Guidebook for Madrid
Eat and Drink
The area of Recoletos-Serrano-Retiro offers a great number of places for enjoying food. the area offers a large number of places that will delight gourmets. The streets of Jorge Juan, Lagasca and Serrano are presented as references of gastronomy and in recent years many new places have opened and are offering novelties in terms of combining space and products. You will find a wide range of places from medium type restaurants for quick lunch, those cafes for breakfasts, or those ones best rated in guides with high budget menus.
But you would want to explore other areas, such as the Plaza de Santa Ana / Calle Huertas in the Barrio de las Letras. Also the surroundings of Royal Palace have a great variety of restaurants and tapas bars.
This boulangerie has fantastic bread. All artisanal and following ancient recipes, any piece is a gift to gourmets.
21 polecane przez mieszkańców
Panic
13 C. del Conde DuqueThis boulangerie has fantastic bread. All artisanal and following ancient recipes, any piece is a gift to gourmets.
Perfect for a breakfast or a meal, open everyday with a delicate and elegant decoration and a relaxed atmosphere, can get a little rowdy some days.
35 polecane przez mieszkańców
Restaurante Ultramarinos Quintin
17 C. de Jorge JuanPerfect for a breakfast or a meal, open everyday with a delicate and elegant decoration and a relaxed atmosphere, can get a little rowdy some days.
The street filled with bars, cocktail bars, cafes and restaurants, including the Callejón de Jorge Juan. Impossible not to find here your kind of place!
Calle de Jorge Juan
Calle de Jorge JuanThe street filled with bars, cocktail bars, cafes and restaurants, including the Callejón de Jorge Juan. Impossible not to find here your kind of place!
The establishment opened in 1931 and has become one of the most reputed bakeries in Madrid with many locations, but this was the first one and has a very nice terrace and a breakfast/lunch area offering the brand's specialties.
56 polecane przez mieszkańców
Pastelería Mallorca
6 C. SerranoThe establishment opened in 1931 and has become one of the most reputed bakeries in Madrid with many locations, but this was the first one and has a very nice terrace and a breakfast/lunch area offering the brand's specialties.
An old market converted into a new delicatessen market and bars and cafes, with terraces inside and outside. A must for gourmets!
41 polecane przez mieszkańców
Mercado De La Paz
28B Cl. de AyalaAn old market converted into a new delicatessen market and bars and cafes, with terraces inside and outside. A must for gourmets!
A bar and restaurant for locals in the area, very nice tapas and pintxos, good price and service. Familial atmosphere. Check hours.
Estay
A bar and restaurant for locals in the area, very nice tapas and pintxos, good price and service. Familial atmosphere. Check hours.
old market converted into a hub for restaurants, tapas bars, drinks, etc. night life with roof terrace open all year round and great views of Madrid.
498 polecane przez mieszkańców
Mercado de San Antón
24 C. de Augusto Figueroaold market converted into a hub for restaurants, tapas bars, drinks, etc. night life with roof terrace open all year round and great views of Madrid.
If you want to try the famous "cocido madrileño" this is the place, you would have to go very early or make a reservation since it is always very busy. Also very good tapas and the traditional "vermouth". A very recommended visit!
26 polecane przez mieszkańców
Taberna de la Daniela
21 Calle del Gral. PardiñasIf you want to try the famous "cocido madrileño" this is the place, you would have to go very early or make a reservation since it is always very busy. Also very good tapas and the traditional "vermouth". A very recommended visit!
A new add to the area, good cuisine and ambience and has an outdoor terrace. can get busy.
El Velázquez 17
17 C. de VelázquezA new add to the area, good cuisine and ambience and has an outdoor terrace. can get busy.
A very traditional restaurant in an impressive historic area. It is worth the visit!
11 polecane przez mieszkańców
Taberna del Alabardero de Madrid
6 C. de Felipe VA very traditional restaurant in an impressive historic area. It is worth the visit!
This is a very special place, opened in 1839, is a mus visit for its restaurant and snack you can take in the ground floor as well as for its impressive history and decoration. This place has received the visit of royals, archers, celebrities, etc. Try the "cocido madrileño" or if you are just stoping be, don't miss the "caldo", is amazing!
57 polecane przez mieszkańców
Lhardy
8 Carrera de S. JerónimoThis is a very special place, opened in 1839, is a mus visit for its restaurant and snack you can take in the ground floor as well as for its impressive history and decoration. This place has received the visit of royals, archers, celebrities, etc. Try the "cocido madrileño" or if you are just stoping be, don't miss the "caldo", is amazing!
A cafe and all-day-restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. A nice terrace overlooking the Retiro park and the Puerta de Alcalá, you can watch Madrid's life passing by!
8 polecane przez mieszkańców
Cappuccino
nº 5 Pl. de la IndependenciaA cafe and all-day-restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. A nice terrace overlooking the Retiro park and the Puerta de Alcalá, you can watch Madrid's life passing by!
Arts & Culture
If you have come to Madrid looking for a cultural visit, you will find lots of places and reasons to enjoy your travel. From top rated museums very close to the apartment, to arts centers, antique houses, auction houses, art galleries, interiors showrooms, theaters, libraries and bookstores, temporary or seasonal fairs, like the Book Fair, Xmas markets, cultural events that every year evoke ancient traditions and make Madrid welcoming visitors. Not to miss the so called, Paseo del Arte, in Paseo del Prado with main art museums.
One of the most important art museums in the world housing masterpieces from local and international artists, with a calendar of temporary exhibitions.
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Muzeum Narodowe Prado
23 C. de Ruiz de AlarcónOne of the most important art museums in the world housing masterpieces from local and international artists, with a calendar of temporary exhibitions.
An important private collection of masterpieces, now belonging to the state and shown in a recently renovated historic house. Also a good calendar of temporary exhibits and events from lectures, to films or seminars. Also guided and/private visits
1498 polecane przez mieszkańców
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
8 P.º del PradoAn important private collection of masterpieces, now belonging to the state and shown in a recently renovated historic house. Also a good calendar of temporary exhibits and events from lectures, to films or seminars. Also guided and/private visits
The story of Spain's ancient times told with archeological objects in a recently renovated historical building that is the back of the National Library, with the full size replica of the Altamira caves, with the astonishing pre-historic paintings. Nice little front garden and cafeteria.
294 polecane przez mieszkańców
Narodowe Muzeum Archeologiczne w Madrycie
13 Calle de SerranoThe story of Spain's ancient times told with archeological objects in a recently renovated historical building that is the back of the National Library, with the full size replica of the Altamira caves, with the astonishing pre-historic paintings. Nice little front garden and cafeteria.
If you are a scholar this is your paradise, but for a regular visitor there is always a calendar of temporary exhibits to enjoy the library's treasures.
89 polecane przez mieszkańców
Hiszpańska Biblioteka Narodowa
20-22 P.º de RecoletosIf you are a scholar this is your paradise, but for a regular visitor there is always a calendar of temporary exhibits to enjoy the library's treasures.
A beautiful building with historic past and now used as exhibition space for art shows.
186 polecane przez mieszkańców
Pałac Kryształowy w Madrycie
4 P.º de CubaA beautiful building with historic past and now used as exhibition space for art shows.
The contemporary arts center housed in a former historic hospital with an addition signed by French architect Jean Nouvel, that blends historic architecture and contemporary construction. Permanent collection with XIX-XXI art and temporary exhibits . Library, Bookstore, cafeteria. and gardens. Absolutely worth the visit. Check on free entrance days/hours.
1837 polecane przez mieszkańców
Muzeum Narodowe Centrum Sztuki Królowej Zofii
52 C. de Sta. IsabelThe contemporary arts center housed in a former historic hospital with an addition signed by French architect Jean Nouvel, that blends historic architecture and contemporary construction. Permanent collection with XIX-XXI art and temporary exhibits . Library, Bookstore, cafeteria. and gardens. Absolutely worth the visit. Check on free entrance days/hours.
A very interesting and well organized museum, a historic house from the XVIII century funded in 1924 devoted to decorative arts and furniture in the age of Romanticism, to explain and interpret life and customs of the period. Permanent collection on display in the whole building with a calendar of temporary exhibits and a program of events, including concerts, lectures, workshops and guided visits. The cafe has a outdoor garden open to all public and visitors and used for some events. Free entrance Saturdays from 2pm.
173 polecane przez mieszkańców
Muzeum romantyzmu
13 C. de San MateoA very interesting and well organized museum, a historic house from the XVIII century funded in 1924 devoted to decorative arts and furniture in the age of Romanticism, to explain and interpret life and customs of the period. Permanent collection on display in the whole building with a calendar of temporary exhibits and a program of events, including concerts, lectures, workshops and guided visits. The cafe has a outdoor garden open to all public and visitors and used for some events. Free entrance Saturdays from 2pm.
Former home, studio and workshop of great painter Joaquin Sorolla, founded after as per the will of his wife, to be dedicated to show his life and work. Sorolla was very involved in the design and construction of his home and especially his gardens with Andalusian inspiration. The museums offers guided visits, a program of lectures and academic activities, events and other activities. Online tickets. Free entrance Saturdays 2pm-8pm and Sundays 10am-3pm.
159 polecane przez mieszkańców
Museo Sorolla station
Former home, studio and workshop of great painter Joaquin Sorolla, founded after as per the will of his wife, to be dedicated to show his life and work. Sorolla was very involved in the design and construction of his home and especially his gardens with Andalusian inspiration. The museums offers guided visits, a program of lectures and academic activities, events and other activities. Online tickets. Free entrance Saturdays 2pm-8pm and Sundays 10am-3pm.
A very interesting museum about cloths and dress, fashion and ethnographic garments. It is both a museum and a research center. The building is in itself a great work of architecture and formerly was the house for the Contemporary art museum until it was moved to the MNCARS in Atocha. The museum was created in 2004 and owns in storage a permanent collection, with special items such as the best collection of Fortuny's dresses and personal collection. The museum offers a calendar of events, lectures and temporary exhibits. There is a cafe/restaurant and the gardens are an important part of the institution. Free entrance Saturdasy from 2:30pm and Sundays 10 am to 3pm.
19 polecane przez mieszkańców
Muzeum Kostiumów
2 Av. Juan de HerreraA very interesting museum about cloths and dress, fashion and ethnographic garments. It is both a museum and a research center. The building is in itself a great work of architecture and formerly was the house for the Contemporary art museum until it was moved to the MNCARS in Atocha. The museum was created in 2004 and owns in storage a permanent collection, with special items such as the best collection of Fortuny's dresses and personal collection. The museum offers a calendar of events, lectures and temporary exhibits. There is a cafe/restaurant and the gardens are an important part of the institution. Free entrance Saturdasy from 2:30pm and Sundays 10 am to 3pm.
Parks & Nature
The green in the area. There many little gardens and park where to relaxed on a spring day, enjoy the colors of autumn, or get shade in the warm and sunny days in the summer. There are big like El Retiro o el Bótanico and small like the boutique garden in front of el Museo Arqueólogico or Plaza de Colón, the garden of Fundación March or of the front gardens of several hotels, like the Hotel Villamagna. You will find many bar with terraces in streets and boulevards that are an oasis for visitors and shoppers to make a stop and relaxed before continuing the routine. A not to miss landmark is the Vertical Garden of Caixaforum, designed by Patric Blanc.
If you want to have a good view of parks and gardens in Madrid, and want to try some routes in the city and suburbs, you can read all about it in the next link http://www.madrid.org/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=application%2Fpdf&blobheadername1=Content-Disposition&blobheadervalue1=filename%3DJardines+interactiva+%28cerrada%29.pdf&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1158623770494&ssbinary=true
The greenest part of the city, perfect for a stroll, jogging or a botanical visit.
2341 polecane przez mieszkańców
Park El Retiro Madryt
7 Plaza de la IndependenciaThe greenest part of the city, perfect for a stroll, jogging or a botanical visit.
A real paradise in the middle of the city showing specimens, founded three centuries ago when the years of plant hunting travels funded by Spanish kings and were collecting plants and from mostly everywhere. Very interesting design of layout, including a green house for exhibitions and events. A delicious visit!
390 polecane przez mieszkańców
Królewski Ogród Botaniczny
2 Plaza de MurilloA real paradise in the middle of the city showing specimens, founded three centuries ago when the years of plant hunting travels funded by Spanish kings and were collecting plants and from mostly everywhere. Very interesting design of layout, including a green house for exhibitions and events. A delicious visit!
A not to miss landmark is the Vertical Garden of Caixaforum, designed by Patric Blanc.
452 polecane przez mieszkańców
CaixaForum w Madrycie
36 P.º del PradoA not to miss landmark is the Vertical Garden of Caixaforum, designed by Patric Blanc.
Next to the Royal Palace, this gardens were created in the XIX century and are part of National Heritage. The view of the landscape is stunning!
118 polecane przez mieszkańców
Campo del Moro
1 P.º de la Virgen del PuertoNext to the Royal Palace, this gardens were created in the XIX century and are part of National Heritage. The view of the landscape is stunning!
Shopping and trendy fashion
The area called "the golden mile", Serrano-Velázquez-Goya, is where you can find all the most trendy brands in fashion, together with new names that are making a place in the market. A window shopping walk is an amusing pastime!
Department store with all you can need during your stay in Madrid. Locations for all men clothing and women in Calle Serrano and a second building for home, decorations, bookstore and brico.
66 polecane przez mieszkańców
El Corte Inglés
87 Calle de GoyaDepartment store with all you can need during your stay in Madrid. Locations for all men clothing and women in Calle Serrano and a second building for home, decorations, bookstore and brico.
Of course, you can never miss a visit to this huge Zara shop which extends to the whole building.
165 polecane przez mieszkańców
Zara
34 C/ Gran VíaOf course, you can never miss a visit to this huge Zara shop which extends to the whole building.
Practical Infos
Practical infos for transportation, groceries shopping, and emergency.
Tourism Office: https://www.esmadrid.com
Emergency: calls 112
Police : 112 and 092
Police station district: Calle Doce de Octubre, 7 or Calle general Pardiás, 90
Health emergencies : 112
Location of health centers: ER in Calle Castelló, 63
and others in
http://www.madrid.org/cs/Satellite?pagename=SUMMA112/Page/S112_home
The stop is 15 minutes from the apartment and takes 35 min. to the airport. Very convenient.
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Fontanna Cibeles
S/N Plaza CibelesThe stop is 15 minutes from the apartment and takes 35 min. to the airport. Very convenient.
One of the most famous historic monuments in Madrid, also a hub for public transportation and the entrance to El Retiro Park. the streets surrounding are filled with bars, cafes and terraces welcoming visitors and tourists.
444 polecane przez mieszkańców
Puerta de Alcalá
s/n Plaza de la IndependenciaOne of the most famous historic monuments in Madrid, also a hub for public transportation and the entrance to El Retiro Park. the streets surrounding are filled with bars, cafes and terraces welcoming visitors and tourists.
Open from 8 am till midnight, good service and prices, mostly all you would need for your stay. Alcohol is not sell from 10pm.
58 polecane przez mieszkańców
Supercor Exprés
18 Calle de O'DonnellOpen from 8 am till midnight, good service and prices, mostly all you would need for your stay. Alcohol is not sell from 10pm.
A huge supermarket in two floors with all you would need for groceries, drugstore, fish, fruits, wines and spirits, etc. Good prices and service
72 polecane przez mieszkańców
Mercadona
1 C. Bahía de GandoA huge supermarket in two floors with all you would need for groceries, drugstore, fish, fruits, wines and spirits, etc. Good prices and service
A department store that has a supermarket in the basement with great selection of groceries, wines, drugstore, cleaning, and bakery and take away. is open every day including Sundays and holidays on the store hours.
66 polecane przez mieszkańców
El Corte Inglés
87 Calle de GoyaA department store that has a supermarket in the basement with great selection of groceries, wines, drugstore, cleaning, and bakery and take away. is open every day including Sundays and holidays on the store hours.
Carrefour Express
17 C. de HortalezaOpens at 8am and is a good for emergency shopping.
Transports and mobility
You can take a taxi or an Uber in any part of Madrid.
The area is well served with bus and metro to all parts of Madrid including airport and train and bus stations.
- Airpot: Bus shuttle hello line from Cibeles every 15 minutes and costs 5 Euros ticket. Also the metro from Retiro station takes you to airport, you will have to buy two tickets from vendor machines in every station, around 5-6 Euros ride. If you travel with baggage is not very convenient to take the metro.
Train stations: metro and buses will take you to Atocha AVE (speed train) and same to Chamartin station in the North of Madrid. Single ticket is 1,50 Euros in machines in every station or paying to driver in buses.
If you want to use public transport for walking around you will have to buy metro card from metro stations. There are several cards, the tourist card for 1,3,5 days will allow you to
Atocha
Bookstores and Libraries
Libraries and bookstores for books and magazines, including international press.
Suggested places for buying books and magazines in Madrid.
La Casa del Libro - Espasa Calpe
El Corte Inglés
Fnac
28 C. de PreciadosA public library that has a section on newspapers and magazines and is open to general public for reading. Is a renovated building in with a contemporary touch, with a lot of history and the best is that is locate in the middle of the park El Retiro. Is only a 15 minutes walk from the apartment.
Eugenio Trías Public Library
24 P.º de Fernán NúñezA public library that has a section on newspapers and magazines and is open to general public for reading. Is a renovated building in with a contemporary touch, with a lot of history and the best is that is locate in the middle of the park El Retiro. Is only a 15 minutes walk from the apartment.
One of the branches of this important bookstore with main building in Calle Alcalá, a whole building dedicated to books and magazines, just renovated and opened.
Espasa Calpe S A
96 C. de AlcaláOne of the branches of this important bookstore with main building in Calle Alcalá, a whole building dedicated to books and magazines, just renovated and opened.