Top 5 Secrets Restaurants from Madrid mountains!

From the shadow of the mountains seems an interesting idea to share with you a number of interesting facts about our cuisine. Considered one of the best in the world, Spanish cuisine keeps us an infinite number of curiosities. Today we know some of them. Go for it.

Spain is the country that leads the world production of olive oil. With a market share of 44%, Spain doubles the production of this precious product to Italy and quadruples to Greece.

Spain also leads the world ranking of wine production. It is estimated that approximately 15% of the vineyards around the world are in Spain.

Another gourmet products that Spain can boast is saffron. This precious product is a basic ingredient of one of our most international dishes, paella. It is estimated that 75% of world production of this product is made in Spain.

Traditional Spanish tapas are named after that once a piece of cheese or ham on top of the drink was placed to prevent bugs from entering them.

In closing, a curiosity to us like quite funny. Spain is the second country with more bars per capita. We know which is the only one that is beyond us, what about you?

With this brief introduction we hope haberos a little closer so important globally for Spain as is its cuisine. And you, you knew any of these sights?

As we always say, this blog we do it all, so friends and sierrolowers friends, if you know some curiosity more than you feel like sharing with us, do not hesitate for a second. Let us now know the restaurants in the Sierra de Madrid that are in our top 5, so be prepared to awaken your appetite.


1. Asador Los Pepes. Soto del Real.

Location: Calle Real No. 8, Soto del Real, Madrid.

Phone number: +34 918 47 63 95

Hours: Friday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00.

Website: http://asadorlospepes.es/#_=_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarniceriaAsadorLosPepes?fref=ts

Short description: Located in the town of Soto del Real, this restaurant offers a wide variety in his letter, both with starters, main dishes and wines. Specializing in grilled meats, Asador the Pepes is the ideal place for meat lovers place. The value is excellent and the prices range from 28 to 30 euros but the products used for the manufacture of each of their dishes are top quality. The specialties of this restaurant are the Roasted Baby Lamb of Castilla-Leon and Extremadura Iberian suckling pig.

2. La Sopa Boba. Alpedrete.

Location: Plaza de Guadarrama No. 9, Alpedrete, Madrid.

Phone number: +34 918 50 63 70

Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 21:00 and Saturday from 11:00 to 21:00.

Website: http://www.restaurantelasopaboba.com/#_=_

Short description: Located in the village of Alpedrete, this restaurant is known for developing a creative and innovative cuisine. One of its most powerful attractions is that they have a very broad and spoiled for choice menu, allowing you to be an ideal place for those who have trouble deciding where to eat because everyone wants something different. Well, La Sopa Boba is your place.

3. The wagon Beni. Hoyo de Manzanares.

Location: Calle San Macario No. 6 Hoyo de Manzanares, Madrid.

Phone number: +34 918 56 68 12

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 18:00 and 20:00 to 00:00. Sundays only in the morning.

Website: http://www.elvagondebeni.es/#_=_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElVagondeBeni?fref=ts

Short description: One of the most charming restaurants not only of the Sierra de Madrid, if not of the whole community. This particular business has as main characteristic that develops their work in an authentic wooden wagon 1931. The appeal of this restaurant is not only visual, as it has a menu with a wide range of dishes from sea and land. From the best hake a delicious lamb passing by an appealing repertoire of incoming and croquettes peculiar customs officers. also highlight how well they have managed their website and Facebook fanpage, that Community Managers set ourselves a lot in those details.

4. Restaurant Torreblanca. Guadarrama.

Location: C / Doctor Gómez Ruiz No. 7, Guadarrama, Madrid.

Phone number: +34 918 54 95 05

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00.

Website: http://www.hotelruraltorreblanca.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hotel-Rural-Restaurante-Torreblanca/180326285380465?fref=ts

Short description: This restaurant has the peculiarity that is attached to a hotel with the same name. It has enabled a large old house as a rural resort and restaurant. They have in their chef to one of its main attractions. This is Alberto Moreno Vaquero, Spanish representative of the Bocuse d'Or 2014, they attended prestigious competition chefs around the world. In the letter of this restaurant we can find a variety of traditional dishes of Mediterranean cuisine and a wide range of grilled dishes.

Traductor de Google para empresas:Google Translator ToolkitTraductor de sitios webGlobal Market Finder

5. Ruca. Becerril.

Location: Calle Real No. 14, Becerril de la Sierra, Madrid.

Phone number: +34 918 53 89 36

Hours: Thursday to Sunday from 13:00 to 16:00. Friday and Saturday from 13:00 to 16:00 and 20:30 to 00:00.

Website: http://www.laruca.es/#_=_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Restaurante-LA-RUCA/124347574344467?fref=ts

Brief Description: Ideal for power carnivores, La Ruca is an Argentinean restaurant located in the town of Becerril de la Sierra. We are told on their website, the word means ruca house in Mapuche language, which is the language of the indigenous natives of Patagonia. Why decided to put this name is how they want their customers to feel like home. Good first step to begin to build customer loyalty, right? Despite being specialized in grilled meats in La Ruca we can also order fish and grilled vegetables produced. That's what ultimately sells, variety. They specialize in grilled meats such as beef angus Argentina or Uruguay royal bull. Adjust their letter depending on the season. If you plan to go on dates close themselves recommend us dishes such as grilled spring onions with romesco or artichokes grilled with lemon sauce. It sounds tempting you? For friends and sierrolowers friends, the best way to forget the temptation is dropped into it. There you have it.

Holy Week in Spain!

With the onset of spring, Holy Week comes, one of the most authentic and emotional festivities and with more centuries of history held in Spain. This date of the festive calendar is particularly celebrated, as this is the busiest time of the liturgical year. Holy Week is the Christian annual commemoration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. It begins onPalm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday, but its celebration usually starts in several places on the previous Friday (Friday of Sorrows).

Christians commemorate during Holy Week orPassion Week, the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, when all the people praised him as King with palms (Palm Sunday), the Last Supper of Christ (Holy Thursday) in which, according to New Testament, Christ offered bread and wine to his apostles, giving rise to the Eucharist or Communion. It is also commemorated the Death of Christ on the cross (Good Friday), the day of rest in the Sepulchre (Holy Saturday or Easter Saturday) and, finally, his subsequent Resurrection (Easter Sunday).

Each region of the country maintains the tradition of its celebrations through masses and mass demonstrations of faith in the streets, which are called processions and organized by a religious confraternity. Each Holy Week procession may include one or more brotherhoods, each of them with its paso o throne (religious float), which use to carry religious images of the Passion of Christ or the Virgin, although there are exceptions like the religious floats of Saints. Furthermore, mostpasos are accompanied by marching bands that provide a solemn rhythm to the walking of the statues.

Procession of Pasos on Good Friday. Act known as "El Encuentro" (The Meeting) in which is produced the approach of the pasos of Jesus Nazareno (Jesus Nazarene), the Virgen de los Dolores (Virgin of Sorrows) and San Juan (Saint John) in the Main Square of Leon

Also take part in processions the penitents ornazarenes carrying their respective insignias, and occasionally, wooden crosses and candles. The penitents usually wear conical hats very characteristic of Spain, which depending on the place are called capuces, capirotes, capillos orcapiruchos (pointed hoods). The antifaz (mask) comes from these hats; it is a cloth that hides the face, ensuring the anonymous penance. Each brotherhood has a tunic of a different colour to the others and a banner that makes it different to the other brotherhoods.

Penitents in a procession of Cartagena (Murcia)

Some processions may also be seen themanolas, women dressed in traditional clothes, consisting of a dress below the knees, lace mantilla and ornamental curved comb on the head, always in rigorous black.

Several manolas preceding a Holy Week float

Therefore, Holy Week is a tradition strongly rooted the length and breadth of the whole of Spain, but Andalusians are the ones who undoubtedly more fervently live it. During the passing of seven days, Andalusia is wrapped in a spiritual halo. The skill and expertise that is hidden behind the parades is based on the religious confraternities and brotherhoods, which have the responsibility of maintaining the sculptures and coordination of penitents and musicians. Sometimes, there are brotherhoods that reach to congregate up to two thousand members, carrying candles and banners, whose president is in charge of carrying the golden sceptre.

People in charge of carrying the pasos are thecostaleros (bearers of religious images during processions), carrying the weight of the portable platform where rest sculptures with scenes of biblical representations. Each religious float is led by the foreman, whose mission is to ensure the coordination in the work of bearers and that the float is carried in procession with the greatest solemnity, grace and tradition that are possible. Bearers make use of a costal (a cloth which protects the back of the neck of bearers), which facilitates to endure for long hours the heavy floats, avoiding direct contact of the skin with wood.

Costaleros wearing the costal

Emotions emerge faced with the slow rhythm of the drums and the processional march, the swaying of pasos and the poignant wailing of thesaetas, which are sacred songs that are sung a cappella while images go by in procession.

The high point of the procession is when the float exits and enters the respective church. This is the moment when art and religion seem merged into one. Sometimes, the dimensions of thrones force the bearers to kneel to be able to pass through the doors of the church, very special moments are experienced due to the great efforts made by the bearers.

Although throughout the Andalusian geography extraordinary performances and pasos can be found, the most recognized and multitudinous traditions are the ones of Malaga and Seville, both declared of International Tourist Interest and able to gather thousands of people coming from all corners of the country. Clear examples of these traditional and significant events are the parade to move the Cristo de la Buena Muerte(Christ of the Good Death) held in Malaga by Spanish Legion troops while they sing a thrilling song with the accompaniment of a marching band and a band of bugles, and La Madrugá(early morning) of Seville which happens between twelve in the night on Holy Thursday and two in the afternoon on Good Friday and in which the most famous six confraternities march at once in procession through the city center.

Other examples of the celebration of this Spanish tradition are processions of Leon, Zamora,Salamanca and Valladolid, where are felt the silence, the austerity and the sobriety, that are only broken by the sound of trumpets and drums with the passing of religious figures. In the province of Albacete, the highlight of Holy Week of Hellin, it is La Tamborrada (action of playing thousands of drums at the same time), when the sound of up to 20,000 drums breaks into the place. Other characteristic sample of the Holy Week is La Rompida de la hora (breaking the time), held at midday on Good Friday in Calanda(Teruel), where 4,000 big drums and drums sound for two hours. Holy Week in Cartagena (Murcia) also deserves a special mention as it is considered of International Tourist Interest since the year 2005.

"La Rompida de la hora" of Calanda (Teruel)

Holy Week is a tradition that is repeated year after year, in which onlookers and devotees gather to take part in processions through streets and squares that become for moments intemples outdoors.

Float of the Virgen de las Lágimas (Virgin of Tears) of the Confraternity of Students of Jaen leaving its church. Hundreds of people gather every year to see the moment when the Tuna (student music group) sings to the Virgin

Leaving of Nuestro Señor Jesuscristo en su Prendimiento (Our Lord Jesus Christ in his Arrest) of Linares (Jaen), in which the bearers have to kneel and make a great effort to take out the float of its church:

Ceremony of the move of Cristo de la Buena Muerte (Christ of the Good Death) of Malaga, also called Cristo de Mena, performed by the Spanish Legion troops while they sing their iconic song "El novio de la muerte" (the boyfriend of death):

Summary of La Madrugá of Seville:

FIESTAAAAA... SPAINisDIFFERENT!

Some Spanish customs...... Party!!! FIESTAAAA

Most people equate Spain with Flamenco and bullfights. There are still plenty of bullfights and the Running of Bulls has made the little town of Pamplona world famous. In fact bullfights form a vital part of more or less every Fiesta, wherever you are in Spain.

Flamenco is less widespread, the musical tradition of Spain’s hot, exotic south with its heart in Andalusia. In April there’s the Feria de Abril, in Seville, a whole week of singing, dancing, drinking the region’s finest Sherry and enjoying Tapas. Seville is also home to the extraordinary Semana Santa, Easter week, with its breathtaking processions.

In Valencia during March there’s Las Fallas de San José, a city-wide party with fireworks, food, drink, dancing and music. And in nearby Buñol during August you’ll find an annual event called La Tomatina, the planet’s biggest tomato fight. Nobody knows how or why the fifty year tradition started, but it attracts thousands of visitors every year. In short, no matter where you choose to live in Spain there will be at least one Fiesta near you, probably a whole host of them.

Customs and etiquette in Spain – Eating

If you’re invited into a local person’s home, it’s good manners to take either chocolates, pastries, cakes, wine, liqueur or flowers for the hostess. If your hosts have children they will probably be included in your evening, and it’s also good manners to take a small gift for them.

If you’re at a formal meal, always stay standing until your host sits. Keep your hands visible while you’re eating, resting your wrists on the edge of the table. You can start eating when your hostess starts. Fruit is eaten with a knife and fork, not with your hands. And you’re not supposed to get up until the guest of honour does.

Cultural etiquette in Spain – What about the siesta?

There are two types of siesta in Spain, one for businesses and one for the public. Siesta time for shops and businesses tends to run from around 2pm until 5pm, bars and restaurants close between 4pm until 9pm, catering for the throngs of siesta-lovers who want to while away the afternoon with good food and drink. But siesta is another key aspect of life in Spain that’s changing fast. In summer 2012 Spanish business hours law was relaxed. These days businesses can stay open for 90 hours a week and open a maximum of ten Sundays a year. This goes some way towards bringing Spain into line with the rest of Europe’s working practices.

Having said that, siesta had been dying a death for some time before the law changed. Commercial and economic pressures plus the popularisation of air conditioning means more Spaniards work through the hottest part of the day. Even so, Spanish people still tend to sleep an average of an hour less than other European countries.

Spanish etiquette – Night life

Spanish night life literally lasts all night. At midnight, when the rest of Europe is winding down, the streets in Spain are just filling up with people of every age, who stay out until 3am and later. How long will it last? As you can imagine, the changing face of the traditional siesta might eventually change the country’s love affair with late nights on the town.

Business traditions in Spain – Meeting Etiquette

When you are introduced to someone for the first time, shake hands. If you know the person already and you’re male, you can embrace and pat each other on the shoulder. Some men use a two-handed shake, with the left hand on the other person’s right forearm. Women who know one another kiss on both cheeks, left first.

What to call someone? If it’s a formal occasion you can call the person ‘Don’ (male) or ‘Dona’ (female) plus their first name.

Business etiquette in Spain – Developing good personal relationships

Like many people around the world, the Spanish like to do business with those they know and trust. It makes sense to spend time getting to know your business colleagues and making the effort to develop good relationships.

As a rule face-to-face is better than communicating by telephone or in writing. Modesty is admired, showing off isn’t. And communications in general are formal.

It’s extremely important to avoid confrontation if at all possible because Spaniards do not like to admit they’re wrong, especially in public. Like many societies, Spanish people do not like to look foolish and don’t like to lose face. You might notice that people don’t give their opinions at meetings, which makes it particularly important to tune into non-verbal cues.

Character is very important, as are hierarchy and rank. Spanish business traditions mean it’s best to deal with people of a similar level to you, so much so that you might never meet the senior people who actually make the decisions.

If someone interrupts while you’re speaking, or everyone talks at once, is isn’t because they’re being rude. It’s because they are really interested in and excited about what you have to say.

Spaniards are also known to be extremely thorough, going into minute detail to make 100% sure something has been properly understood. An oral agreement usually comes before a formal contract, and you are expected to stick to your contract meticulously, to the letter.

Business dress? It’s best to look conservative, smart and formal. You should never just turn up – always make an appointment first. And bear in mind you might not do any business or even make a decision of any kind during your first meeting, usually a formal affair dedicated to getting to know one another.

While English is widely spoken, it’s polite to also provide written materials in Spanish.

Driving in Spain

Expats are allowed to use their driver’s licenses for as much as 6 months, until their Spanish driver’s license comes through. This is only possible if you come from a country with a ‘driving agreement’ with Spain, where your license is ‘recognized’ and can be converted into a Spanish one. If your home country doesn’t have an agreement with Spain, you will need to go through the learning process from scratch and take the Spanish driving test, including exams.

• On motorways the speed limit is 120 km/h
• In built up areas the speed limit is usually 50 km/h
• It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless you use hands-free
• You must wear a seat belt
• if you drive a motorbike, you must wear a helmet
• emergency on the road? Call 112

Thas all for today, enjoy your time!

EL PUERTO... PURE SPAIN!

El Puerto de Santa María: MUST KNOW!

El Puerto is a stunning old port city known for sherry wines.

When we first starting dating, Alejandro told me he was from a place called El Puerto de Santa María in the Andalusian province of Cadiz. I remember looking up the area in my Fodor's guide, and being surprised that it had its own entry. As it turns out, El Puerto (as we call it for short) is home to 88,000 people, and while it still often feels like a small town, it is actually a small port city known for great seafood and fino del Puerto, a very dry sherry wine.

Despite being from El Puerto,Alejandro didn't exactly know much about his hometown. My first visit started by meeting his parents at the local shopping mall, and was followed by a weekend of home cooked food at his parents' home in Valdelagrana, a newer part of the city that is right on the beach.

I couldn't complain— who wouldn't be happy with in-laws that lived steps from the beach? But it wasn't until later visits that I discovered all the charm of El Puerto (its old town center, a small castle, the traditional covered market, and (of course) its restaurants, bars, and pastry shops).

Each visit I make to El Puerto de Santa María I try to eat somewhere new. This can be difficult since my mother-in-law likes to cook for us, but I convince them to join us for at least one meal out!

Here are my recommendations for eating in El Puerto de Santa Maria. 

WHAT TO EAT IN EL PUERTO

CHURROS

The best churros I've had in all of Spain come from the province of Cadiz, and in El Puerto there are plenty of places to get your fill. What makes this version of Spain's beloved fried dough extra delicious is their very thin shape when compared to other regions' versions. They also contain the perfect amount of salt, making them delicious whether eaten on their own or coated in sugar (which is great if you like a combination of sweet and salty). In El Puertochurros are always made fresh to order and you'll notice that at churros booths in the summer they'll simply throw away any that have been there for more than a few minutes. The best way to enjoy these crispy churros is to buy a big cone full (they're sold by weight) and sprinkle sugar on top.

The crispiest churros in Spain!

SHERRY WINE (FINO)

El Puerto de Santa María is part of the sherry triangle, meaning that it is one of three towns that produces sherry wines (although the grapes can come from all over the region). Some of the most famous bodegas in El Puerto are Bodegas Gutierrez Colosia, Bodegas Osborne, and  Bodegas Terry, and each one allows for guided visits (usually by appointment). Visiting a sherry bodega is an incredible experience, as sherry wines are some of the oldest and most fascinating in the world, and the process for making them is anything but straightforward!

A crisp glass of fino wine from El Puerto.

TUNA CONSERVES

Bluefin tuna comes from the Cadiz region and, in spite of the controversy over consuming it, is an incredibly delicious taste of the south. One of the best ways to enjoy it all year round is by buying some of the superior qualityconservas, where the tuna has been semi cured. You can also try fully cured tuna and tuna belly. If you love salty cured meats go for thinly sliced mojama, which is dried salt-cured tuna typically eaten with Marcona almonds and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.

A hazelnut and light roquefort cheese wrapped in semi cured tuna.

TAPAS

The south of Spain is the home of Spanish tapas, so do take advantage! In Cadiz you generally pay for the tapas you order (although your drink will likely come with olives or perhaps even potato salad) and a tapa is essentially a 1-person serving size (meaning anywhere from 3-5 make for a meal).

Tapas are single sized and delicious in all of Cadiz, so order away!

LAS TEJAS DEL PUERTO

Las Tejas del Puerto are a typical cookie made in a family run shop called 100 Palacios Ibánez Herrera e Hijos. Tejas literally means roof shingles, and in other Spanish cities these cookies look like the red roof tiles that Spain is known for. In El Puerto, however, there is nothing roof tile about them! They are made primarily with almonds and sugar, and are crispy, crunchy and delicious. They also make coconut and chocolate ones from time to time and you'll even find creamy and delicious tejas ice cream (helado de tejas) at my favorite ice cream shop in El Puerto (see recommendations below).

Las tejas del Puerto.

WHERE TO EAT IN EL PUERTO DE SANTA MARÍA

El Rincón del Jamón y la Paletilla: This is where my in-laws have breakfast every morning of the week (if you call it breakfast at 12:30 pm!). They have good taste as for only €2.20 you can chow down on a delicious tostada topped with crushed tomato and Serrano ham. There's a bottle of local olive oil on every table to pour on as you see fit!

Calle Micaela Aramburu, 19

The perfect Spanish breakfast!

Café Bar la Ponderosa: This is THE place for churros in El Puerto (apart from some of the excellent beach stalls in the summer months). They come out hot, fresh, and crispy and are well worth the indulgence!

Avenida de la Constitución, 6 

Bodeguilla del Bar Jamón:Definitely one of El Puerto's best tapas bars, this small establishment serves fun and inexpensive tapas along with some Garum red wine from the region.

Calle Misericordia, 5

Charcutería y Jamonería Mario:This small grocery store becomes a lively bar in the evening where people order the best of Spanish cheese, wine, and charcuterie from (who other than) Mario himself! Try the chicarrones de Cadiz con mojo picón and check if he has any tuna conserves available (the one with a hazelnut and Roquefort cheese is to die for!).

Avenida del Ejercito, 12

Chicarrones de Cadiz with mojo picón.

La Cata Ciega: This small wine bar is one of my favorite places to head for a pre-dinner vino. They have an excellent selection of carefully selected wines and also serve a variety of cold tapas that can make for a light meal or for the perfect aperitif.

Calle Ribera del Río, 32

Pizzería Maria Regina: My favorite pizzas in El Puerto come from Pizzería María Regina, a small restaurant in Valdelagrana. It is a very casual place (with paper plates), but the pizza is homemade, Italian thin-crust, just how I like it!

Avenida de la Paz, 11 (Valdelagrana)

La Taberna del Sapo: Cadiz is located in the very south of Spain and Galicia is in the very north. But despite the distance the locals in both places appreciate good seafood, wine, and company! La Taberna del Sapo is a small Galician restaurant in Valdelagrana, one of El Puerto de Santa María's beach communities. The Galician ladies running the place cook some of the most delicious Galician specialties at great prices.

Avenida de la Paz, 38 (Valdelagrana)

The pulpo a la feira at La Taberna del Sapo.

Confitería la Merced: Looking for a traditional pastry shop in El Puerto? Look no farther than this lovely bakery, where they are known for a cream filled pastry called a carmela.

Calle Ganado, 46

Heladería da Massimo: Another Italian owned business that has been successful in El Puerto is Heladería da Massimo, a fantastic ice cream shop in the city center. If you go, make sure to try the helado de tejas, a true treat that you'll only find in El Puerto.

Calle Luna, 22

Bodegas Guiterrez Colosia: If you are looking to learn about sherry wine and sample some of the best from the region, try making an appointment to visit Bodegas Guiterrez Colosia. They hold tours in English, Spanish and German and their guides are dynamic and captivating when explaining the complicated process!

MADRID, MADRID, MADRID!

GUIDE OF MADRID, OUR POINT OF VIEW!

There are lot’s of options in Madrid! Photo by greenwichphotography on flickr CC

The first time I visited Madrid I have to admit I was a hopeless tourist. Having done minimal research before making the trip up from Seville, my study abroad buddies and I booked a cheap youth hostel and wandered aimlessly through the city hoping to see something interesting. The result: an absolutely underwhelming impression of the Spanish capital.

Now after getting to know this storied city over the past three years, I can’t imagine living in any other city in the world. Each of Madrid’s 21 districts has its own style, vibe and culture. From the hipster cafés of Malasaña to the centuries-old plazas of La Latina, there is a neighborhood for every taste and mood in Madrid.

Whether you are in town for one night or 20, this guide on where to stay in Madrid can help you choose the barrio that suits you best.

SOL- GRAN VIA

Madrid’s Gran Vía

From the iconic Puerta del Sol square which marks the “center of Spain” down to the bustling Gran Via (Madrid’s main avenue), downtown Madrid is always full of energy. Many of the city’s main sights are located in this neighborhood, meaning you’re within walking distance of Madrid’s must-see places, everything from the Prado Museum to the Royal Palace.

Where to Stay: The main avenues of downtown Madrid are lined with luxury hotels while this neighborhood’s side streets hide a wealth of guest apartments and youth hostels.

Recommended: The Hotel Emperador on Gran Via is amazing in summer, as it has a rooftop pool with views of the city! And The Principal is a beautiful boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace to die for!

Where to Eat: No trip to Madrid would be complete without a steaming cup of the city’s traditional thick hot chocolate with crunchy churros. One of the best spots in the city to indulge in this treat is Chocolateria San Gines just off of Calle Mayor at Pasadizo San Gines, 5. For fantastic tapas and raciones, try Lambuzo on Calle de las Conchas, 9 which specializes in southern Spanish cuisine. And the San Miguel Market next to Plaza Mayor is a must for foodies!

Insider Tip: To experience Madrid’s amazing food in one experience, try a Devour Madrid Food Tour!

A giant market dedicated to fresh products and tapas.

Where to Drink: The Museo Chicote on Gran Via, 12 is a newly reformed icon of Madrid cocktail culture. Another classic is Cafe Central at Plaza del Angel, 10, whose small stage and cozy red leather booths are a must for Madrid jazz lovers. For a rougher-around-the-edges option, head to La Venencia, a sherry bar and old haunt of Earnest Hemmingway.

MADRID DE LOS AUSTRIAS/ LA LATINA

This is the oldest neighborhood in the city. Bricked streets snake in spaghetti-like fashion among centuries-old churches, sun-filled plazas, and colorful apartment buildings. Traditional tapas bars speckle these streets and waves of locals and tourists alike hop from caña to caña most evenings.

Where to Stay: This ancient part of the city has many newly remodeled hotels and apartments that conserve the antique feel of the area.

Recommended: The Posada del Dragon Hotel is a gorgeous space in one of Madrid’s old reformed buildings. This boutique hotel also has a tasty tapas bar below!

Where to Eat: La Latina is one of the top neighborhoods in Madrid for tapas hopping. Tapas bars line the Calle Cava Baja and are thickly distributed throughout the many side streets in La Latina. This neighborhood is also home to the giant El Rastro flea market on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Read More: For specific recommendations on bars and restaurants in Madrid’s La Latina neighborhood, check out Where to Eat in La Latina.

Sunday Gin Tonics in Plaza de la Paja

Where to Drink: Sunny Sundays are when La Latina really comes to life. Gin and tonic drinkers fill Plaza de la Paja to soak in the afternoon sun. Friday and Saturday nights you’ll find Calle Cava Baja and the surrounding streets packed to the brim with people sipping small cañas of beer or glasses of Spanish wine.

MALASAÑA

Located just north of the dead center of Madrid, Malasaña is easily one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city. It is packed with cafés, boutiques and bars.

Where to Stay: In Malasaña, boutique hotels mingle with hip youth hostels to make for a huge variety of accommodation options!

Recommended: Hostel CC Malasaña is a great budget hotel in the neighborhood, perfectly located for shopping, dining and nightlife. There are kitchen facilities too– great for enjoying market fresh Spanish goodies instead of eating out one night!

Where to Eat: If hipster dives are your thing, then Malasaña is your barrio. From the excellent cafes at Toma Cafe on Calle Palma, 49  and La Bicicleta on Plaza San Ildefonso, 9 to traditional taverns like Albur on Manuela Malasaña, 15 and La Dominga on Calle Espiritu Santo, 15, there is no shortage of great places to eat at all hours of the day in Malasaña.

Where to drink: Whether it’s a glass of vermouth before lunch or a cocktail at the wee hours of the night, Malasaña is hopping at all hours of the day. For trendy cocktails, try the 1862 Dry Bar on Calle Pez, 27. For low-key, midday vermouth and great tapas go for Bodega de la Ardosa on Calle Colon, 13 or the classic Casa Camacho on Calle San Andres, 4.

CHUECA

Chueca is a neighborhood with a bit of everything, from stylish wine bars and designer shoe shops to bumpin’ gay bars and 24-hour churches. Chueca is known as Madrid’s gay neighborhood and thus is packed with bars, nightclubs and colorful shops. Here you’ll also find some of the city’s most high-end boutiques along Calle Barquillo along with a new revival of upper-end bars and restaurants.

Where to Stay: There are two sides to Chueca: the party heart of the neighborhood closer to Calle Hortaleza and Plaza Vazquez de Mella which is packed with hostels, and the more elegant (and expensive!) area nearer to Calle Barquillo where you’ll find swanky hotels.

Recommended: The Only You Boutique Hotel is a stunning space on Chueca’s trendy Calle Barquillo.

Where to Eat: Bars and restaurants are in abundance in Chueca, which offers one of the widest varieties of price points and styles of any neighborhood in the city. For one of the best market-fresh meals in the city, try La Carmencita on Calle Libertad, 16. Stellar tapas and vermouth abound at Celso y Manolo, also on Calle Libertad at No. 1. For tapas, try the Mercado de San Anton’s second-floor tapas stalls.

Where to Drink: Wine lovers will delight in the extensive list of Spanish wines available at Vinoteca Vides on Calle Libertad, 12. For classy cocktails try Hat Bar on Calle San Lorenzo, 5.

Vinoteca Vides is a wine lover’s dream come true!

SALAMANCA

High-end shopping is the name of the game in Madrid’s ritziest neighborhood: Salamanca. The elegant district was originally planned out by the Marquis of Salamanca in the late 19th century, who wanted to create a neighborhood that lived up to the luxury of his newly-built mansion (now the BBVA bank headquarters on the Paseo de Recoletos, 10).

Where to Stay: Some of the city’s nicest hotels are tucked into the tree-lined avenues of barrio Salamanca.

Recommended: The Gran Melia Fenix and the Hotel Villa Magna are both considered among the best places to stay in Madrid.

Where to Eat: Michelin stars abound at the restaurants in Salamanca. From the two-starred Santceloni on the Paseo de la Castellana, 57 to the newly annointed Albora with one star on Calle Jorge Juan, 33, this neighborhood is without question the place to be for luxury eating in Madrid. Also be sure to try StreetXO, the “street” version of Madrid’s only 3-Michelin starred restaurant, on the rooftop of Corte Ingles Gourmet Experience on Calle Serrano, 52. 

Fire-grilled bone marrow with churros and green curry at StreetXO.

Where to Drink: For trendy happy hour cocktails, Otto on Paseo de la Castellana, 8 is the new go-to. The giant luxury market, Platea on Calle de Goya, 5-7, is also a stellar spot to pop in for glass of wine or beer with a few tapas. Wine lovers should be sure to pop into the expansive Lavinia wine shop on Calle de José Ortega y Gasset, 16, the largest in the city!

LAS LETRAS/ HUERTAS

Madrid’s Literary Quarter, known as either Barrio de las Letras or Huertas, is just off the tourist circuit while still being smack dab in the center of the city. This quaint neighborhood is packed with traditional bars and restaurants and host to many markets and street fairs.

Where to Stay: Ideally located between the Paseo de Prado and Sol, Huertas is one of the most convenient neighborhoods to stay in. There are plenty of hotels to choose from as well as quite a few guest apartments and hostels.

Recommended: The Westin Palace Hotel is a gorgeous place to stay– breakfast in under their incredible stained glass dome is an absolute MUST!

Where to Eat: Traditional cured meats and cheeses are the specialty at Casa Gonzalez on Calle Leon, 12. At Terra Mundi on Calle Lope de Vega, 32 you’ll find one of my favorite Menus del dia, a set 3-course lunch menu for just 12€. For fusion, try L’Artisan Furansu Kitchen— Japanese/French fusion with a killer daily menú!

Top Tip: To really get to know Madrid’s Literary Quarter check out Devour Spain’s Huertas Neighborhood Food Tour!

Where to Drink: Casa Gonzalez has an excellent (and extensive!) selection of wines by the glasses. Prada A Tope at Calle del Principe, 11 is a traditional Leon-style bar that give stellar tapas with each glass of beer or wine.

Do you have a great suggestion for where to stay in Madrid? Any amazing local haunts that we missed? We’d love to hear about your discoveries in the comments!