In any other city, the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando would be a stand-out…read moreattraction, but in Madrid it too often gets forgotten in the rush to the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza or Reina Sofia. An academic centre of learning for up-and-coming artists since Fernando VI founded it in the 18th century - both Picasso and Dalí studied here - it houses works by some of the best-loved old masters. Highlights include works by Zurbarán, El Greco, Rubens, Tintoretto, Goya, Sorolla and Juan Gris, not to mention a couple of minor portraits by Velázquez and a frew drawings by Picasso.

Incredible and mostly unknown museum located in the middle of Madrid (Gran Vía street)…read more It was created in 1744 as an Academy for painters. Therefore, most of them laid pictures and other art at the Academy, which nowadays account with more than 1400 pictures, 600 sculptures and 15.000 drawings. Its permanent collection includes art from Goya, Velázquez, Zurbarán, de Ribera, Federico de Madrazo, Sorolla, Haes, Rubens, Picasso, and Juan Gris, among others. Essential!

From the owner: Escuela de caligrafía y creatividad. Clases en grupos…read morereducidos de todo tipo de escrituras y recursos para la aplicación artística de la caligrafía.

I first saw the absurdist play "Ubu Rex" here in 1985, as well as a number of puppet shows…read more Wow ... I can't believe it's still here. Very charming bohemian vibe for adventurous theatre and marionettes like Los Títeres de Horacio. They sell colas and little snacks like "palomitas" (popcorn). Very recommended.

From the owner: El Centro de Nuevos Creadores formado por la Escuela de Interpretación Cristina Rota, La Fundación…read moreCNC, Producciones Cristina Rota y la Compañía residente 10&10 danza. La Sala Mirador forma una parte muy importante no sólo para los estudiantes, ya que hacen sus prácticas teatrales en la Katarsis del Tomatazo, sino para la red de teatros alternativos de Madrid.

From the owner: En Pentimento podrás encontrar clases de dibujo y pintura para todos los niveles. Disponemos de…read moretaller infantil y de taller para adultos.

I went to the cafe/restaurant there and the menu of the day was delicious! I would definitely…read morereturn! It has a nice atmosphere and the prices were reasonable! It's nice because you can order a menu or half menu! I also enjoyed their croissants and cafe con leche!

This is a school, actually. A school with classes, workshops, and seminars ranging from writing to…read morephotography to cinema... also exhibitions, events, performances. GAH I wish I lived in Madrid! I would visit here nonstop. Now for tourists, there's cafe on the 2nd floor. There's also a little outdoor area (in the centre of this building) where you can enjoy a coffee and study away. Apparently upstairs there's a patio but it's not always opened. This patio lets you see Lavapiés from above, and I hear it's nice. There are exhibitions as well, look at the dates on their website and the room number. These are opened during regular hours. When La Casa Encendida closes, shows start at 10pm. I watched a dance/song comedy performance, you can buy tickets online or at the door. People start lining up early! There is a lot happening and the staff expects you to do know what you're doing here, you can't aimlessly walk in and hope they'll guide you. They will not! I found my shows and exhibitions (as well as the room number) online, but the website is hard to navigate especially with Google Translate on. You definitely need to do a bit of research before coming! They don't have shows or exhibitions all the time, hopefully they have something going on during the days you're in Madrid :)