After eight years of blogging about the city of Madrid, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my new guidebook: Quiet Madrid. A great companion to the Lonely Planet Madrid guidebook I worked on last year, this book features my own photography taken during countless explorations of Madrid’s quieter side, along with tons of insider knowledge and practical tips on timing your visits to avoid crowds.
Why a Guidebook on “Quiet Madrid”?
Madrid is known for its vibrant, social culture – the busy plazas, lively tapas bars, and museums bustling with tourists. But as someone who’s lived in the city for years, I’ve discovered another side to this magnificent city: the quiet corners where you can escape the crowds and experience a more authentic Madrid.
This guidebook was born from three main inspirations:
- The popularity of my blog post Madrid Off the Beaten Path, which has become one of my most-read articles
- The constant requests I receive for tips on “hidden gems” in Madrid
- My own nature as an ambivert – someone who loves the social aspects of Spanish culture but also needs quiet time to recharge
As a freelance journalist, tour guide, and Lonely Planet contributor, I’ve spent years exploring Madrid’s lesser-known spots. While I love the Prado Museum, anyone who’s visited recently knows how overwhelming the crowds can be. Though you can check out my post on Quiet Corners of the Prado to find secret hideaways inside the museum, sometimes you need to step away from the tourist hotspots and discover the city’s secret side.
What’s Inside “Quiet Madrid”?
The guidebook is organized into helpful categories:
- Museums and galleries
- Tranquil green spaces
- Peaceful churches and convents
- Libraries and bookshops for quiet browsing
- Calm bars, cafés, and restaurants
- Relaxed shopping areas and cinemas
The book begins with five neighborhood guides that include detailed walking itineraries and historical context for each area. And since it’s an ebook, it’s packed with links to additional resources, including my blog, where you can find even more historical information about these special places.
Three Hidden Treasures from “Quiet Madrid”
To give readers a taste of the contents, the lastest episode of my podcast takes a close look at three destinations in Quiet Madrid: Campo del Moro, the Museum of Arts and Traditions, and Cine Dore. This episode takes a deep dive into the history of these places and gives tips on how best to enjoy each experience. All of these off-the-beaten path attractions are far from your usual tourist traps and provide a welcome respite from the tumult of Spain’s capital city.
Campo del Moro
These beautiful gardens below Madrid’s Royal Palace remain relatively undiscovered despite their central location. Why? Most visitors simply can’t figure out how to enter them. The gardens have recently added three new entrance points, but they’re still overlooked by tourists who flock to the more visible Sabatini Gardens. The gardens have an interesting history that stretches back to medieval times, and I’ll be publishing a post on that shortly to coincide with the launch of my new audio tour on medieval Madrid.
Museo de Artes y Tradiciones Populares
This hidden museum of folk art and traditions is housed in a 19th-century “corrala” – a traditional Madrid building style with wooden apartments surrounding a central courtyard. The museum showcases Spain’s rich folk traditions and has fascinating displays, including giant festival figures representing historical figures like Alfonso VI and La Latina. Best of all? It’s completely free and virtually empty, even on a Saturday, though don’t come on a Sunday as you’ll find it closed and surrounded by market stalls as this is the day the Rastro, possibly Madrid’s most manic experience, is held.
Cine Doré
This 1920s modernist gem was fully restored after closing in the 1960s and now serves as the Spanish Film Archives’ screening venue. Unlike most cinemas in Spain where foreign films are dubbed, Cine Doré shows films in their original language with Spanish subtitles – perfect for English speakers. The interior is a breathtaking throwback to cinema’s golden age, and the affordable café offers a quiet, air-conditioned retreat from Madrid’s bustle.
Finding Your Own Quiet Madrid
What makes Madrid special isn’t just the famous museums and bustling plazas – it’s these hidden corners where you can experience the city like a local. As someone who has spent years writing about Madrid’s history and culture, I’ve created this guidebook to help visitors and residents alike discover a different side of the Spanish capital.
Whether you’re an introvert seeking peaceful spots in a social city, a traveler looking to escape the tourist crowds, or simply someone who appreciates discovering off-the-beaten-track locations, Quiet Madrid will guide you to the city’s hidden gems and secret spaces.
Get Your Copy of Quiet Madrid
After years of providing free content through my blog and podcast, I’m excited to share this labor of love with you. If you’ve enjoyed my blog, podcast, or tours, supporting this project by purchasing Quiet Madrid will help me continue creating content about this magnificent city I call home.
The ebook launches today – follow the link below to get your copy and discover a different side of Madrid on your next visit.
Felicity Hughes is a Madrid resident, freelance journalist, tour guide, and Lonely Planet destination expert. Her blog and podcast “The Making of Madrid” has been sharing the city’s history, culture, and hidden corners for eight years. Get in touch if you’d like to hire her as a guide to the city.
