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Cycling in Madrid
One of the most exciting ways of getting around Madrid is on two wheels. Yes, cycling is only for the brave in this busy Spanish capital. The best routes are along Retiro Park and the Casa de Campo which can be found on the anillo verde (green ring) map which marks a circuit for bicycles that runs along Casa de Campo and some other nearby parks.
Cycling in Madrid isn’t as hair-raising as you think, but remember to wear a helmet.
Where? Plaza Mayor, 27 (Centro de Turismo de Madrid)
Phone: (+34) 91 588 29 06
Walk along Madrid de los Austrias
See some of Madrid's most magnificent old town architecture along the “Madrid de los Austrias,” then arrive at the Palza de Oriente, and pull up a chair at the café of the same name which has amazing views of the Palacio (palace).
La Latina
La Latina and El Rastro are just two of the most animated areas in Madrid. Here are our recommendations of what to see and do:
El Viajero
OK, so this bar isn't the cheapest in the city, but it's worth coming here for a few cañas (beers), even if it means being able to kick back and relax on the terrace.
Where? Plaza Cebada 11, Madrid
Phone: (+34) 91 366 90 64
Juana la Loca
Serves up the best tortilla (Spanish omelette) with caramelised onion in Madrid . Yum!
Museo de la radio
Hosts live music, exhibitions and live theatre from this cool venue. Check out the retro radio collection here - they all belong to the owner's grandfather.
Where? Calle Santa Ana, 8, Madrid
Casa Lastra
dishes up the finest traditional Asturian food and is worth a visit to get a taste of another part of Spain.
Where? Calle Olivar, 3, Madrid
Más información: http://www.casalastra.com
Plaza Mayor
Madrid's Plaza Mayor is not only one of the city's most impressive sights, but also one of the most stunning squares in Europe. Across the centuries, it has seen everything from executions, canonisation of saints, bull fights and royal weddings. Today however, it's very much a square to visit to soak up the atmosphere from one the many cafes. And depending on the time of year, or day of the week, the square also hosts open-air concerts as well as craft fairs and markets.
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Where to eat
Cheap places to eat in Madrid
It's possible to eat in Madrid city centre for just €15 including wine and dessert, if you know where to go.
Head to restaurants La Gloria de Montera (Calle Caballero de Gracia), Bazaar (Calle San Marcos), Public (Calle Desengaño), Ginger (Plaza Santa Ana) and La Finca de Susana (Calle Arlabán). All serve great meals and fantastic desserts.
They're all part of the same group and dedicated to bring the same rapid and efficient standard of service, which by Madrid standards is something of a money-saving miracle.
Taberna Bilbao
The Taberna Bilbao is not just a tapas bar, but also a restaurant serving up typical Basque cuisine. All meals are best accompanied by a glass of txakolí (fresh, young Basque white wine). Note though this restaurant is closed on Mondays.
Where? Costanilla de San Andrés 8, Plaza de la Paja, La Latina, Madrid
Tel: (+34) 91 365 61 25
Sacha Restaurant
Get set for some hearty provincial Spanish food in Sacha restaurant. The most unusual dish includes lasaña de erizo de mar (sea urchin lasagna) and other weird and wonderful gastronomic delights. The atmosphere is cool and kind of old since its filled with old antique furniture.
Where? Juan Hurtado de Mendosa 11, Chamartín, Madrid
Tel: (+34) 91 345 59 52
Paulino de Quevedo
As well as seriously tasty tapas on the menu, feast on other meat and fish dishes, in the Paulino de Quevedo restaurant in Madrid. Located in a former converted barn and totally off the tourist trail, the atmosphere here is definitely Spanish. You won't find tourist menus, or even may tourists here in this authentic eatery.
Where? C. Jordán 7, Chamberí, Madrid
Tel: (+34) 91 591 39 29
Bodega de la Ardosa
Pull up a stool and listen to the cool jazz tunes in the atmospheric Bodega de la Ardosa. In this bodega, barrels serve as tables, and as well as being in possession of a fine wine list, popular drinks include beer and vermouth. Check out too the mouth-watering selection of light bites or "tapas", including homemade “tortilla” (omelette), or try the “salmorejo” (similar to Spanish gazpacho – or cold tomato soup).
Where? Calle Colón, 13
Tel: (+34) 91 521 49 79
Price: From €10.
Arabia
Get a feel for Spain's Moorish roots by heading for a bite to eat at the Arabia restaurant in the Chueca area of Madrid. The entrance has a real Aladdin's cave feel to it as you pass through the Arabian artefacts, palm trees and white washed walls.
Book here if you're planning to eat on a Friday or Saturday night. The food here is devine – with stewed lamb, honey and dried fruits hot on the menu as well as the best falafels to be found anywhere on the Spanish mainland.
Where? Piamonte 12, Chueca, Madrid
Tel: (+34) 91 532 53 21
Hour: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues-Fr
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Shopping
Cerámica El Alfar
Stocking some fine ceramics from all over Spain, Cerámica El Alfar in Madrid is the place to head to for some serious souvenir shopping or picking up important presents for folks back home.
Where? Claudio Coello, 112
Tel: (+34) 91 411 35 87
Caligae
Seeking cheap and cheerful foodwear then get down to Chueca where on Augusto Figueroa there are a host of shoe shops. Caligae is by far one of the best.
Where? Augusto Figueroa 18, 20, and 31
Tel: (+34) 91 531 53 43
L'Habilleur
L'Habilleur is a great place to pick up famous band name clothing for discounted prices. The only catch is that it's last season's wear.
Where? Plaza de Chueca, 8
Tel: (+34) 91 531 32 22
Shopping in Chueca
Shopaholics should head to the Chueca area of Madrid, and in particular, Calles Génova and Sagasta, Fuencarral, Gran Vía and Alcalá, and Paseo de Recoletos. Find all the top Spanish clothing brands including Zara and Mango as well as Adolfo Domínguez. The younger crowd may also wish to make a beeline for Mercado de Fuencarral which is packed full of high-fashion, low-cost bargains.
Where? ?: Calles Génova and Sagasta, Fuencarral, Gran Vía and Alcalá, and Paseo de Recoletos in Chueca.
Josep Font
If you're after some traditional Madrid fashion, pop into famous Catalonian designer Josep Font's store in the Salamanca barrio of Madrid. It's worth making the detour off the usual beaten track from the trail of other clothes shops to see these original and bright and cheerful designs.
Where? Don Ramón de la Cruz, 51
Tel: (+34) 91 575 97 16
Shopping in El Rastro
El Rastro de Madrid is Madrid's cool shopping district and where not only can you pick up some cool designer goodies, but you can find second hand books, antiques and other collectors items.
When? Sunday morning
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Nightlife
Castellana Ocho
Alight at the Colón metro to head to the Castellana Ocho (which was previously the Jazznova club). The sounds here are still jazz best and this is the coolest bar to sample a killer cocktail while chilling on the velvety cushions. Even nicer during the summer months is the bar's terrace. Truly refreshing!
Where? Paseo de la Castellana, 8
Phone: (+34) 91-578-3487
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: Noon-2.30am/ Sun: 1.30pm-1.30am
Teatriz
As its name suggests, the trendy bar/café Teatriz was formerly a Theatre which has also managed to maintain it avant-garde and eclectic atmosphere. There are two bars here – one which is considered cosy, and a larger plusher bar area. Get off at the Serrano metro.
Where? Calle de Hermosilla, 15
Phone: (+34) 91 577 53 79
Chicote
Chicote bar is huge with the Madrid gay scene. As one of author Hemingway's old haunts, this cocktail has maintained a 1940s /1950s interior. The music here is cool – electro-soul, and funk. Get off the metro at Gran Vía station.
Where? Gran Vía, 12
El Tempranillo
Hop onto the Metro and get off at La Latina to reach the El Tempranillo in Madrid which is a bar showcasing some 160 Spanish wines, most of which you can try by the glass. Food is also available here.
Where? Calle Cava Baja, 38
Café Central
Café Central is Madrid's best known jazz club and is located in the Santa Ana area of the city. It has hosted some of the coolest groves to be heart in the city for over 25 years and some 8.000 live concerts. The venue features live music most nights of the week, it also has a great menu. Check listings for further details.
Where? Plaza del Ángel, 10
Price: from €9
Hour: 10pm-12pm
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Events
The Fiestas de San Isidro
The San Isidro Fiestas is one of the biggest events to take place during May in Madrid, with a ten day bonanza of festivities and celebrations to honour its patron saint, San Isidro. The focus of celebrations takes place in the "barrios" (or neighbourhoods) where residents hold street parties which last long into the early hours. The organised events, many of which are free, are a lively affair of music, dance, concerts as well as a variety of cultural fairs and exhibitions. And for those wishing to honour San Isidro himself can join the pilgrims who march to the saint's meadow to drink holy water from the fountain.
When? 13/05/2009 – 17/05/2009
Día Internacional de los Museos (International Museum Day)
On May 18th, Madrid celebrates Día Internacional de los Museos or International Museum Day in Madrid. Entrance to museums is free and there are various activities held to encourage visitors to check out the coolest culture in Spain.
Book Fair
The Feria del Libro or Book Fair is held in Madrid from May 29 to June 14. For Spanish speakers and readers, it's a great opportunity find out more about Spanish literature and meet the authors.
Where? Parque de El Retiro
More information: http://www.ferialibromadrid.com
San Antonio de la Florida Fiesta
On June 13 every year, residents gather in the Moncloa-Aravaca district in Madrid to honour their patron saint, San Antonio de la Florida.
The dress code is strictly traditional – women wear shawls with a carnation in their hair, and men dress in grey suits (with a carnation in their button hole). Single girls fed up with their single status could get lucky by heading straight to the district's baptismal font.
So the legend goes, a single girl must place 13 pins in the font. After plunging her hand into the water, if a pin sticks to her finger, she will marry within the next year.
Where? Moncloa-Aravaca district in Madrid
Saturday Night Fever Musical
Groove out to the modern day musical based on the movie that John Travolta and white flared jump suits famous.
Where? Teatro Coliseum
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Tourist Information Offices
The first port of call for those planning to explore Madrid should be to head to the many Tourist Information offices located all over the city. The multi-lingual staff here can help you plan your route.
Tourist Office in Madrid
Where? Duque de Medinaceli, 2
Tel: (+34) 91 429 49 51
Where? Mercado Puerta de Toledo, locales 34-35
Tel: (+34) 91 364 18 76
Where? Estación de Chamartín
Tel: (+34) 91 315 99 76
Where? Aeropuerto de Madrid-Barajas
Tel: (+34) 91 305 86 56
Where? Plaza Mayor, 3
Tel: (+34) 91 588 00 01
Spain facts
Language: Spanish | Currency: Euro |
Electricity: 220 volts at 50Hz | Local time:GMT +1 |
Country code: +34
Documentation: Passport or valid identity card required from EU residents. For citizens of other countries, a visa (exception: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zeland, Panama, Paraguay, Korea, San Marino, Vatican City, Singapur, Uruguay and Venezuela. The maximum time to stay as a tourist is 90 days.
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