Spaces for alternative culture in Madrid

It defines itself as a centre for contemporary creation and a creative laboratory. It hosts concerts, outdoor activities, exhibitions, workshops, foreign-language films, theatre, and more. Notable features include a space dedicated to literature, La Casa del Lector; the theatres in the Naves del Español; the Centre for Immersive Experiences focused on new cultural audiences and its large plaza where unusual themed markets and festivals are held. It also has an area dedicated to design, recording and rehearsal studios and Medialab, an interdisciplinary platform for research and experimental cultural production to promote community participation and civic engagement. Next door, you can visit the botanical garden and greenhouse of the Palacio de Cristal de Arganzuela.How to get there: It is located next to the Legazpi metro stop (lines 3 and 6) and about a kilometre from the Embajadores stop (metro lines 3 and 5 and Cercanías trains)Fun fact: Did you know that ‘matadero’ is Spanish for slaughterhouse? This complex was originally Madrid's municipal abattoir and livestock market.

• See more: Matadero Madrid

A social and cultural centre, working mainly with young artists, and focusing on four areas: solidarity, the environment, culture, and education. It is famous for its concerts, especially the ones it organises jointly with Radio Nacional de España, its children's workshops, its contemporary art exhibitions, and its wide-ranging education options. It also has a radio studio, a library and a cinema room. Before you leave, we recommend spending some time relaxing on its roof terrace.How to get there: It is located halfway between the Atocha (metro line 1 and Cercanías train) and Embajadores (metro lines 3 and 5 and Cercanías train) stops. On foot, it is just a few minutes from the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.Fun fact: As well as offering wonderful views, the rooftop has a unique native garden and becomes a lively meeting point at sunset.

• See more: La Casa Encendida

In one of the most iconic buildings in Madrid, in recent years this centre has become a public space for culture. It holds prestigious exhibitions and art fairs, and offers spaces for quiet contemplation, reading rooms and areas for working on art. It also contains two outstanding spaces - the lookout point Mirador de Madrid, and the Galería de Cristal. From the Mirador you can see a 360 degree view of the city, including Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana and the Retiro Park. The Galería de Cristal is an open space with a striking curved glass roof.How to get there: As its name indicates, it is located in the city centre so you can walk there following almost any tourist route. The nearest metro station is Banco de España (line 2).Fun fact: The building, the Cibeles Palace, is also the headquarters of Madrid City Hall and for most of the last century it was known as the “Cathedral of Communications” because it was the main headquarters of Spain's postal service.

• See more: CentroCentro