Unlike other capital cities, Madrid is not a gigantic, un-personable city. Whilst its suburbs sprawl out for miles, Madrid’s city centre is approachably small: you can walk, with ease, from one side to another. This guide will take you through the main areas of the city centre, listing the top attractions and tapas bars in each. Because let’s face it, a tapas crawl is the only way to experience a Spanish city.
Sol
Puerta de Sol (‘The Sun Gate’) is the centre of the city, and indeed the whole country: in this square you find the ‘kilómetro cero’, the mark from which the country’s road network is measured. It is also the square in which many high-profile protests have taken place, such as those in May 2011.
Main attractions:
- ‘El Oso y El Madroño’
the ‘Bear and the Strawberry Tree’ statue. This is part of the city’s coat of arms, and appears on almost everything in the city, from taxis to street-name plaques.
- El Palacio Royal (The Royal Palace)
A five minute walk from Sol, you will find the largest palace in Europe. Take a tour inside or just appreciate the beauty of its exterior and have a wander through its adjoining gardens, the Jardines de Sabatini.
The Royal Palace and the Sabatini Gardens
Where to eat/drink:
- La Mallorquina (C/ Mayor, 2)
Without doubt, the yummiest pastry shop in this area of Madrid, and trust me I worked my way round most of them. Established in 1894, it now has widespread fame and is renowned for baking the best typical pastries, such as ‘napolitanas de crema, o de chocolate’ (basically cream or chocolate filled pain au chocolats, and are very generous with the fillings). Either enjoy these tasty treats sitting by the fountains in the square, or sit in upstairs alongside the stylish madrileño grannies in the quaint tea room.
- Chocolatería San Gines (Pasadizo de San Ginés, 11)
Another famous eatery established in 1894, San Gines is known for its ‘churros con chocolate’. Open day and night, it provides a warming winter afternoon snack, or a drunken munch at 6am. Well worth a visit, even iconic celebrities are drawn here (proof is in the numerous framed photographs on the walls).
- Mercado de San Miguel
This indoor market hosts a variety of food and drinks stalls. Beautifully arranged fruit and vegetables stand next to wine vendors, cheesemongers or fresh seafood stalls. Popular with Madrileños, this is not just not a touristy site. A must see to either simply walk around, or come sample the goods for your lunch/dinner
Puerta del Sol taken over by protests
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana
This is the city’s theatre quarter, once home to Spain’s Golden Age literary masters such as Cervantes and Lope de Vega. Starting from the beautiful Plaza de Santa Ana this area leads you down to the Paseo de Prado (the museum district) where you find Madrid’s largest train station, Atocha. Almost every establishment in Huertas is a bar, restaurant or cafe, lending itself to the perfect place to have a mid-afternoon drink, or spend a whole evening working your way round eating and drinking.
Main attractions:
- Museo de Prado (Paseo del Prado)
Think the National Gallery, transported to Spain. Expect to see over 8000 pieces featuring the likes of Goya and Velázquez.
- Reina Sofia (C/ Santa Isabel, 52)
This is the place to come and enjoy some contemporary and modern art, and have a peek at Picasso’s Guernica.
Where to eat/drink:
- Lateral (Plaza Santa Ana, 12):
This is one of two Lateral’s in the centre (the other is on C/ Fuencarral). Having possibly frequented here too many times, I still have a clear picture of the menu in my head – sad, I know. But really, the food is that good. Relatively cheap tapas and drinks served in quirky crockery makes for an enjoyable dining experience.
- Hotel ME by Melia (Plaza Santa Ana, 14)
This swanky hotel features a rooftop bar from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Although prices are a lot dearer than those of the bars it looks down upon, it has been known to host some famous faces – Pippa Middelton was among their recent guests. So if celeb spotting is what you’re after, this is the place to go.
Chueca
This is the gay district of Madrid, and can be found just off the large main street, Gran Vía. Home to many clubs, bars and restaurants and full of boutique shops. Formerly a seedy area of the city, it has definitely revived itself as of late, but be warned: pickpockets are common in this area, so hold on to your dinero.
Main attractions:
- Calle de Fuencarral
This long street features interesting boutique stores, some high street stores, and one aesthetically and ambrosially amazing sweet shop: Oomuombo.
Where to eat/drink:
- La Panza es Primero (C/ Libertad, 33)
This is one franchise of ‘Panza’s’ across the city, with each featuring a different take on their ‘Mexican with a twist’ concept. Expect delicious Mexican food, bright decor, and a buzzing atmosphere.
- Outlet Bar (C/ Libertad, 16)
This is where to go on a student budget as they serve cheap, and I mean really cheap, drinks. This bar is renowned for their ‘jarra’ of Calimocho. Whilst Spaniards think a white wine spritzer is odd, a Calimocho-virgin may find this concoction of red wine and Coca-Cola a bizarre mixture. Trust me, it is much nicer than it sounds. And for 5 euros, Outler bar offers you a monstrous 2 litre jarra of this delightful stuff. Pennies…
View of Gran Vía from above
La Latina
This is the area to come if you want a plethora of choice for tapas. A sleepy area midweek, it comes to life on weekends – especially Sundays thanks to the weekly market.
Main attractions:
- El Rastro
Every Sunday people flock to La Latina to visit this weekly market. Selling everything from kitchenware to knitted scarves to antiques, there is a little something for everyone. Open from 9am-3pm, with the busiest time around midday. Another place to hold onto your bag – pickpockets are rife here.
Where to eat/drink
- Calle de Cava Baja
Go anywhere on this street and you’ll be sampling some typical Spanish tapas and vino. In fact, the best way is to start at one end, and work your way along the quaint street having a caña (a small draft beer) or tapas in each. You will not be disappointed. These tiny bars also have a cracking atmosphere during Spanish football matches – up there with one of the best places to watch a match amongst the locals.
Retiro/Goya
This is Madrid’s swanky area, where you can find the luxury boutiques, fancy hotels, and very well dressed Spaniards.
Main attractions:
- Parque del Retiro
The city’s largest park features a huge lake where you can hire rowing boats, several cafes dotted around the place, a ‘Crystal Palace’, and some recreational sporting grounds. Popular with walkers, joggers, and sunbathers alike.
Parque del Retiro
Where to eat/drink:
- Pastelería Mallorca ( C/ Goya, 6)
A delicatessen selling fresh tapas, cakes, chocolates and some delicious wine. Pop in for a browse, take away some delicacies, or sit in and indulge in some of their enticing produce.
With many more areas, attractions and eateries to choose from, this is just a sample of what Madrid has to offer. Go on, see for yourself…
