bearing big names from Spain’s history. In fact, until it was removed in 2017 under the Historical Memory Law, you could even spot Franco’s defaced, paint-splattered face lurking beneath a plastic bag in the corner.   

Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor also has plenty of bars and restaurants where you can sample the city’s distinctly un-spicy, but delicious, take on patatas bravas after you’ve finished frogspotting at the nearby Universidad de Salamanca. 

Speaking of which, try to time your trip for December, when the legendary Nochevieja Universitaria sees the Plaza Mayor packed with thousands of students downing their drink and midnight grapes before heading home to their pueblos for Christmas. Or, if you prefer hot drinks to alcoholic ones, walk south from the plaza for ten minutes to the café of the Casa Lis art deco museum, where you’ll find the world’s tastiest cup of hot chocolate and the only glass ceiling that’s not for smashing. 

8. Esta Es Una Plaza, Madrid

This urban oasis is a bit different – and for that reason, it might be my favourite plaza ever. Esta Es Una Plaza is a neighbourhood initiative designed to tackle the lack of green space available in the busy Madrid barrio of Lavapiés, and has gone from strength to strength since its creation in 2008, thanks to the group of dedicated volunteers who work hard on maintenance and upkeep.  

According to its website, the community-run public space focuses heavily on community building and promoting cohesion between social groups, regardless of nationality or religion, and over time the plaza has transformed into a cultural hub which promotes ecology, self-sufficiency, literacy, culture and sports. 

It mightn’t represent the same flashy, tourist fodder as some of the more high-profile squares on our list, and it’s unlikely you’ll see it be flogged on a postcard any time soon. But if plazas are meant to promote harmony, facilitate socializing, and provide an insight into the beating heart of its local community, then Esta Es Una Plaza is definitely a dark horse.  

By Emer O’Toole (IG: @_emerotoole)

Would you add any other of Spain’s best plazas to this list? Let us know!

So, for those of you who are up to speed with my slightly sporadic Naked Madrid musings (here’s looking at you Mum and Dad), you may have noticed that my insta handle is @littlemissmadrid, so I’m asking you to forgive me in advance for this post; I’m going somewhat off piste.

Before having road tripped to Los Caños, Tarifa well and truly had my heart in the seaside stakes – but now it’s getting too close to call. Having travelled to the Caribbean coast of Columbia back in July, Los Caños de Meca has more than a touch of the quirky cool that can be found there. There’s a stretch of bougainvillea lined road called Avenida Trafalgar that hosts a number of surf shack-type bars – where folks spill out onto the street as easily as the drinks flow.

My hands-down favourite beach bar is cocooned in the Mercado de Artesania and called La Perlita. It’s hard to describe just how picture perfect it is – but I’ll give it a go. Imagine your ideal back garden, by the sea and the dreamiest piña colada/carrot cake combo and yeah, you’re about halfway there.

Pic from @streetfoodcadiz

Now I love a food truck as much as the fellow millennial, but this one can’t be beat. The cocktails are fantastic, the food fresh (we had falafel, prawn dumplings, veggie noodles and a veggie burger – yes, I’m aware that gluttony is one of the seven sins) but with prices that definitely don’t match Madrid, it was nigh on impossible not to over order. The menu is what I’d call healthy hipster and the nice touch is that’s everything’s recyclable. As we all try to slide into sustainable socialising, La Perlita is ahead of the curve, with their food being served in paper bags and the gently lulling reggae tunes that swayed in the background added to my food coma.

No trip to Los Caños is complete without a trip to the infamous beachside mecca, La Jaima. Birthplace (I imagine) to thousands of insta stories, it’s so idyllic even the most hardwired stresshead would struggle not to be lulled into a zen-like state here – the views can’t be done justice on an iPhone (and god knows, I tried) but as the golden hour kicked in and the café del mar type tunes ramped up, I was positively horizontal on my beanbag and felt about a million miles away from the chaos and crowds of a city. The bar boasts live music and quite possibly the friendliest staff I’ve ever met – although who wouldn’t be beaming from ear to ear if you got to call the beach your ‘office’.

Feeling satiated having spent the day bar hopping and getting bronzed, we decided that we should try to find a place stay. Word of warning: it’s not easy. Los Caños is clearly not one for mass tourism, as we painfully discovered.

Spontaneity doesn’t always pay off so what I will say is book ahead. Clearly we weren’t the only ones hoping to sizzle our way into September so, sadly, there was no room, quite literally at the Inn(s) for this Mary and Joesph, but I did spot Hotel Guadalupe, a gorgeous looking boutique hotel on the aforementioned Avenida Trafalgar. Seriously, I can sniff out a decent-looking hotel like a bloodhound. Sadly, I just don’t seem to have the foresight to book them.

So whilst I didn’t get get to stumble back to a beachfront abode, I did get to enjoy a pretty perfect day that filled my cup right up and should keep me feeling warm and fuzzy into autumn (or maybe that was just my slightly sunburnt nose). Either way, cities are great and all, but sometimes your bod just craves some Vitamin Sea and ultimately the heart wants what the heart wants. In this case it was a delicious dose of daiquiris and downtime.

Los Caños de Meca, Cádiz

The Shave Club can be described in three words: quality, expertise and rejuvenation.

This gentlemen’s club aims to provide the modern and fashionable men residing in Madrid with an upscale and personalized experience. With three locations in the Spanish capital (Chueca, Moncloa and Salamanca), each and every barbershop offers top-of-the-line services and treatments—you’re guaranteed to leave looking fresh on the outside and refreshed on the inside.

The Shave Club’s mission is to create a warm and welcoming place where customers can relax and feel rejuvenated… and they undoubtedly have done this. Specializing in shaving and haircuts, this barbershop goes above and beyond by also offering spa treatments, which include facials and massages, as well as body-cleansing and anti-aging treatments. Their English and Spanish-speaking staff is nothing but friendly, ready to treat your every need and give you an experience like no other. 

Aligned with its dedication to quality and excellence, the barbershop also has its own e-store, where customers can purchase the products used during their treatments, shaves and haircuts. These products are one-of-a-kind, as they are made with all natural products and ingredients in a laboratory in the U.K. Not only do they make you look and feel better, but your body will thank you for using all natural, paraben- and sulfate-free products. Your animal friends will thank you too, as these products are cruelty free.

I was fortunate enough to visit The Shave Club location in Chueca, right on Calle Libertad. The quaint space is sleek, with welcoming decor and an even more welcoming staff. I also was shocked by the smell of cleanliness that made its way throughout the shop, only to be later informed that the air is specially treated implementing the same chemicals used to clean towels as well as equipment.

Alejandro, the barber who provided me with my experience, was not only professional, but he also used his expertise to provide me with the best haircut for my hair type and head shape. Apart from some small talk and a few laughs, it was a relaxing experience, which ended with the use of The Shave Club’s own coconut-infused hair wax.

Looking ahead, The Shave Club has big plans. They hope to continue opening locations in Madrid, throughout Spain and beyond. Their goal: to establish a network of men’s social clubs where customers can go to relax and enjoy different treatments, reflecting the traditional gentlemen’s clubs of yesteryear.  

If you’re looking to get a fresh cut and to take a step back from reality and forget the stresses of work and life in general, then you need to check out The Shave Club, which definitely ranks in my top-5 barber experiences here in Madrid. 

It may not seem like a top priority to treat yourself with high-quality spa, hair and facial treatments; however, it’s more than simply making sure you look good. It’s feeling good from the inside out, knowing you took the time to step away from your everyday schedule to spend time on yourself—and there’s no better place to do this than at The Shave Club.

The Shave Club

Follow the Shave Club on Facebook and on Instagram (@shavemadrid). You can also check out their online store and book your next appointment on their website.

By Kyler Canastra (IG: @k_canastra)

Soft lights. Greens. Pastels and contemporary art. Not something you expect of a hair and styling salon! Thus you’re greeted by a surprise which then transforms into an inexplicable comfort – a place as delightful and friendly as its kind and charismatic owners.

As you walk in, you have the beautiful exhibit of contemporary artist Tomas Gracia. This particular one has been designed around the concept of chaos seeking its own natural order.

The more you reflect on it, the more lost you seem. Lines and hues seem to be in search of their own destinies. Maybe that’s the exact point of the exhibit – to have your internal chaos muse over the edgy lines and vibrant tones of Tomas’ artwork.

The exhibits are temporary and will include all categories of art and literature in the future, they tell me. The open patio will also house many interesting events.

The area of the salon is beautifully decorated with lively greens and flowery tones, immediately transporting you into a spring-like feeling. The collection of books on display and the smell of freshly-brewed coffee add to the urbanism of the ambience. 

The serene patio at the end, of course, completes the place beautifully.

As distinct as its name, Ara Crinis (which literally translates from Latin into ‘a beautiful lock of hair’) is the delightful service and experience you receive here. The salon works with the concept of aromatherapy and organics around every service they offer. The cherry on top are the very artful Neo and Carlo, who are the heart of the place.

Hop on over either for a walk around their artful decor, a pleasant cup of coffee with the owners, an exhibit of the next talented artist of the month or an indulgent hair experience – this little spot in Chueca is unlikely to disappoint.

By Arabdha Sudhir

Photos by Carlo Calzolari

Ara Crinis

• Website Facebook & Instagram: @ara.crinis
• Address: Calle San Lorenzo, 5
• Metro: Tribunal or Alonso Martínez

Fed up of queues in Primark, everyone having the same dress from Zara, and the unsustainable waste produced by fast fashion? Ditch the high-street chains and get ready to rummage! From cheap and cheerful thrift shops to high-end boutiques, there’s something for everyone when it comes to second-hand and vintage shops in Madrid.

1. Vintalogy

• Instagram, Facebook, Website
• Address: Calle de Atocha, 10
• Opening Hours: 11am-10pm every day 

A good place to start is Vintalogy, Europe’s largest vintage store, set up by the team behind the Mercado de Motores. Forget delving into bargain bins; think of Vintalogy as a vintage department store. They make the most of the huge floor space and high ceilings with great merchandising, making it easy to find what you’re looking for. The clothes are divided neatly into sections, and sizes are easy to find. If you fancy a splurge, there is also a separate room for luxury and designer clothing, all in mint condition and, like the rest of the store, beautifully presented.

The shop building is emblematic. Vintalogy replaced the historic cloth shop Sobrino de J. Martí Prats and the original signage has been preserved, in keeping with the philosophy of repurposing, reusing, and rediscovering gems from past eras. As you might have guessed from the late opening hours, they often host events and DJs.

2. La Mona Checa Vintage Market and Art

• Instagram, Facebook, Website
• Address: Calle Velarde, 2
• Opening Hours: 11:30am-9pm Mon-Sat; 11:30am-3pm/4pm-9pm Sun 

La Mona Checa is a cute boutique (with an equally cute name) on Calle Velarde, a mecca for vintage shoppers in Madrid. Thanks to its bright sign and distinctive monkey logo, you can’t miss it walking past. Once inside, you could be at the circus, thanks to the quirky red-and-white, striped, fabric that decorates the ceiling, like the inside of a tent. They have a great selection of brightly-patterned shirts for men and women, some great party dresses, and sunglasses of all shapes and sizes (I even managed to find a pair to fit my tiny head).

3. Malasaña Vintage Outlet

• Address: Calle San Vicente Ferrer, 39
• Opening Hours: 12pm-3pm/5pm-8pm Mon-Sat 

If you’re looking for a bargain, this is your place. This outlet stocks clothes from La Mona Checa and Biba Vintage, all at up to 70% off. It’s a true, no-frills, thrift shop experience, with no changing rooms and clothes racks full of stock. But it’s not hard to find something you’ll like. I walked out with two shirts and a skirt for under €10.

4. Magpie

• Instagram, Facebook, Website
• Address: Calle Velarde, 3 and Calle Manuela Malasaña, 19
• Opening Hours: 11:30am-9pm Mon-Sat; 12pm-9pm Sun

With a cavernous space on Calle Velarde and a small, newly-opened shop on Calle Manuela de Malasaña, Magpie Vintage has all the clothes you could wish for. There is an extensive range of both men’s and women’s clothing, everything from jeans and sportswear to sequinned mini-dresses and floor-length evening gowns. I also love the range of accessories and jewellery. The prices are more than reasonable, with most items a bit less than they would be in your average high-street shop.

5. Heritage and Rare

• Instagram, Facebook, Website
• Address: Calle del Pez, 36
• Opening Hours: 11am-3pm/5pm-9pm Mon-Sat; 12pm-2pm Sun 

One for the vintage purists, Heritage and Rare stands out for its beautiful, authentic, and well-cared-for vintage pieces. All items carry a label specifying the country and decade they were made in. From delicate Italian lingerie to heavy wool coats, everything is in perfect condition and shows no signs of use. A lot of the stock has never been used, having been rescued after shop closures. The shop is small but manages to squeeze in a good selection of men’s and women’s clothes, including shoes and bags.

6. Alphaville

• Instagram, Facebook 
• Address: Calle Velarde, 7 y 16 and Calle del León, 29
• Opening Hours: 11am-9pm every day 

Alphaville has several locations, with two shops on Calle Velarde and another on Calle del Leon. On Calle Velarde, one shop is dedicated solely to vintage sportswear and the other has a bit of everything. Good for winter coats and shoes, my favourite of the three is the shop on Calle del Leon. With its cosy atmosphere and retro furniture, I sometimes feel like I’m shopping in someone’s living room.

7. Humana, Malasaña

• Website
• Address: Calle de la Corredera Baja de San Pablo, 23
• Opening Hours: 10am-pm every day

Bear with me on this one… With shops across the country, Humana is the biggest second-hand chain in Spain, but it doesn’t have a reputation for being the most stylish. Think Humana and you’re more likely to be picturing frumpy throwaways than quirky vintage finds.

However, the Malasaña branch, on Calle de la Corredera Baja de San Pablo, has a carefully selected collection. There is a mix of good-quality, on-trend, high-street items, and vintage stock. It’s well worth a browse, whether you want to pick up some of last season’s fashion at a fraction of the price or a more individual vintage piece. They get new stock regularly, as the best items from the other branches are brought here. The last time I went, there was even a vintage wedding dress!

8. El Rincón de Tia Jo

• Instagram, Facebook, Website
• Address: Calle Velarde, 4
• Opening Hours: 12pm-3pm/4pm-9pm Mon-Thurs; 12pm-9pm Fri-Sat; 1pm-9pm Sun

El Rincón de Tia Jo is my favourite second-hand shop on Calle Velarde. It seems like a little, narrow shop but is much bigger once you get inside. With a distinctly less hipster vibe than the other shops on this street, the best vintage stock tends to be in the room right at the back. In another small room, they have vintage furniture and knick-knacks. The selection of coats is great; I bought my beloved, black, fake-fur jacket here. Most importantly, the staff are friendly, helpful, and always give good advice about what suits you.

9. The Loop

• Facebook, Website
• Address: Calle Velarde, 1
• Opening Hours: 11:30am-9pm Mon-Sat; 11:30am-3pm/4pm-8:30 Sun

Banish thoughts of rifling through musty cast-offs. The Loop’s tagline is “Fresh Vintage for Fresh People.” Though “Fresh Vintage” is a bit of an oxymoron, I think they mean that all their vintage clothes are on trend, in good condition, and clean. The stock is well selected, with well-known brands like Moschino, Armani, Valentino, Calvin Klein, and Levi’s. The shop is bright, modern, and feels more like a quirky designer boutique than a thrift store.

10. Johnny and Velvet

• Instagram, Facebook 
• Address: Calle Embajadores, 42
• Opening Hours: 11am-2pm/5:30pm-9pm Tues-Sat; 11am-4pm Sun

Johnny and Velvet, named after the owner’s two greyhounds, is perfect if you want to pick up some €20 Levi’s jeans. It’s a bit away from the main hub of vintage shops in Madrid, located south of the centre on Calle Embajadores, making it a good choice if you don’t feel like facing the bustle of Malasaña. The clothes are quirky, original, and reasonably priced.

By Ellen Fouweather (Instagram: @efouwee) 

Know any other great second-hand and vintage shops in Madrid? If so, let us know!