15 unbeatable hipster Madrid tips

Have a couple of spare days in the Spanish capital? Whether you are a visitor or a local, check our unbeatable hipster Madrid tips!

1. Debod temple

Let’s start this Madrid hipster guide with Debod’s Temple. Built in the 2nd century BC in southern Egypt, it was donated to the Spanish government in the late 60s and completely rebuilt in Oeste park. Great for an early or late stroll, when the light gets more dramatic.

2. Glass Palace, Buen Retiro Park

One of our favorite buildings in the city. If you get lucky, you could catch one of the art exhibitions they feature sometimes. Inside the Buen Retiro park, this steel and glass structure from the late 19th century is something you just can’t miss! It’s also part of the Reina Sofia Museum and usually, you can enjoy free admission.

3. Atocha railway station

Well known for the terrorist attacks back in 2004 and located in the heart of the city, it’s now more of a botanical garden with cozy cafes and even turtles! Enter this green lung to leave the stress behind.

4. Sol square

You might have heard about the 2011 May 15th demonstrations. For weeks, the square was occupied by hundreds of youngsters and protesters against the Spanish corrupt government and political system. No matter which time of the day you find yourself there, it’s always something happening. Also, it’s just a few steps away from great tapas bars like Museo del Jamon where you can eat a huge cured ham plate for a few euros.

5. Mayor square

Next to Sol square, a great place to head after getting something to eat and sit in the main Madrid square for half an hour of Spanish people watching. We are different, you know that!

6. Rastro flea market

Although there are vintage and second-hand shops open every day in the area, the main flea market takes place every Sunday morning. A must.

Looking for European Christmas Markets? Click here.

7. San Miguel market

Another great structure, today is filled with hip restaurants where locals gather. It can get really packed on the weekend and tops the list of hipster things to do in Madrid.

8. Fine Arts building rooftop terrace

Get higher for a gin tonic or glass of wine at sunset. Perfect background for your Madrid pictures right in the city center. A 3€ fee to enter the building applies. Open from 10 am to 2 am. Much more about this stunning sunset spot here.

9. Reina Sofia Museum

Featuring a great library and home to important artworks like Picasso’s Gernika. You can enter free of charge from Monday to Saturday 7 pm – 9 pm and Sundays 3 pm – 7 pm. Closes Tuesdays.

10. Caixa Forum

A gallery that used to be free (now 4€ are charged unless you are a customer of the bank), where you can also enjoy different workshops and projections. When this article went live, there was an interesting temporary exhibition about Japan going on.

11. La Casa Encendida

Own by a bank as well, you can still benefit from their complete cultural offer. This hipster Madrid paradise opens every day from 10am to 10pm, a huge range of different projects take part in it. From courses to exhibitions, theatre performances to expositions you are meant to find something that suits your taste there while in Madrid!

12. Matadero

A former slaughterhouse turned an arts centre, this massive building complex is our first stop when we find ourselves in Madrid and it should be yours too! Simply brilliant!

This one could easily be located in Berlin as well. Wanna know more about this other European hip city? Click here. 

13. Tabacalera Social Centre

Self-managed social centre we discovered when just walking Lavapies district last year. What a nice surprise! A free concert was going on and we got absorbed by it for hours. One of those fun places we look for in every city we visit. Cool café? Check. Free shop? Check. Hipster crowd? Check. Taste of freedom? Check!

Now if you love music and music festivals, check this out. 

14. Latina

Although it’s been a while since we don’t check it on a Sunday afternoon, it’s still a great Madrid hipster place to go for some drinks. It’s getting overpriced though so look for where locals are!

Related: 10 Alternative Madrid Plans

15. Malasaña

Last but not least, this hip neighborhood is still the place to be at night. Full of those not so clean but awesome fun places we love when going out..

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Convinced already? Did we miss any hipster things to do in Madrid or Madrid hipster spots? Let us know in the comments below!

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