Madrid

intro

getting around

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 worlds 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.

Madrids 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. Dont 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 Europes canonical historical cities and has one of the most colourful
stories of any city in the world. Spains 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 Arqueolgico Nacional have captured and preserved
Madrids (and Spains) 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 citys 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 Panadera (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 Panadera)!
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: pera 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 Chuecas 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 dont 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 // SunThurs 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 Madrids 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. Its 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, its worth checking the schedule and booking around the
time of your stay, although its permanent art exhibition and the surrounding
muros (walls) can always be explored.
Naturally, you will find this place in Lavapis; the barrio described by a
madrileo 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 elses imagination.
Metro: Lavapis // 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
Cafetn La Quimera. Its a little way out of Central Madrid, but the
staff at Cafetn La Quimera work hard to preserve the true spirit of
flamenco; they dont 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 Dvila, 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. Dont think its
only for children though, youll find plenty of
adults relaxing in the sunshine and enjoying the
feeling of nature in a urban environment.
Metro: Lavapis 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
Spains Kapital city Madrids most exclusive and hottest club.
Considered to be one of Europes 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
Beyonc, 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. Its a hybrid combination, full
of flavour and served to taste in El Palacio de Santa
Brbara 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
Malasaa.
Metro: Chueca // Palacio Santa Brbara, 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 Beyoncs I
am World Tour in 2009, while others were left dancing in the dark
to Bruce Springsteens Magic Tour back in 2007. Placebos 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
Madrids 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

contributors

joanna kamenou
harry wilton

Lauren Kalsi
Joanna Kamenou
Ellen McGann
Jocelyn Murdoch
Kreena Nagar
Emily OHara
Joe Peskett
Viola Waldeck
Harry Wilton

design editors
ellen mcgann
jocelyn murdoch
kreena nagar