I don't hate tourist areas, really I don't some of my favorite places are in tourist areas. But…read moreto really get the feel of a city, I need to get out and see where the residents live, work and eat. Its fun to do, I often realize i really am far from home, I see things I wouldn't see at home. I even meet interesting people. Besides when I explore I find some really great places, places that become favorites to. Even if you won't find them in Rick Steve's books or Frommer's. This is a neighborhood like that, though thats not how I found this. I found this because my aunt and uncle lived here when I was a kid. I heard about it, and wanted to see it for myself. There are shops and places to eat here. There is even a Metro station. Somewhere my Aunt tells me there is an underground shopping area. (it took her a while to find it...I still haven't). The pace is slower here. Shoppers are out here and there. Kids play, there are cracks in the sidewalk. In short its the Madrid of its residents. Its a nice neighborhood. I like to stop into Cafe Brussels for a snack. The food is good, service good. They don't speak English though, I feel I like am the first tourist they have seen since last time I came. Then I wander a bit, maybe mail a postcard in the mail box and walk back to Centro.

Beautiful park in the north-east of Madrid. The park has lovely walkways and luscious patches of…read moregreenery. Its trees are immense! Perfect place to picnic, read a book, bring your children to play, or just go for a nice Sunday stroll.