Madrid tips

By Renata Araújo

Although Brazilians insist on preferring Barcelona, I am obliged to defend the city where I lived for three years and developed a special relationship of affection and admiration. So, let’s go to mine Madrid tips,

The capital of Spain It is cosmopolitan, with diverse attractions, sensational museums and bars and restaurants that make you lick your chops. The subway works very well and takes residents and tourists to any corner. Those who prefer to admire the landscape can go by bus, which is very safe and also includes free Wi-Fi!

Despite being a city where history is everywhere, which tourists quickly realize when admiring its monuments and architecture, it has a modern and sophisticated side, which not everyone gets to know.

Madrileños are a very lively people who take to the streets in any situation, whether hot or cold, rain or snow. They have the habit of having coffee on the street, lunch, dinner… And drinking!! How they drink, the Spanish! In other words, the city always looks like a holiday.

Another highlight is that, no matter how cold it is, there are many sunny days in Mothers, which makes all the difference!

For us, it’s not a very big city, there are 3 million inhabitants, but each neighborhood has its own distinct charm and many of them are worth visiting.

Chueca – one of my favorites! Madrid’s gay neighborhood, where straight people are also very welcome, enchants any tourist with its cool shops and small but charming bars and cafes. It’s worth spending an afternoon on Fuencarral (closed to cars) and Hortaleza streets, going from store to store, stretching out until the evening, having a drink at Areia, a stylish Moroccan bar. Don’t forget to order the mojito, which is a house specialty.

If you’re hungry, the tapas chain Lateral is the right place, right in the heart of the neighborhood. Order the jamón croquettes, the solomillo (meat) with brie or peppers with goat cheese and the traditional pan con tomato.

Next door, there is the Fuencarral Market, with alternative stores and Madrid designers, with many options that go beyond clothes, and include accessories and beauty. Great for buying gifts.

Still in Chueca, You can’t miss Mercado San Antón, founded in the 19th century and completely remodeled a few years ago. Fish, poultry, sushi, bakery, creperie… the gastronomic offer is abundant and sophisticated. Highlights include the restaurant and bar on the top floor, two great options when the weather permits, as they are outdoors.

Nearby, for those who prefer have a chocolate or make a mouthful of eating one sandwichone salad or one carpaccio, There is Cacau Sampaka, a chocolate shop/restaurant that is busy from morning to night and is ideal, both for a snack and for buying chocolates to take home.

Who really likes one well-taken beer, especially if you go in the summer, you can’t help but stop by the Cervezaria Santa Barbara and have a beer accompanied by typical Parma ham. Don’t forget to ask a cane and a ham.

The Latina e Center- another bohemian and gastronomic neighborhood that is a must-see! In some streets, there is a huge concentration of bars and restaurants. For those who are from Rio, you can imagine a Baixo Gávea place with ten times more options for drinking and eating. For those from São Paulo, just remember the Vila Madalena.

Highlight for El Viajero – great draft beer, wines and meat; Juana the crazy – very tasty tapas and Corazón Loco – Bardén family bar, with wonderful tapas and a very pleasant atmosphere. In the summer, all the restaurants place their tables on the sidewalk, but even in the cold, Madrileños usually crowd the door of each place, drinking and snacking outside.

Nearby, is one of the attractions best known in the city: Plaza Mayor. I do not recommend Stop eating or drinking there, as, as it is extremely touristy, the prices are exorbitant and the quality of the food leaves something to be desired.

On the other hand, there is a wonderful suggestion for eating, after visiting the square and taking lots of photos: Mercado San Miguel. Built in iron in the 17th century, it was restored and reopened a few years ago and became a success among locals and tourists. There, you can eat and drink a little bit of everything, from bread to sweets, including caviar, wine and typical Spanish tapas. Each station has a counter or tables and it’s fun to change places and try whatever you like.

Salamanca – the most sophisticated neighborhood in Madrid. This is where famous brand stores such as Valetino, Gucci, Dior and Prada are located, concentrated among the Ortega y Gasset Streets e Serrano. Serrano Street is a large avenue, heavily lined with trees and has even won an international election as the most beautiful street in the world. It’s worth exploring the entire area, whether to shop or simply to window shop and stroll around.

The main Spanish designers also have their stores there and are worth visiting, such as Purificación Garcia, Adolfo Dominguez and Uno de 50 (a wonderful silver accessories store)!

Talking about spanish store, I cannot fail to mention the main chain in the country: El Corte Inglés, where you can buy literally everything: from baby items to electronics and concert tickets, as well as clothes, accessories, makeup, electronics, etc. The good thing is that there is one in every part of the city. At Serrano, there are three, all separated by sectors: clothing/electronics and books/makeup and accessories. Detail: tourists get 10% when they show their passport!

These are mine favorite neighborhoods in Madrid. In a next post, museum and hotel tips.

Read too:

Shopping in Spain

Spanish brands

Where to stay in Madrid

Where to eat in Madrid