Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a charming and colorful city. The popular tourist destination attracts over 6 million tourists each year, according to Statista. An old city with a rich heritage dating back centuries, Madrid has continued to be a melting pot of culture, cuisine, and traditions in Europe.
The next time you’re in the Spanish capital, check out these eight tips to ensure you have the ultimate Black travel experience in Madrid.
Savor The Flavors Of Madrid
Madrid is a melting pot of cuisines—a place where travelers can dine like kings. It’s full of Michelin-star restaurants like the theatrical tablao Corral de la Morería and Asian-inspired eatery DinerXO. However, there are plenty of local markets for tourists to experience real Madrid street food.
Explore The Streets Of Lavapies
Lavapies is a neighborhood in Madrid with the highest number of immigrants. With many being from Africa, the vibrant neighborhood has grown as a hub for Black culture. While the area looks much like the rest of Madrid, travelers will find different restaurants and shops inspired by the immigrants who live there. They’ll also find the El Rastro open-air market near the neighborhood where artisans sell unique goods and trinkets to take home.
Visit El Museo Africano
The African Museum, or El Museo Africano, is described as the bridge connecting Africa to Europe. This is an easy way to learn a little more about African culture in Spain and see real-life artifacts detailing the history. The museum opened in 1985 and features collections showcasing ancient and modern African art, musical instruments, daily life, traditional masks, and more.
Tour The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Madrid is full of historical secrets, royal treasures, and ancient art. The palace used to be the home of the royal family. They don’t live there anymore. However, over 2 million visitors tour the palace every year to experience the beauty of the 33,418-room structure and the artifacts stored there.
Go Mushroom Picking In The Mountains
Foraging can be fun and rewarding, especially for the nature-loving traveler. Madrid is an excellent destination for mushroom hunting and you can walk away with a hefty harvest. Not all areas allow mushroom foraging. It’s at the discretion of the property owner if they allow free foraging on their land. However, there are a few spots perfect for finding safe, edible mushrooms. For oyster mushrooms, false champignons, and saffron milk caps, take some time to forage around Puerto de Canencia in North Madrid. You’ll also catch some great mountain views here.
Run Through The Trees In The Beech Forest
If you’re visiting Madrid during the Fall, a walk through Hayedo de Montejo is a must. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of natural beauty. It comes alive during the Autumn season when the Fall hues take over the forest. The forest is also near a few small villages like Horcajuelo de la Sierra and Prádena del Rincón which you can explore once you’re done spending time with nature.
Experience Real Flamenco Culture
Flamenco culture originated in Spain and travelers to Madrid have a chance to experience the art form live in person. Different flamenco shows can be seen at tablaos, establishments that host flamenco performances, throughout the city. A folkloric tradition in Spanish culture, flamenco performances combine music, art, and dance to tell stories of the past. You can catch performances at destinations like Tablao Flamenco 1911, Teatro Flamenco Madrid, and Tablao de la Villa.
Support Madrid’s Black-Owned Restaurant Scene
Madrid has a growing Black business scene and that includes incredible restaurants. These establishments are masters of spice and flavor; merging traditional Black cuisine with aromatics and preparations from all over the world. A few Black-owned restaurants to try while in Madrid are Bar Coleres and El Mandela.