Guidebook for Madrid
Food Scene
On the top floor El Corte Inglés Gourmet area, there is an extraordinary collection of bars and delicatessen shops. Outstanding views of Gran Vía at the top floor. 2 minutes from the flat in Opera
451 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Corte Inglés Seguros Correduría
2 Pl. del CallaoOn the top floor El Corte Inglés Gourmet area, there is an extraordinary collection of bars and delicatessen shops. Outstanding views of Gran Vía at the top floor. 2 minutes from the flat in Opera
Best value for money restaurant in town, recommended by The Times restaurant section on their Website. For 12 Euros a menu (including a glass of wine and water, first course; second course, bred and dessert ). A bottle of good wine for an extra 12 Euros. The best option in the Historic Austrias Quarter. By Plaza Mayor and 6 minutes from the Opera flat.
Emma Cocina
4 Pl. de San MiguelBest value for money restaurant in town, recommended by The Times restaurant section on their Website. For 12 Euros a menu (including a glass of wine and water, first course; second course, bred and dessert ). A bottle of good wine for an extra 12 Euros. The best option in the Historic Austrias Quarter. By Plaza Mayor and 6 minutes from the Opera flat.
It is a small delicatessen market offering value for money traditional foods and wines of Spain, located in a beautiful Arts and Crafts metal XIX Century market, it also boasts a variety of wine bars offering quality tapas.
1026 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mercado San Miguel
s/n Pl. de San MiguelIt is a small delicatessen market offering value for money traditional foods and wines of Spain, located in a beautiful Arts and Crafts metal XIX Century market, it also boasts a variety of wine bars offering quality tapas.
One of the most beautiful cake shops in Spain. It has a XIX century decor and chandeliers, ideal for mummies and grannies. Best for takeaway
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Riojano
10 C. MayorOne of the most beautiful cake shops in Spain. It has a XIX century decor and chandeliers, ideal for mummies and grannies. Best for takeaway
Royal cakes these are, as these are the cakes, quiches and pastries bought by the Royal Palace for special events. It is located a ten minute walk from the Opera flat
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Santiaguesa
73 C. MayorRoyal cakes these are, as these are the cakes, quiches and pastries bought by the Royal Palace for special events. It is located a ten minute walk from the Opera flat
Want to have cake and coffee on the cheap? This is the best option, ask for "lazos" and "tortel de frambuesa" (Strawberry pastry) and a selection of sponge cakes (bizcochos). Located a one minute walk down the road, from the door in Opera.
Viena Capellanes
30 Calle del ArenalWant to have cake and coffee on the cheap? This is the best option, ask for "lazos" and "tortel de frambuesa" (Strawberry pastry) and a selection of sponge cakes (bizcochos). Located a one minute walk down the road, from the door in Opera.
A Royal sandwich bar cum restaurant. This is were the royals have to have their caldo (broth), wine, tea and pastries in the XIX century. A stunningly beautiful (but expensive) cake shop, has got a wonderful restaurant that embodies value for money in luxury hospitality on the first floor, best known for Cocido. The best place in the neighborhood for a super SPLURGE (90 Euros per person, more or less)
57 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lhardy
8 Carrera de S. JerónimoA Royal sandwich bar cum restaurant. This is were the royals have to have their caldo (broth), wine, tea and pastries in the XIX century. A stunningly beautiful (but expensive) cake shop, has got a wonderful restaurant that embodies value for money in luxury hospitality on the first floor, best known for Cocido. The best place in the neighborhood for a super SPLURGE (90 Euros per person, more or less)
The bar counter serves the best croquettes (Spanish Iberico ham) in Madrid. Right in front of Teatro de la Zarzuela (Spanish Opera Theatre) and beside Parliament. Value for money if accompanied by Spanish reds and whites. A cheap option for dinner
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casa Manolo
7 C. de JovellanosThe bar counter serves the best croquettes (Spanish Iberico ham) in Madrid. Right in front of Teatro de la Zarzuela (Spanish Opera Theatre) and beside Parliament. Value for money if accompanied by Spanish reds and whites. A cheap option for dinner
Best cod without the chips, Spanish style. This is a busy cheap bar, one of the oldest in town, XIX century decor where the Labour Party of Spain was founded. It is always busy, it is good for a quick bite with beer.
214 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casa Labra
12 C. de TetuánBest cod without the chips, Spanish style. This is a busy cheap bar, one of the oldest in town, XIX century decor where the Labour Party of Spain was founded. It is always busy, it is good for a quick bite with beer.
The first floor coffee shop is a relic from the 1940s, it has nice views of the XIXth century Puerta del Sol, it takes you back in time. It is relaxing spot among the hustle and bustle of the crowded city center streets.
107 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Mallorquina
8 Prta del SolThe first floor coffee shop is a relic from the 1940s, it has nice views of the XIXth century Puerta del Sol, it takes you back in time. It is relaxing spot among the hustle and bustle of the crowded city center streets.
There you can have a Spanish stew in a XVIth century style (Cocido). A traditional restaurant located 2 minutes from the flat, behind the Senate. It offers an unbeatable 30 Euros quality menu (including Cocido).
108 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
LA BOLA
5 C. de la BolaThere you can have a Spanish stew in a XVIth century style (Cocido). A traditional restaurant located 2 minutes from the flat, behind the Senate. It offers an unbeatable 30 Euros quality menu (including Cocido).
Excellent value for money restaurant with fantastic wines, specialized in traditional Spanish cooking. 25 Euros menu, an ideal family option. Small, quiet, cosy and surrounded by historic sites.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Viuda de Vacas
2 C. del ÁguilaExcellent value for money restaurant with fantastic wines, specialized in traditional Spanish cooking. 25 Euros menu, an ideal family option. Small, quiet, cosy and surrounded by historic sites.
Drinks & Nightlife
One of the best luxury value for money wine bars (at the counter) in Madrid. The best white/red wine (with gorgeous free aperitifs) for 2.50 Euros a glass. There is also a luxury restaurant inside, recommended for a splurge. 1 minute 30 seconds from the flat, by the Royal Opera Theater, very near the Royal Palace
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Taberna del Alabardero de Madrid
6 C. de Felipe VOne of the best luxury value for money wine bars (at the counter) in Madrid. The best white/red wine (with gorgeous free aperitifs) for 2.50 Euros a glass. There is also a luxury restaurant inside, recommended for a splurge. 1 minute 30 seconds from the flat, by the Royal Opera Theater, very near the Royal Palace
A lovely small wine bar for 30s to 50s people, with an excellent value for money, extensive list of affordable Spanish wines.
Díaz y Larrouy
6 C. de la Cava BajaA lovely small wine bar for 30s to 50s people, with an excellent value for money, extensive list of affordable Spanish wines.
Oldest wine bar in the neighborhood, atmospheric, wooden counters, no music, no noise, ultra cheap but nothing but wine. A cathedral for Spanish Sherry Wine (Fino and Manzanilla in Spanish), as all the Sherry wines come from Spain (do not get confused by the labels, or the lack of them, cos this shop sells natural wines direct from the cask, from small villages in the South)
64 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Venencia
7 Calle de EchegarayOldest wine bar in the neighborhood, atmospheric, wooden counters, no music, no noise, ultra cheap but nothing but wine. A cathedral for Spanish Sherry Wine (Fino and Manzanilla in Spanish), as all the Sherry wines come from Spain (do not get confused by the labels, or the lack of them, cos this shop sells natural wines direct from the cask, from small villages in the South)
Sightseeing
The incredible Royal Palace of Madrid, only second to French baroque palaces. Besides the visit to the Royal rooms, the palace hosts regular first class exhibitions of the National Heritage collection and other international reputable institutions.
1110 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Royal Armoury of Madrid
s/n Calle de BailénThe incredible Royal Palace of Madrid, only second to French baroque palaces. Besides the visit to the Royal rooms, the palace hosts regular first class exhibitions of the National Heritage collection and other international reputable institutions.
This is an authentic Egyptian Temple, a present of Egypt to the Government of Spain, 10 minutes walk from the flat, with outstanding views of Casa de Campo forest and the city.
1359 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Templo de Debod
1 C. de FerrazThis is an authentic Egyptian Temple, a present of Egypt to the Government of Spain, 10 minutes walk from the flat, with outstanding views of Casa de Campo forest and the city.
The Royal Chapel, a few hundred meters from the Royal Palace is a must. The ceilings are painted with Goya frescoes.
88 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Basílica de San Francisco el Grande, Madrid
1 C. San BuenaventuraThe Royal Chapel, a few hundred meters from the Royal Palace is a must. The ceilings are painted with Goya frescoes.
One of the most beautiful churches in the heart of the Austrias Quarter (Hasburg Royal Family Quarter).
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Basílica pontificia de San Miguel
4 C. de San JustoOne of the most beautiful churches in the heart of the Austrias Quarter (Hasburg Royal Family Quarter).
Beautiful 17th century square flanked by medieval and baroque churches in the heart of the City.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plaza de los Carros Madrid
Plaza de los CarrosBeautiful 17th century square flanked by medieval and baroque churches in the heart of the City.
Beautiful 16th century square flanked by medieval and baroque churches in the heart of the City., with a beautiful Renaissance school with a wonderful chapel
69 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plaza de la Paja
Plaza de la PajaBeautiful 16th century square flanked by medieval and baroque churches in the heart of the City., with a beautiful Renaissance school with a wonderful chapel
Lovely XVII century Spanish church with remarkable ceilings, a must, in the heart of the Historic quarter.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parroquia de San Ginés
1 Plaza de San AndrésLovely XVII century Spanish church with remarkable ceilings, a must, in the heart of the Historic quarter.
The emblematic square of the city center. This beautiful granite square from the XVII century Spanish Empire is a must. It is a seven minute walk from the Opera flat, if you know the shortcuts.
1659 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plaza Mayor
Plaza MayorThe emblematic square of the city center. This beautiful granite square from the XVII century Spanish Empire is a must. It is a seven minute walk from the Opera flat, if you know the shortcuts.
Arts & Culture
National Gallery of ancient painting. The worldwide acclaimed museum is a 20 minute nice walk from the flat, flanked by historic buildings. The museum hosts first class exhibitions. Currently the collection of the Spanish Society of New York is in display
2515 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Nacional del Prado
23 C. de Ruiz de AlarcónNational Gallery of ancient painting. The worldwide acclaimed museum is a 20 minute nice walk from the flat, flanked by historic buildings. The museum hosts first class exhibitions. Currently the collection of the Spanish Society of New York is in display
A wonderful Neoclassic museum, an unknown jewel including an incredible but small painting collection. It is the museum of the Royal Academy of Arts. It is located a twenty minute walk from the Opera flat and Royal Palace.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de la Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando
13 C. de AlcaláA wonderful Neoclassic museum, an unknown jewel including an incredible but small painting collection. It is the museum of the Royal Academy of Arts. It is located a twenty minute walk from the Opera flat and Royal Palace.
One of the best Contemporary Art museums in the world. This stunning collection also hosts a variety of paintings from Renaissance to XIX century vanguards.
1498 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
8 P.º del PradoOne of the best Contemporary Art museums in the world. This stunning collection also hosts a variety of paintings from Renaissance to XIX century vanguards.
Shopping
It has a wonderful supermarket, the best in the area, with all sorts of international and ethnic foods. The coffee shop in the 7th floor is the ideal place for coffee and a club sandwich. The shopping mall includes a selection of the best fashion and sports brands in Spain, as well as some international brands. Ideal for quality clothing and shoes.
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Supermercado El Corte Inglés
3 C. de PreciadosIt has a wonderful supermarket, the best in the area, with all sorts of international and ethnic foods. The coffee shop in the 7th floor is the ideal place for coffee and a club sandwich. The shopping mall includes a selection of the best fashion and sports brands in Spain, as well as some international brands. Ideal for quality clothing and shoes.
Forget the Italians, this small shop offers the best coffee in Europe, period, sold in 250 grams bags.
Cafés la Mexicana
24 C. de PreciadosForget the Italians, this small shop offers the best coffee in Europe, period, sold in 250 grams bags.
Parks & Nature
This charming XVIII century park, is dotted with beautiful romantic fountains and small pavilions. A 20 minute walk from the flat, it offers a respite from the city bustle and hustle
2341 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque El Retiro Madrid
7 Plaza de la IndependenciaThis charming XVIII century park, is dotted with beautiful romantic fountains and small pavilions. A 20 minute walk from the flat, it offers a respite from the city bustle and hustle
A forest in the centre of Madrid, with a beautiful lake to relax, a 15 minute walk from the Opera flat. It has a cable car that ends in an Egiptian temple, Tempo de Debod.
488 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de la Casa de Campo
1 P.º de la Prta del ÁngelA forest in the centre of Madrid, with a beautiful lake to relax, a 15 minute walk from the Opera flat. It has a cable car that ends in an Egiptian temple, Tempo de Debod.
Excellent park beside the river where you can rent a bike (or go for a walk) for a ride in a flat 5 km track, right in the center of town. It connects with Casa de Campo and Matadero Cultural Center (hosted in beautiful Art Noveau buildings)
491 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Madrid Río
Autopista de Circunvalación M-30Excellent park beside the river where you can rent a bike (or go for a walk) for a ride in a flat 5 km track, right in the center of town. It connects with Casa de Campo and Matadero Cultural Center (hosted in beautiful Art Noveau buildings)