Madrid

The Madrid guide is compiled by Simon Hunter


Airport Information


  • Holiday Taxis (easyJet.holidaytaxis.com) take you from home to the airport, then city or destination.

  • The number 200 bus leaves every 10 minutes from 6am-11.30pm. It stops at Avenida de América bus station. Tickets: €1.

  • Visit the Europcar desk on arrival for special easyJet inflight rates.

  • A journey to the centre costs about €25.

Bon Appetit

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    (13 Puerta del Sol. Tel. 91 521 1462)
    Sandwiches fit for the Queen are made at Rodilla, where they are cut into little triangles with the crusts removed. Also available are pastries, teas and coffees, and fresh salads.
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    (4 Plaza Cánovas Del Castillo. Tel. 91 330 2400)
    Innovative bar decorated with traditional Spanish hair combs but filled with a modern clientèle. Expect classic tapas dishes along with some yummy desserts.
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    (16 Calle Ortega y Gasset, Nuñez de Balboa. Tel. 91 426 0599)
    The finest and largest wine cellar in Madrid also boasts a restaurant on its upper floor. The menu features Spanish and French fare, while the wine list stretches to 4,500.
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    (Hotel ME, 14 Plaza Santa Ana, Antón Martín. Tel. 91 701 6000)
    One of the most exclusive restaurants in Madrid thanks to its location in the ME hotel and its superb food, which mixes Spanish, Japanese and Italian influences.

After Dark

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    (42 Calle Alcalá, Banco de España. Tel. 91 360 54 00)
    The café at this cultural centre is the ideal place to grab a coffee or a beer and watch the world go by from the terrace on the street outside.
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    (5 Calle Serrano Jover, Argüelles. )
    Ignore the mobile phone branding and enjoy the live music on offer at this recently refurbished venue. Bands range from up-and-coming Spanish acts to more established names on the national scene.
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    (Bar Dolce, 3 Calle Campoamor, Alonso Martínez. )
    The emphasis is on indie at Supersonic, which is a shrine to Britpop. Expect a beery, up-for-it crowd in a packed, smoky venue.

This month...

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  • The Mercado de Fuencarral is the epicentre of Calle Fuencarral, a street where you'll find all of the major brands. The Mercado also boasts one-off shops, selling everything from clothes and jewellery to tunes and furniture.
  • There's always a festival going on in Madrid, even in the scorching summer months. July sees Veranos de la Villa, which boasts outdoor concerts and cinema, flamenco and theatre (www.esmadrid.com/veranosdelavilla).
  • Calle Argumosa, in the Lavapiés district, was made for summer, as it is lined with bars with street terraces. Asturian cuisine, Madrileño fare and a steady supply of beer are all on offer here.
  • Marvel at the cold splendour of the chilling tomb of Francisco Franco, one-time dictator of Spain, at the Valle de los Caídos. Take the bus from San Lorenzo del Escorial or by car on the A-6, turn-off onto the M-600.

Tips

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  • The city of Madrid was founded by Arab armies in the eighth century, and the original name, Mayrit, means 'many springs'.

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