Madrid
intro Written for and by young people visiting Madrid, this downloadable travel guide lists a wide range of recommendations for first-timers exploring the cultural wonders of the city. There are plenty of free and less famous places featured, for example an array of museums, traditional Spanish markets and green-spaces for those looking to escape the humming of the busy centre of Madrid. Also covered, are pricier but unmissable social happenings and must-sees, such as the world s oldest restaurant, the exciting night-life, controversial bullfights and flamenco dancing. Essential information like opening hours, where to purchase tickets for events and directions from the nearest metro station can be found at the end of each review. This guide is your true Madrilenian bienvenido and we hope it proves useful during your stay in this unique city. getting around Madrid s public transport is clean, safe and reliable. The metro is the most popular way of travelling in and around Madrid. It is fast and efficient. You can get a 10 trip ticket, costing 12.20 and a single ticket costing 1.50. The 10 trip ticket can be used for metros and buses, but once you pass through the barrier, you can change stations without having to come out and be charged another travel, unlike the buses where you will need to use the ticket every time you board a bus. There are tourist passes that can be used unlimited for 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 days. The metro is open from 6am to 1:30am. Madrid, as a nocturnal city, has night, buhos - buses that run after 11:45pm to 6am. Don t forget to try out the Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tours if you want to do all the sight-seeing in just two days and then enjoy the rest of your trip, exploring Madrid by foot. a brief history Madrid is one of Europe s canonical historical cities and has one of the most colourful stories of any city in the world. Spain s capital city has been called home by Visigoths, Romans, Islamic tribes, Christian kingdoms, Jewish settlers and the Hapsburg court. Consequently, it has had an extremely rich variety of cultural, religious, architectural and social influences. This all makes for an incredibly vibrant and exciting place to be, where any foreigner can feel at home but also where you can turn any corner and feel as though you are entering another part of the world. To see how diverse Madrid has always been, you only need visit the south west corner and see how part of the old Islamic city walls still stand tall opposite the Catedral de Almudena. Although many sites and monuments were damaged during the Spanish Civil War, the city retains a plethora of fabulous attractions. Furthermore, an array of new museums such as the Museo Arqueológico Nacional have captured and preserved Madrid s (and Spain s) rich history and made it accessible to all. Whether you are an enthusiastic historian or looking to capture beautifully picturesque sights - this fantastic city is a truly enthralling place. staying safe As with any city, it is imporant to keep your wits about you. Most of this advice is common sense, but here are a few tips to keep you and your belongings safe: - Make photocopies of important documents (carry them instead of your originals) - Always have your bag and camera across your shoulder - Guard your bag by keeping it tight between your feet whenever you put it down (wrap the straps around your leg) - Keep the contents of your bag organised (so you have easier access to get what you need quickly) - Put your valuables like your wallet in your front pockets - Keep cash to a minimum (hide a little in your clothing) - Be aware of your surroundings - Try not to look too like a tourist - Do not try and resist if you are confronted Your personal safety comes first - your belongings can always be replaced! If something is lost or stolen, cancel all your credit cards first. Report to the police station where you will be asked to make a denuncia. This is the official statement detailing what has been stolen, how and where. Keep this document safe, as it will help you when making insurance claims.
History plaza mayor Joe Peskett Plaza Mayor is a central meeting point for a number of streets in the centre of Madrid. It has played a central role in the city s history, playing host to bullfights, football games and notoriously, public executions during the Spanish Inquisition. The square still holds community events such as concerts and cultural functions and remains an integral part of the area. Although, today the city authorities generally abstain from using the plaza for executing heretics! The main feature of Plaza Mayor is the dominating Casa de la Panadería (Bakery House). Resembling a giant canvas, its walls are decorated from ground to ceiling with exquisite paintings which give the building a soft, peach-coloured glow. The famous symbol of Madrid, the bear and cherry tree, can be found amongst the many elegant frescos of mythological beings. Plaza Mayor is also residence to an impressive statue of Philip III upon his birdgobbling horse (ask at the Tourist Information point below Casa de la Panadería)! Although exposed to the sun, the square is bordered by an array of shaded bars and restaurants which are nestled amongst the porticoes. Plaza Mayor is a quietly buzzing space and rightly holds its place as one of the main historical and contemporary attractions in Madrid. Metro: Ópera or Sol //
food dray martina Viola Waldeck Are you looking for a slick yet cozy cafe / restaurant? You will find one in Calle Argensola, one of Chueca s best streets for individual restaurants and boutiques. Tucked in one corner of the street, you will find Dray Martina, a bar and cafe that serves great Mediterranean food and eccentric juice creations, with ingredients such as goji and acai berries. Furnished with wooden tables, mismatched vintage chairs, white walls, impressive lamps and cactus plants, this place makes you feel comfortable and welcome, whilst eclectic vibes accompany the relaxed atmosphere. The blueberry cheesecake and carrot cakes in the glass domes don t only look tasty - they absolutely are because of their perfect texture and the flavour composition. The bartender mixes cocktails, including, of course, a selection of special drinks with martini. The reasonable price range allows everyone to visit. You will love it. Metro: Chueca // Calle Argensola, 7 // Sun- Thurs until 2am, Fri-Sat until 2.30am // www. draymartina.com // +34 910 81 00 56 //
art la tabacalera Lauren Kalsi Forgetting guidebooks for a moment, we remember that exploring the serendipity of any city means simply getting lost in it. For many, creativity gravitates around the same idea of losing to find. Muros Tabacalera, a former tobacco factory now turned art gallery and creative space is a complete celebration of this. It is one of Madrid s hidden colours and a space for the hidden colours, which over 27 artists and eclectic individuals have found within themselves. La Tabacalera is a non-profit branch of the great Madrid Street Art project tree. It s roots stand firmly grounded in organic, all encompassing soil. At its core is the value of promoting and supporting Fine Art, culture and anyone attached. It is free to all and offers a kaleidoscopic range of workshops and classes, such as Indigenous, African and contact dancing, photography, Esperanto, African drumming, vegetable planting and magic - just to name a few! For these, it s worth checking the schedule and booking around the time of your stay, although it s permanent art exhibition and the surrounding muros (walls) can always be explored. Naturally, you will find this place in Lavapiés; the barrio described by a madrileño as one of the more authentic artists areas in the city. Generally speaking, the Tabalecera gallery appeals to art lovers with a more postmodern appreciation. However, of course, both this and the entire space is for anyone simply willing to be taken off the beaten path into the weird and perhaps wonderful world of someone else s imagination. Metro: Lavapiés // Calle de Embajadores, 51 // Opening times vary depending on activities // www.latabacalera.net //
culture flamenco - el quimera Ellen McGann What could be more typically Spanish than drinking a cool sangria while watching the fiery passionate dancing of a flamenco show? There are plenty of places to experience flamenco in Madrid, but some of the more central options can be very busy and cost anywhere up to 100 for dinner and a show. If you want a really authentic and reasonably priced show, head to Tablao Flamenco Cafetín La Quimera. It s a little way out of Central Madrid, but the staff at Cafetín La Quimera work hard to preserve the true spirit of flamenco; they don t use any microphones and instead use only a single acoustic guitar, along with their hands and voices to create a passionate and traditional flamenco sound. The venue itself is small and dark, with only 100 people allowed in at a time and the walls are covered in typical Spanish style decoration and flamenco memorabilia. The tickets include either a drink and a show or a meal and a show. They serve a wide range of drinks, including a delicious sangria and various traditional raciones. If you want to see flamenco, it is worth the trip to Ventas to see this beautiful authentic show. Metro: Ventas // Calle de Sancho Dávila, 34 // Open Mon-Thurs, 7pm-midnight, Fri-Sat, 6pm-3am, Sun 6pm-10pm // www. tablaoflamencolaquimera.com // +34 913 56 93 71 //
outdoors esta es una plaza Ellen McGann It would be easy to miss Esta es una plaza, it is something of a secret garden, tucked away behind a gate in the middle of Lavapies. The location of this hidden gem however, means that it can also easily be stumbled upon as you spend a sunny afternoon walking around the centre of Madrid. Once inside the square, you will quickly forget that you are in the heart of a a bustling capital city as you unwind and take in the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. The plaza is somewhere between a garden and a town square, and it fits in perfectly with the cultural and quirky surroundings of the Lavapies area. Esta es una plaza could even offer you something different with each visit, the green urban space is used for art, performances and events but thing you can always be sure to find is a chilled atmosphere and a warm, community feel. The space is family friendly, with a play area for small children, a vegetable patch and some impressive, colourful graffiti covering all four walls. Don t think it s only for children though, you ll find plenty of adults relaxing in the sunshine and enjoying the feeling of nature in a urban environment. Metro: Lavapiés or Embajadores // Calle del Doctor Fourquet, 24, 28012 // estaesunaplaza.blogspot.com. es //
bars and nightlife teatro kapital Harry Wilton Get ready to release your inner party animal at the heart of Spain s Kapital city Madrid s most exclusive and hottest club. Considered to be one of Europe s biggest clubs, it hosts seven floors of music for you to choose from the ultimate house party. The main room on the first floor brings back to life the old theatre and stages some of the latest electro sounds, along with professional dancers and lighting effects. Not to mention the anticipated beat-dropping rush of cool air released from above your heads, regularly reviving those dancing feet into the early hours. For those looking for something more old school and those regular chart smashers, the third floor features a playlist with the sounds of hip-hop and RnB legends, such as Beyoncé, Kanye West and Sean Paul. The top floor hosts an open roof terrace, perfect for smokers and those who want to enjoy a refreshing mojito under the star-lit sky. Entry is pricey but there are plenty of promoters located around Anton Martin and Plaza de Sol who can get you the best deals including free drinks. Salud. Metro: Atocha // Calle de Atocha, 125, 28012 // Open Thurs-Sat: 12am until 6am // www.grupo-kapital.com // +34 914 20 29 06 //
Shopping manzana mahou Lauren Kalsi During the summer, feel and taste the ice cool cocktail that is Manzana Mahou, an art gallery, organic food shop, clothes/art/ceramics shop, barber and terrace. It s a hybrid combination, full of flavour and served to taste in El Palacio de Santa Bárbara in Chueca. The ground floor hosts Rughara, an independent clothes, art and ceramics shop containing a range of wonderful and unique creations. Beside it, is the Kiwi Market, which firmly confides in the eclectic world of organic and ecological produce. On the way up the stairs, gentleman can get a quick new haircut before entering the contemporary art gallery upstairs. Complementing this, is the terrace, which offers a culinary response to our postmodern condition. Here, Asiana, a dynamic fusion of Asian, Peruvian and Mediterranean cuisine is juxtaposed with the smooth, balmy bar beside it. Manzana Mahou perfectly executes combining this handful of flavours. Be sure to catch it, or if not, visit each component individually all year round in Malasaña. Metro: Chueca // Palacio Santa Bárbara, Calle Hortaleza, 87, Chueca //
Sport palacio deporte Harry Wilton The Madrid Community Sports Centre, otherwise known as the Barclaycard Arena has become an exclusive venue for showcasing music and sporting legends. It is the seven gold stars that decorate the exterior of the building, which symbolises this very level of world talent. It has played host to some of the biggest sporting stars, particularly in Basketball where the Copa del Rey was previously held in 2011 and will go on to host the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup later this year. Up to 18,000 fans fell crazy in love with Beyoncé s I am World Tour in 2009, while others were left dancing in the dark to Bruce Springsteen s Magic Tour back in 2007. Placebo s European leg of their recent tour saw hundreds of fans queuing around the arena from the early hours of the morning creating an atmosphere that was both exciting and exhilarating. The arena transforms to accommodate different artists who bring their own creative show, which means that each time you visit, rest assured that you will have a new and innovative experience. Check the website for upcoming events and to avoid disappointment, it is recommended that tickets are booked in advance either online or at the box office. After all, it is Madrid s most popular and modern music venue. Metro: Goya // Av Felipe II, s/n, 28009 // www.palaciodedeportes. com // +34 914 44 99 49 //
The team Editorial joanna kamenou harry wilton design editors ellen mcgann jocelyn murdoch kreena nagar contributors Lauren Kalsi Joanna Kamenou Ellen McGann Jocelyn Murdoch Kreena Nagar Emily O Hara Joe Peskett Viola Waldeck Harry Wilton