Madrid is a diverse and vibrant city that attracts over 8 million visitors annually to enjoy its culture, cuisine, shopping, and leisure activities. The document highlights some of Madrid's top attractions, including its historic neighborhoods, green spaces, world-class museums along the Art Walk, and emphasis on promoting tourism through innovative guides. Madrid is reinventing itself to delight visitors in search of an exciting lifestyle.

1. Ideas for your next visit
a way of life
*********
www.esmadrid.com
a way of life

2. Much more than shopping
in the heart of Madrid.
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C A S T E L L A N A M A D R I D S PA I N

3. MADRID
A way of life
Madrid is a city strongly focused on tourism. Its streets breathe vitality, art and culture, inviting
anyone who visits to arrange plans difficult to imagine in any other Spanish or international
destination. The number of annual visitors to the city now exceeds 8 million. They come to
enjoy this diverse and multi-faceted metropolis whose appeal never ceases to grow thanks to
the drive for excellence within the tourism sector along with the constantly expanding leisure
options and a complete overhaul of the cultural calendar.
The local government is committed to promoting and raising awareness of its cultural heritage
and of the plethora of shopping, culinary, hotel and leisure options Madrid has to offer. This
commitment translates into initiatives such as the publication of this guide, in which you learn
many reasons why this city has become one of the five most visited capital cities in Europe.
The 170 plus pages contained in this guide to promote Madrid reveal the city’s many tourist
attractions, some of which are unique. Its readers will discover that Madrid has a beach, to be
found in Madrid Rio, the new green heart of the city centre, or that each district has its own
identity, and that Madrid has restored several of its major historical cultural locations, such as
CentroCentro, Matadero Madrid and the Conde Duque centre. Other aspects of Madrid you will
discover in this guide include the Art Walk, which never closes; and other facts, such as that
culture is thriving on the streets, manifested in a thousand different ways; that in few places is
it as easy as in this city to find nature forming part of the urban landscape; that it is possible
to sample fine cuisine, either from Spain or from any other corner of the world. Also note that
there are traditional marketplaces and signature state-of-the-art markets where you can call
in for a bite; that the outdoor cafés are not just for summer; that shopping is more convenient
thanks to the pedestrian areas; that it is possible to sleep in palaces, or in charming hotels; or
that Madrid is just a short journey away from many other UN Heritage sites.
The modern, sustainable and leading-edge capital that Madrid has become could not miss
the opportunity to promote its tourist attractions with an innovative guide, like the one you
now have in your hands. This is a practical guide with plans for every month of the year, for
every day of the week and for every hour of the day, to suit everyone’s pocket, taste or mood.
Because this is Madrid: a diverse city which constantly innovates and reinvents itself to delight
and satisfy anyone in search of a different lifestyle.
www.esmadrid.com
003

4. ART AND CULTU-
ON THE ROOFTOPS
Reach up to the sky
from the terrace of
the Hotel Urban.
004
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5. a way of life
010 About Madrid
Our tourist information services
are here to help you make the
most of your visit.
015. Highlights
Published by: Madrid Visitors & Convention
Bureau (Madrid MV&CB).
Deputy Mayor's Office.
Madrid City Council.
Chairperson: Miguel Ángel Villanueva.
CEO: Ignacio Fernández. Managing Director:
Mar de Miguel. Head of Tourist Promotion
and Destination Management: Miguel Sanz.
Director of Publications and Content: Carlos
Menéndez Editing: Silvia Roba, Ignacio Vleming,
Isabel Morales, Fernando Pretus, Anne-Lise
Leclerc, Judith Grayland. Marketing: Caroline
Tensi and Verónica Casares. Director of
Business Development: Mercedes Posada.
Production:
La Factoría.
Valentín Beato, 48 – 3ª planta.
28037 Madrid. Tel.No.: 915 386 118
Director of La Factoría: Virginia Lavín.
Assistant director: Javier Olivares. Project
Manager: Ángel L. Esteban. Original design and
Art direction: José Antonio Gutiérrez. Layout
Manager: Pedro Díaz Ayala. Texts: Txema
Ybarra, Anabel Vázquez, Beatriz H. Cembellín,
Francis Pachá, Claudio Martín, Rosana Torres,
Gloria Montero. Print edition: Paola Pérez
(director), Rosa García Villarrubia, Ángel Manzano.
Photography: Luis Rubio, Chus Eto, Alberto
Ortega, Roberto Iván Cano, Adolfo Callejo, Javier
Morán, Ofelia de Pablo, Juan Lafita, Daniel Alea,
Alfredo Arias, Javier Mantrana, AGE FOTOSTOCK,
CORDON PRESS, EFE, EL PAIS, FOTOTECA, GETTY
IMAGES, IBERIMAGE, FIROFOTO Madrid VCB.
Illustrations: Jaime Martínez (main maps p.6-7,
p.40-41, p.134-135), Alberto García (route maps).
Production Director: Francisco Alba.
Printing: Palgraphic.
Legal Deposit: M-48914-2011.
Cover: Royal Palace
Photo: © Paolo Giocoso/SIME/FOTOTECA
The information may have been modified
after this edition went to press. Readers can find updated
information on the website www.esMADRID.com.
12 essentials for 2013, a monthby-month report on the events you
shouldn’t miss this year.
023. 7 days / 7 plans
There are a thousand and one
things to do in Madrid every day
of the week. Check out these
plans we’ve organized to suit your
preferences or mood.
039. Take your pick
Suggestions for all the family in
Madrid’s enchanting districts
and neighbourhoods.
039. ART & CULTURE
Discover the Art Walk, Royal
Madrid, the Golden Age, new
locations, galleries and the major
urban landmarks.
063. FOOD & DRINK
Savour the most traditional
dishes and the latest signature
cuisine; delight in the art of
snacking on tapas washed down
with a glass of wine or beer; and
make the most of the cocktail
trend which is all the rage.
079. SHOPPING
Something for everyone, at
affordable prices, any day of
the week. Wander the streets
of Madrid as you shop to your
heart’s content.
099. FUN & GAMES
By day, in the evening or at night.
Sports, shows and nights that
turn into mornings.
121. AS A FAMILY
The big city takes care of
entertainment for the youngest
members of the family. There
is a whole world waiting to be
discovered.
133. GREEN MADRID
Historical parks, secret gardens,
pedestrian areas and sunsets.
145. GAYFRIENDLY MADRID
Madrid welcomes everyone and
is noted as a global example of
diversity.
153. SLEEPING
A great variety of options for an
unforgettable stay.
161. DAY TRIPS
Short excursions around Madrid
and high-speed getaways by AVE
to major Spanish cities.
167. Services
Access by air, rail and road.
City transport, weather,
opening hours, bank holidays,
accessibility, where to find Wifi
areas and several maps of
Madrid to help you get around
the city as you please.
LG
BT
ART & CULTURE
FOOD & DRINK
SHOPPING
LEISURE
LUXURY
FAMILY
GREEN
LGBT
SLEEPING
DAY TRIPS

6. 54.
CONDE DUQUE
109/138.
PRINCESA
102/122/136.
CASA DE CAMPO
For a day out with
the family, come
and discover Madrid’s
green lung.
Museums, wine bars,
alfresco dining and
trendy shopping
around the former
Barracks.
Shopping, films in their
original language and
tree-lined avenues,
from Moncloa to
Plaza de España.
51/84/106/141.
GRAN VÍA/SOL
Pedestrian areas and
musicals invade the
city centre’s main
shopping street.
44/70/72/116/139.
HAPSBURG
DISTRICT
Relive the history of the
city as you wander the
streets, from Plaza Mayor to the Royal Palace.
57/102/134.
MADRID RÍO
Discover the city's
newest green area
- it's great for walking
and cycling.
65/72/82/116/118.
LA LATINA
The epitome of the art of
the tapa. The little squares
and taverns are always
packed to the brim.

7. 139.
CHAMBERÍ
Small palaces, public
squares, good restaurants and art galleries.
Savour the local life.
56/100.
CASTELLANA
From Colón to the
Cuatro Torres, calling in
at the Bernabéu; this
avenue has it all.
70/72/139/141.
MALASAÑA
You’ll be blown away by
its alternative scene, by
day and night.
49/70/84.
SALESAS
72/80.
SALAMANCA
Shopping around
Serrano is an unmissable experience.
A modernist style and
elegant atmosphere.
Pubs, shopping and
charming streets.
70/72/146
CHUECA
Diversity is the name of
the game in this welcoming neighbourhood which reinvents
itself constantly.
103/122/136.
RETIRO
A green oasis in the
heart of the city. Walk,
cycle or skate around it.
40/154.
THE ART WALK
46/72/84.
LITERARY
QUARTER
69/72/116.
LAVAPIÉS
From Cibeles to Atocha,
the city’s most important museums flank
this beautiful tree-lined
boulevard.
A host of possibilities
suggest themselves
as you walk from
Plaza de Santa Ana
to Calle Huertas.
The most exotic
flavours in this most
traditional of
neighbourhoods. A
multicolor atmosphere.
www.esmadrid.com
07

8. un estilo de vida
The best of Madrid on your iPad
FREE FROM THE APP STORE*
Whatever your tastes,
this is where you'll find
all the latest in art,
culture, gastronomy,
night life, new venues,
family activities, sport,
LGBT, and much more.
Get ‘guíaMadrid12’
from the App Store.
*Application only available in Spanish.
For the online version in English go to:
www.esmadrid.com/madridguide
8
www.esmadrid.com

10. TOURIST
INFORMATION
OFFICES
If you're coming to enjoy a few days in
Madrid remember that, as a tourist, you
have a wealth of resources at your fingertips, from information centres and websites
through to a wide range of benefits
and routes for exploring the city.
TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES
PLAZA MAYOR TOURIST CENTER
Plaza Mayor, 27
(Casa de la Panadería. Ground Floor)
Tel. 91 454 44 10.
Mon-Sun: 9.30am-8.30pm
turismo@esmadrid.com
The first stop for tourists arriving in Madrid is the central
tourist information office in Plaza Mayor. This modern centre located in Casa de la Panadería has everything you need
to know about the capital's cultural and leisure attractions
and can supply you with all kinds of information. Services
include specialist assistance, ticket sales for the Official
Guided Tours programme, a Remember Madrid point with
information about the various tourist loyalty programmes,
self-service consultation, technology area (audiovisual information, free Internet access, Wifi zone, free downloadable
audioguides, personalised leaflets and virtual map), special
service points providing information in Asian languages and
Russian, as well as a range of accessible services.
COLÓN TOURIST CENTER
Located in a former underground passage between Calle Génova and Calle Goya
Mon-Sun: 9.30am-8.30pm
This tourist office provides the following services: face-
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to-face and specialist assistance, self-service consultation, Remember Madrid (information on tourist loyalty
programmes run by Madrid City Council), technology area
(audiovisual information, free Internet access and Wifi
zone) and a Learn Spanish information point with specific
information for people interested in learning the language.
An outdoor screen in the middle of the street displays a
daily city and cultural calendar.
OTHER INFORMATION POINTS
*Plaza de Cibeles
*Plaza del Callao
*Paseo del Arte (on Calle Santa Isabel, next to the
Reina Sofía Museum).
*Madrid-Barajas Airport: Terminal 2 (arrivals hall) and
Terminal 4 (arrival halls 10 and 11).

11. SATE
FOREIGN TOURIST
ASSISTANCE SERVICE
Leganitos, 19
Incidents Tel. 902 10 21 12
Mon-Sun: 9am-12 midnight
satemadrid@esmadrid.com
SATE offers foreign tourists visiting the city personalised
assistance in the event of any incident that requires them
to visit a police station. The service is operated by specialist staff. Tourists are given help with reporting the incident
and with completing any other paperwork relating to their
situation. Visitors and their families are also offered counselling if they need it.
LOYALTY PROGRAMMES
Taking part in the loyalty programmes run by Madrid City
Council gives you the chance to discover the city in a different and enjoyable way. When you join the Discover Madrid
Club and take part in the Official Guided Tours programme,
you'll also be eligible to enjoy a series of additional benefits. Snap Madrid gives you two routes for photographing
monuments and suggested locations, and Snap Madrid Río
takes in a series of bridges over the Manzanares River.
Once you've completed them, you get a souvenir of the
city. A tour specially designed for families, Madrid: A Family
Experience, enables parents and children to discover Madrid through educational games and puzzles while they follow three self-guided routes. Visitors who register on the
database will also be kept up to date on all the news and
tourist products that match their profile.
www.esmadrid.com
011

12. OFFICIAL GUIDED TOURS
All year round and as part of its Official Guided Tours
programme, Madrid City Council runs a wide variety of
sightseeing tours in different languages (Spanish, English,
French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese and Dutch).
You can choose from:
*Routes by bike
*Family tours and storytellers
*Unmissable:
-Essential Madrid I: Hapsburg and La Latina
-Essential Madrid II: Cervantes and the Literary Quarter
-Essential Madrid III: El Retiro and the Art Walk
*Specially adapted tours for people with physical, sensory
or intellectual disabilities
Whenever you see this
stamp in the magazine, it means there
is a guided tour that
passes the exact spot
mentioned on that
page.
Find out more about the Official Guided Tours programme, prices and sales points on:
www.esmadrid.com/officialguidedtours
012
www.esmadrid.com
ESMADRIDMAGAZINE
A free monthly publication in Spanish and English, featuring the highlights from the month's cultural calendar, plus
interviews and reports on Madrid's temporary and permanent entertainment options. You can pick up a copy of the
magazine at any of the city's tourist centres and information points, as well as in leading hotels, restaurants, shops
and cultural centres. It is also available for download from
www.esmadrid.com/en/esmadridmagazine

13. MADRID CITY TOUR
Madrid City Tour is probably one of the simplest and most
comfortable ways of getting a feel for the city. All you have
to do is buy a ticket, hop on the bus, put your headphones
on to listen to the audioguide, sit back and enjoy the
streets, monuments and places of interest, with the advantage that you can hop off wherever you feel like it. Tickets
are valid for one or two days, depending on your chosen
rate, and you can get on and off the bus as many times
as you like along route one, route two or both. Madrid City
Tour has audioguides in 14 languages (Spanish, English,
French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese,
Dutch, Chinese, Arabic, Catalan, Basque and Galician)
Tel. 902 02 47 58 (24 h)
Times: March-October: 9am-10pm
November-February: 10am-6pm
Ticket sales: buses, hotels, travel agencies, MCT
Information Centre (Calle Felipe IV, next to the Prado
Museum) and on www.madridcitytour.es
More information and prices:
www.esmadrid.com/en/madridcitytour
Sol. The final stretch rejoins Paseo del Prado and takes
you to the Botanical Gardens, then on to the Reina Sofía
and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums. The extended version
of this route, which runs twice a day (4.40pm and 8.40pm),
goes to Madrid Río and the Moncloa area.
ROUTE TWO
The second Madrid City Tour option starts at the same
place, next to the Prado Museum, but in this case it travels
along the city's main arteries, Castellana, Prado and Recoletos, and through neighbouring streets. One of the most
spectacular buildings lining this route is Cibeles Palace, but
there are other striking landmarks in the Castellana area
as well, such as Marqués de Salamanca Palace, Nuevos
Ministerios, the AZCA shopping centre and the Santiago
Bernabéu football stadium. The bus also passes through
the Salamanca district, with its designer boutiques and
the Lázaro Galdiano Museum. Finally, the route takes in
Puerta del Sol and the Spanish parliament building, Congreso de los Diputados, before arriving at the last stop in
Plaza de Neptuno. This second route also operates an extended version twice a day (4.50pm and 8.50pm), which
includes these sights plus the new Cuatro Torres Business
Area, with the city's tallest buildings, before returning via
Las Ventas bullring.
WWW.ESMADRID.COM
Madrid City Council's website is packed with everything
you need to know about tourism, leisure and business in
the city. This essential guide offers detailed information
about services, monuments, museums and other must-visit
places, together with a comprehensive tourist information
database (hotels, restaurants, shops, etc.) and a calendar
of cultural events taking place in Madrid (exhibitions, theatre, sport and much more).
ROUTE ONE
Calle Felipe IV, next to the Prado Museum, is the starting
point for this route that takes you to Puerta de Alcalá, followed by the Prado-Recoletos artery, the location of the
Neptuno and Cibeles fountains, before continuing up Gran
Vía. The bus travels along this main thoroughfare towards
Plaza de España, passing in front of the Temple of Debod,
until it reaches the old part of the city, where you'll discover
the Royal Palace, La Almudena Cathedral and Puerta del
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013

14. MADRIDSHOP
Plaza Mayor, 27
Tel. 91 541 01 85
Mon-Sun: 9.30am-8.30pm
MadridShop is the city's official store. Inside, it is designed
to represent and promote Madrid life and place it within
visitors' reach. The shop interior features recycled, sustainable and energy-saving materials that are environmentally-friendly and is completely accessible to people with
reduced mobility. You can find the perfect memento of your
trip here: music, books, audiovisual items and much more.
This is also the place to get your MadridCard, the essential
city pass.
MADRIDCARD
Have the city at your fingertips with MadridCard.
The key to discovering secrets of the city. This sightseeing pass enables you to make your way around Ma-
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drid easily, enjoyably and with minimum fuss. For a very
reasonable price, it entitles you to discounts in shops
and restaurants, on the Essential Madrid tour in the Official Guided Tours programme, and on entry fees to
over 50 museums. You also get preferential entry to the
Prado and Reina Sofía museums, the Royal Palace, the
Bernabéu Tour and the Wax Museum, which saves you
having to queue. Along with this tourist card, you get a
guide in Spanish, English, Italian, German and French
with a map of the city and everything you need to know
about MadridCard partner museums, services and establishments (restaurants, cafés and shops). Depending
on the fee you choose to pay, MadridCard can be used
for 24, 48, 72 or 120 hours. Special children’s prices
available. You can buy MadridCard in the MadridShop,
located inside the Plaza Mayor tourist office, and on
the Internet.
See more information on www.madridcard.com.

15. WHAT'S ON
16-21
IT'S OFFICIAL: YOU SIMPLY
CAN'T GET BORED IN
MADRID YOU'LL ALWAYS
HAVE THE BEST CHOICE OF
THINGS TO DO IN YOUR SPARE
TIME: ART, THEATRE, MUSIC,
SCIENCE, SPORT, SHOPPING
AND MUCH, MUCH MORE.
HERE ARE 12 EXAMPLES
OF WHAT YOU COULD BE
DOING IN 2013.

16. Highlights
GET OUT YOUR DIARY AND MAKE A NOTE: MADRID OFFERS
YOU AN UNMISSABLE EVENT FOR EVERY MONTH OF THE
YEAR. YOU'LL FIND ALL KINDS OF THINGS, FROM CULTURE
AND SPORT THROUGH TO FOOD AND DRINK.
>>>>>>
KEEP UP WITH IT ALL ON www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on-madrid
ANUARY
Quick, the sales are on!
When the Christmas lights are switched
off and the city seems to go into winter hibernation, along come the sales to liven up
the streets again (sometimes even earlier).
At this time of year everyone flocks to the
shops in Gran Vía, Serrano and Salesas
(page 80), a ritual that is repeated with
the arrival of summer and the change of
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season. You'll also find attractive discounts
all year round in outlet centres such as Las
Rozas Village (page 92) and in themed
street markets.
>WHEN: From
7 January.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS THEM: You'll
best prices on the best products.
get the

17. EBRUARY
Passion for collecting
at ARCOmadrid
This year, Spain's largest contemporary
art fair is expected to attract 200 galleries and 3,000 artists from all over the
world, offering a tour of the latest art
trends. Now's the time to make a start on
your own collection.
>WHEN: From
13 to 17 February.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT: Amazing
art
coupled with some fantastic activities.
ARCH
The Real opera house
hits the high notes
As they do every season, the Teatro Real opera
house is organising a full operatic programme
that this year includes a performance of Les
pêcheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers), one of
Bizet’s most exotic operas. Famous tenor Juan
Diego Flórez will be singing the role of Nadir,
a fisherman passionately in love. This three-act
opera is conducted by Daniel Oren. Mozart’s
Don Giovanni is due to be staged in April.
>WHEN: 25,
28 and 31 March.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT: The
quality of
the show and the grandeur of the stage.
www.esmadrid.com
017

18. PRIL
The pace picks up at
the Madrid Marathon
Commonly known as Mapoma, this year the
race is part of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
Series, the world's biggest city running circuit. Are you up for it? There will be live
music on over 20 stages, plus a finish line
concert.
>WHEN: 28
April.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT: It
will be an
entertainment-packed route, with music
and performances.
AY
Tennis aces
Since 2009, the Mutua Madrid Open has
been the fiſth Masters 1000 event of
the year. Winners of last year’s tournament were Roger Federer and Serena
Williams; in 2011 victory went to Novak
Djokovic and Petra Kvitova, and in 2010
the event was won by Rafael Nadal and
Aravane Rezai. Tickets on sale at www.
madrid-open.com
>WHEN: From
3 to 12 May.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT: It's
one of the key
tournaments on the ATP calendar.
018
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19. UNE
The focus is on
PHotoEspaña
In partnership with museums, art galleries
and other cultural centres, this ambitious festival shows audiovisual work from all over
the world, combining daring and quality in a
heartfelt tribute to photography. You have
two months to see it.
>WHEN: 5
June to 28 July.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT: The
whole city is a
showcase for the work of top photographers.
ULY
The great Gay
Pride march
Every year the LGBT Pride festival draws hundreds of thousands of people to the city.
A huge party at which everyone is welcome, it
comes packed with opening speeches, live concerts and lots more. The most eagerly-awaited
event is the Gay Pride parade, which runs along
Calle Alcalá and Gran Vía (page 147).
>WHEN: From
3 to 7 July.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT: The last two years
have been billed as the best gay event in the world.
www.esmadrid.com
019

20. UGUST
Veranos de la Villa festival
Over its 31 years of existence, the Veranos
de la Villa festival has become an essential
date on Madrid's cultural calendar during
the hot summer months, with a series of openair evening performances bringing a welcome
breath of fresh air.
>WHEN: June-August.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT: You'll get the chance
to see star performers in unique settings.
EPTEMBER
'Deco' festival
The Literary Quarter puts on its finery
for a few days in September. Streets and
shops dress up to celebrate DecorAcción,
an event focusing on art and decoration
characterised by urban intervention.
Shop windows move out onto the street
and make their mark in a brilliant Antiques
Market.
>WHEN: September.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT: You can find some
really unusual decorative items.
020
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21. CTOBER
Architecture Week
Guided tours of buildings, exhibitions and workshops are just a few
of the activities on offer during Architecture Week, when you can get
a feel for Madrid's built heritage (page 51). Equally interesting are
the talks and lectures taking place during the event, given by leading
international architects.
>WHEN: October.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT: It's
a great chance to discover hidden gems.
ECEMBER
It's Christmas
time
When December rolls around, Christmas traditions envelop the streets and many take on a modern look.
Watch bright lights coming on at dusk, smell the aroma of roasted chestnuts waſting through the air and
join the bustling shopping centres full of people on the
lookout for the best giſts, as Madrid pulls out all the
stops for the merriest time of the year (page 132).
OVEMBER
Madrid gets jazz fever
>WHEN: Until
6 January.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT: Its
old spirit lives on.
Open your ears to all kinds of sounds, from bebop to
Latin beats. The Madrid International Jazz Festival is a
journey through music across the globe, from north to south,
east to west, featuring live performances by big-name
artists on the various stages spread over the whole city.
>WHEN: November.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT: The
programme includes
some great virtuosos.
www.esmadrid.com
021

22. _
TRADE FAIRS AND CONGRESSES

23. 7 PLANS
24-37
ITINERARIES TO
MATCH YOUR MOOD.
FOR SUNNY OR GREY
DAYS, WHETHER YOU
WAKE UP CRAVING SOME
CLEAN AIR, WITH AN
URGE TO GO SHOPPING OR
TO HAVE FUN WITH YOUR
CHILDREN. HERE ARE
SOME IDEAS TO SUIT
EVERYONE’S TASTE.

24. 7
Plan your day to suit your mood
IF YOU WAKE UP TO BLUE SKIES
IT’S A KNOWN FACT THAT THE LIGHT IN MADRID IS SPECTACULAR. ADMIRE THE
COLOURS OF EL RETIRO, DISCOVER THE PASEO DEL PRADO, TAKE A CULTU
RAL STROLL THROUGH THE CITY’S STREETS AND ENJOY A SPECTACULAR SUNSET.
Greenery
01
01. Oxygen in El Retiro
Wake up at your own pace
 
A day that begins under the trees in
El Retiro can not end too badly. Roam
around this enormous park at your leisure. If
you enjoy walking, why not ramble along its
paths? If you prefer running, jog along the
track around the park. If skating’s your thing,
the Paseo de Coches is the place for you. An
hour in the park will provide you with enough
oxygen and endorphins for the rest of the week.
Art
02. A morning at the Reina
Sofía and the Prado
Half morning visits
 
Both museums are open on Mondays. The pioneer was the Reina Sofia.
Of course, you can visit Picasso’s Guernica
on permanent display here, but also check
out its programme of temporary exhibitions.
Find some time to spend in La Central, one of
Madrid’s finest bookshops. It’s always a good
idea to add a visit to the Prado to your Monday
schedule, an ideal day for peacefully browsing through its vast exhibition rooms.
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02

25. Gastromoment
03. Curry or ginger?
Multicultural ingredients
. 
All this culture can make you hungry.
You can satisfy it very close by in
Lavapiés, where you will find some
of Madrid’s best ethnic restaurants.
Along Calle Ave María is a variety of Thai,
Indian and Lebanese restaurants, all as
affordable as they are delicious.
More culture
04. Aſternoon in the
Mapfre centre
Visit, observe and tell
everyone about it
 
Take a stroll from Lavapiés to
Recoletos. Walk along the Paseo del
Prado to burn off your lunch until you reach
your destination: the nineteenth century
palace, home to the Mapfre Foundation. This
intimate venue organises some extraordinary temporary exhibitions. Monday is
the quietest day. If you happen to be visiting
an exhibition at this time of the aſternoon,
you are certainly doing something right.
03
Tapas time
05. An evening in
Las Salesas
A trendy sunset
 
If your task of the day has been to
become inspired by the city, it is now
time to rest. The streets around the Salesas
neighbourhood are a meeting place, as
evening draws in, for designers, journalists
and local residents. On practically every corner you will find a place to enjoy a cocktail,
sip a wine from Madrid or nibble on a
slice of Spanish omelette, which every bar
claims to make better than anyone else.
04
05
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26. 7
WALKING IN THE RAIN
MADRID BOASTS MANY DAYS OF SUNLIGHT DURING THE
YEAR, BUT IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUT IN THE RAIN, THIS ISN’T
A PROBLEM SINCE THERE ARE A PLETHORA OF OPTIONS TO
MAKE YOUR DAY JUST AS BRIGHT.
01
Important
01. Buy yourself
an umbrella
And make it a stylish one
 
Casa de Diego, in Puerta del Sol, has
been selling the finest umbrellas since
1858, like the ones Mary Poppins used, in
addition to shawls, fans and castanets.
Shopping
03
02. Strolling along
Preciados
Free from the disturbance
of traffic
. 
This is the most traditional shopping
street in Madrid, pedestrianised for
hassle-free window shopping, which is
much appreciated, especially on rainy days. Seek
refuge in any of the nearby department stores.
Snacking
03. San Miguel market
Gourmet tastings
 
An open-plan covered market, and an
emblem of culinary delights since
its recent restoration. Here you will find
oyster stalls, cheese counters and sweet sellers.
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27. After lunch
04. Fine Arts Circle
Goldfish Bowl
A city centre vantage
point
04
05
. 
The storm is brewing. Watch the
hustle and bustle of the Calle
Alcalá, through the immense windows
of the long-established coffee house
at the Fine Arts Circle. The coming and
going of vehicles and passers-by is a
sight worth seeing. Take the opportunity
to visit some of the interesting art and
photographic exhibitions programmed throughout the year.
Theatre
05. Drama and comedy
Madrid takes the stage
 
Classics and contemporary plays,
laughter and tears, performance art
and musicals, stand-up comics and international shows; all the great names in
acting make an appearance on the stage
of Madrid’s theatres. The bigger theatres
usually have more seats available on
week days; take the opportunity to book
your seat and enjoy the show.
www.esmadrid.com
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28. 7
TODAY YOU ARE FEELING GREEN
FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MADRID RIO YOU CAN VISIT
UP TO SEVEN PARKS, EACH ONE OFFERING A WORLD TO DISCO
VER, A FAMILY DAY OUT OR A GREAT CYCLING EXPERIENCE.
Breakfast
01. Neighbourhood spirit
Arganzuela Park
 
Start the day in any of the cafés
that flank the park’s entrance while
contemplating the city as it awakes before your stroll or bicycle ride.
Science
02. A 3D Universe
Tierno Galván Park
. 
If you continue along the leſt bank
of the Manzanares River you will see
the Planetarium and the dome of the
Imax, where spectacular 3D documentaries are shown in its morning sessions.
With a view
03. Picnic on the peak
Linear Park of the
Manzanares River
 
In addition to its fantastic cycle
track, it offers splendid views over
the city. We suggest you stop for a picnic
under the shade of the Lady of the
Manzanares by Manolo Valdés.
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01
03

29. Sport
04. Ballcourts, climbing
wall and skates
Matadero Park
 
To burn off your lunch, make your
way to the Legazpi district, the
perfect place for sports enthusiasts
to practice any kind of activities,
from cycling and skate boarding to rock
climbing. Matadero (pg 48) is a mustvisit for art and culture lovers.
04
05
05
Patron Saint
05. Visit the shrine
Pradera de San Isidro
. 
If you visit during the festival
period (May) you can witness the
most quintessential side of the city. If not,
the shrine, a perennial icon of popular
tradition, is an agreeable and peaceful
place. One of its curiosities is that is offers
a Mozarabic mass on Sundays at midday
and on Tuesdays at 5.30 pm.
For dining out
06. A memorable evening
Casa de Campo Park
. 
Not many people know this,
but in Madrid’s immense country
park there is also a Culinary Route,
with top class restaurants to suit
everyone’s pocket.
Drinks
07
07. The origins of Madrid
Atenas Park
 
Just by Puente de Segovia, and
at the foot of the Arabic wall, its
famous outdoor café is a popular haunt
in summer when the sun goes down. In
winter, you could opt for one of the cafés
or bars in the nearby Vistillas or on
Cuesta de la Vega.
www.esmadrid.com
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30. 7
INCORRIGIBLE URBANITES
IN MADRID, IN ANY STREET IN THE CITY CENTRE YOU WILL
FIND THE LATEST TRENDS, AND ON ANY NIGHT THERE ARE
PLENTY OF PEOPLE AROUND TO GUARANTEE A GOOD
TIME. A TIP: GO OUT ON THE TOWN ON THURSDAYS.
01
02
With a view
01.A breakfast for champions
Plaza de la Independencia
 
A slice of toasted baguette with
tomato and olive oil, accompanied by
coffee or tea will provide you with the energy you
need for the day. Or, if you prefer, croissants and
madeleines. You can breakfast outdoors, by the
gates of the Retiro, while watching the world
go by at the Puerta de Alcalá.
Shopping
03
02. Find the latest styles
On the hunt for up-to-theminute trends
. 
Before going out for the evening, make
your way to the districts where
fashion is always one step ahead. Men
will love Conde Duque, the girls will fall for
Salesas, and the fashionistas will be delighted
by the streets around Triball.
Lunch
03. Menu of the day
Home-cooking
 
Succulent food at an affordable fixed
price. This is the best way to sample homecooked food in the eateries of the neighbourhoods
of Chamberí, Lavapiés and Chueca.
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31. Decotour
04. Centuries of history
are watching over us
Rediscover the Literary
Quarter
 
This district has been spectacularly
revamped. Without losing sight of its
04
artisan and popular traditional ambience, it is now home to numerous home décor
05
and antiquarian establishments where
05
you might wish to treat yourself to some
shopping. An ideal setting for an aſternoon
stroll, with a break for a bite to eat in any of
the district’s cafés.
Art
05. Gallery openings
The first in line
 
Thursday is oſten the day for inaugurating new exhibitions. Take the
opportunity to visit one of the city’s best art
galleries. Check out the city’s events calendar
at www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on-madrid
06
Gastrobars
06. The ‘aſterwork’ trend
Shall we go for a drink?
 
This is the starting point for sharing
some light refreshments with
friends aſter finishing work. A few beers to
start off the evening, to wash down the tapas,
continuing with a couple of glasses of wine
and finishing off with a tantalizing cocktail.
www.esmadrid.com
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32. 7
FOR INCURABLE HEDONISTS
IN THE MORNING, ART; BEFORE LUNCH, AN APPETIZER; AT MIDDAY,
A FINE RESTAURANT; TO UNWIND, A SPA; IN THE EVENING, A
SHOW AND A FEW DRINKS. WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR?
01
An art-filled morning
360 degrees
01. Every possible style
Paseo del Prado
02. A high rise view
Cibeles Palace
 
M
Having seen the treasures of the Art
Walk inside the museums, now is the
time to take a global view from outside.
There is no better place for this than from
the vantage point of the roof of the
CentroCentro, from where you can admire
spectacular panoramic views over Madrid.
Start the day with a coffee on any of the outdoor cafés
at the end of Calle Huertas. From here you are just a
few short steps away from the best museums in Madrid. To the
right is the CaixaForum with its vertical garden; a little further
along is the Reina Sofía museum. To the leſt is the Thyssen
museum. And just opposite, the Prado. All museums offer
guided visits and educational programmes for children.
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33. At the table
03. Table service
Salamanca district
04
. 
On the streets crisscrossing the Goya,
Velázquez and Serrano districts, it is
possible to eat at some of the best restaurants in Madrid. From the creations of
prize-winning chefs boasting Michelin stars to
the best seasonal cuisine.
Relax
04. Pamper yourself
Wellbeing for your body
 
To restore your energy before going
out on the town, many of Madrid’s top
hotels offer spa and massage services.
Alternatively, you could visit one of the many
sports centres and gyms open to the public.
Theatre
05
05. Curtains up
Classics, comedy and
musicals
. 
All eyes all on the Madrid stage, which
has become a great cultural attraction,
with a varied programme featuring top international shows and famed actors.
“Movida”
06. The youngest
itinerary
From Chueca to Malasaña
06
 
Most of Madrid’s nightlife is concentrated
in these two districts. In the first you can
experience a laid-back LGTB ambience.
Malasaña is just around the corner and has lost
none of its appeal to the alternative crowd
with a recent face-liſt and a great selection of
nightclubs catering for every musical taste.
www.esmadrid.com
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34. 7
NOT WITHOUT MY CHILDREN
MADRID IS A CELEBRATION, WHETHER YOU ARE 5 YEARS OLD OR
50. USE THE KIDS AS AN EXCUSE TO RIDE ON ALL KINDS OF AT
TRACTIONS OR TO ASK RONALDO FOR HIS AUTOGRAPH.
02
Greenery and zoo
Boating
01. Morning leisure time
Casa de Campo
 
Any excuse is a good excuse to visit the
Casa de Campo: spend a morning wandering through the trees, test your fitness on the
exercise apparatus, pedal along the cycling
routes, row a boat on the lake or visit the
animals at the zoo. Thematic fairs and sports
competitions are frequently held here.
Appetizer
02. All aboard the Cable Car
Paseo de Rosales
03
M
Take the opportunity to cross the Manzanares on board the hanging cabins which
take you to the Parque del Oeste, another of
Madrid’s vast green spaces, with bars and outdoor tables, a perfect place for a snack while
you watch the children play.
Refreshment
03. À la carte or at the bar
San Anton Market
 
Now is the time to hop on the Metro to
Chueca.This is the latest market to have
opened and already it is a hit with the public
with its varied food stalls, its contemporary
design and fabulous atmosphere. Do not forget
to visit the outdoor café on the roof.
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35. Castellana
04. An aſternoon
with idols
There’s something for
everyone
. 
Accompany the children on a visit to
the Wax Museum in Colón and end
the aſternoon with a walk up the Castellana
(or take the bus if you prefer) to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, football’s maximum
exponent. If there isn’t a match on, you can
always see the pitch from inside the stadium
and the trophy room.
Shopping
05. Open on bank holidays
Madrid never closes
 
Begin by updating your kit in the Real
Madrid shop and then head off to the
children’s clothes shops in the Salamanca
district, also open on Sundays (as is the
rest of the city centre). Madrid residents
say this is the best day to go shopping.
04
Before going to bed
06. Hot chocolate with
'churros'
Irresistible
 
Aſter such a busy day you need to
restore your energy. The San Ginés
hot chocolate bar close to Sol is legendary, and not to be missed. In the aſternoon it has a family atmosphere while at
night it is a required stop for nighthawks,
as it is open until dawn.
06
05
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36. 7
A PERFECT SUNDAY
FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE SET BY MADRID’S INHABITANTS
WHO TRADITIONALLY SPEND THEIR FREE DAYS WITH THEIR
FRIENDS AND FAMILY. A RECENT DEVELOPMENT IS STORES IN
CENTRAL DISTRICTS OPENING ON SUNDAYS.
Shopping
Breakfast
01. Sniff out a bargain
at the Rastro
A thousand and one
curiosities
02. A full brunch
Everything you could
wish for
 
Plaza de Cascorro and Calle
Ribera de Curtidores are covered
with hundreds of stalls from this traditional flea market, where, if you search long
enough, you can find practically anything.
01
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. 
What began as a habit introduced
by international visitors only catered
for by the top class hotels, has now
spread throughout the whole city.
Café Oliver boast of being the first to
serve brunch.

37. A walk
03. Meandering through
the streets
A medieval walk
 
03
As well as being an essential place for
tapas, the maze of streets of La Latina is ideal for a leisurely walk to discover
the medieval atmosphere of its hidden squares, such as Plaza de San Andrés, and its
narrow streets such as Cava Baja.
After lunch
04. A steaming cup
of coffee
Walls steeped in history
. 
Around Calle Segovia you will come
across old-time cafés that invite
you to stop and chat with friends or
cast a glance over the Sunday papers.
Remember that many news kiosks open only
on Sunday mornings.
Arenal
04
06
05. Sunday shopping
Open just for you
. 
Around Plaza Mayor the streets are
bustling with a festive and family atmosphere. But not only here. Shops and businesses
in the centre of Madrid are allowed to open as
they would any other day of the week.
Cinema
06. Latest film releases
In their original language
 
In Madrid, subtitled films continue to
thrive. Many of the OV cinemas are
located around Plaza de los Cubos, close
to Plaza de España. In the area there are a
few excellent bars where you can enjoy some
international tapas aſter the film.
www.esmadrid.com
037

38. +34 914 364 340
2

39. ART &CULTURE
40-61
4043 THE ART WALK
4447 HISTORIC NEIGHBOURHOODS
4849 GALLERY ROUTE
5057 NEW SPACES
5859 WHAT'S ON
6061 INTERVIEW
Elena Ochoa

40. THE ART WALK
Almost 3 km of museums and exhibitions
ALTERNATIVE SPACES
SUCH AS LA CASA ENCENDIDA,
THE REINA SOFÍA AND
CAIXAFORUM, CLASSICS
INCLUDING THE PRADO AND
THE THYSSEN, AND PRIVATE
INSTITUTIONS LIKE THE
MAPFRE FOUNDATION… WEAR
COMFORTABLE SHOES!
THE ESSENTIAL ROUTE for art lovers
If you haven't stood before Las Meninas,
you haven't been to Madrid. This might
sound a little over the top, but the Prado Museum and the room within which the public
can contemplate this extraordinary painting
represent one of the corners of Madrid that
visitors can least afford to miss out on. The
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Prado embodies the spirit of Madrid: regal yet
open, local yet universal, vast and yet built on a
human scale, solid yet constantly moving. This
museum forms part of the so-called Art Walk,
a route covering almost three kilometres from
the National Library in Plaza de Colón to La
Casa Encendida in the Embajadores district.

41. ARCHAEOLOGICAL
MUSEUM
    
 , 
     
,    
   -
,  
  .
FROM COLÓN TO EMBAJADORES
The route encompasses a string of emblematic art institutions, including the ThyssenBornemisza Museum, CaixaForum and
the Reina Sofía Museum. Each has its own
personality: the Thyssen boasts an outstanding permanent collection of more than a thousand works dating from the 18th century to
the end of the 20th; CaixaForum surprises
visitors with its temporary exhibitions cover-
ing all artistic disciplines without exceptions
and "El Reina", as the locals call it, has focused
on purely avant-garde movements for the last
twenty years. And there's more besides. Other
must-visits include the Mapfre Foundation,
the Casa de América and the new CentroCentro, located near Plaza de Cibeles.
www.esmadrid.com/en/art-walk-madrid
www.esmadrid.com
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42. OPEN!
   
   ,
   
   
' 
  
  
.
THE THREE BIG ONES: PRADO, THYSSEN & REINA SOFÍA
Three museums, three different personalities. The
Prado, designed by Juan de Villanueva and extended by Rafael Moneo, is one of the world's most
prestigious art galleries. Alongside Las Meninas by Velázquez and The Third of May 1808 by
Goya, its rooms also house various masterpieces
of the Spanish, Italian and Flemish schools.
The Thyssen-Bornemisza brings together
vast exhibitions and a powerful, unique
painting collection. It displays some of the
best works from the 18th to the 20th centuries, filling in the gaps not covered by its fellow galleries on the Art Walk such as Fauvism
and German Expressionism. They really know
how to organise blockbusters: this year it has
a definite date with Pisarro. The Reina Sofía
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embraces all minority movements. The reorganisation of the permanent collection and
the museum's exhibition programme has a
strong avant-garde message: Madrid's audiences have daring tastes.
MORE THAN JUST EXHIBITIONS
Something is always happening at these three
museums. The Prado is an excellent place to have
breakfast or buy a giſt. The Reina Sofía boasts one
of the best bookshops in the city, La Central, and
the Thyssen's patios and conference programme
represent one of Madrid's luxuries.

43. OSCAR MARINÉ
Designer,
illustrator, artist
A space you recommend. Matadero
Madrid, for the diversity of its cultural
activities. Your favourite museum.
The Reina Sofía, for the versatility
of its rooms and magnificent library.
Your thoughts on the Prado. Everyone can find inspiration in there. And
the Thyssen. We are lucky to have it
in Madrid. Madrid's best-kept secret.
It's an open secret: the future Royal
Collections Museum, designed by
Tuõn and Mansilla. Your latest discovery. The Tipos Infames bookshop
(San Joaquín, 3).
THE THREE CORNERS.
The Prado Museum (see previous
page), the Thyssen-Bornemisza
Museum (above) and the Reina
Sofía Museum make up the
central triangle of art in Madrid.
www.esmadrid.com
043

44. www.esmadrid.com/en/architecture-madrid
GERARD MORTIER
Artistic director
at the Teatro Real
Where does your life in Madrid
take place? Usually between the Teatro Real and my apartment. Where
would you recommend for a quiet
meal? The restaurants I like best are
Goizeko (Comandante Zurita, 37),
Kabuki (Avenida del Presidente Carmona, 2) and, when the weather's
good, the gardens of the Hotel Ritz
(Pza. de la Lealtad, 5). A walk that
inspires you. I really enjoy a stroll in
the Retiro Park and the grand boulevards of the city centre. A place to
buy a gift. I don't overcomplicate
things: I know that in El Corte Inglés
I can find everything I need.
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HAPSBURG
Royal Madrid
King Felipe II made Madrid the capital of Spain in the 16th century.
Both he and his successors would be active residents of Madrid.
A perfect example of this is Carlos III (18th century), a great town
planner who deserved his nickname as the “Mayor King”. Thanks
to him, the capital was transformed from a medieval town into
a modern city. The nucleus of this regal Madrid is the Royal
Palace, which boasts the most important royal armoury in Europe
and is surrounded by the Teatro Real opera house and La Almudena
Cathedral. A royal residence since 1764, it is impressive both for its
imposing façade and lavish interior, with almost 3,000 rooms open
to visitors. Nevertheless, the Spanish monarchs were of an austere
nature, and nowhere is this better reflected than in the Hapsburg
neighbourhood (Austrias).

45. PLAZA MAYOR
'   
    :
     
,    
    . 
   
  
 .
CENTURIES OF HISTORY.
On the left-hand page,
the Royal Palace presides
over Plaza de Oriente. Here,
the colonnades of Plaza Mayor
never fail to amaze.
*SSSSHHHH*
PAST AND PRESENT
Today, Hapsburg Madrid is one of the most pleasant places
to take a walk, and one of the best preserved areas of the
city. Nestled in between Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace, it
is a labyrinth of narrow streets, stone buildings, convents and
churches. Time has been kind to this sober architecture, even
giving it a feeling of vitality. Much frequented by locals and visitors alike, it is also a fine example of how the past is still very
present in Madrid without overwhelming the modern city.
Monarchs, the aristocracy and
their homes are full of mysteries
and legends:
· It is said that the elegant halls
of Linares Palace, which today
house Casa de América, are
haunted. Many visitors claim to
have heard the ghost's voice.
· Ataulfo is the name of the
spirit that lives in the Reina
Sofía Museum. The legend dates
back to the 18th century when
the building was a hospital.
· The Duchess of Osuna organised talks on spiritualism during
the Enlightenment at El Capricho Park. Goya produced paintings for the small palace on
the grounds, including Witches'
Sabbath, now housed in the
Lázaro Galdiano Foundation.
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045

46. LITERARY QUARTER
Echoes of the Golden Age
The neighbourhood owes its name to the fact that Góngora,
Tirso de Molina, Calderón de la Barca and Lope de Vega
lived here in the 17th century. To remind us of these illustrious residents, excerpts of their works have been engraved on
pavements trodden by many passers-by every day. Its borders
are marked by Plaza de Santa Ana, Plaza de las Cortes,
Calle de Atocha and Paseo del Prado. Being close to the
Prado has naturally led to the establishment of several art
spaces in the area. In fact, it has always drawn in musicians,
booksellers and antique dealers. In recent years a new generation of traders and artists has emerged, reviving the perennial
spirit of the neighbourhood with a 21st-century twist. Everyone is aware that the Literary Quarter possesses a special
cultural energy and they pull together to protect it. Today, following a pedestrianisation process that has breathed life into
the area, the Literary Quarter takes great care over its ethics
and aesthetics. This is a neighbourhood worthy of the great
names who lived here a long time ago.
*BETWEEN PAGES*
»CUESTA DE MOYANO The mecca for all book lovers.
Here you can find traditional stalls where books are bought,
sold and exchanged. The perfect plan for the weekend.
»ATENEO Open to members and researchers, it
boasts a vast collection of 19th century pamphlets,
monographs and journals. Some interesting conferences
also take place here.
»NATIONAL LIBRARY Everything published in
Spain can be found here. It has just celebrated its 300th
anniversary with more vitality than ever.
»INSTITUTO CERVANTES LIBRARY
This space is targeted at a multicultural public interested
in the Spanish language. It has a good video library and
guarantees peace and quiet to work in.
046
www.esmadrid.com
NEIGHBOURHOOD LIFE. In
and around Calle de las Huertas
you can feel the inspiration of
literature and the arts, and you
will often stumble across street
performances here.

47. MARTA ETURA
Actress, winner of
the Goya Award for
Celda 211
Your favourite spot. The roof terrace of the Fine Arts Circle. I love
the view over the rooftops. Where
might we be able to find you?
In the Literary Quarter, browsing
its interior design stores, galleries
and antique shops. Your perfect
time and place. Gran Vía. 5am. A
terrace. My terrace, or that of the
hotel ME (Pza. Santa Ana, 14). A
place to eat with friends. Maxi
(Cava Alta, 4): on Thursdays and
Saturdays they do a delicious Madrid-style stew. A place to buy a
gift. I usually head to the area of
Calle de Piamonte.
MADRID'S LITERARY QUARTER
01. Pza. del ¸ngel
02. Teatro Espaol
03. Ateneo
04. Pza. de las Cortes
05. Thyssen Museum
06. Pza. de la Platería
07. Prado Museum
08. CaixaForum
09. Reina Sofía Museum
10. Cine Doré
www.esmadrid.com
047

48. www.esmadrid.com/en/art-madrid
GALLERY ROUTE The most contemporary art
Every year in February Madrid bustles with
the arrival of ARCOMadrid, to the delight of
all collectors. Free valuations will be offered
by the fair itself for the second year running
for those who wish to start their own collection. Its influence as a prominent art market
reaches across the whole city, all year round.
Madrid's galleries are behind the indisputable masters of modern art in Spain,
such as Tàpies, Barceló and Gris, as well as
the innovative force represented by young
avant-garde artists. There are a number
of gallery routes across the city centre. You
might decide to visit the galleries of the Literary Quarter, small yet very up-to-date, or
the long-standing ones in Chamberí. New
spaces are springing up in the Salamanca
district, already a pioneer back in the 1960s.
Other good routes can be found near the
Reina Sofía Museum, not to mention those
scattered across the Salesas neighbourhood. Whatever the choice, each one offers a
stimulating dip into the art world.
ARCO
IT'S A FIESTA
   
   , 
  
  . 
 , 
  

.
048
www.esmadrid.com

49. CREATIVE DYNAMISM.
On this page: an exhibition
room at La Fábrica cultural
centre, and the Instituto
Cervantes. Previous page:
Ivorypress gallery.
*SALESAS*
Although there are galleries
all over Madrid, the highest
proportion is to be found in
the Salesas neighbourhood.
The area is home to contemporary classics such as the
Juana de Aizpuru, Max Estrella,
La Caja Negra, Moriarty, Elvira
González and Rita Castellote
galleries. A stroll down its
wide streets confirms its status
as Madrid's own Soho.
GERARDO
MOSQUERA
@GerardoMosquer1
Curator
for PHotoEspaña
A walk that inspires you. From
Puerta del Sol to Hapsburg Madrid. To get away from it all.
The Royal Botanical Gardens.
The best views. From the roof terrace of the Fine Arts Circle. The
most special light. The sunset from
the terrace at La Almudena Cathedral. Your latest discovery. RMS El
Espacio (www.rms.com.es). Classicism versus avant-garde. The Prado Museum and Matadero Madrid.
A local tip. The San Miguel and San
Antõn markets. Something that always surprises you about Madrid.
The intensity of its nightlife.
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049

50. MADRID
AT YOUR FEET
    
    
  ' ,
   , ,
  
  
 .
CENTROCENTRO. The renovated
interior of Cibeles Palace is open
to residents and visitors alike - a
unique, multipurpose space
with viewpoint, auditorium and
restaurant/café.
050
www.esmadrid.com

51. CIBELES PALACE
A true icon of Madrid
STARTING POINT
The same building is also home to CentroCentro, 30,000
square metres of exhibition space and platforms for debate, an auditorium for chamber music events, and its Patio
de Operaciones, a place to socialise, take a seat, relax and
contemplate your next visit, or read some more about Madrid.
It also boasts an impressive Glass Gallery: some of the city's
best celebrations are held here. But the jewel in the palace's
crown is the viewpoint. It stands 70 metres from the ground,
offering 360 degree views over the heart of Madrid. The restaurant which opened in 2012 is on the top floor of the building.
02
03
04
05
06
07
A popular spot for snapshots in Madrid is undoubtedly
Cibeles Palace. In fact, the whole square invites a constant
stream of amateur photographers capturing their memories
of Madrid in the form of a photo. Now, Plaza de Cibeles, as
open and vibrant as the city itself, has taken on new life.
It has gone from being a mere piece of scenery to a place
that attracts visitors in its own right. The recent renovation
of Cibeles Palace has led to the creation of a new cultural and social space. The original building, built by Palacios and Otamendi in 1904, currently houses the City Council
in part of its rooms.
01
08
09
10
THE LANDMARKS OF CALLE ALCALÅ AND GRAN VÒA
01. Fine Arts Circle
Alcalá, 42. (1919-1926)
02. Metrõpolis Building
Alcalá, 39. (1907-1910)
03. Madrid-París Building
Gran Vía, 32. (1920-1924)
04. Palacio de la Prensa
Pza. del Callao, 4.
(1925-1929)
05. Cines Callao
Pza. del Callao, 3.
(1926-1927)
06. Torre de Madrid
Pza. de Espaa, 18.
(1954-1960)
07. Casino de Madrid
Alcalá, 15. (1903)
08. Banco Bilbao Building
Alcalá, 16. (1919-1923)
09. Carriõn Building
Gran Vía, 41.
(1931-1933)
10. Telefõnica Building
Gran Vía, 28. (1926-1930)
www.esmadrid.com/en/art-madrid
www.esmadrid.com
051

52. www.mataderomadrid.com
MATADERO MADRID Spaces in constant evolution
When you come to Madrid you'll see that in
recent years the capital has experienced a
similar process to that of other European cities. A process somewhere between poetry and
sustainability. The city has revived some
ailing spaces, breathing new cultural life
into them. The standard-bearer of this trend
is Matadero Madrid, a huge complex (and
former slaughterhouse) located on the edge
of the Madrid Río project that has placed the
Arganzuela district in the avant-garde spotlight of the city. Today it houses exhibition
halls such as Nave 16 (the largest in the city),
the innovative Central de Diseño, the creative centre Abierto X Obras and the cinema
Cineteca. This is also the location of Inter-
mediae, a venue for generating new projects,
and Naves del Español, one of Madrid's most
stimulating theatres. Its brand new landmark
space, La Casa del Lector, was successfully
opened in 2012.
BREAKING THE MOULD
Matadero continues the groundbreaking trend
started by La Casa Encendida, well known
for its cultural activities, courses and workshops. Another option is the El Águila complex, a former beer factory that now hosts
visual art exhibitions.
MATADERO
ALSO AT NIGHT
  ,  
   
 .  
   
 ,  
  '
  
 .
052
www.esmadrid.com

53. CÉSAR ANTONIO
MOLINA
Director of
Casa del Lector
A recommendation that never
disappoints. The Matadero Madrid
cultural complex. What is it about
Madrid that makes it special and
different? The sky and the constant
light. The most amazing thing
about Casa del Lector. It’s a place
that teaches how to live and love
culture. A great bookstore in the
capital. “Antonio Machado” in Círculo de Bellas Artes. A book about
Madrid or set in Madrid. Valle-Inclán’s novel, Bohemian Lights.
* NEWCOMERS *
BREAKING THE MOULD.
Matadero Madrid (on the left)
joins the list of innovative
spaces along with (on this
page) La Casa Encendida
and Hub Madrid.
»MEDIALAB PRADO A
research laboratory and centre
for collaborative work which aims
to disseminate digital culture and
bring together society, art, science
and technology. Alameda, 15.
»HUB MADRID A space for
co-working and an ideas centre.
It marks a before and after in our
understanding of the way we
work. Gobernador, 26.
»UTOPIC_US A multipurpose
and avant-garde art gallery,
workspace and, even, school.
Concepciõn Jerõnima, 22.
»ESPACIO FUNDACIÓN
TELEFÓNICA A leading expo-
nent of 21st century culture: creativity, innovation and technology for
social development. Fuencarral, 3.
www.esmadrid.com
053

54. RENEWAL. On this page:
the Conde Duque barracks
opens its doors once more. On
the next page: the light and
airy ABC museum (above)
contrasts with the museums of
History and Romanticism.
CONDE DUQUE
Martial renewal
This self-sufficient, well-preserved military neighbourhood is like a Russian doll:
the streets lead to plazas, which lead to
tucked-away spots, which lead to sculptures... Now it has added two large cultural spaces to its physiognomy and soul.
However, they are not entirely new: Conde
Duque already existed as an exhibition centre and concert hall, but it has
just undergone a fabulous refurbishment. In times gone by this was the largest building in Madrid. Even today it has
imposing dimensions, with a surface area
of 5,000m2 and 228 metres of façade. It
also boasts an impressive theatre, exhibition and musical programme of events.
A NEW NEIGHBOUR
Very close to Conde Duque and complementing it is the ABC Museum. It is an
unassuming building whose glass façade
contrasts with its surroundings. An initiative of the newspaper ABC and supported
by its substantial archives, it is focused
on illustration and graphic design.
Open since 2010, it already forms part of
the city's cultural routes. It's the new kid on
the block that can be found in all traditional
neighbourhoods.
054
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55. www.esmadrid.com/condeduque
JUAN GATTI
Graphic designer
and visual artist
A museum or gallery. I love the Decorative Arts and Sorolla museums.
Madrid's best-kept secret. I want it
to stay that way: the Botanical Gardens. They are not at all well-known,
and they're divine. The thing you can
only find in Madrid. The party spirit.
Your latest discovery. The vintage
furniture shop Moratín 20. A unique
photo. In one of the Matadero buildings that haven't been restored, and I
love the light in the train stations.
* 5 MUSEUMS *
»ROMANTICISM Decorated
in the style of a 19th century bourgeois palace. A delight. In Chueca.
»SOROLLA The Valencian
artist painted here for many years.
The museum offers the best of
his works and the chance to learn
about his daily life. In Chamberí.
»CERRALBO Works by El Greco
and Zurbarán are interspersed with
this family's collection from the
19th century. In Princesa.
»LÁZARO GALDIANO
A journey through the history
of Spanish art: pieces by Goya,
Velázquez and El Greco. In
Salamanca.
»HISTORYFormer hospice
housing one of the best displays
of Madrid baroque. Recently
reopened. In Chueca.
www.esmadrid.com

56. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
NEW ARCHITECTURE
From Castellana to the outskirts
During these first years of the 21st century, Madrid
has witnessed two architectural currents. It is impossible to ignore the first, a clearly avant-garde
style. The four skyscrapers at the northern end of
Castellana remind us of this fact. They are: Torre
de Cristal, Torre PwC (which houses the five-star
Eurostars Tower on its first 34 floors), Torre Espacio and Torre Repsol, the last of these designed
by Sir Norman Foster. Other turn-of-the-century examples include T4 (Richard Rogers-Estudio Lamela),
prodigious work of engineering and light; the CaixaForum building (Herzog&de Meuron), which still
amazes with its illusion of lightness; Caja Mágica
by Dominique Perrault; Jean Nouvel's work on the
Reina Sofía; and Moneo's on the Prado.
056
www.esmadrid.com
The other trend present here has a more discreet
profile and sustainable angle. Madrid has taken on
projects in which architecture and town planning go
hand in hand; above all, the city keeps close to the
residents and their needs. In some of Madrid's neighbourhoods you can find works that incorporate green
technology and a sense of coexistence, as in the case
of the Eco-Boulevard in Vallecas and the Carabanchel urban expansion, which contains buildings
such as the Manzana Perforada by ACM Arquitectos and Casa de Bambú by Alejandro Zaera. Times
change, people change and cities change.

57. www.esmadrid.com/madridrio
21ST-CENTURY FORMS.
On the previous page:
the four towers erected
at the end of Paseo de la
Castellana. On this page:
the bridge designed by
Perrault as part of the
Madrid Río project.
THE BRIDGES OF MADRID RÍO
Have you crossed your favourite yet?
Madrid Río has 32 bridges and walkways linking the two banks
of the Manzanares River. If you weren't aware of its recent past,
you'd never guess that beneath them lies an underground motorway. This wide-ranging project directed by Ginés Garrido has
maintained and restored some classic bridges such as those of
Toledo, Segovia, Del Rey and Reina Victoria. Nine new bridges have also been added. The most frequently photographed is
the Puente Monumental de la Arganzuela by Dominique Perrault, an icon of the new Madrid. The most unusual bridge is
Puente de Andorra, or the y-shaped walkway, while the warmest designs are those of the twin Invernadero and Matadero
bridges, decorated by Daniel Canogar.
INVERNADERO
 
  
   
,  
 - 
   
    
.
www.esmadrid.com
057

58. WHAT’S ON
ART & CULTURE
>>>>>>
KEEP UP WITH IT ALL ON www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on-madrid
IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO COVER ALL THE CULTURAL
EVENTS ON OFFER IN MADRID BUT DON'T DESPAIR: WE
CAN SUM UP THE HIGHLIGHTS OF 2013 FOR YOU.
THREE TIPS
SOROLLA
Following exhibitions in Italy and
Granada, the
Sorolla Museum
is now hosting this
show paying tribute
to the painter’s
best-loved landscapes. From 30
October 2012 to 5
May 2013.
VAN DYCK
Casa de Alba
its artistic legacy
Paintings by Goya, Titan and Rubens are just a
few of the treasures from the Casa de Alba
private collection, now on show in the Centro
Centro at Palacio de Cibeles. More than 150
artworks from the legacy of Spain’s most influential aristocratic family.
>WHEN: From
30 November 2012 to 31 March
2013.
>DID YOU KNOW?: The masterpiece 'The Virgin of the
Pomegranate' is being exhibited for the very first time.
The Prado Museum
is showing the precocious painter’s
early creative work.
From 20 November
2012 to 3 March
2013.
CRISTINA IGLESIAS
The Reina Sofía is
hosting the biggest retrospective
exhibition ever
held on this Spanish artist. From 5
February to 13 May
2013.
Book Fair
A large-scale event at El Retiro Park
Every spring Madrid hosts this major event on
the literary calendar, where leading authors and
publishers come together to present their latest releases and interact with their readers.
>WHEN: May-June. Paseo de Coches in El Retiro Park.
>A UNIQUE EVENT: With more than 300 stalls, this is the
biggest bookshop you'll find in Spain.
058
Beyond ARCOMadrid
A window onto the avant-garde
Three other excellent fairs will be held in parallel: Art
Madrid, Madrid Dearte and JustMad. All complement
a programme that offers curated activities providing a
space for emerging galleries and markets.
>WHEN: From 13 to 17 February 2013 Feria de Madrid.
>KEEP IN MIND: Transport between fairs is generally well organised. Make sure you check out the options and timetables.
www.esmadrid.com

59. Architecture Week
A parade of giants
The experts reveal the secrets of Madrid's
most emblematic buildings. Get all the
details by visiting www.esmadrid.com/semanaarquitectura.
>WHEN: October. Various locations.
>WHAT TO EXPECT: It's a great chance to discover hidden gems.
Dalí The Surrealist genius
The Reina Sofía National Museum is hosting a major exhibition together with the Pompidou Centre in Paris, in collaboration
with the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation in Figueres and the
Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg (Florida). The show
focuses on the Surrealist period of this creative genius, with particular emphasis on the paranoiac-critical method he developed
as a mechanism for transforming and subverting reality.
>WHEN: From
24 April to 2 September 2013.
More Dalí to come at the end of the year: he also features in the Surrealism and Dream exhibition at the Thyssen Museum.
>TO BEAR IN MIND:
AND MUCH MORE
MADRIDFOTO
The outlook is good for
the fifth year of this event
dedicated to collecting
contemporary images.
From 23 to 26 May 2013.
Feria de Madrid.
LA CIUDAD EN VI³ETAS
CentroCentro is the
place to catch a cycle of
exhibitions on unpublished comic strips
on Madrid. From 27
September 2012 to 31
July 2013.
Pisarro
A unique Impressionist
A pivotal figure who laid the foundations
for the Impressionist movement, but
who was eclipsed by his peers. The Thyssen
Museum is holding the first monographic
exhibition of his work in Spain.
>WHEN: From 4 June to 15 September 2013.
>WHY YOU SHOULD SEE IT: Because you will
really appreciate his mastery of landscape in
these 70 works of art.
MARTÒN RICO
The Prado Museum
presents work by this
pioneering artist in the introduction of realist landscape painting in Spain.
From 30 October 2012 to
10 February 2013.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Enjoy one of the most emblematic sights by visiting
the Royal Palace for the
Solemn Changing of the
Guard. The first Wednesday
of every month at 12 noon,
except in summer.
www.esmadrid.com
059

60. 060
www.esmadrid.com

61. Madrid's taxi drivers are the
most intelligent sociologists
ELENA OCHOA FOSTER EDITOR AND GALLERY OWNER
The wife of architect Norman Foster is the founder of the Ivorypress art publishers and exhibition
space, a meeting point for the newest vanguard movements.
@IvoryPress
Define Madrid in just one image.
The Gran Vía leading down towards
Plaza de Cibeles.
Where in Madrid could you
spend hours reading?
At home. And if my house is full of
kids playing in the hallways, then
Plaza de Santa Bárbara nearby.
Where do you like to hang out?
At the bar Cock (Reina, 16) with my
close friends, until as late as possible.
What's the greatest luxury you
allow yourself in Madrid? And
the best value treat?
Wandering around Hapsburg Madrid. And the best value treat: going to the cinema with my children,
enjoying a packet of pipas and a
large popcorn.
What hotel do you usually recommend?
The Santo Mauro (Zurbano, 36).
And what about restaurants?
For pizza, Bar Tomate (Fernando El
Santo, 26); if you fancy hake, then
Goizeko Kabi (Comandante Zorita,
37); for game, Horcher (Alfonso XII,
6); for a good potato tortilla, La Ancha (Príncipe de Vergara, 204); and
for eating and chatting with friends,
La Tasquita de Enfrente (Ballesta,
6). With my kids I prefer to go to
Pan de Lujo (Jorge Juan, 20). And
I'm leaving a lot of places out.
What is the thing you miss
most about Madrid when you're
abroad?
The smell, the light, the blue sky,
and the taxi drivers: they're the
most intelligent sociologists, a
barometer of Spain. Their irony is
witty, authentic and inimitable.
What can a visitor to Ivorypress
expect to find?
A different way of understanding
books and contemporary art. That's
how we've been described by the Financial Times and the Daily Telegraph,
as well as by magazines like Monocle
and Corriere del Arte. My team and I
have managed to position Ivorypress
and Madrid as a steady, indisputable
landmark in contemporary art and
publishing. It's a fact and a reality.
But there’s still a long way to go.
Who is the artist from Madrid
that you would most like to publish a book with?
The artist I admire most is from
Madrid: Isidoro Valcárcel Medina.
He is the future. We have developed
a meticulous artist's book with him
which we will launch at this year's
edition of Arco.
The best book written about
Madrid is...
The one I'm writing, which I might
not ever publish. I’m writing about
public and private Madrid, the Madrid I love and the one I hate, the
one that I feel when I live there for
periods of time, and the timeless,
ephemeral Madrid; its people, whom
I love, and its skies and corners.
www.esmadrid.com
061

63. FOOD&DRINK
64-78
6465 TAPAS
6667 MADRID  THE ESSENCE
6869 COSMOPOLITAN FLAVOURS
7071 HEALTHY AND GOURMET
7273 DISTRICT BY DISTRICT
7475 SWEETS AND DESSERTS
76 DRINKING IN STYLE
77 WHAT'S ON
78 INTERVIEW
Ramón Freixa

64. TAPAS
The pleasure will be all yours
TASTY BITES.
A selection of tapas
lined up on a bar in San
Miguel market. On the
right, eating raciones in La
Latina district.
MADRID IS ONE OF THE
WORLD'S FOOD CAPITALS. HERE
YOU CAN ENJOY DISHES
FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE
AS WELL AS TRADITIONAL AND
CONTEMPORARY SPANISH CUI
SINE AT ANY TIME OF DAY. TA
PAS, THOUGH, ARE A MUST.
064
www.esmadrid.com
LET YOURSELF GO
   
 :
   
,    
 , 
  
  
.
BEER AND WINE
A traditional ceremony
A good tapa needs to be washed down with a good drink,
which is why the beer pump is the heart of any bar. Traditional taverns always echo to the sound of glasses of beer
being filled and passed over the counter. In Madrid pale beer
is the favourite choice, served in a small glass and very
cold, especially in summer. Some people prefer a clara,
beer mixed with soda water or lemonade. Vermouth, also
available on tap, is still a favourite aperitif.

65. READY FOR A BITE?
Doing the rounds
in La Latina
Eating raciones (portions) is an old Spanish
tradition that has become popular in many
countries, and there’s nowhere quite like Madrid for enjoying tapas. They have become part
of our social and cultural life, with cheese, cold
meats, rice and stews in individual portions
making up the perfect informal way of eating
your fill. This art is at its finest in the Literary
and Hapsburg quarters and, above all, in
La Latina, where you can go from bar to bar,
eating a little of everything you fancy.
Products with designation of origin and
other delicacies are now being given the creative cuisine treatment. Leading chefs have
turned their attention to tapas, reinventing
them with creative designs, attractive textures
and a mix of delicious international flavours.
However, However, the tortilla, or potato
omelette, is still the best known tapa of all. In
portions, as canapés or cut into cubes, it is the
quintessential Madrid tapa.
* TOP TAPAS *
»CROQUETTES Ham, chicken, cod
WINE BY THE GLASS
Depending on the bar and
the time of day, wine has become a popular alternative to
beer. The traditional flat-bottomed chatos are now being replaced by stemmed
wine glasses. You can order
wine by the glass so there’s
no need to sit down at a dinner table and order a whole
bottle. Fine wines from Spain
and the rest of the world can
be enjoyed in many classic
wine bars and modern gastro-bars, where you can devise your own à la carte tasting menu of small dishes. Old
favourites like olives, white
anchovies in vinegar and
Iberian ham are to be found
alongside new versions of
traditional recipes featuring
ingredients from other cultures. Travel through food!
and many others. With their varied fillings,
croquettes are ideal for a tasty snack.
»'BOCADILLOS' Baguettes filled
with old favourites are still very popular:
fried squid, ham and tomato, pork tenderloin with cheese, peppers, etc.
»'TORTILLAS' The potato omelette
reigns supreme but there are many
alternatives. In Spain they are eaten at
any time of day.
»PATATAS BRAVAS Potatoes cut
into chunks, fried and served with a spicy
tomato sauce.
www.esmadrid.com
065

66. OMAR ALLIBHOY
@tapasrevolution
Owner of hugely
succcessful Tapas
Revolution in London
Where do they serve your favourite cocido? In Taberna la Daniela.
Any favourite tapa? The tortilla
pinchos at Juana la Loca (Pza.
Puerta de Moros, 4) and croquettes
from the stall in San Miguel market. A relaxed meal. Roast lamb
at La Tahona (Espíritu Santo, 12).
A drink to round the evening off?
The rooftop terrace at Hotel Urban
(Carrera de San Jerõnimo, 34).
THE HOME OF 'COCIDO'.
From left to right, three
restaurants you'll want to go
back to: La Bola, Cruz Blanca
beer bar in Vallecas (winner of
the award for the best cocido in
Madrid) and Malacatín.
066
www.esmadrid.com
A COMPLETE 'COCIDO'
The capital's staple dishes
Cocido is a meal in itself. The first course consists of
soup, and is followed by a stew made with cabbage,
carrots and potatoes, chorizo, bacon, chicken and pork,
plus chickpeas, a crucial ingredient. There are many
variations but the original, authentic version is
from Madrid. The dish epitomises the city's open
character. This generous stew, which admits all sorts
of ingredients, should be prepared in a pot and served
in an earthenware dish. It dates back to the sixteenth
century, when it was eaten by nobility and servants

67. alike. La Bola, La Daniela and Los Galayos are among
the best known restaurants serving this traditional
dish. To work up an appetite or help you to digest your
meal, go for a long walk through the city centre.
LA LATINA
La Latina district is the
focal point for tourists and
locals in search of good
traditional cooking.
MOUTHWATERING FOOD
There are many other traditional dishes that are firmly
rooted in Madrileños’ normal diets. They can also be
found in restaurants across the city, with such gastronomic delights as roast lamb at Casa Botín, tripe at
the Malacatín, fried eggs at Casa Lucio and calamari
sandwich at El Brillante all forming part of the local
culinary heritage. In Madrid you can also find fine food
from the rest of Spain in the city's many excellent
regional restaurants: salmorejo from Andalusia, pisto
from La Mancha, fish and shellfish from the north of
Spain and rice dishes from the Mediterranean.
www.esmadrid.com
067

68. TREAT YOURSELF. It doesn't
matter if you choose the
elegance of Terraza del Casino,
Chinese food at Tsé Yang
or an Indian meal at Mumbai.
Madrid will not disappoint you.
SETTING
THE SCENE
   
, ' 
  
 ,
  
  
 .
3,100
RESTAURANTS
In different parts of
the city. Food is an
art, combining leisure,
culture and business.
OPENED IN
1725
Casa Botín, near
Plaza Mayor, is the
oldest restaurant in
the world.
10
TRADITIONAL
RESTAURANTS
You'll find them on Paseo de la Gastronomía
in Casa de Campo.
068
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MICHELIN STARS
Exquisite taste
Michelin, the restaurant guide par excellence, has never been particularly
generous as far as Spain's or Madrid's gastronomy is concerned. But
the stars it has awarded are certainly
well deserved. Madrid has six restaurants holding two Michelin stars: La
Terraza del Casino, home of Paco
Roncero's imaginative cuisine; Santceloni, where Óscar Velasco follows
in the footsteps of Santi Santamaría;
Ramón Freixa Madrid and Sergi
Arola Gastro, named aſter their famous chefs, both of whom trained
in Catalonia; plus DiverXo and Club
Allard. Their young yet mature chefs
are David Muñoz and Diego Guerrero
respectively, who skilfully combine
widely varying culinary trends.
The restaurants with one Michelin
star are the elegant Zalacaín, where
some of the country's most important
business deals have been struck, and
Kabuki and Kabuki Wellington,
a balanced fusion of Japanese and
Spanish cooking made possible by
Ricardo Sanz's technical precision.
There are sure to be many more in the
future, as Madrid's cuisine is definitely
going from strength to strength.

69. www.esmadrid.com/en/restaurants-madrid
DAVID MUÑOZ
@DiverXO
Chef at
DiverXo restaurant
A favourite spot. Bravo Murillo, cultural fusion in a street with a fine old
tradition. A secret treat. The Hammam Al Andalus Madrid baths (Atocha, 14). Your favourite Madrid dish?
Cocido; the best is the one you can order from Antojo (Ferraz, 36). An area
for tapas. Huertas. Your favourite
place to eat or drink? Arzábal (Doctor
Castelo, 2). Places you would recommend. Sudestada (Modesto Lafuente,
64) and O’Pazo (Reina Mercedes, 20).
Your latest discovery. La Gastrocroquetería (Segovia, 17).
PHOTOS PENDING OK
os alr Ugiam, commy nim
dui te conulput nibh ex
er se feugiat. Ut autatis
molortinim veliquat dolore
conulla aut exeraesse
euisi.
TRY THIS
A trip round the world in Lavapiés
In recent years a fine selection of dishes from all over the
globe have started cropping up on Madrid menus. This culinary journey round the world becomes a never-ending experience because of the enormous range of attractive and
delicious food on offer. Spicy dishes from Mexico, grilled
meat from Argentina, ceviche from Peru, plus arepas from
Venezuela and Colombia are now part of everyday life in
the city. The same applies to Japanese, Chinese, Thai and
Indonesian food, which is increasingly available in all parts
of the city. You can enjoy an authentic Indian tandoori in
Lavapiés and choose the most exquisite sushi in Paseo
de la Castellana, whether you're looking for an everyday
meal or a special treat. Pasta prepared in genuine Neapolitan ovens, Scandinavian smoked fish, or hearty dishes from
Russia - take your pick!
www.esmadrid.com
069

70. EATING IN THE MARKET
San Miguel and San Antón
Madrid has taken snacks back to their roots, to the markets selling the top quality products used to make them,
and pushed informal tapas to new heights. First in San
Miguel market, next to Plaza Mayor, and now in
San Antón, in Chueca, open multi-purpose spaces have
been set up where you can do the week's shopping or
join your friends for a bite to eat and a beer or a glass
of wine. The unique buildings have been painstakingly
refurbished, making them new city landmarks appreciated by residents and visitors alike. In both markets you
can enjoy oysters in cava or grilled foie gras. Bite-sized
portions of croquettes, mushrooms, Iberian cold meats
ALEJANDRA
ANSÓN
@elite_gourmet
Director of
Elite Gourmet
For a relaxed meal. La Tasquita
de Enfrente (Ballesta, 6) or Ramõn
Freixa (Claudio Coello, 67), depending on the day. A secret treat.
White truffle at Don Giovanni (Reina
Cristina, 23). A traditional dish.
Tortilla at Támara (Av. América, 33).
Any favourite tapa? Nino's little
dishes at La Gabinoteca (Fernández
de la Hoz, 53). The best view. From
the La Terraza del Casino restaurant
(Alcalá, 15). A hotel where you
have a meal too? The Hotel Urban,
thanks to Joaquín Felipe (Carrera de
San Jerõnimo, 34).
070
www.esmadrid.com

71. DELICIOUS MARKETS.
On this page the counter at
one of the bars in San
Miguel market. On the next
page, two places to eat in
San Antón market.
www.esmadrid.com/cultura
and cheese are available until the small hours,
as are home-made ice cream, fresh fruit juice
and designer cakes.
QUICK SERVICE WITH NO SET TIMES
When you visit Madrid you'll find you can eat
very well without breaking the bank. Everyone is familiar with fast food but now many
leading chefs are contributing ingenious ideas for a more balanced version. There is a
demand for carefully prepared, healthy food
using quality ingredients. There has been a
city-wide boom in gourmet hamburgers,
and the trend also applies to tacos, pizzas,
hot dogs, filled baguettes and sandwiches.
Fast food has been reinvented to satisfy
the most demanding diner.
JOSÉ CARLOS CAPEL
@madridfusion
Director of Madrid
Fusión and food
critic
What does Madrid Fusiõn mean
for the city? It has raised its profile
around the world. What do they do
best in Madrid? Pommes soufflés.
The best cocido? Go to Charolés,
in El Escorial (Floridablanca, 24). A
place you'd recommend to friends
visiting Madrid. The stage area in
Teatriz restaurant (Hermosilla, 15).
Your favourite tapa? The ham croquettes at El Quinto Vino (Hernani,
48). The most tempting food in
Madrid. Fusion cuisine. Madrid and
London are European pioneers in
this field.
www.esmadrid.com
071

72. DISTRICTS IN MADRID
TO WHET YOUR APPETITE
This is the start of your culinary journey through the main areas
in the city centre, a route full of interesting flavours.
THE LITERARY QUARTER
The area round Plaza de Santa Ana and
Calle de Huertas combines convenience
and a Bohemian atmosphere. Its traditional
taverns and modern gastrobars are ideal
for a snack when shopping or visiting museums and theatres.
LA LATINA
A walk round the district is compulsory on
Sundays but its bars are well worth visiting during the week, when they are less
crowded. Enjoy regional dishes and generous snacks as you explore Calle Cava Baja.
The district's little squares, with their
lively open-air bars, are hard to resist
on summer evenings.
LAVAPIÉS
The area's traditional past blends with its
new international character. Aromas from
all parts of the world waſt through
its streets, bringing Oriental, Indian and
North African cuisine to Madrid. Calle del
Ave María is a good example, while the
terraces in Argumosa are known as
the district's "sea-front".
SALAMANCA
The district offers gourmet shops, tasting
menus and outstanding wine bars. The
area round Calle Serrano is home to vari-
072
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ous award-winning restaurants offering
food to satisfy the most discerning palate.
And there is no shortage of elegant bars
where you can eat tapas or have tea while
you take a breather from shopping.
SALESAS
The bars serving beer in Plaza de Santa Bárbara are the epicentre of a district
featuring many aſter work bars and delicatessens. Old and well-established cafés
such as El Espejo and Gijón, in Paseo de
Recoletos, give the area a particularly
distinguished air.
MALASAÑA
This lively young district has also kept up
with the fascinating change in people's
eating habits. With a wide range of takeaway food, retro-style cafés, vegetarian restaurants and cosy tea-rooms, it
is also home to legendary tapas bars and
restaurants serving international cuisine.
CHUECA
The San Antón market, with its splendid
flat roof, has extended the impressive
range of options available. Old established
restaurants rub shoulders with brand new
businesses run by young chefs. In the
Vázquez de Mella area you'll find classic cocktails and exotic menus.

73. INTERNATIONAL.
Above, from left to right,
two Italian restaurants:
La Mucca and La
Tavernetta. Below, Happy
Day bakery.
* SET MENUS *
Good, tasty and cheap. In
Madrid you can eat very well on
a tight budget. Most restaurants
offer a set lunch, a filling meal
consisting of two main courses,
a dessert, bread and a drink
at prices ranging from €10 to
€20. The casas de comida are a
particularly good option, serving both traditional and more
modern fare, prepared with fresh
market produce and served in
a friendly, informal atmosphere
that's popular with students,
workers and travellers. When
you come to Madrid, try to visit
different districts so you can see
for yourself how the huge variety
of food on offer reflects their
own, very individual characters.
www.esmadrid.com
073

74. FOR THOSE WITH A SWEET
TOOTH... Breakfast and tea
As you walk round Madrid you'll be bombarded by many tempting aromas. The city has a strong tradition of baking that dates
back for centuries. Traditional pastry specialities include pestiños,
buñuelos de viento, huesos del Santo, rosquillas de San Isidro,
torrijas (eaten at Easter), the roscón de Reyes (a ring-shaped
cake eaten at Christmas), while recent additions include la corona
de la Almudena, eaten during the festivities to honour the
city's patron saint. Churros with hot chocolate are a very wellestablished old favourite, eaten mid-aſternoon to ward off the cold
weather or early in the morning aſter a night on the town. They are
also an integral part of many popular festivities. The thick drinking
chocolate is much loved by children and adults alike, who delight in
dunking their fried batter porras and lazos.
SWEETLY SIDE BY SIDE.
Madrid is home to traditional
bakeries such as La
Santiaguesa and new ventures
like Buenas y Dulces, selling
doughnuts and tea biscuits.
074
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75. www.esmadrid.com/en/restaurants-madrid
* DESSERTS *
»COFFEE The smell of coffee
fills bars and cafés from early
morning until mid-afternoon.
White at breakfast time and with
just a drop of milk after lunch.
»CUPCAKES Traditional fairy
cakes are now decorated with ontrend fancy ingredients, like they
do in English-speaking countries.
»ICE CREAM Home-made,
creamy and nutritious, this old favourite now features unusual new
varieties. Though mostly eaten in
summer, it's also popular in winter.
»'ROSCÓN' Originally meant
to be eaten at Epiphany, there are
bakeries where this cake has been
transformed into a work of art.
CHOCOLATES
AND SWEETS
  
  
  
  
 
 .
NEW TRENDS
Madrid has a number of organic bakeries selling freshly-made croissants, which have made
a big change to the early morning coffee ritual.
The growing popularity of brunch in hotels and
designer bars has made it a regular habit for
many people at weekends. An increasing number
of the city's residents are adopting the custom of
having a British-style high tea in the aſternoon,
eating cupcakes with multi-coloured toppings
and pancakes with syrup and cream.
www.esmadrid.com
075

76. LOVINGLY MIXED DRINKS.
Barman Carlos Moreno, from
Charly's Bar.
THE AFTER WORK BOOM
Cocktails in the centre
In Madrid there's no need to wait for the weekend to enjoy the
city's night life. It's become increasingly common for the Friday or
Saturday night dinner plus drink routine to happen any evening
from Monday to Thursday. There has been a remarkable increase in the number of establishments of all kinds catering for
the aſter-work market. Customers can take advantage of attractive
special deals on drinks and snacks to unwind aſter the day's work
and chat to friends.
Do you prefer a quiet cocktail bar or somewhere livelier? Does it depend on the day you've had? If you like cocktails, Gran Vía (the legendary Museo Chicote, for example) and the area behind it (Calle de la
Reina) are a must. Fancy a gin & tonic? They serve fantastic mixed
drinks in the Triball area. The list is never-ending and you'll be spoilt
for choice all the way from Calle Almirante to Calle de Juan Bravo.
076
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MIKEL
ITURRIAGA
@mikeliturriaga
Author of the blog
El Comidista
A relaxed meal. At Lúa (Zurbano,
85), haute cuisine with no fuss. A restaurant to impress someone. Nikkei
225: high class Japanese-Peruvian
fusion (Castellana, 15). Favourite
tapas? Rabas and salmorejo at El Pez
Gordo (Pez, 6). A place to go to
with friends. Home Burger (Espíritu
Santo, 12). A drink to round the
evening off? In Toni 2 (Almirante, 9).
It's a parallel world.

77. WHAT’S ON
FOOD & DRINK
>>>>>> FOR FULL DETAILS GO TO www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on-madrid
THE CALENDAR IS BRIMMING WITH DELICIOUS GASTRO
NOMIC EVENTS HIGHLIGHTING THE FINEST FOOD FROM
MADRID AND FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE.
AND...
MADRID FUSIØN
This is the eleventh
anniversary of
the international
event that turns
Madrid into the
gastronomy capital of the world,
with the presence
of internationally
acclaimed chefs.
In Pavilion 14.1 at
IFEMA. From 21 to
23 January.
SALØN GOURMET
A meeting point for
manufacturers and
consumers of highend food products.
A showcase event
for top quality food
and drink, attracting
buyers from all over
the world. Feria de
Madrid. From 8 to
11 April.
SOCIAL MENU
Gastrofestival A festival of the senses
Coinciding with Madrid Fusión, the city
also hosts Gastrofestival, a culinary and
cultural event with a packed programme
of activities inviting everyone to enjoy Madrid's many flavours. Leading chefs prepare special menus at attractive prices for
the popular Dinners with the Stars and
fashion designers present their own special
creations in Gastrofashion. The event, now
in its third year, also includes tastings and
courses, and is enthusiastically supported
by restaurants, museums, art galleries,
markets and delicatessens.
>WHEN: From
19 January to 3 February 2013.
is a unique
opportunity to enjoy fine food at exceptionally low prices.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT: This
Restaurants supporting Restaurant
Week, an initiative
that first started in
New York in 1992,
will be serving
menus at especially
attractive prices.
Not only are they
making restaurants
more accessible,
they are also supporting charitable
causes. March and
November.
www.esmadrid.com
077

78. "Madrid is full
of temptations"
RAMÓN FREIXA COOK
@RamonFreixa
He is one of the leading lights of the
Catalonian school living in Madrid.
The restaurant bearing his name has
earned itself two Michelin stars in
record time.
Lxs cursivxs nx
cxgxn lxs xcxntxs
What does Madrid taste of?
Diversity.
What's been the greatest improvement in the last few
years?
The fresh vitality brought in by
the new set of chefs.
What about the new markets?
A genuine resurgence. I always
say that San Miguel is ideal for
tapas, and in San Antón they've
succeeded in combining tapas
and shopping.
What's your favourite authentic Madrid dish?
Tripe and 'broken' fried eggs.
For dessert?
Desserts are getting better all the
time. You can see it happening in
bakeries like Oriol Balaguer (José
Ortega y Gasset, 44) and Pomme
Sucre (Barquillo, 49).
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Your latest discovery?
The Don Lay Chinese restaurant
(Paseo de Extremadura, 30).
Which places do you recommend to your friends?
A walk in El Retiro Park and,
for shopping, the Malasaña and
Salamanca districts.
Where do you go to buy a giſt?
Isolée is a good choice, with lots
to choose from (Infantas, 19).
For flowers, I go to Floreale (Luis
Vives, 5).
The best place to round off an
evening with a drink?
I'd name three: Dry Martini by
Javier de las Muelas (Hermosilla,
2), O'Clock (Juan Bravo, 25) and Le
Cabrera (Bárbara de Braganza, 2).
The most tempting thing in Madrid?
Madrid is full of temptations.

79. SHOPPING
80-97
WHATEVER YOUR STYLE, WE HAVE
SOMETHING TO SUIT ALL TASTES.
8081 SERRANO
8283 GRAN VÍA / SOL
8485 RASTRO FLEA MARKET
8687 SALESAS, TRIBALL AND
THE LITERARY QUARTER
8889 HITTING THE MARKETS
9091 BACK TO MADRID'S ROOTS
92 OUTLET CHIC
93 SHOPPING MAP
9495 WHAT'S ON
9697 INTERVIEW Maribel Verdú

80. ARTE Y CULTURA
SHOPPING
The best of each neighbourhood
EACH AREA HAS ITS OWN PERSONALITY. THE MOST
CHIC BRANDS ARE IN SALAMANCA; THE LATEST TRENDS,
IN SALESAS; TRADITIONAL BOUTIQUES, ON GRAN VÍA...
WHAT'S MORE, MADRID IS OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR.
SERRANO Come to the street of temptations
Madrid's most fashion-conscious zone is
found in Calle Serrano and the surrounding
streets. A long, formal and traditional street,
its pavements, which have been replaced
and widened for the comfort of pedestrians, are flanked by the largest collection of leading fashion brands. From the
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majestic presence of Ortega y Gasset to
the chic elegance of Jorge Juan and its
alleyways. A stroll through the Salamanca
neighbourhood, shopping bags in hand, is a
traditional pastime for residents of Madrid
and a temptation for visitors dazzled by the
vast array of objects of desire on display.

81. STREETS
WITH RENOWN
    
   
    
. , ,
  
   
 .
SALAMANCA DISTRICT
01. Museum of
Public Art
02. Carlos de Amberes
Foundation
03. La Paz Market
04. Loewe
05. El Jardín de Serrano
06. Plaza de Colõn
07. Callejõn de Jorge
Juan
08. Colõn Tourist
Center
09. Teatro Fernán
Gõmez
10. National Library
11. Archaeological
Museum
Famous jewellers, international boutiques, great
designer brands and interior decoration stores,
traditional artisanal shops and various delicatessens offer numerous opportunities to find the perfect
giſt. Spanish fashion deserves special attention,
having taken Calle Serrano and the surrounding area
by storm during recent decades with a lively presence
that has ensured the neighbourhood is a permanent
point of interest. The retail and leisure options here are
constantly updated, and there are numerous first-class
cafés, outdoor bars and restaurants, all of which can
now also be enjoyed on Sundays.
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081

82. SHOPPING
www.esmadrid.com/en/shopping-madrid
GRAN VÍA / SOL The main commercial arteries of Madrid
From Monday to Sunday, life in central Madrid's neighbourhoods is a constant bustle
of people and action. And all roads lead
to the century-old Gran Vía. It has junctions
leading onto many other streets, a large
number of which are pedestrianized, allowing millions of residents and visitors to discover the brightest, most fascinating side
of the city.
While its first section is more traditional,
lined with emblematic boutiques, cocktail
bars and grand hotels, Gran Vía is transformed at the Red de San Luis junction. This
is due to the modern influence of Calle de
Fuencarral. Here, the flagship stores of firstrate international brands occupy immense
premises in historic buildings in a show
WINDOW-SHOPPING ROUTE.
Two examples of the varied
retail options Madrid has to offer.
This page: The classic store
Grassy Jewellers. Opposite:
Fuencarral's modern look.
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of lights and colours that attracts all
passers-by. This spectacle continues from
Plaza del Callao where it meets Calle
Preciados. Pioneering in its restrictions on
traffic circulation, it is still the busiest street
in Spain. At the other end of the district, the
Puerta del Sol branches off into Mayor
and Arenal streets, renewed in recent
years by the opening of establishments that
blend in perfectly with neighbourhood classics. There is so much to choose from that
we need to retrace our steps to make sure
we don't miss anything. This district is truly
the beating heart of Madrid.

83. CENTRAL MADRID
01. Pza. Sta. Bárbara
02. Café Comercial
03. Barcelõ Market
04. Pza. del Dos de
Mayo
05. Pza. de San Ildefonso
06. Fuencarral Market
07. Triball
08. San Antõn
Market
09. Pza. del Callao
10. Pza. del Carmen
11. Kilometre Zero
12. Pza. Mayor
13. Õpera
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84. SHOPPING
THE FLEA MARKET
Not just on Sundays
Visiting the Rastro flea market on Sundays and public holidays
is a favourite activity among Madrid’s locals. The countless
stalls of this street market, which spread down the hill from Plaza de
Cascorro along Ribera de Curtidores, sell everything and anything
imaginable: you just have to know how to find what you're looking for!
The whole La Latina neighbourhood is immersed in a bustle of trade
from first thing in the morning. Fray Ceferino González and San
Cayetano streets possess their own interior world. The same can
be said of Plaza del General Vara del Rey, a popular destination
for collectors of antique journals, paintings, picture cards and prints
which they buy, sell and exchange with enthusiasm.
OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND
These winding streets contain the most unusual items among its
second-hand books, retro furniture and all manner of kitsch relics. Your best bet is to be willing to be surprised and share
your opinions. The human tidal wave might take us to corners of
the market we might never have explored of our own volition. Not
many people know that apart from the intense activity in the
flea market on Sundays, the area is also a vibrant place to be
on weekdays. Newly established antique shops, and clothes and
second-hand shops receive daily visits from those willing to diligently
rummage through stock at a slower pace.
GUILLERMO
GARCÍA DE LA HOZ
Designer and
interior decorator
Your favourite corner. La Casa de
Granada (Doctor Cortezo, 17), to
see the sunset. An essential shop.
El Anticuario de Belén (Belén, 11),
Vintage 4P (Bastero, 4), Youtopía
(Garcilaso, 5) and any of the flea
market stalls. The best-decorated
premises. Hub Madrid (Gobernador,
26). For a guilty treat. Café Oita
(Hortaleza, 31): irresistible. Where
to end an evening. The Mercado
de la Reina restaurant (Gran Vía,
12). The latest trend. Pad Thai (Paseo del Prado, 40). I love the mix of
stained glass windows depicting the
Virgin alongside Buddha.
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85. THE
PERFECT PLAN
   
  
  , 
    
   
    
 , 
   
 .
SEVEN DAYS. Life in the area
changes radically depending on
the day. During the week you
can explore new antique shops.
On Sundays, check out the most
surprising stalls.
3,500
STALLS
Are erected every
Sunday at the flea
market, from 9 am
to 3 pm.
70,000
PEOPLE
pass through the Sol
station every day to
make use of the three
metro lines and two
local train lines.
SINCE
1578
The oldest shop in
Madrid: the Reina
Madre chemist's on
Calle Mayor.
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085

86. SHOPPING
SHOPPING
WALKING ROUTE
   
  
    
    
  , 
 , ,
 , 
  
.
SALESAS, TRIBALL AND THE LITERARY QUARTER
For the latest in design
SALESAS ROUTE
If you want to shop for the most up-todate trends, then this is the neighbourhood you
should be getting lost in. In Argensola, Fernando VI and Regueros streets you can find multibrand stores stocking all the latest fashion. This
area simply lives and breathes fashion wherever
you go, since it's where all the main showrooms
and communications offices are located. Calle de
Barquillo is losing some of its old music shops in
order to open new multibrand spaces which will
catch the eye of all followers of fashion.
DISCOVER TRIBALL
In Malasaña, this project has revived trade and
brought life to the neighbourhood. It's a top
destination for those looking for something
a bit different. Within the triangle of streets
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comprising Gran Vía, Calle de Fuencarral
and Corredera Baja de San Pablo, a string
of small shops have appeared whose predominant features are their modern design, artisanal
products and welcoming interiors.
DESIGN IN THE LITERARY QUARTER
Take advantage of your visit to Madrid to decorate your home. Fans of interior decoration
with character are well-advised to take a
stroll around the Literary Quarter. Among
the neighbourhood's antique bookshops and
small cafés you can find vintage furniture and
industrial style lighting by the best Scandinavian
designers.

87. www.esmadrid.com/en/shopping-madrid
MANUEL
GARCÍA MADRID
@garciamadrid
Menswear fashion
designer
FOLLOW THE TRENDS.
In streets such as Conde
Xiquena, Espíritu Santo and
Barquillo you will find a rich
array of fashion and design
stores so you can keep up with
the trends.
Don't miss. The squares in the Hapsburg
neighbourhood. My favourite is Plaza
de la Basílica Pontificia de San Miguel.
A hotel. The Hotel Ada Gran Vía,
for fabulous lunches or an evening
cocktail on its terrace. Your private
garden. Just behind La Almudena Cathedral, in las Vistillas. A leisurely
lunch. Malacatín (Ruda, 5). The best
stew in Madrid: if you manage to eat
it all you eat for free. For a homemade treat. At the El Riojano pastry
shop (Mayor,10): they've got the best
crunis (sweet puff pastry sandwiches).
And if you need to buy a gift? I prefer the smaller shops.
AMAYA RODRÍGUEZ
@mayitori
Creative
Director
Rock 'n' roll. The whole of the flea
market. Looking for inspiration. In
Salesas, in the shops on Calle de Orellana. For an original gift. Hakei (Ayala, 34) or Suela (Lagasca, 94). And for
the boys? Cos (Claudio Coello, 53)
or the shop Lomography (Echegaray,
5). For a drink with friends. At De
Diego (Reina, 12) or La Turba (Conde
de Xiquena, 3). Where do you escape
to? In the Botanical Gardens - I love
the smell of damp earth, especially in
autumn. Your latest discovery. An
atelier run by these really nice girls
who make cool and unusual wedding
dresses: La Tua Pelle (Sagasta, 26).
www.esmadrid.com
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88. SHOPPING
SHOPPING
HITTING THE
MARKETS
A must for gourmets
Spain's cuisine is famous worldwide,
so it's no surprise that Madrid is one of
the best places to pick up some exquisite Spanish products. Your best bet is
to head down to San Miguel and San
Antón markets, where you can not only
fill your shopping basket, but also enjoy
all kinds of tapas, wines and desserts at
its well-presented stalls: the best way
to select your favourite products. If you
are looking for a more traditional market full of Madrid residents doing their
daily shopping then check out La Paz,
Chamartín or Chamberí markets, famous for the quality of their fish, meat,
vegetables and preserves.
UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS.
The San Antón Market in the
Chueca neighbourhood not
only contains stalls for daytime
shopping and wine and tapas
bars: upstairs there's a restaurant,
cocktail bar and terrace.
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89. www.esmadrid.com/en/restaurants-madrid
THE FRESHEST PRODUCTS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
The renewed popularity of quality fruit and vegetable shops is
clear at Tomad Mucha Fruta, in the Salesas neighbourhood, an
establishment that has been serving local residents for almost a
century. Another similar shop, Vázquez, in Calle Ayala, will catch
your eye for the attractive way in which produce is displayed,
worthy of any of the nearby fashion shops. At Gold Gourmet,
Embassy or branches of Mallorca, among other gourmet venues you can purchase the most authentic delicatessen products.
These products are a great choice when preparing a picnic
to take to El Retiro Park.
MADRIDCARD
   
 . I  
    
,  ,
 
   
 .
www.madridcard.com
ANA ESCOBAR
@anaescobarayc
Director of the
agency Acción
y Comunicación
The best gastronomic experience.
Markets offering tasting sessions,
such as San Miguel and San Antõn,
as well as spaces such as El Corte
Ingles's Experience Gourmet. Where
to end an evening. Le Cabrera (Bárbara de Braganza, 2). Where can
you go to escape it all? Restaurante Lúa (Zurbano, 85). And if you
need to buy a gift? I go to the wine
shop LaTintorería (Marqués de Zafra,
35). They always help me pick the
right bottle. Your latest discovery.
Renovated El Coque (in Humanes) is
spectacular. The biggest temptation. Here you can be out drinking
cocktails until the early hours any
day of the week. The thing that still
surprises you most. The number of
new places that open every day. Madrid is a city that never stops.
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90. SHOPPING
BACK TO MADRID'S ROOTS
Rediscovering the value of artisanal products
Madrid smells of violets - so much so, that
this flower forms part of its history and has
been declared the city's official aroma. You will
also see that it tastes of violets too, when you
try the classic sweets at La Violeta, in Plaza
de Canaletas. Another typical sweet product is
turrón, the traditional Spanish Christmas
nougat that can also be bought during the
rest of the year. Pastry shops such as Casa
Mira, El Horno de San Onofre and La Mallorquina are famous for their homemade pastries.
HAND MADE
Fans are one accessory that continues to attract followers, a fact supported by the existence of shops like Casa de Diego, famous for
STEEPED IN HISTORY.
On this page, Casa de
Diego; on the next page,
La Violeta and Casa Mira.
Three of the most iconic
stores in Madrid. In the
vicinity of Puerta del Sol.
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their hand made fans. But the traditional accessory par excellence is the Manila shawl,
which not only serves as a garment but is
also used to decorate street balconies during
celebrations. You can find true works of art
that wouldn't be out of place in a museum.
The iconic store Grassy, located on the
junction of Gran Vía and calle Alcalá, has a
façade that can claim to be one of the most
oſten depicted in images of the city, but it is
also one of Madrid's most historic jeweller's, to the point where it even has its own
antique watch museum.

91. www.esmadrid.com/en/shopping-madrid
GONZALO
FONSECA
Bag designer for
Steve Mono
A special hotel. Any with a terrace and views over the roofs of
Gran Vía, Alcalá... The best walk.
Hapsburg Madrid and Õpera. A
leisurely lunch. El Cocinillas
(San Joaquín, 3) and Le Patron
(Barco, 27). For a night out with
friends. Josealfredo (Silva, 22).
For a homemade treat. Casa Vega
(Toledo, 57). Where to go shopping. In Calle Fernando VI or Calle
Barquillo or rummaging in the flea
market. Madrid's biggest temptation. Going out for a beer.
MADRID SHOP
'  
    .
    
   
    
  
 .
* DON' T MISS *
»TRADITIONAL In La
Latina there are many century-old
businesses: shoe shops, basket
makers, leather workshops and
metalworkers.
»ANTIQUE In the Literary
Quarter you will find antique
bookshops that look like museums.
»MADE TO MEASURE
The sewing workshops, fabric
shops and haberdashery stores
never go out of fashion. Pontejos
is a classic, but there are many
more in the areas around Atocha
and Huertas.
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92. SHOPPING
MIRANDA
MAKAROFF
@mirandamakaroff
Designer, blogger,
socialite
A place to be seen. The Wall
(Corredera Baja de San Pablo, 47),
pure posing and fashion. An exquisite treat. The pastries at Delic
(Costanilla de San Andrés, 14). From
your brand. Benny Room (Conde
Xiquena, 17), sells sweaters that I
designed with my mum (mirandaforlydia.com). The best atmosphere.
In Malasaa. For shopping. The vintage shops on Calle Velarde. A real
find. Viva la vida (Costanilla de San
Andrés, 16), a vegetarian restaurant
with a mouthwatering buffet.
OUTLET CHIC Las Rozas Village
Half an hour from the centre, intelligent shoppers in search of style
at the best price take a trip out to Las Rozas Village. Designed to
represent a collage of international architectural styles, the centre
brings together an eclectic mix of more than 100 luxury outlet boutiques, with discounts of up to 60% offered all year round.
Spanish brands such as Adolfo Domínguez, Becara, Castañer and
Roberto Verino can be found alongside Spazio Dolce & Gabbana,
Armani Outlet, Burberry, Versace Company Store, Hugo Boss and
many more. The meticulous restoration of The Lobby Café and
the Shopping Express service (offering free transport from the
centre to the Village) make a trip to Las Rozas Village an unforgettable experience. For more information and timetables, visit:
www.LasRozasVillage.com/shoppingexpress.
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* ALL IN ONE *
»AZCA The shopping area of
Nuevos Ministerios is still one of
the most popular.
»GOYA Everything you need
within easy reach. A great variety
of brands and department stores.
»PRINCESA A magnificent,
pleasant shopping area which
isn't as crowded as some others.
»PRÍNCIPE PÍO The shopping centre contained in the old
Estaciõn del Norte also offers a
wide range of leisure and restaurant options.

93. SHOPPING
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94. WHAT’S ON: SHOPPING
>>>>>> GET ALL THE DETAILS ON www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on-madrid
HITTING THE SHOPS IN MADRID IS A CULTURAL PHENOMENON.
NO WONDER THE GROWING NUMBER OF EVENTS HAS TURNED
SHOPPING INTO A CELEBRATION.
Casa Decor
To live more stylishly
Every year the location changes for the
chosen venue (casadecor.com) – decorated
for this event – where renowned interior
designers, architects and landscapers
gather together.
>WHEN: May and June.
>DON'T MISS: An interesting mix of decoration,
architecture and design.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
The city becomes a catwalk
The capital's showcase for creations held at Feria de Madrid
has become the perfect opportunity to find out what Spanish
designers have to offer – from leading names to alternative
talent. This big date with fashion draws the attention of professionals from the world of style, as well as followers of the latest
trends. An intense week, celebrated twice a year, full of parallel events such as El Ego, dedicated to young, more cutting-edge
designers.
>WHEN: February and September. Feria de Madrid.
This is the most important international stage for
fashion design in Spain.
>THE KEY:
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Fashion's Night Out
Salamanca District
Fashion's Night Out is held simultaneously
in other cities, including London, Paris and
New York. Every year, more shops and visitors participate in this aſter-hours event.
>WHEN: September.
>WHERE: Triball and Salamanca take centre
stage on this special night.

95. DecorAcción
Literary Quarter
The antique dealers and interior designers of Huertas open their doors and the
whole neighbourhood throws itself
into an event that in just two editions has
become something unmissable. A true
household party that is also celebrated
in the open air, with a street market for
the occasion and special activities.
>WHEN:
September/October.
The whole
neighbourhood gets dressed up to show its
best side.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT:
WITH ART
Día de Mercado
At Casa de Campo
A novel initiative that already has its dedicated followers. This is your chance to buy
the finest seasonal products bearing
a quality label. Once a month, the agrifood companies of Madrid present the
best they have to offer at Casa de Campo.
Meats, oils, wines, cheeses, sweets,
fruits and vegetables, straight from the
countryside to the city.
>WHEN: First Saturday of every month.
>WHAT YOU'LL FIND: A wide selection of quality organic products.
FERIARTE
Art and antiques
fair featuring the
best antiques,
decorative arts
and paintings
from Spain and
abroad.
Feria de Madrid.
November.
ALMONEDA
San Jorge Juan
The arrival of summer
Madrid takes to the streets when the weather
warms up, and any occasion is worth celebrating. The shortest night of the year,
Midsummer's Eve, is celebrated with particular flair along Calle Jorge Juan and its side
streets, which are decked out in their finest
for the occasion. The area is closed to traffic so the public can come and enjoy its elegant shops, which stay open until late.
>WHEN: Midsummer's Eve, 23 June.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT: So you can
celebrate the arrival of summer in the best
surroundings.
Antique dealers,
art galleries and
collectors fair.
With thousands of
amazing and affordable pieces.
Feria de Madrid.
April.
SPRING
Lovers of old
books flock to
the Antiquarian
and Second-Hand
Book Fair. Paseo
de Recoletos. May
and September/
October.
www.esmadrid.com
095

96. 096
www.esmadrid.com

97. "I usually go to
the Salamanca district
and Calle Fuencarral"
MARIBEL VERDÚ ACTRESS
Since she began her career as a teenager, she hasn't stopped working with the best: Francis Ford
Coppola, Guillermo del Toro, Alfonso Cuarón…
Where do you like to go shopping?
I usually go to the Salamanca and
Chueca areas and Calle Fuencarral.
Alone or with other people?
On my own. Unless it's food shopping,
then I'd rather go with other people
to help carry everything aſter.
If you came to Madrid as a tourist, what would you bring back
in your suitcase?
I would buy some delicious Iberian
pork loin, thinly sliced and vacuum
packed.
Do you like shopping in markets?
The new Mercado de San Antón is
a real find, just like Mercado de San
Miguel and Mercado de la Paz on
Calle Ayala; all three are amazing
and it's something a bit different to
go shopping there and sample some
tasty food at the same time.
Your soſt spot for the theatre
goes beyond being on stage.
What do you recommend as an
audience member?
An innovative place such as Microteatro por dinero (Loreto y
Chicote, 9). I also go to the Teatro
Maravillas oſten, which always
has a great programme (Manuela
Malasaña, 6).
Which parks are your favourites?
Above all, El Retiro. It's a place that
really makes me feel alive. I live very
close by as well and stroll around it
all throughout the year, because it
changes a lot from one season to
the next; in springtime I go with a
towel, a book and headphones and
spend hours there.
What other green spaces do you
like to wander around?
The rose garden at Parque del
Oeste is a wonderful spot, and
the Royal Botanical Gardens is a
must-visit if you come to Madrid,
as it's such a peaceful place. Even
though they don't charge much for
entry, there aren't many people
there and you can hear the quiet.
Which places in Madrid make
you nostalgic?
I like to go down to Paseo de Rosales, walk to the cable car (if
you ride it you can see a different
Madrid), then go to the Temple of
Debod and from there enjoy the
magical Madrid sunset, which has
an intensity I haven't seen anywhere else.
And which galleries do you recommend?
Those in and around Calle Barquillo
and Calle Augusto Figueroa are very
beautiful and the neighbourhood is
nice. Then there are the ones along
Calle Claudio Coello and Villanueva
which are truly impressive.
Let's finish with a bite to eat.
I love a classic like Rafa, on Calle
Narváez, but I'm also taken by places like Arzábal (Menéndez Pelayo,
13), La Manduca de Azagra (Sagasta, 14) and Nina (Manuela
Malasaña, 10), as I'm a fan of their
menus and the weekend brunch,
which is simply to die for.
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097

98. Follow us:
http://www.facebook.com/fundacionmapfrecultura
Twitter @mapfrefcultura

99. FUN & GAMES
100-120
EXPERIENCE SPORT DURING THE DAY AND DON'T
MISS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN.
SPORT:
100101 BERNABÉU AND CALDERÓN
102 IF YOU ARE INTO SPORTS
103 ALL EYES ON THE WATER
104 WHAT'S ON
105 INTERVIEW Alejandro Blanco
SHOWS:
106 GRAN VÍA
107 PURE THEATRE
108 EVERY KIND OF MUSIC
109 BIG SCREENS
110 WHAT'S ON
111 INTERVIEW Carlos Rivera
NIGHT:
112113 OUTDOOR CAFÉS
114115 ALL NIGHT LONG
116 THE VERY BEST FLAMENCO
117 TRADITIONAL CRAFTS
118 POPULAR 'FIESTAS'
119 DISTRICT MAPS
120 INTERVIEW Charles Ross

100. FUN & GAMES
Play with us
MADRID IS LIVING A PERMANENT ROMANCE WITH SPORT,
IN ALL ITS DISCIPLINES. GET READY TO CHEER ON SOME OF THE
BEST FOOTBALL TEAMS IN THE WORLD.
BERNABÉU AND CALDERÓN A question of colours
The people of Madrid are passionate about
sport of any kind, with football considered the
undisputed king. This isn’t surprising given that
its two big teams move genuine masses with
every game. The atmosphere on the Paseo de
la Castellana is electrifying whenever Real Madrid plays at home. The Santiago Bernabéu
stadium bristles with excitement as the team
100
www.esmadrid.com
–comprising some of the world’s best players–
comes out onto the pitch. You can also watch
Real Madrid as a spectator during their training
sessions at the Valdebebas Sports City (check
their website to find out which days they open to
the public: www.realmadrid.es) or take a tour of
the stadium to discover some of the Bernabéu’s
hidden nooks and crannies.

101. A FOOTBALL FAN’S
DREAM. Outside the
Bernabéu or inside the
Vicente Calderón. Right:
the Atlético Madrid
Museum and Real
Madrid’s café.
“ATLETI” AND “RAYO”
Madrid’s other top team is Atlético de Madrid. Atlético’s fans (or the
“red and whites” as they are popularly known) congregate at the
other end of the city to watch their team play at the Vicente Calderón stadium. Considered to be among the best supporters in the
world, they can watch their team, Atleti, from a privileged spot on the
banks of Madrid Rio Park. A setting that combines sport, leisure,
a family atmosphere, as well as a strong desire to win. Although
a more humble club by comparison, Rayo Vallecano has achieved
promotion to the Primera División (the Spanish Premier League).
Madrid, three-times represented in the best Liga in the world.
www.esmadrid.com/en/football
COMING SOON
   
    
   
, 
  - 
  
’ 
.
www.esmadrid.com
101

102. www.esmadrid.com/en/parks-madrid
JUANMA LÓPEZ
ITURRIAGA
@Palomero14
Sports commentator
A spot in the city. Plaza de Cibeles.
A location encompassing both history
and modernity. A bite to eat? Hermanos ¸lvarez. Affordable seafood
(Ricardo San Juan, 20) The best view.
From the rooftop café of the Puerta
de América Hotel (Av. América, 41).
The best place for sport? The classic
place is Casa de Campo Park. Where
to watch it? In the Sports Palace in
Goya. An intimate place. For me, it
is Café de Belén (Belén, 5). For the
best tapas. At La Toledana (Comandante Zorita, 31).
IF YOU ARE INTO SPORTS...
Running or riding a bike
Cycling is one of the best ways to practice sport and enjoy
the city, thanks to the vast number of kilometres devoted to it.
The 64 km-long green ring circles the entire city; you can test
your stamina by attempting to complete it. For a gentle stroll,
two excellent options are Madrid Rio and the Linear Park of the
Manzanares River, which stretches southwards from the river.
For those who prefer the exhilaration of the mountain bike,
Casa de Campo or Monte del Pardo provide superb conditions,
with slightly sandy soil, no mud and exciting circuits. If your
favourite sport is running, as well as the places mentioned
above, El Retiro, Oeste, Juan Carlos I and Tierno-Galván-Planetarium parks are all perfect locations.
ON YOUR MARKS
  , 
   
   , 
 :   
(  )  
  (
   
 )
102
www.esmadrid.com
TIME TO GET FIT. By
bike in the Madrid Rio
river park or canoeing on
the lake in El Retiro.

103. *MORE SPORT*
»GOLF In Madrid you can practice your swing at the Olivar de la
Hinojosa course, at the National
Golf Centre and at the Puerta de
Hierro club, amongst others.
»RUNNING On many
weekends, 10 km races and half
marathons are held around the
city, open to anyone who wants
to participate. No matter how
old, fit or well-trained you are,
taking part is what is important.
»SKATEBOARDING A num-
ber of skateboarding parks are
scattered around the city to allow
youngsters (or the not so young)
to practice their somersaults on
the skateboard. Those in Madrid
Rio and in the Agustín Rodríguez
Sahagún Park (Tetuán district) are
the most notable.
ALL EYES ON THE WATER
The most refreshing sports
Physiotherapists always recommend swimming as the best exercise to strengthen your back. In Madrid you can submerge yourself in a heated pool and practice your strokes at several private gyms or at any of the many municipal sports centres, which
open their outdoor pools in summer. Another sport growing in
popularity is canoeing. The lakes of El Retiro and Casa de Campo, and the Manzanares river, are perfect places for learning and
practicing. You can row on many of the reservoirs in the Region
of Madrid –Valmayor, El Atazar, San Juan and Pedrezuela–, where
you can also hire a sailing boat.
»SKATING You can go
ice-skating in the Ice Palace all
year round except in the summer.
Outdoors, anywhere is suitable,
although the paved walkways
of Madrid Rio are a continuous
coming and going of skaters
everyday, who, if they wish, can
continue into the adjoining Linear
Park of the Manzanares River.
»ROCK-CLIMBING
Climbers can often be seen
scaling the walls in Calle Segovia
on the corner with Atenas Park.
If you prefer an indoor location,
the spectacular recently opened
Roc 30 rock-climbing wall in
Madrid Rio draws both novice
and expert climbers.
www.esmadrid.com
103

104. WHAT’S ON:SPORTS
>>>>>>
CATCH UP WITH ALL THE DETAILS AT www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on-madrid
MADRID HAS AN INTENSE RELATIONSHIP WITH SPORT.
FANS ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT EVERY ONE OF THE
NUMEROUS EVENTS.
The countdown
to the BBVA League
Madrid is the province most highly represented in the BBVA League with four
teams in First Division (Real Madrid, Atlético, Rayo Vallecano and Getafe). The
face-off between Atlético Madrid and Real
Madrid supporters promises to be a cliffhanger. An endurance race that both clubs
have to fit in with their European competition commitments.
>WHEN: Until
the middle of May.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN’T MISS IT: Cristiano
Ronaldo
and company will fight to revalidate the title.
ALSO
HANDBALL
Madrid is one of
the host cities for
the World Men's
Handball Championship. Matches
will be played in
the Caja Mágica
stadium. From 12 to
27 January 2013.
LA VUELTA A
ESPA³A BIKE RACE
The whole city takes
to the streets, giving
the impression of
a popular festival,
to cheer on the
cyclists as they speed
down Paseo de la
Castellana racing
towards the finishing
line. September.
MAPOMA
The Rock ‘n’ Roll
Marathon of
Madrid promises to
be an unforgettable
party. April 28, 2013.
Basketball
Whites against blues
Come and share in the excitement of the Real Madrid
basketball team matches, especially if these are played against Estudiantes, the local rival, against whom
they compete in the major competitions.
>WHEN: Every weekend.
>FOR WHOM: There are legions of Spanish basketball fans,
many of whom live in Madrid.
104
A day at the races
Galloping emotions
At Madrid’s racecourse there is much more to do besides watching the races and placing a bet. During
the races in the summer evenings, the outdoor bar becomes a hotspot for people to hang out.
>WHEN: From March.
>WHAT IS THERE TO SEE? The passion of the races and live
betting, and beautiful people enjoying a drink.
www.esmadrid.com

105. “Madrid is much more
than just football”
ALEJANDRO BLANCO
SPANISH OLYMPIC COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
Already experienced as president of the Spanish Olympic Committe, he is now heading
Madrid's 2020 Olympic bid.
What sports infrastructures
can Madrid boast about?
It has some splendid sports facilities
for practicing and watching sport,
and it is one of the major world capitals for event organisation.
Is Madrid about more than just
football?
Much more. And there are thousands
of clubs and thousands of competitions in other disciplines held every
weekend to prove it.
Which is your favourite location for practicing sport?
Whenever I can I like to run outdoors in parks like Parque del Oeste,
Casa de Campo or Madrid Río.
Unfortunately I don’t have much
time, so I usually practise sport in
hotel gyms.
Can you recommend a restaurant to restore our energy?
That’s difficult. Madrid has something for everyone’s taste.
A favourite place for complete
relaxation?
The sunsets at the Temple of Debod. I could see them for many
years from my office when I was
the chairman of the Spanish Judo
Federation, and it helped me to
concentrate.
What has been your latest discovery in Madrid?
The Madrid Rio river park, a giant
space for Madrid residents to use
and enjoy, with all kinds of sports
facilities to add to the already extensive offer in the capital.
www.esmadrid.com
105

106. A SHOW. An actor from The
Lion King. Other options:
the listings for the Fernán
Goméz (above) and the
Canal theatres.
GRAN VÍA The soundtrack to Madrid
Quite some time ago Madrid’s Gran Vía
became the main drag for musicals in
the whole of Spain. There isn’t a production worth its salt that hasn’t previously
been staged on one of its many theatres,
before touring the rest of the country.
Some arrive directly from Broadway,
but there is also an excellent variety of
home-grown productions reasserting the
music and icons of several generations
of Spaniards. If you attend a musical in
Madrid, you’ll probably be stepping inside one of the enormous theatres on
the Gran Vía. Outside they glitter with
brightly coloured neon lights, but inside
a panoply of equipment and skill is deployed.
106
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BEYOND GRAN VÍA
The boom of the musical genre in Madrid and
the huge number of theatres and venues available for staging and performing great productions has oſten lead to the shows transferring to other locations beyond the Gran Vía.
Occasionally, though increasingly, the Nuevo
Apolo theatre (in Plaza de Tirso de Molina)
puts on this type of show. As does the Caser
Calderón (in Plaza de Jacinto Benavente), and
the Nuevo Teatro Alcalá (in Calle Jorge Juan,
Salamanca district). Children’s musical productions are oſten performed at the Teatro
Arenal (Calle Arenal, next to Puerta del Sol).
www.esmadrid.com/en/musicals-madrid

107. FERNAN GÓMEZ
  
  
   
   ,
   
, 
  ’
.
PURE THEATRE
The city’s (many) stages
Steeped in theatre tradition, Madrid is home to a large
number of venues staging a wide and varied selection of productions: from the novelty Teatros del Canal and Matadero’s
Las Naves del Español to Teatro Español on bustling Plaza
Santa Ana and Teatro María Guerrero hidden away in Las
Salesas district. The city’s most long-established theatres
include Teatro Lara, Teatro La Latina and Teatro Infanta
Isabel. If you fancy watching an old classic head to Teatro
Pavón, or if you're in the mood for circus then Teatro Circo Price is your best bet. As its name suggests, Teatro de
la Zarzuela specializes in zarzuelas, or Spanish operettas,
whereas Teatro Real is the venue for operas. For big fans of
contemporary theatre, Madrid hosts the Festival Escena Contemporánea in January and February.
*ALTERNATIVE STAGES*
»MICROTEATRO POR DINERO (MICROTHEATRE FOR MONEY) A unique experience has
opened its doors to young playwrights in Triball, where
actors and directors offer spectators short theatre
performances à la carte.
»KUBRICK FABRIK Opened barely a year ago in
the Usera district, this is a venue for artistic creation
where theatre and dance go hand in hand.
»LA USINA Located in Arganzuela, this is a small
theatre come academy which attempts to combine innovative efforts to offer an open door for new creators.
»LA ESCALERA DE JACOB At street level it
appears to be a bar, but the theatrical venue in the basement offers all kinds of performances. In Lavapiés.
»AZARTE Three small theatres for plays, rehearsals
and workshops distributed over 260 square metres in
this theatre in Chueca.
www.esmadrid.com
107

108. MXdrXd Rxxx
MAGICAL EVENINGS. An
enthusiastic crowd during
one of the performances at
Music Day. Right: entrance to
the Princesa Cinema which
shows films in their original
language.
EVERY KIND OF MUSIC
Madrid sounds good
When the sun sets, live music permeates the city air,
as top-class concerts are held on a nearly daily basis.
All the best bands include Madrid on their tours; it is
definitely a required stop for their live promotion. They
visit both small venues as well as large stadiums
where the international stars are always welcomed
with great expectation. Since 2006, Music Day has
been held on 21 June, a day when Madrid celebrates
with a packed weekend schedule of concerts.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
With regards to musical styles, Madrid is a mirror of the
world. The Veranos de la Villa festival is enthusiastically welcomed each year with its impressive night time cycles. Classical and choral music as well as the best soundtracks are performed at the National Auditorium.
Private venues such as the Juan March Foundation or
the courtyard in La Casa Encendida put on classical
music concerts as well as the most avant-garde or electronic musical performances. The city is filled with the
sound of jazz during the International Festival (November), and flamenco during the Suma Flamenca event.
108
www.esmadrid.com
ENRIQUE
CALABUIG
Partner Music2day,
Music Day Organiser
A special place in the city. Gran
Vía, a very Madrid-style meeting place where everyone feels welcome.
And for chilling out? A stroll in Retiro Park. Where can you listen to
the best concerts? In the Price, 'Music Hall' of Madrid. Plus, of course,
on the festival stages in the Matadero. Post-concert plans. Carry on
dancing till I drop in Costello, Sol or
La Ruta. Latest discovery. Around
Jorge Juan and Serrano. Your latest
discovery. The Hotel ADA terrace,
a fantastic surprise. If it only had
concerts...

109. BIG SCREENS
The capital of original language cinemas
Flashes, crowds, famous actors, a red carpet and thousands of
onlookers in front of a brightly lit marquee. An event that might be
seen any week in Plaza del Callao, the chosen location for major film
premieres in Spain. If you prefer your films in their original language,
make your way to Martín de los Heros –and the recently inaugurated
Paseo de las Estrellas (Walk of Fame), devoted to the stars of
Spanish cinema– and the neighbouring Plaza de los Cubos. Original
version films are also screened at the Ideal cinema, with its fantastic
glasswork façade, in Plaza de Jacinto Benavente, at the Verdi cinema
in Chamberí, and at the big screens of the Cine Cité multiplex in Manoteras. Once again Madrid proves why it is the capital of Spain.
CLASSICS AND RARE FILMS
The Filmoteca, in the legendary Cine Doré, screens classic and
rare films. During the summer months, it is impossible to avoid
the big outdoor screens in La Bombilla and Tierno Galván parks,
as well as those mounted for the film festivals of Documenta
Madrid in May and LesGaiCineMad in November.
GRAN VÒA
01. Plaza de Espaa
02. Callao
03. Triball
04. Preciados
05. Red de San Luis
06. Plaza de
Vázquez de Mella
07. Fine Arts Circle
08. Puerta del Sol
www.esmadrid.com
109

110. WHAT’S ON: SHOWS
>>>>>>
CATCH UP WITH ALL THE DETAILS AT www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on-madrid
WHEN YOU COME TO VISIT MADRID YOU WILL DISCOVER A
CITY BRIMMING WITH VITALITY AND A PROGRAMME FULL
OF ATTRACTIVE EVENTS, WHATEVER YOUR PREFERENCES.
Autumn to Spring
Festival Venues
The 30th Autumn to Spring Festival,
which kicked off in October 2012, is set to
be extended up until June 2013. This is an
exceptional opportunity to enjoy contemporary theatre, dance, music and circus
in a single festival set entirely in the capital.
An event that changes format to adapt to
new times and offer the very best performing arts programme all year round.
>WHEN: From
31 October 2012 to 9 June
2013. Various venues.
>YOU CAN´T MISS THIS: International artists.
ALSO
MOZART'S DON
GIOVANNI
Comic opera in
two acts produced
jointly by Teatro
Real opera house
and the Aix-enProvence Festival.
With musical
direction by Alejo
Pérez and Dmitri
Tcherniakov as stage director. From 3
to 24 April 2013.
DOCUMENTA
MADRID
Of all the Madrid
film festivals, this
one, dedicated to
documentaries,
brings in the largest
number of spectators. From 5 to 12
May, 2013.
GOSPEL
The Festival of
Gospel and Black
Spiritual music,
a must-see event,
generates a festive
atmosphere in the
run up to Christmas. At the Teatro
Fernán Gõmez.
December.
TALENT MADRID
Suma Flamenca
Top figures
One of the best festivals of its kind in
the world could only happen in Madrid.
With the Teatros del Canal as the main
venue, it returns to Madrid in 2013 for its
8th edition.
>WHEN: June and July.
>FOR WHOM: Connoisseurs and enthusiasts.
110
Music Day
Don’t stop the beat
The success of the previous years has consolidated this event at which you can hear
the latest music on the stages of the Matadero and Circo Price.
>WHEN: June.
>WHAT’S PLAYING? The latest hits by Spanish
and international pop and rock groups.
www.esmadrid.com
A new festival that
aims to provide
a launch pad for
original performing arts works
from all disciplines. At Teatros
del Canal. From
21 February to 2
March 2013.

111. “The sky over Madrid
is what inspires me”
CARLOS RIVERA ACTOR AND SINGER
He relocated from Mexico to Madrid to
star in the musical ‘The Lion King’, a big
hit on Gran Vía.
@_CarlosRivera
How does it feel to be the king
of Gran Vía?
It’s pretty cool. Especially because of the lovely palace where I live
with my pride, the Teatro Lope de
Vega.
Which places do you recommend to your friends when
they come to Madrid?
El Retiro park is always one of my
favourite places to visit.
Name some places that make you
feel as if you were in Mexico.
In Tepic (Pelayo, 4) and La Mordida (Belén, 13), in Chueca.
Any suggestions for a great
night out with friends?
You’d never guess that our favourite place is a karaoke in an underground car park.
Is there a place in Madrid that
invites you to sing and dance?
The place I mentioned in my previous answer. It’s called Master
Plató! (Plaza de los Mostenses,
s/n).
Have you found a special place
that inspires you?
The view I have of the sky over
Madrid from my flat, and the
beautiful buildings along Gran Vía.
Have you had an opportunity to
go shopping? Where?
Yes, around Serrano. And Fuencarral also has some great outlets.
What has surprised you most
about Madrid?
That it is a city with such a busy
social life, at all times of the day
or night.
www.esmadrid.com
111

112. OUTDOOR CAFÉS Open all year
That Madrid stands for life on the
streets is nothing new, and that one of
the best ways to relax outside is to enjoy a drink and a tap in one of the city’s
outdoor cafés is also no secret. Shaded
by parasols in the summer, and sheltered by roofs in the winter, there are
some legendary locations where to sit
and enjoy the bustling atmosphere, morning, evening and night: in La Latina
district or Lavapiés or in the cafés on
such squares as Santa Ana, San Ildefonso, Santa Bárbara, Dos de Mayo,
Vázquez de Mella and Chueca. Some
have magnificent views: for example,
those lining Paseo de Recoletos at the
start of the Castellana, like El Espejo
terrace with its pretty modernist dining
AL FRESCO. Good
weather ensures that
you can sit out on the
outdoor cafés through
most of the year,
including those in Plaza
Santa Ana.
112
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room; at the Café Oriente facing the Royal Palace and next door to the Teatro
Real; the Atenas Park and the recently
opened cafés in Madrid Rio.
QUIETER CAFÉS
Other venues are more suitable for a relaxed chat. Head towards Calle Serrano
for example, or the Fine Arts Circle, or
make your way over to Plaza de Olavide and around Príncipe Pío. At the weekend and for family outings the outdoor
tables and chairs in the Casa de Campo
are ideal. But don’t fret too much: you’ll
find one on almost every corner.
A BREAK
   
    
    
  . 
  
  
 
 .

113. A BIRD’S EYE VIEW. From
one end of the city to the other,
three places to have drinks and
fun: the terraces at Gau Café
and at the Silken Puerta de
América and Urban hotels.
*FROM ABOVE*
»URBAN One of the most
popular outdoor bars in the late
evenings and at night. Magnificent views over the Spanish parliament building in the Huertas
district, in the hotel of the same
name.
»THE ROOF This is the Hotel
Me’s roof terrace, in Plaza Santa
Ana. Cosmopolitan atmosphere,
chic clientele, great cocktails...
»HOTEL ADA Located at the
start of the Gran Vía with spectacular views over the avenue and
its most emblematic buildings. It
is also possible to dine here.
»GAU CAFÉ In the building
of the former Pious Schools,
today the offices of the UNED
open university, in the heart of
the Lavapiés district. Curious,
different, largely undiscovered.
And affordable.
»SKYNIGHT Located at the
top of Hotel Silken Puerta de
América. If this entire hotel is
pure design, then the five spaces
that make up this exclusive terrace are no less stylish.
www.esmadrid.com
113

114. STRONG BEATS. Iboga
nightclub, where the
emphasis is on world
music. Opposite Tartufo
and the owners of Siroco.
ALL NIGHT LONG from one day till the next
Part of Madrid’s culture and character
derives from its nightlife when the clubs not
only generate ambience and fun, but also
culture with their great music. In this city,
you can cross the road and go from ballroom
dancing in an old-time dance hall to a
hang-out with the public in thrall to club culture. Remember the distinction between establishments as you organise your night out:
bars and cafés open until 3 in the morning;
clubs and aſterhours carry on until dawn.
CHOOSE ME
Begin the evening with some live music: jazz,
salsa, rock... there are venues for small or large audiences. If you prefer something quieter,
opt for an indoor or outdoor chill-out zone.
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GETTING AROUND
AT NIGHT
  (
   ) 
 
    
.   
  
  
. ..
Cocktails are a popular choice from early evening. Later, the choice of bars widens, and it
becomes a question of preferences, whether
its chatting, dancing or singing.
It’s up to you: mixing with the in-crowd in Las
Salesas; with the young and informal around
Bilbao and Alonso Martínez; frequenting the
traditional bars in the Salamanca district
or around the Bernabéu; joining the university crowd around Moncloa; an eclectic setting
in Chueca; a lively international atmosphere
around Huertas; the alternative scene in Lavapiés; or rock-punk-kitsch-indie music in the
inexhaustible “movida” ambience of Malasaña.

115. BELÉN CHANES
Manager of the Ocho
y Medio club
A restaurant for a leisurely lunch?
Xin (Manuela Malasaa, 5). They
have infinite patience with people
like me and my friends. After a night
out on the town? Iberia (Glorieta
Ruíz Jiménez, 4) Your favourite
concert venue? El Sol, where you
can both see and touch (Jardines, 3)
A shop to buy gifts? Two: Curiosite (Corredera Alta de San Pablo, 28)
and Víctimas del Celuloide (Santiago, 8). The best place to end
an evening? I work at weekends;
on weekdays, Toni 2 never lets you
down (Almirante, 9).
www.esmadrid.com
115

116. CANTE JONDO
The very best flamenco
The fine performances by flamenco artists long ago made Madrid a visitor
attraction for Spanish and overseas flamenco lovers. June is the month for the
acclaimed festival Suma Flamenca,
featuring outstanding flamenco singers,
guitarists and dancers, who will be performing their art in emblematic settings
around the capital.
SINGING, DANCING AND GUITARS
You can find the best interpretation of flamenco dancing in its purest form, accompanied by guitars and hand-clapping, at
Casa Patas (calle de los Cañizares, 10), a
name associated with the best flamenco
art which has established its own Flamenco Conservatory. Other famed venues include Café de Chinitas in the Opera district, El Corral de la Morería in Vistillas
and Las Carboneras just behind Calle
Mayor. All include a meal with the show.
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117. www.esmadrid.com/en/night-madrid
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS Start tapping your heels
Aſter a stimulating evening at a tablao
or flamenco bar, you may want to try this
passionate dancing for yourself. There
are several places that will teach you
the basic first steps on request. One is
the traditional academy Amor de Dios,
situated on the top floor of the Antón
Martín market building (in the district of
the same name in the city centre). You
don’t need an appointment or to sign up
for an entire course. The only prerequisite
if you want to start learning the art of
clicking your heels is to bring a pair of
shoes. You don’t need to go far to acquire
them: Don Flamenco, just a few streets
away, is dedicated exclusively to making
hand-made flamenco footwear.
LEONARD COHEN’S GUITAR
Ten minutes away, opposite the Teatro
Real, artisan guitar makers at Felipe
Conde (the establishment where musician Leonard Cohen bought his flamenco
guitar 40 years ago) can boast of making the best guitars since 1915.
A DEEP-ROOTED
TRADITION. Workshop
in the Felipe Conde
shop specialised in
flamenco guitars. Left:
performance at the
Suma Flamenca festival.
DID YOU KNOW?
    
   
  .
   ,
   
   
,   
  ( 
 ).
ANTONIO
NAJARRO
Director of the Spanish National Ballet
What in Madrid would you recommend to your friends? The summer
concerts in the Sabatini Gardens.
Which place inspires you most?
Paseo del Prado. A traditional corner of Madrid. La Capilla de la Bolsa
restaurant (La Bolsa, 12). Another
which is sheer avant-garde. The hotel Eurostars Madrid Tower (Paseo de
la Castellana, 259B). Where can we
find you shopping? In Flip (Mayor,
19) or along Calle Fuencarral. What
do you like most about Madrid? Its
friendly and welcoming people.
www.esmadrid.com
117

118. POPULAR 'FIESTAS'
In the company of “chulapos” and “manolas”
When the fiestas come around, the
streets fill with food stalls and improvised musical stages, while the bars
bring their counters out on to the
streets. Dressed as “chulapos” (the
local residents of Maravillas or Malasaña) and “manolos” (those from
Lavapiés), Madrilenians come out
to celebrate the most traditional of
festivals, alongside whoever wishes
to join them.
SAN ISIDRO FESTIVITIES
For Madrid's patron saint's day, in
the middle of May, the festivities
and celebrations cross over to the
other side of the Manzanares river to
the district of Carabanchel to celebrate the fiesta on the fields of San
Isidro. If you have never seen it before, don’t miss the choirs and groups
giving live performances of Madridthemed zarzuelas (light operas) and
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dancing the typical local dance, the
chotis. Great fun. In August, Lavapiés celebrates its traditional festivities in honour of San Lorenzo
and San Cayetano. Wander through
the narrow illuminated streets bedecked with Manila shawls for a spectacle that you can only see here.
FESTIVAL OF LA PALOMA
These festivities celebrate another of
Madrid’s patron saints, this time
in August. The festive atmosphere
extends to the streets adjoining the
church devoted to this virgin (in La
Latina), from the church of San Francisco el Grande to Plaza de la Cebada. The celebrations for youngsters,
including concerts, are held in Las
Vistillas and in Cornisa park.
NEW YEAR
   
    
     
   
  . 
   
,  
  
 , 
.
www.esmadrid.com/en/san-isidro

119. www.esmadrid.com
119

120. “They serve the best
G&Ts in the world here”
CHARLES ROSS BUSINESSMAN
In love with Madrid, he travels the world promoting
his latest creation, Fever-Tree premium tonic.
In your opinion, which is
the best all-round hotel in
Madrid?
El Único (Claudio Coello, 67).
It’s perfect for accommodation,
meetings and excellent food.
The Villa Magna (Paseo Castellana, 22) and Urban (San Jerónimo, 34) are sheer luxury. The
architectural design and the
rooſtop terrace of the Puerta
América (Av. América, 41) never cease to amaze me.
Where do you like to go for
an appetizer?
The markets are great places,
for example San Antón (Augusto Figueroa, 24) or San Miguel
(Plaza San Miguel). Another
great option is the Hapsburg
district.
A place for good tapas?
Casa Lucas (Cava Baja, 30), La
Perejila (Cava Baja, 25), la Taberna de Goyo (Cava Baja, 34),
La Bardemcilla (Augusto Figueroa, 47), Casa Botín (Cuchilleros, 17)… Their tapas are all
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a delight for the tastebuds. Not
to mention El Atómico (Meléndez Valdés, 58). They serve the
best potato salad.
A restaurant for a leisurely
lunch?
El Urrechu (Barlovento, 1),
Alkalde (Jorge Juan, 10) or Goizeko Wellington (Villanueva, 34),
especially if, like me, you love
Basque cuisine. For an oriental
flavour, Sushi 99 (Ponzano, 99).
An aſternoon gin & tonic?
There are so many places!
O’Clock (Juan Bravo, 25), Urban, Le Cabrera (Bárbara de
Braganza, 2), The Gin Room
(Academia, 7)… Spain is the
country that makes the best
G&Ts in the world.
Where do you prefer to
spend a great night with
friends?
There are also many places:
Serrano 41, Moma (José Abascal, 56), Fortuny (Fortuny, 34),
Teatro Real (Pza. Isabel II) The
Fine Arts Circle (Alcalá, 42).

121. AS A FAMILY
122-132
FROM ATTRACTIONS AND GAMES
TO EXHIBITIONS AND MYSTERIES
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS OF ALL AGES.
122 BIG THRILLS
123 GREAT SHOWS
124125 SPORTING PASSIONS
126127 ACCESSIBLE SCIENCE
128 A SPECIAL PROGRAMME
129 MYSTERIES AND LEGENDS
130131 INTERVIEW Carolina Herrera
132 WHAT'S ON

122. AS A FAMILY
Fun for all ages
THERE IS A MADRID ESPECIALLY
FOR KIDS, OFFERING COUNTLESS
ACTIVITIES TO BE ENJOYED BY YOUR
CHILDREN, NIECES AND NEPHEWS, OR
GRANDCHILDREN. BUT BE CAREFUL:
THEY'LL WANT TO COME BACK.
BIG THRILLS At Casa de Campo
Do you want to really amaze the children? Thrills
are guaranteed at Madrid's Parque de Atracciones
amusement park and, in particular, on the Starflyer, which involves a 20-storey free fall! When
you begin to feel the heat, cool off with a splash
on the Fjords, Rapids and Sawmill water rides. At
night, you can take a ride on the Big Wheel and
contemplate Madrid from a height. At the
Warner Bros Park, which competes with the
Parque de Atracciones to see which can offer the
most devious loops, you can find some of your
favourite cartoon characters, life-sized. Go and
be amazed by the animals at the Zoo-Aquarium,
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along with cute creatures such as Panda cubs
Po and De De, who are already two years old. Another tip: don’t miss the sea lions’ show.
FROM THE POLES TO THE MANGROVES
At Faunia visitors can immerse themselves in exotic ecosystems recreated in detail, including the African jungle, North and South Poles, and mangroves.
The park is both a zoo and a botanical garden.

123. MADRID
FROM ABOVE
  
   
,     
    
    
 ,
 
 .
BIG THRILLS. At the
Parque de Atracciones,
the Abismo rollercoaster
reaches 100 km/h. On the
right: jugglers show off
their tricks at the renovated
Teatro Circo Price, now a
multipurpose venue.
GREAT SHOWS For all audiences
Well-known and loved fairy tales and
films in the forms of musicals are also
very popular with young audiences. The
Lion King, Cinderella and The Sound of
Music are just some of the shows that
make for a truly unforgettable evening
of singing and dancing. All other theatre
genres for the little ones, such as puppet
shows, clowns, storytelling can also be
enjoyed both in matinée and evening
sessions at venues throughout Madrid.
The Teatro Circo Price is a multipurpose
venue staging shows for all the family. This
www.esmadrid.com/en/children-madrid
space, very different to a traditional circus,
is designed to be enjoyed above all by children, although adults will also be amazed
by the spectacle. Every year, the best specialists participate in its Christmas programme. These experts also pass on their
skills in workshops. Here you can witness
the most innovative and surprising artistic movements and learn from the experts
who pass on their skills in workshops.
www.esmadrid.com
123

124. SO MUCH
IN PLAY
  
   
   
   
  
.
SPORTING PASSIONS Goooaaal!
With 9 Champions League Cups and 32 Spanish Liga titles under its belt, Real Madrid has won more awards than any other
club in history. A tour of the Bernabéu allows you to get right to the
heart of the stadium, sit on the benches and tread the pitch. At
Atlético de Madrid's stadium more than 1,000 historical items are
on display; Rayo Vallecano's stadium sings the praises of the epic
survivors; and the Spanish team's stadium, in Las Rozas, celebrates
their World Cup win in South Africa.
START THE ENGINES
A rally legend, Carlos Sainz gives his name to one of the most spectacular go-karting circuits around. And at the Palacio de Hielo (only
closed in the summer) you can enjoy some great ice-skating on an
Olympic-sized rink.
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*AL FRESCO*
»MADRID RÍO The city's
new green avenue offers BMX
tracks, rollerblading and skating,
a climbing wall and much more.
»SNOW ZONE The Xanadú
shopping centre boasts the only
indoor ski slope in Spain (A-5
road, Arroyomolinos).
» PICNIC Madrid's main green
areas, like Casa de Campo, Monte del Pardo and Dehesa la Villa,
have picnic tables where families
can enjoy outdoor eating.

125. www.esmadrid.com/en/sports-madrid
LAURA CEBALLOS
@GreyElephantMad
Director of the
children's centre
Grey Elephant
A place to have a meal/snack with the
kids. For a meal San Miguel Market or
Harina in Puerta de Alcalá, and for an
afternoon snack: churros at San Ginés.
A park that gives them space to play.
Plaza de Oriente, near the Palace and
the Teatro Real. They can play on the
swings until they are tired and learn the
names of the Visigoth kings. The most
fascinating museum for children. The
Prado or the Archaeological Museum
which is currently being refurbished.
And if you need to buy a gift? The
sweets made by nuns available at Jardín
del Convento (Cordõn, 1).
FUN. The pandas Po and
De De born at the Zoo
Aquarium, and the riverside
park Madrid Río. On the
previous page, the Real
Madrid Museum at the
Bernabéu Stadium.
www.esmadrid.com
125

126. MXdrXd Rxxx
ACCESSIBLE SCIENCE Learning through play
Enjoying yourself while you learn: that's the
way education should be, and in Madrid
many centres know how to make this happen. Starting with a classic, we have the National Museum of Natural Science, where
dinosaur skeletons are the main attraction.
At the National Museum of Science and
Technology we can learn about the world's
greatest inventions - including many from
Spain. The Museum of Anthropology offers a thrilling journey into the past, as does
the Archaeological Museum. The first
makes a call for tolerance and respect for
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others, while the second reveals keys to history seen through other eyes.
BEYOND THE STARS
At CosmoCaixa, science is brought to visitors
through play, even with the most abstract concepts. At the Planetarium we can see beyond
the stars. Meanwhile, the Imax cinema shows
3D documentaries reproducing black holes
and stellar explosions.

127. CRISTINA CASTRO
@jristina
Director of the
magazine On Madrid
A must. Lunch or a picnic at El Retiro
Park. An experience. The children's
sessions at Microteatro por Dinero.
To eat. Le Pain Quotidien and La
Cocinita de Chamberí (Trafalgar,
12). Madrid's best-kept secret. The
children's events at the libraries. For
shopping. Cool Kids (Antonio Acua,
10), Bebés de Chamberí (Gonzalo
Cõrdoba, 7) and Baby Deli (various
branches).
240
METEORITES
On display at the
National Museum of
Natural Science. Many
have fallen in Spain
500
SPECIES
Each in its own ecosystem, live together
at the Zoo Aquarium
at Casa de Campo.
SCIENCE. Life in the desert
recreated at the Museum of
Anthropology; an experiment
at CaixaForum. On the left:
the dinosaur room at the
Science Museum.
100
FOOTBALL
TROPHIES
You can see them
at the Real Madrid
stadium museum.
www.esmadrid.com
127

128. A SPECIAL PROGRAMME
In their own language
Children and adults have different ways of looking at art. For
this reason, Madrid's three largest museums, the Prado, Reina
Sofía and Thyssen, as well as the cultural centre La Casa
Encendida, offer a special programme of events for kids, from
workshops through to children's audioguides.
MADRID FOR KIDS
The city organises family tours through the Colón and
Plaza Mayor tourist centres. The routes last two hours, encompassing Hapsburg Madrid, Royal Madrid and El Retiro Park. You'll be given a map showing different stops on the
way and an activities book so that the kids are entertained
during breaks.
GROUP TRIPS. Above:
children listen to a guide
on a visit to the Prado
Museum. Below: A "family
tour" of Royal Madrid. On
the right: inside the Ratón
Pérez Museum.
* KEY OUTINGS *
»TITIRILANDIA The puppet
theatre at El Retiro Park offers
free, open-air entertainment all
year round.
»BOTANICAL GARDENS
A visit here will change the way
you look at the plant world. It
is home to exotic species from
across the globe.
»BOAT RIDE
When the weather is good,
families and couples take to the
lake in El Retiro Park.
128
www.esmadrid.com

129. www.esmadrid.com/en/museum-madrid
MYSTERIES AND LEGENDS Don't open that door...
Madrid is full of secrets. For example, did
you know that ratón Pérez, Spain's tooth fairy
mouse, lives here? In a doorway on Calle Arenal
you'll find his fun museum, while the cultural
centre Casa de América, located in a former
palace, has all the atmosphere of a haunted
house. A visit full of mystery will put you in contact with the spirit world.
Without leaving the world of shadows, we
descend into the old Chamberí metro station,
which aſter falling into disuse was renamed
Andén Cero, and is now an Underground
Museum. Strong emotions can be found
where you least expect it. The Convent of
San Plácido, near Gran Vía, houses an elaborate candelabra that serves to recall the Holy
Office of the Inquisition in the 17th century.
SCREAMS OF LAUGHTER
Two attractions that never fail are the theatrical frights of the Horror Tunnel at the
Amusement Park, where the screams you hear
are of laughter, and the Wax Museum with
its gallery of monsters and waxwork models
of famous figures past and present.
MICRÓPOLIX
   
  
 ,   
  
    
  
 .
www.esmadrid.com
129

130. 130
www.esmadrid.com

131. "I love
museums that have
activities for children"
CAROLINA HERRERA DESIGNER
The daughter of the fashion designer fell in love with a bullfighter and stayed in Madrid, where
she founded the first of her Baby Deli stores, specializing in organic and educational products for
all the family.
@babydeli
What place do you recommend to
friends when they come to Madrid?
Plaza Mayor. I used to live there and
I was able to experience its magic
first-hand. People don't oſten get
to know it because they only pass
through.
What are the latest trends in
children's leisure activities?
I love taking my children to art galleries
and museums that have special activities for them. That way they can have
fun while they learn about art.
Any place in particular?
The Prado Museum. I think it is one
of the world's best museums. Its art
collection is wonderful and children
find it interesting, too. Though they
need a good guide who knows how
to get them interested.
children can play freely and enjoy a
bit of nature.
Where would you suggest for a
family meal?
El Botánico restaurant (Ruiz de
Alarcón, 27), close to the Prado: it's
quiet and has a magnificent shady
terrace.
Where do you go when you have
to buy a giſt?
To my own shop, Baby Deli (Lagasca, 54). Where else would I go?
The best adventure in Madrid
is...
Going to any of the parks and gardens in the heart of Madrid, where
Which is the best of them?
El Retiro Park, without a doubt.
Your latest discovery in Madrid.
The markets. I love buying fresh
fruit and vegetables, and natural foods, and that's where I find
them.
www.esmadrid.com
131

132. WHAT'S ON
FOR FAMILIES
>>>>>> FOR FURTHER INFORMATION visit www.esmadrid.com/en/children-madrid
MADRID IS A CITY FOR ALL AGES, AND KIDS ARE NO
EXCEPTION: JUST TAKE A LOOK AT THE PROGRAMME OF
EVENTS DESIGNED WITH CHILDREN IN MIND.
The Christmas spirit
is here and everywhere
At Christmas time, street markets, like
the one held in Plaza Mayor, designer lighting,
nativity scenes and theme shows pop up all
over Madrid. Visitors can enjoy all the magic
of the season on the 'Navibus', a Christmas
bus on which a group of guides show them
the best the capital has to offer in the Yuletide season. The celebrations reach their climax with the Three Kings' Parade.
From 2 December to 6 January
traditions still
dazzle visitors today.
>WHEN:
>ALL THE MAGIC: Centuries-old
TAKE NOTE
CIRCUS SCHOOL
Do you dream of
being a trapeze
artist? Well, Teatro
Circo Price is
running a children’s
workshop where
you can learn lots
of secrets from the
circus. From 1 February to 31 May.
CARNIVAL
The people of
Madrid dress up in
bright colours and
take to the streets
during the week
before Lent. From
17 to 22 February.
SWIMMING
POOLS
There's a vast
network of municipal swimming
pools providing
relief from the
heat. From June to
September.
Teatralia
The festival for younger audiences
Puppets, theatre, dance and music, especially for children. This event will involve performances in many locations, from alternative venues, such as Cuarta Pared
and Pradillo, to publicly owned centres such as La Casa
Encendida and the Fine Arts Circle.
>WHEN: March.
>WHAT TO EXPECT: Incredible performances.
132
Kites flying in the sky
In Juan Carlos I Park
The opening of the park in 1992 marked the recovery of a zone which had badly deteriorated. Today, it
features a special area known as the 'kite esplanade',
where many fans of this hobby come to fly their kites
when the weather is good.
>WHEN: Spring is the best season here.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT: It's a unique visual spectacle.
www.esmadrid.com

133. GREEN
134-143
ENJOY THE OUTDOORS AND DISCOVER
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PARKS
AND GARDENS ON FOOT.
134135 MADRID RÍO PARK
136137 HISTORIC PARKS
138 SUNSETS
139 GARDENS
141 PEDESTRIAN AREAS
142 PASEO DEL PRADO
143 INTERVIEW Chema Martínez

134. GREEN
Madrid invites you to take a stroll
BREATHE DEEPLY AND COME AND DISCOVER
THE PARKS, GARDENS AND PEDESTRIAN
AREAS OF MADRID: REVITALISE YOURSELF
AND ENJOY THE OUTDOORS.
MADRID RÍO PARK The vast green avenue
It may be hard to believe but just a few
years ago this 10km-long parkland,
which today is filled with cyclists and
people taking a stroll in the shade of its
loſty trees, was a congested motorway
next to the Manzanares river. The
road, however, was moved underground
to make way for the vegetation, resulting in a green avenue that links up
woodland and historic parks. What's
more, this project designed by the
Burgos&Garrido studio boasts outdoor
cafés, courts to practise sports ranging from basketball, skateboarding and
in-line skating, BMX circuits, a climb-
134
www.esmadrid.com
ing wall and the new city beach, with
clouds of spray and water jets where
you can cool off.
FROM ONE PARK TO ANOTHER
The route begins at Casa de Campo,
running past Campo del Moro and San
Isidro Park before reaching Arganzuela Park. It continues along Tierno
Galván Park and then making its way
through a final section along the Linear
Park of the Manzanares River.

135. GO RUNNING
 '  ,
'    
:   
     
 ,  
  
  
  
  .
www.esmadrid.com/en/madridrio
www.esmadrid.com
135

136. www.esmadrid.com/en/parks-madrid
172
GARDENS
Madrid is one of the
European cities with
the largest proportion of green areas.
10
KILOMETRES
This is the length of
the vast green avenue
that is the riverside
project Madrid Río.
1,722
HECTARES
The surface area of
Casa de Campo, four
times the size of
Central Park.
136
www.esmadrid.com
HISTORIC PARKS Romanticism
Designed to be enjoyed by the
royal family, El Retiro Park is the
green heart of Madrid. As well as
admiring well-tended spaces such
as the Cecilio Rodríguez and
Parterre gardens, you can go
boating on the lake or check out
an art exhibition at the resplendent Glass Palace (you can even
have your tarot read along the
way). A popular circuit for runners,
Paseo de Coches also plays host
to the Book Fair at the end of
spring, where you can learn about
the latest releases.
Casa de Campo was once a royal
hunting ground. Today, it is one of
the largest city parks in Europe,
serving as an open-air setting for
a fun day outdoors. Go for a cycle
and check out the mountain bike
circuits, have a picnic under the
pines and oaks, or head down to
the lake's leisure area: the possibilities are endless.
NOBLE SPLENDOUR
Inspired by French and Italian
styles, the magnificent Capricho
Park was commissioned in the
18th century by the Duchess of
Osuna. Neglected for many years,
in recent decades it has recovered
its former splendour. The nearby
Quinta de los Molinos Park also
has noble origins. It boasts pools,
fountains, ponds and a small palace, as well as the mill which gives
the park its name.

137. JOAQUÍN ARAUJO
@joaquinaraujo
Naturalist and
environmental
communicator
When is the best time of year to
visit Madrid? In autumn, when life
is renewed. What can Madrid be
proud of? Its high number of trees
per inhabitant. What is the city's
greatest environmental treasure? The vast natural space Monte
de El Pardo. Which is the city's
most beautiful but lesser-known
garden? El Capricho de Osuna, for
its range of plants and rich wildlife.
What location offers the best
views? I like to film from the rooftop
of the Fine Arts Circle.
NATURAL SPACES.
Above: a bandstand in the
romantic Capricho Park;
jogging path at Casa de
Campo. Here, the lake at
El Retiro Park.
www.esmadrid.com
137

138. MXdrXd Rxxx
SUNSET. The Temple of
Debod, in the Oeste Park,
was brought here from
Egypt where it was also
placed to take advantage
of the sunset.
138
www.esmadrid.com
SUNSETS Take in the view
Due to its continental climate, Madrid's sky
has a unique clear quality that lends itself
to some spectacular sunsets which stain
the scattered clouds red and orange.
You can enjoy the phenomenon from many
points in the city. The most iconic place to
enjoy this moment is the Temple of Debod, in the Oeste Park, a giſt from the
Egyptian government to Spain in 1968 for
the country's collaboration in salvaging architectural treasures from the Aswan Dam.
More than 2,000 years old, the temple was
placed to match its original orientation
from east to west in order to take advantage of its aspect at sunset. From Las Vistillas Park you can enjoy panoramic views
from the lawns, while on the roof terraces
of many Gran Vía hotels, it goes hand in
hand with a beer or cocktail. Even more elegant is the view from the open-air cafés
in Plaza de Oriente, whose name, 'East
Square', gives away its orientation.
BIRD'S EYE VIEW
From the top floor of the renowned cultural institution the Fine Arts Circle, you
can watch the sun go down over the rooſtops
of Madrid in a burst of light and colour that
spreads from Gran Vía to the mountains.

139. *KEY FACTS*
»THE OLDEST TREE
A bald cypress that grows
near the Puerta de Felipe IV gate
at El Retiro Park. It was brought
here from Mexico in 1633.
»BONSAI
The Botanical Gardens are home
to an important collection of
bonsai trees looked after by
landscape gardener Luis Vallejo,
an international expert in the art.
»A MELTING POT
OF STYLES
GARDENS Enter paradise on earth
Gardens were originally designed to be a representation of heaven on
earth, and there are many beautiful examples all over Madrid. In the
area surrounding the Royal Palace you can visit the Sabatini Gardens, which are the setting for musical performances during the Veranos de la Villa summer festival; and Campo del Moro, influenced by
various classical landscaping styles. With a surface area of 20 hectares,
it gently slopes in the direction of the new Madrid Río Park.
HIDDEN GEMS
Not as easy to find but equally delightful, there are other gardens
hidden between elegant buildings in Madrid. These include the ones
belonging to the Sorolla, Lázaro Galdiano and Reina Sofía museums, as well as the garden at Príncipe de Anglona Palace in Plaza
de la Paja, where entrance is free. 
Capricho Park is a blend of
French, Italian and English styles.
SPRING. At the Botanical
Gardens you can find
species imported from
all five continents. On the
left: topiary work in the
Sabatini Gardens next to
the Royal Palace.
www.esmadrid.com
139

140. AUTUMN IS HERE
'   
''   
   
  
   
   ,
   
.
ALBERTO IGLESIAS
Soundtrack composer
boasting three Oscar
nominations
Sounds and silence. Pedestrianisation is a wonderful thing; it gives
us back silence, as well as new
sounds. Let's take a walk. Along
Calle Fuentes and Calle Arenal. I
lived there for many years. What
do you think of street musicians?
They add colour, but they need
to play more quietly and change
'stage' more often. What do you
dream about? A quieter city, which
will come with progressive electrification. Then I will be able to
enjoy the sounds of swallows in
spring and summer. It's something
I really associate with Madrid.
BY BIKE. A cycle lane
running through Casa de
Campo. On the next page:
the underground station
at Puerta del Sol, a newly
pedestrianised area.
225
THOUSAND TREES
One for every 14
inhabitants (and that's
just counting those
in the streets).
140
www.esmadrid.com
203
SPECIES
Among all the types
of trees, the most
common is the London plane (55,000)
15
DEGREES
The average temperature, with big
differences between
summer and winter.
3,000
HOURS OF SUNSHINE
Per year, Madrid
enjoys a continental
climate with little
rain.

141. PEDESTRIAN AREAS Away from the traffic
It all began in Calle Preciados which was
pedestrianised in order to boost trade.
Since then, the number of pedestrian
areas has been growing each year.
On foot, and without having to worry
about traffic, you can now stroll peacefully
through Puerta del Sol, Calle Arenal and
a good part of Hapsburg Madrid and the
Literary Quarter, free to admire the monuments and curious details of the historic
centre at your own pace.
SHOPPING AND TAPAS
Pedestrians have also become a priority
on Calle Fuencarral and Cava Baja. The
first leads to Gran Vía and boasts many
fashion stores aimed at a younger clientele, as well as numerous bars offering
visitors a chance to recharge their batteries. The second, located in La Latina,
provides an opportunity to savour a wide
variety of tapas. This extensive network
of pedestrian streets makes even more
sense with the Sunday opening hours
enjoyed in downtown Madrid. The alterations to Calle Serrano also deserves special mention: the pavements have been
widened and it now boasts a brand new
cycle lane.
www.esmadrid.com
141

142. NEW ICON. Vertical
garden designed by
Patrick Blanc on the wall
of CaixaForum.
HEADY SPRING
  
   
   
    
,   
   
' 
.
*WHAT'S ON*
»MUSICAL TREAT
PASEO DEL PRADO Breathe in the art
Paseo de la Castellana ends with an elegant tree-lined avenue
which is not only ideal for a stroll, but is also flanked by the Prado and
Thyssen museums, as well as the Botanical Gardens, where you can
find 5,000 plant species imported from all over the world. Opened
250 years ago, its entrance features a spectacular iron gate that leads
on to a journey of the senses. Desert and tropical ecosystems are recreated in the gardens' greenhouses.
Just on the other side of the Paseo is the cultural centre CaixaForum,
on which the French landscape gardener Patrick Blanc planted Spain's
first vertical garden. Its lushness is to be admired.
142
www.esmadrid.com
During June and September, the
Capricho Park runs a programme
of open-air concerts at the Palacete esplanade. You can hear jazz,
chamber music and much more.
Sa turdays and Sundays at midday. Avda. de la Alameda de
Osuna, s/n.
»LA ROSALEDA
An international rose contest is
held in May in this rose garden,
with species of the flower from
all over the world on display.
Oeste Park.
»ALMOND TREES IN
BLOOM
Towards the end of winter, the
trees at Quinta de los Molinos
Park burst into tones of white
during their flowering season.
C/ Alcalá, 477.

143. "If I'm in Madrid I go
running in El Retiro Park"
CHEMA MARTÍNEZ LONGDISTANCE RUNNER
He is one of the best long-distance athletes in Europe,
an Olympic and triple Continental medallist and an
example of longevity.
@chemitamartinez
What is your latest discovery in
Madrid?
The park created to replace the
old M-30 road, Madrid Río.
If out running, where can we
find you?
Anywhere, but if I'm in Madrid,
without a doubt El Retiro Park.
Which is your favourite race
held in the city?
The San Silvestre Vallecana race. I
think it's the nicest in the world.
What can Madrid be proud of in
terms of sport?
The range of sports you can practise here is quite good, but I would
say it's the sporting spirit of Madrid's people, which makes them
great fans of all disciplines.
Which is the least known sports
facility that you like best?
I recently discovered Jarama, a
racing circuit with a long history. I
ran it first and then I went round it
in a car. It was incredible.
What spot do you recommend
to friends who visit Madrid?
A walk from the Royal Palace to
Puerta de Alcalá. Pure Madrid!
Can you suggest a restaurant
where we can recharge our
batteries?
Try the 'broken' fried eggs dish at
Casa Lucio (Cava Baja, 35). A total
protein boost.
Aſter a hard training session,
do you have a favourite place
to relax?
A good spa session works wonders.
Fortunately, Madrid has a wide
range of spas to choose from.
www.esmadrid.com
143

145. GAY-FRIENDLY
146-152
FREEDOM AND TOLERANCE IN A CITY THAT
EXUDES LIGHT AND MODERNITY.
146147 COME CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
148 CHUECA: FROM ITS SQUARE TO ITS MARKET
149 OPEN MADRID
150151 INTERVIEW Boris Izaguirre
152 WHAT'S ON

146. GOURMET TERRACE. San Antón
market is one of Chueca’s essential
gems. And its terrace is the best place
of all for watching the world go by in
this cosmopolitan neighbourhood.
GAY-FRIENDLY MADRID
LG
BT
Diversity, comfort and freedom
MADRID IS TOLERANCE'S KILOMETRE ZERO. CHUECA AND OTHER
PARTS OF THE CITY EXUDE DIVERSITY ACCOMPANIED BY SHOPPING,
GASTRONOMY AND MODERNITY WITHOUT PREJUDICE.
146
www.esmadrid.com

147. SHOPPING
Much like anywhere
in the city centre,
you can come
and visit Chueca's
shops any Sunday
of the year.
COME CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
A great rainbow-coloured web
The fact that Madrid is a welcoming
city is no secret. Neither is it any secret
that its main streets host a week of partying, fun and culture during the city's
Gay Pride festivities. Everyone from the
gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
community takes part, but heterosexual
individuals and families of all kinds are
also welcome to join in one of the biggest events on diversity and tolerance in
the world. From the last days of June to
the first weekend in July, vibrant Madrid lives and breathes respect.
Residents and businesses alike have converted the Chueca neighbourhood into
the epicentre of LGBT normalization.
The area's respectful, festive, welcoming nature, open to all wherever they
are from, has reached as far as Plaza
de Callao, Plaza de España and the
Triball neighbourhood.
A WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS
Restaurants, hotels to suit all pockets,
pubs, nightclubs, bars and shops for all
tastes and styles (from the most traditional to the trendiest) complete the
range of options offered by a city which
is pure vitality.
CULTURE
In the streets of
Chueca you can
also find theatres,
specialist bookshops and historic
buildings.
ACCOMMODA
TION
Inside and outside
Chueca, Madrid offers all kinds of gayfriendly businesses
and hotels.
A QUESTION
OF PRIDE
'  
 .  
    
  , 
'  .
MAIKA
CONTRERAS
President of
the business
association AEGAL
The heart of Chueca. The square that
bears its name, and its market. Which
other neighbourhoods imitate it
best? The Literary Quarter, Malasaa
and, more recently, Lavapiés. There
are some who think that Chueca is
just nightlife. It is home to art galleries, boutiques, cafés, among other
things. A place to escape from it
all. Bar Truco (Gravina, 10).
www.esmadrid.com
147

148. www.esmadrid.com/en/gay-madrid
CHUECA Much more
than just a neighbourhood
During the day, life in Chueca carries on
as usual: small businesses, cafés and grocery shops rub shoulders with art galleries, boutiques and nightclubs.
The area also represents a slice of historic
Madrid, in which a brief stroll takes you to
Casa de las Siete Chimeneas, a 16thcentury building in the heart of Plaza del
Rey. It has a zarzuela ring to it, with its
main square and streets like Calle Barbieri
named aſter this Spanish operatic genre.
But it is also home to important shopping streets open Monday to Sunday, like
Fuencarral, Argensola, Piamonte and
Barquillo, now entering Las Salesas. Chueca is all about relaxing in Plaza Vázquez
de Mella or wandering up towards Gran
Vía. Of course it's not just a neighbourhood:
it's so much more.
FROM ITS SQUARE TO ITS MARKET
Between two tourist hotspots
Entering Plaza de Chueca from the underground station you are
met with a different scene every time. Towering above, its charming buildings show the neighbourhood's traditional side. On street
level, it's seriously cosmopolitan and eclectic. The rows of outdoor bars invite us to have a drink, see and be seen. Flanked by
traditional taverns and cafés, its streets are a succession of pubs,
fruit and veg shops, other stores and fast food stalls.
Generously, it has given up some of the limelight to the new San
Antón Market: design applied to food, ample space, shared tables, parking, a supermarket, and a restaurant whose terrace
offers views over a neighbourhood which asserts its position in
the list of must-visit places.
148
www.esmadrid.com
ÁLVARO
VILLARRUBIA
Photographer
To eat. Casa Perico (Ballesta 18): for
classic dishes. The best background
for a snapshot. Some of the façades
in Hapsburg Madrid. A must-stroll.
Along Gran Vía, from Red de San Luis
to Callao. A unique shop. Mandalay
(San Joaquín, 9): antiques and interiors. Where to be seen. I never miss
Madrid Fashion Week.

149. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ONLY IN MADRID
   
   
 (
   
) 

 .
OPEN MADRID
Come and join us
Liberal attitudes are certainly not only
confined to Chueca. Other neighbourhoods
have also become places where sexual orientation is the least important thing. Due
to its close proximity and its effervescent
nightlife, the Malasaña area has also made
a name for itself. Streets such as Calle La
Palma and San Vicente Ferrer as well as
famous squares like Plaza del Dos de Mayo
are just some of the places offering bustling trade and entertainment, where you
can forget conventions and get carried away
by the constant coming and going of people
in search of alternative venues (and a few
old favourites), intimate gigs and impeccable, well-priced restaurants.
ALTERNATIVES TO LAVAPIÉS
From the back of Gran Vía to the back of Sol
and nestled between Atocha, Embajadores
and Plaza Tirso de Molina, Madrid's old Jewish quarter is today a great mix of ethnic
backgrounds and local residents both old and
new. Its steep streets are long thoroughfares
brightened by the outdoor seating of venues to suit all tastes, including dens playing great music, alternative spots, gayfriendly bars and typical taverns where
wine, beer and tapas are the order of the day.
DIVERSITY. On the next page: San Antón
Market, a new meeting place in Chueca.
Above: if you're looking for diversity, other
areas worth checking out are Lavapiés,
Malasaña and Las Salesas. Above: Topacio
Fresh at her Fresh Gallery, in the Salamanca
district, dedicated to showcasing emerging art.
www.esmadrid.com
149

150. 150
www.esmadrid.com

151. "The spirit of Chueca has
spread across the whole city"
BORIS IZAGUIRRE WRITER/SHOWMAN
Born in Venezuela but adopted by Madrid, he is one of Spain's
most popular tv personalities, as well as a successful author.
@Borisizaguirre
What does Madrid have that
nowhere else does?
Light, without a doubt. The first
thing you think is: how hot it is,
and how bright everything is!
How was your welcome in
Madrid?
Brilliant, in every way. I arrived in
1990. I never imagined that weekend that I would stay and live here.
The city shakes you. I've been living
like this for more than 18 years.
What symbolises Chueca?
We owe Chueca a lot. I now live
closer to El Retiro Park, and I find it
an incredibly fun, free neighbourhood. I think the spirit of Chueca
has spread throughout the city.
Where do you like to go?
To Why Not (San Bartolomé, 7). I
have fantastic memories of this
bar, and it hasn't lost its charm.
I see myself dancing there again
and I love it.
And for a pleasant stroll?
Arturo Soria could be a street in
Caracas. Madrid has a very hidden magic that reminds me of all
our Latin American cities in their
best era.
now I really like Luzi Bombón (Pº.
de la Castellana, 35) and Murillo
(Ruiz de Alarcón, 27). The last of
these was an old 1940s bar opposite the Prado, which has just
been extended a bit with a restaurant serving some real delicacies. It's one of those places
where if you stay, you don't know
what will happen.
What about an image that has
an impact on you?
The sky in Oeste Park puts on
such an amazing show. The first
time you see the Royal Palace
from this side it looks like a huge
mountain.
Where do you like to hang out?
I love Las Salesas and, of course,
Calle Argensola, where I wrote
many of my novels. It's a place
that amuses me a great deal. I
always think of it as being very
French.
A recommendation for a place
to eat and have an early drink.
There are many traditional places
such as the Basque grill Dantxari
(Ventura Rodríguez, 8), and right
Where do you go shopping?
There's an amazing range of
brands on offer here. When I need
something, I find that Calle Jorge
Juan usually ticks all the boxes.
www.esmadrid.com
151

152. WHAT'S ON: LGBT
>>>>>> KEEP UP WITH IT ALL ON www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on-madrid
MADRID BECOMES A CENTRE OF INTEREST FOR EVE
RYONE, WITH EVENTS THAT COMBINE THE TRADITIONAL
WITH A TASTE FOR THE LATEST TRENDS.
Gay Pride
Festivities
The pride of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender community is upheld by this
huge party packed with speeches, parades,
live concerts and much more, bringing together hundreds of thousands of people
every year. One of the most eagerly awaited
events is the Gay Pride Parade that runs from
Puerta de Alcalá to Plaza de España.
From 3 to 7 July 2013. Proclamation
in Plaza de Chueca on 3 July.
>WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT: It's a great street
party for all.
>WHEN:
ALSO
FITUR LGBT
For the second
year running, the
tourism fair invites
the public to find
out more about
gay-friendly
businesses and
destinations.
January.
MADBEAR
Bears and their
fans from all over
the world meet
up once a year in
Chueca's bars and
clubs. For men
with no complexes.
December.
FOR THE GIRLS
Women from
across Europe will
be attending the
exclusive macrofestival Nosotras
somos todas.
May.
Visible Festival
Venues across Madrid
This event offers different works by artists who make
an important contribution to the LGBT collective, including activities such as dance, theatre, children's
theatre, cinema, exhibitions, music and poetry.
>WHEN: June-July.
>FOR WHOM: All lovers of culture, the arts
and cultural diversity.
152
LesGaiCineMad Festival
At various cinemas
This is one of the most important specialist film festivals
around, both in terms of numbers of attendees and films
shown. A true standard-bearer of Spanish and Latin
American productions for the rest of the world.
>WHEN: November.
>WHAT TO EXPECT: The best selection of shorts, documentaries and feature-length films with an LGBT theme.
www.esmadrid.com

153. SLEEPING
154-159
HOTELS FOR FEELING LIKE
ROYALTY, BREATHING DESIGN
AND WATCHING THE PENNIES.
153 WELCOME
156 SLEEP LIKE ROYALTY
157 DESIGNER
158 THE COMPLETE PACKAGE
159 INTERVIEW Kike Sarasola

154. SLEEPING
Let us pamper you, by day and by night
FANTASY. One of the
suites in the ME Hotel
(this page), a bathroom
at the Adler and a sitting
room in the Santo Mauro.
Exclusive and inviting
ambiences.
MADRID HOTELS ARE THE
GATEWAY TO FANTASTIC EX
PERIENCES WHETHER YOU'RE
STAYING THE NIGHT OR JUST
DROPPING IN.
154
www.esmadrid.com
WELCOME Make yourself at home
In Madrid you'll find that hotel life embraces everyone.
All efforts are focused on making anyone who comes
through the door feel at home. Even if you don't stay in
any of them, you could start your Sunday with brunch
at the Intercontinental, then share a glass of Cava
under the dome in the Palace before enjoying tea and
cakes in the garden at the Ritz.

155. JAVIER MORO
@javiermoro123
Writer and traveller
2011 Planeta Award
Which hotels have the best atmosphere? The Palace (Pza. de las
Cortes, 7) and the Orfila (Orfila, 6),
each with its own style. The most
fabulous? The Ritz (Pza. Lealtad,
5). The most cosmpolitan, the one
that makes you feel as though you
could be anywhere? The Villa Magna
(Castellana, 22). Which would you
pick for its location and design?
The Palace. Which one has the best
bar? The Puerta de América (Av.
América, 41). Madrid's best-kept
secret? The Sorolla Museum (Gral.
Martínez Campos, 37).
But that's not all. These are accessible establishments
that have become designer items under the management of large international firms, as well as powerful
drivers of the city's cultural activity. Sometimes you
can be transported to an imaginary world just by venturing onto their rooſtops high over the capital. These
fashionable terraces are an essential meeting point
(not just on summer evenings) and give you a fantastic
bird's eye view of the great metropolis.
WHERE ARE YOU STAYING?
Now, more than ever, your hotel is part of your destination. In Madrid too, they guarantee your trip will be
even more memorable. Family-friendly or businessoriented, central or on the outskirts, avant-garde or
baroque, luxury or budget. The options are endless, but
always with amazing locations, complementary services and personal attention.
www.esmadrid.com
155

156. *CHECK IN*
SLEEP LIKE ROYALTY
Where do you want to wake up?
The classics have retained their
charm over the years, but they're
now being joined by a new generation of hotels that are bringing a
new feel to places with a past. It's
quite normal to find restored palaces and mansions with amazing
public areas, courtyard gardens
and rooſtop pools. Some are like
real museums, while others are
wonderful gems of interior design. There are establishments
to suit all budgets in the Literary Quarter and Salamanca
District, where you are guaranteed a great night's sleep.
For many of these hotels, great
CONTRASTS. A suite
at the Ritz with another
at the Silken Puerta de
América and the lobby at
the Oscar Room Mate.
156
www.esmadrid.com
location is part of their appeal. In
Madrid, your room might overlook
Paseo de la Castellana, you may
have views of El Retiro Park and
the Prado Museum, or you could
be staying right next to Puerta
de Alcalá, high up over Gran Vía,
near Parliament, deep in the narrow streets of Hapsburg Madrid
or in palatial homes in Chamberí.
You can opt for the tallest skyscraper or for one of the city's
oldest inns, now beautifully restored as boutique hotels.
»CHUECA All Madrid hotels
are gay friendly, but here you'll
find some that cater especially for
guests from the LGBT community.
»BARAJAS There are dozens
of upmarket hotels for business
travellers within a stone's throw
from the airport and Campo de
las Naciones.
»ATOCHA The new high-
speed train link into Madrid (AVE)
has resulted in the appearance of
new hotels.
»OTHERS Further away from
the city centre you can find very
attractive hotels in quieter surroundings, such as Madrid Río,
Arturo Soria and Mirasierra.

157. www.esmadrid.com/en/accommodation-madrid
DESIGNER charm
ISABEL COIXET
Madrid hotels have been quick to pick up on the latest trends
in architecture and design, with imaginative spaces that evoke
faraway places, bygone eras and fantasy images. Floors decorated
mainly in white or red, marble-topped bars, city rooſtops, glass
pools and futuristic beds.
@isabelcoixet
Film director
LET'S STAY IN THE HOTEL
Many of the bars and restaurants in these hotels are an integral
part of modern life in Madrid. Cocktail bars, first-class wine cellars, signature cuisine and inviting spaces are all at hand for
catching up with friends, intimate conversations, business meetings and family gatherings.
Where do you like staying when
you come to Madrid? Always close
to Gran Vía, which serves as my
base. Any hotel in particular? I've
got several: any in the Room Mate
chain, the Las Letras hotel (Gran Vía,
11), the Abalú (Pez, 19), and, when
the budget allows, the Palace. How
do hotels affect your mood? I'm
so used to them that I doubt they
have much effect on me.
www.esmadrid.com
157

158. 80.465
BEDS
Figures from the last
Madrid hotel census
prove there's room
for everyone.
250
HOTELS
Spread across the
capital, they are mainly
in the centre and the
financial districts.
592
HOSTALS
Accommodation for
all budgets with high
standards of service
and cleanliness.
THE COMPLETE PACKAGE
Comfort, service and good prices
If you just want to stay overnight at an affordable price, you'll
find Madrid has a lot to choose from. Home to a large array of
smaller accommodations to suit all pockets, with designer chic and
well-run basic services, Madrid is proof that reasonable rates are
compatible with generous and functional spaces, à la carte facilities and attentive service. For family budgets, longer stays and
school groups, there's a wide range of affordable accommodation
even with the major hotel chains.
YOUTH HOSTEL
Right in the centre of Madrid, young people can enjoy staying at
one of the best youth hostels in Europe. Its great location (Mejía
Lequerica, 21) and its modern amenities make it the perfect place
for young tourists from home and abroad. Choosing the right hotel
will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
ROOM WITH A VIEW.
Admire Madrid from a
room at the Chic&Basic
or from the Emperador
hotel pool terrace.
158
www.esmadrid.com
AL FRESCO
  
    
 '  
   ,
    
  
   .

159. "We're very welcoming
in this city"
KIKE SARASOLA ENTREPRENEUR
A former Olympic equestrian rider, he went on to set up
one of the sector's most groundbreaking concepts: Room
Mate hotels.
@SarasolaKike
What is Madrid's biggest asset in
terms of its hotels?
Friendliness. Our greatest quality
is that we're so warm and friendly;
tourists are always welcome. It's
very important that they feel at
home, at ease, comfortable.
One of the things Room Mate
is most proud of is its contribu-
tion to regenerating the centre
of Madrid...
We've won over customers who
come to stay in the city centre
with our "five Ds" philosophy: they
come to sleep (Dormir), shower
(Ducharse) and eat breakfast
(Desayunar), because the Decor
is great and it's a fun (Divertido)
hotel. That's how we've conquered the centre.
To what extent does design and
decor attract guests?
It costs the same to make something beautiful as it would something ugly. That's the mindset we
want to get across and we've tried
to break away from the notion that
you have to pay 500 euros to stay
somewhere with designer looks. You
can get that paying 100 euros too.
Do you think that beauty is
subjective?
Of course, it depends on your taste,
that's why all my hotels are different, some are modern and others
are more classic. I think the 90s
trend for uniformity was absolutely
dreadful.
Do you have any other favourite
hotels?
The Santo Mauro, which has just
been renovated by Lorenzo Castillo (Zurbano, 36). On the budget
side, Chic&Basic (Atocha, 113).
What was missing from Madrid?
Nothing, not now anyway. It used
to be outdoor cafes. We have 300
days of sunshine every year and
they were sorely needed.
www.esmadrid.com
159

161. DAY TRIPS
162-166
FASCINATING PLACES TO VISIT
LESS THAN TWO HOURS AWAY.
162163 MONUMENTAL CITIES
164165 SPECTACULAR LOCATIONS
166 PLACES TO DISCOVER OUTSIDE MADRID

162. DAY TRIPS
Short Excursions
GREAT TRIPS. From
Madrid you can visit towns
and cities with a wealth of
tourist attractions, such
as Cuenca (on this page),
Toledo, Valencia and
Córdoba.
DISCOVER MONUMENTAL CITIES LESS THAN
TWO HOURS AWAY BY HIGH SPEED TRAIN
Madrid is the starting point for Europe's most extensive high speed train
network, so you can easily make day trips to Spanish towns and cities with
spectacular artistic and cultural heritage attractions.
 
 
Toledo
An imperial city
Cuenca
Quaint and abstract
A UNESCO World Heritage Site,
the town is world famous for its
impressive Roman aqueduct. Just a
short distance from Madrid, you can
see monuments such as the Gothic
cathedral, the Alcázar, Torre de San
Esteban, the monastery of El Parral
and the Corpus Christi synagogue,
plus several small Romanesque
churches.
162
 
Segovia
A historic neighbour
Also holding World Heritage Site
status, the city preserves traces of
the three cultures that once lived
side by side there: Arab, Jewish and
Christian. Major monuments include
the Primate Cathedral, Cristo de la
Luz mosque, Tránsito synagogue and
the Alcázar, while the annual Corpus
Christi procession is one of the most
popular in Spain.
Set in the impressive natural surroundings of the Castilian mountain range,
this small World Heritage Site city is
known all over the world for its Hanging Houses, clinging precariously to
the sides of the deep gorge carved by
the river Huécar. Its cathedral, steep
cobbled streets and the Museum of
Abstract Art are just a few reasons for
spending some time here.
www.esmadrid.com

163.  
Valladolid
Castilian character
A city of kings, cardinals and great writers, Valladolid's stately past is illustrated by important
historical buildings such as the Renaissance
Palace of Santa Cruz and the Plaza Mayor,
which was imitated all over Spain and Latin
America. Alongside them we find more modern
constructions such as the Science Museum
and the regenerated Pisuerga river banks.
 
Valencia
Madrid's beach
The capital of the Levante region is Spain's
third city and one of its principal Mediterranean
ports. It is Madrid's closest sea port, now
brought even closer by the new high speed train
link. Set amongst fruit orchards and long sandy
beaches, the city has a rich cultural and
artistic heritage, including the Cathedral, the
Silk Guild Hall, the IVAM museum of contemporary art, and the City of Arts and Sciences.
 
Zaragoza
The first lady of the Ebro
The capital of Aragón owes its wealth to the Ebro,
Spain's largest river, which enabled it to flourish in
the middle of a sun-drenched landscape. The river
provided wealth to build the great Basilica of
El Pilar, La Seo and the Aljafería Palace, plus
the buildings, bridges and pavilions added later for
the 2008 Expo, on the theme of water.
 
Córdoba
The legacy of Al-Andalus
Built on the banks of the Guadalquivir river,
it was one of the first Spanish cities to be
awarded World Heritage Site status. It is a fine
illustration of Spain's Arab past, reflected in the
Mosque and the town of Medina Azahara.
The city's rich multicultural history can be seen
in its tea houses, baths, courtyards and in its
delicious variety of food and drink.
www.esmadrid.com
163

164. SPECTACULAR LOCATIONS
ONLY A STONE'S THROW FROM MADRID
In the area around the capital you can visit royal palaces,
lush gardens, nature trails and medieval towns.
You'll be there in the blink of an eye.
ARANJUEZ
On the Strawberry Train
The town is best known for its Royal Palace and gardens, the most splendid in the whole of Spain. Aranjuez can be reached from Madrid on the Strawberry
Train, which follows the original route of the railway
officially opened in 1851. When you get off the train,
a guided tour takes you round the royal apartments
and recreational areas, in parkland that is now a World
Heritage Site. Monumental fountains, long avenues
lined with impressive trees and lakes with swans are
just a few of the highlights in this picturesque manmade landscape.
EL ESCORIAL
San Lorenzo Royal Estate
Felipe II, the ascetic king, ordered this Monastery to
be built in the foothills of the mountains near Madrid
as an architectural symbol of his reign. Both the size
and surroundings of this refined set of Renaissance
buildings will amaze you. Inside, you can admire the
Courtyard of Kings, leading to the great basilica; the
Hapsburg Palace, with the Battles Hall; the Picture
Gallery, with works by Tintoretto, Titian and El Greco;
and the Museum of Architecture in the basement.
ALCALÁ DE HENARES
Birthplace of Cervantes
Cervantes' home town is 30 kilometres away from
Madrid. The Complutense University was founded here
in 1499, which is why the town is part of the Castil-
164
www.esmadrid.com
ian Language Route. It has been a World Heritage
Site since 1998, in recognition of monuments such as
Cervantes' House and Museum, the Magistral Cathedral, the Colegio Mayor and the San Ildefonso
Chapel, where Ximénez de Cisneros, the town's patron
of the arts, is buried.
MADRID'S MOUNTAINS
Landscapes and walking trails
Madrid lies at the foot of a beautiful mountain range
with peaks over 2,000 metres high. It is protected as
a Nature Park and is a walker's paradise, with a wide
range of scenic walking trails. Places such as the Seven
Peaks, the Rascafría area, Sierra Negra, the Montejo beech forest and the mountain pass of Navacerrada, with its ski resort, are of special interest.
The Cotos mountain pass can be reached by train and is
home to the region's largest ski resort, Valdesquí.
CHINCHÓN
Going back in time
This historic town, strategically located on the fertile
plain by the Tajuña river, boasts one of the oldest
town squares in Spain, used as a location for several
films (it is featured in Around the World in 80 Days).
It has also been used for open-air theatre and as a
bullring, and was formerly the site of the gallows. A
fine example of folk-style architecture, the square is surrounded by arcaded three-storey buildings, many of
which are occupied by restaurants specialising in meat
dishes such as lamb and suckling pig.

165. NEARBY. Tourist
destinations such as Aranjuez
(above), the Madrid Sierra and
Chinchón provide a welcome
breath of fresh air and are the
ideal location for a short break.
www.esmadrid.com
165

166. PLACES TO DISCOVER
OUTSIDE MADRID
Just outside the Region of Madrid you will find stunningly
beautiful villages and towns, which are steeped in history and
where you can enjoy architecture and gastronomy alike.
LA GRANJA
The summer palace
SIGÜENZA
A train ride to the middle ages
While Aranjuez was the monarchs' winter home
from home, when the weather became too hot in
the summer, they took refuge in the palace of La
Granja, set among Segovia's forests. It was inspired
by Versailles, as shown by the series of monumental fountains you'll see in the beautiful palace
gardens.
The railway trip to this medieval town in Guadalajara
is a great experience for children and adults alike, with
entertainment by friendly troubadors who then take
you on a guided tour of the castle, the majestic cathedral, the Plaza Mayor, Plazuela de la Cárcel,
and Casa del Doncel. You'll have the whole day to
stroll around this town, famous for its craſts and gastronomy, where time seems to have stood still.
SALAMANCA
University spirit
From its impressive Plaza Mayor you can soak up the
atmosphere that pervades its pedestrianised streets,
full of student life. Make sure you see the University
– one of the oldest in Europe – the two cathedrals,
La Clerecía, the popular Casa de las Conchas (house of
shells) and the Roman bridge. The city is also a World
Heritage Site.
ÁVILAGREDOS
The Castilian fortress
The walls round this old city, a World Heritage Site, are
over two and a half kilometres in length and date back
to the late 11th century. The Gothic cathedral, and
the Alcázar and San Vicente gates, are just three
of its architectural gems. The surrounding countryside
is equally lovely.
ABOVE THE CLOUDS. Left, the
cathedral in Sigüenza, where
time seems to have stood still
since the Middle Ages. Right,
a walker on the path over the
Sierra de Gredos peaks.
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167. USEFUL
Practical information
HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO FEEL
RIGHT AT HOME DURING YOUR STAY IN MADRID. TO
GET THE LATEST INFORMATION BEFORE YOUR TRIP
VISIT WWW.ESMADRID.COM
CLIMATE
Madrid's dry climate
and low rainfall mean
that any time of year
is perfect for getting
to know the city in the
radiant sunshine.
FESTIVALS
Few cities enjoy their
fiestas more than
Madrid. The festival
season begins on the
Day of the Madrid
Region (2 May). Shortly
aſter that, the most
traditional festival - that
of San Isidro (15 May)
- takes place in the
famous Pradera de San
Isidro Park. The month
of August is one long
fiesta. Aſter the days
of San Cayetano and
San Lorenzo on 7 and
10 August -which are
fiestas but still working
days-, comes the Day of
La Paloma (15 August).
And on 9 November the
city commemorates the
Day of the Virgen de la
Almudena, the patron
saint of Madrid. During
Holy Week, you can enjoy
concerts and beautiful
processions through
the old quarter, while
Christmas brings out
the street markets, light
displays, New Year's Eve
celebrations in Sol, and
the Three Kings Parade.
ACCESSIBLE MADRID
Metro
Madrid's underground
is one of the most
accessible public
transport services
in Europe. 60% of
stations have liſts,
while more than half of
the trains are adapted
to regulations on
accessibility.
Eurotaxi
These taxis have
the same tariffs as
all others, but are
adapted for people with
disabilities. Information
service:
915 478 600/010.
Guides
The City Council
organizes free visits
adapted to any
disability.
Tel: 915 881 636.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TEMPERATURE (in ºC) ANNUAL RAINFALL (l/m2)
Jan
Jan
Feb
Feb
Mar
Mar
Apr
Apr
May
May
Jun
Jun
Jul
Jul
Aug
Aug
Sep
Sep
Oct
Oct
Nov
Nov
Dec
Dec
-10 -5 0
5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Culture
The main museums,
theatres and cultural
centres are adapted
to the needs of people
with disabilities.
TIMETABLES
Small businesses
usually open from 10
am to 8.30 pm. Larger
stores and chains are
open all day and close
later.
Shopaholics are in
luck when visiting the
majority of Madrid's
neighbourhoods: shops
can open every day if
they wish, including
holidays (excepting
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
25 December and 1
January).
WIFI
As part of its
commitment to
innovation, Madrid
has installed free
Wi-Fi in three iconic
squares - Santo
Domingo, Olavide
and Plaza Mayor - as
well as in EMT's local
buses and in public
buildings such as
libraries and markets.
Wi-Fi is also available
at newsstands bearing
the Wi-Fi logo and
in numerous cafés
throughout the city.
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167

172. TRANSPORT
Practical information
HOW TO GET THERE
BY AIR
Barajas
All commercial flights into
Madrid land here. As it is only 12
kilometres northeast of the capital,
it can be reached quickly and
economically. The official opening
of T4 in 2006 made it one of the
world's most modern airports, with
its breathtaking design by architect
Richard Rogers, its highly efficient
operation and a shopping area
selling many leading international
brands. The new terminal has
helped to relieve pressure on
the other three terminals, where
checking in is now faster. Barajas
handles more traffic than any
other airport in Spain and is the
fiſth busiest in Europe. OneWorld
operates in T4, while SkyTeam and
StarAlliance operate in T1 and T2
respectively.
Metro On line 8 the journey
from Nuevos Ministerios station
172
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takes around 20 minutes to T4, and
12 minutes to the other terminals. A
surcharge is payable.
Train The Cercanías suburban
train network now includes line C-1,
linking Príncipe Pio station with T4
at Barajas and stopping at Atocha,
Nuevos Ministerios and Chamartín.
Bus The brand new Airport Express
service runs to and from Barajas 24
hours a day. There is a bus every 15
minutes during the day and every
35 minutes all through the night.
You need to allow about 40 minutes
for your journey. The bus makes
only three stops: O'Donnell at the
junction with Doctor Esquerdo, Plaza
de Cibeles and Atocha train station
(daytime only).
Shuttle Bus This free Service
runs between all terminals every five
minutes from 6.30am to 11.30pm;
every 20 minutes from 11.30pm to
1.50am and every 40 minutes from
1.50am to 6.30am.
Taxi The airport is only 12
kilometres northeast of the city. The
fare should be about 30 euros from
the centre of Madrid.
Car The airport is well connected to
the city's main roads, including the
A1 and A2 highways and the M-40,
M11 and R2 motorways.
Car parks Barajas has over 10,000
parking spaces, conveniently located
in seven zones near the terminals.
BY TRAIN
Atocha and Chamartín
Wherever you're coming from,
Madrid is easy to reach by train.
Atocha and Chamartín stations
lie at the centre of the impressive
Spanish railway network. It includes
the AVE high speed train service,
which connects with the French high
speed line. The Cercanías local train
network links the two stations to
each other and to the city centre at
the brand new Sol station. Following
extension work, Atocha station is
set to become the new Barajas: it
is expected to handle 36 million
passengers by 2025.

173. Metrobus Multi-Trip Card: €12.20
(Prices for December 2012).
TAXI There are currently more than
15,000 taxis in Madrid, with increasing
numbers accepting credit cards and
using GPS technology to ensure you
get to your destination by the shortest
route. You can take a taxi at a taxi
rank, hail one in the street or request
one by phone. You'll always find one at
your service. The fares are affordable.
BICYCLE There can be no healthier
AVE The high-speed train is the most
convenient option for passengers,
who can travel quickly and easily to
21 Spanish cities, including Barcelona,
Valencia, Valladolid, Sevilla, Zaragoza,
Toledo, Segovia, Cuenca, Córdoba and
Málaga, at reasonable prices.
Medium distance Mediumdistance trains link Madrid with
Spain's other major cities; the trainhotel to Galicia offers a comfortable
overnight sleeper train service.
Cercanías The local train service
has nine lines in the Region of Madrid
area, all of which start from Atocha
mainline station or pass through it.
Depending on zone restrictions, you
can use the same tickets for trains,
metro and buses.
ROADS
By car and bus
Madrid is the country's transport
hub, with all six national motorways
converging here. The city also has
an extensive system of ring roads.
Numerous bus services link the capital
with major Spanish and European
cities. The main bus stations are
Estación Sur and Avenida de América.
HOW TO GET AROUND
METRO You won't find a more
convenient way of getting round the
city. The fast and extensive network
is one of the cheapest in Europe.
There are twelve lines, plus three
Light Metro lines running round the
outskirts of the city. They take you
to all parts of the city and to nearby
towns. See the map on the next page.
BUS If you want to watch the
world go by while you travel in
comfort, the bus is for you. Buses
run between 6am and 11.30pm,
although there are also night buses,
covering 27 routes starting from
Plaza de Cibeles. The bus company,
EMT, has an iPhone and smartphone
application to inform passengers of
waiting times at the city's bus stops.
Single metro/bus ticket: €1.50 - 2.
www.esmadrid.com/en/transport-madrid
and quicker way of seeing Madrid
than by bike, along the city's rapidly
growing network of cycle lanes. The
bicycle lane on Calle Serrano and the
Green Cycling Ring, which runs for
65 kilometres around the city, are
especially good places to ride.
TOURIST TRAVEL CARD Ideal
for visitors keen to explore the city in
their own way, it allows you to use all
the transport services as many times
as you like. The cost of a travel card for
zone A (for use inside the city limits)
is from 8 euros (1 day) to 33.40 euros
(seven days). The travel card for zone T,
covering a wider area, costs from 16 to
66.80 euros.
PARKING Although it's best not to
drive around the city centre, Madrid has
a good number of public and private
car parks. If you park in the street, bear
in mind that parking is restricted from
Monday to Friday between 9am and
8pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to
3pm. You will need to purchase a ticket
(available from nearby parking meters)
and the charge depends on how long
you intend to stay and whether the
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173

174. ARTE Y CULTURA

175. www.madridcitytour.es
Hop on Madrid’s open-top bus
14 LANGUAGES. INDIVIDUAL HEADPHONES.

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