Living in Madrid by EAE BUSINESS SCHOOL

05 LIVE IN MADRID

5.2 INFORMATION OF INTEREST

5.1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION

In the last few years, Madrid has significantly expanded its tertiary activities, which already occupies two thirds of the active population.

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a cosmopolitan city that combines ultra-modern infrastructures and economic, financial, administrative and service centres with an immense cultural and artistic heritage, which has been handed down through the centuries. Madrid is the capital of its province and of the Madrid autonomous region. With a population of approximately 3,155,359 (without taking into account a floating population of one million) and with a metropolitan area of 5,843,041, it comes 45th on a worldwide scale, sixth in Europe and first in Spain. It plays a key role in the banking and industrial sectors, the latter mainly in the south periphery where large textile, food and metal companies are based. The Manzanares river flows through the city, a tributary of the Jarabe river. With its cosmopolitan and multiethnic nature, Madrid is characterised by its intense culture, art and lively night life.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Despite the current trend of moving production centres to industrial estates on the metropolitan periphery, the city of Madrid is still the second manufacturing centre in the country, coming just behind Barcelona.

Instructions for non-resident students -

SPORTS The main sport in Madrid, just like the rest of Spain, is football. The two most important teams of the city are Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, even though Rayo Vallecano is also well-known. Basketball is also popular. The two most representational teams of the city, both in the ACB league, are Real Madrid and Estudiantes. Madrid has excellent facilities for all types of sport. It has hosted and will continue to host countless international competitions; it has been a finalist for the 2012 Olympics and is preparing for its candidature for 2016.

Websites of interest: F.C. Real Madrid www.realmadrid.es Club Atletico de Madrid www.clubatleticodemadrid.com Real Canoe Natación Club www.canoe.es Club Natación Moscardó www.clubnatacionmoscardo.net Real Federación Española de Natación www.rfen.es/publicacion

MADRID Inhabitants (approx.) 5.500.000 Altitude 650 m s/m

Distances National Avila: 115 km Toledo: 71 km Segovia: 87 km Cuenca: 167 km Salamanca: 212 km Valencia: 352 km Sevilla: 462 km Barcelona: 621 km

International: Lisboa: 644 km París: 1260 km Roma: 2086 km Londres: 1725 km Bruselas: 1556 km Berlín: 2360 km Atenas: 4029 km Estocolmo: 3163 km Copenague: 2539 km Viena: 2444 km Oslo: 3133 km Helsinki: 3523 km Dublin: 2259 km

Sports Centres www.topmadrid.com/es/Deportes/Polideportivos Dance Classes: www.topmadrid.com/es/Empresas_Negocios/Educacion_ Formacion/Baile_y _Danza/ Gymnasiums in Madrid: www.topmadrid.com/es/Deportes/Gimnasios Federación de Golf de Madrid www.fedgolfmadrid.com Club triatlón Aguaverde www.aguaverde.org Club Alpino Español www.clubalpe.com Senderismo (trekking) www.senderismomadrid.com

5.3 SHOPPING There are plenty of supermarkets in Madrid. Here are some that have the most branches in the city centre: Día (low-cost chain), Mercadona, Consum, Lidl, Caprabo, Sabeco. In general it is more economical to buy food in this type of supermarket, as opposed to smaller establishments. Whether you are looking for the latest in fashion and design, modern or traditional ceramic, bestsellers or secondhand books, small traditional shops, open-air markets or modern shopping centres, Madrid has it all. From classic to extravagant, you can find the perfect present for your loved ones or for yourself! Opening hours: the majority of shops and shopping centres open all day from 10 am to 9,30 pm. Traditional shops open from 10 am to 2 pm and from 4,30 pm to 8,30 pm. Sales: generally they start the second week of January until the end of February in the winter and from the 1st of July until the end of August in the summer. Paying: the norm is to pay in cash or by card (the latter requires passport or ID card). Tax Free: non-EU residents can get VAT back on purchases over 90.15 EUR. Madrid Shopping Tour: a minibus trip with a guide around the main shopping areas of the city and includes discounts in various establishments. Las Rozas Village Shopping Tour: consists of an excursion for three hours to the best outlet in the city. For more information: +34 915416321. Madrid Card: this card can be purchased from the Tourist Office (Oficina Municipal de Turismo) and, in addition to appealing discounts in shops, restaurants, shows and leisure centres, you are entitled to free entrance to the 40 main museums in the city or a guided tour around Madrid de los Asturias.

5.4 BANKING Some of the main shopping centres:

Banks in Madrid have the following opening hours:

Centro comercial ABC Serrano www.abcserrano.com

Monday to Friday 8:30 a 14:00 h

Centro comercial Arturo Soria Plaza www.arturosoriaplaza.es Centro comercial Jardines de Serrano www.jardindeserrano.es El Corte Inglés www.elcorteingles.es Centro Comercial La Esquina del Bernabeu www.laesquinadelbernabeu.com/ Centro Comercial Moda Shopping www.mapfre.com/modashopping/intro.html Centro Comercial Dreams el Palacio de Hielo www.palaciodehielo.com/ Other establishments. • El Corte Inglés. A chain of large stores all around Madrid (Arguelles, Nuevos Ministerios, Goya…). Here you can find all kinds of clothes brands, electrical appliances, stationery, supermarkets… • Casa del Libro. C/ Gran Vía (metro Gran Vía). Here you can buy all types of books, in various languages. • Some of the zones with a higher concentration of shops, mainly clothes shops, include Calle Princesa, Preciados, Goya, Serrano, Calle Fuencarral and Bravo Murillo. • El Rastro. (Sundays and holidays). Ribera de Curtidores s/n (metro La Latina, Lavapiés and Embajadores). This is a market that sells all kinds of things, both new and secondhand.

Saturdays 8:30 a 12:00 h It is worth pointing out that many banks close on Saturdays in Spring and Summer.

POST OFFICE Monday to Friday 9:00 a 14:00 h

5.5 TRAVEL, HOLIDAYS, LEISURE AND TOURISM The modes of transport for getting to and from Madrid are by air, by train, by bus, by car or by private transport. Here is some information to help you find your way.

By Air Barajas International Airport, which has four terminals: T1, T2, T3 y T4. To find out which terminal you need to check in at you can consult the AENA website or ring Customer Care on +34 902 404 704. How to get to and from the airport: Metro: Line 8 (Nuevos Ministerios-Aeropuerto T4) links the city with Barajas International Airport. It takes 20 minutes to get to T4 and 12 minutes for the rest of the terminals. Look up prices here. Bus: • Bús Exprés from airport: 24-hour service from Atocha (daily) and Cibeles (nightly). With stops at T1, T2 and T4. • Line 101 from Canillejas (T1, T2, T3). • Line 200 from Avda. de América (T1, T2, T3). • Line 204 from Avenida de América (T4). • Intercity line 822 Coslada-Airport (T1, T2, T3). • Intercity line 827 Tres Cantos-Metro Canillejas (T4). • Intercity line 828 Universidad Autónoma – Feria Grounds (T4). • Shuttle bus: special free services connecting the four terminals. Every five minutes from 6,30 am to 11,30 pm and every 20 minutes from 11,30 pm to 1,50 am and every 40 minutes from 1,50 am to 6,30 am. Taxi: in order to take a taxi you need to be at the correct taxi rank. You should ignore random taxi drivers that offer lifts inside the terminals. The taxi driver will set the metre running at the start of the journey. The normal rate between the airport and the centre of Madrid is about 20 EUR. From T4, it will cost about 30 EUR. Car: Barajas airport is connected to the main slip roads and ring road of Madrid by a highway. You can get to the airport several ways: • From the M-40: Exit 8. Toll-road M12 by the tunnel (T4) Exit 9A. By the M14 (T1, T2, T3) and the M13 (T4). • From the A-2: Exit 12. By the M14 (T1, T2, T3) and the M13 (T4). Exit 12. Toll-road M12 (T4)

• From the M-11: Exit 7. Toll-road M12 (T4). Exit 9. By the M13 (T4) Final M-11. By the M14 (T1, T2 y T3) and the M13 (T4). • From the R-2 Madrid-Guadalajara: Exit 3. By the M12 (T4). • From the A-1 Burgos: Exit 17. By the M12 and the M-13 (T1, T2, T3, T4) Exit 17. Toll-road M12 and exit 7 (T4). Parking Barajas airport has more than 10,000 parking spaces. There are seven public parking areas: P1, P2 and P4 (located in terminals T1, T2, T3 and T4) with 2,392, 4,437 and 7,795 spaces respectively. Express parking for short stays has 39 spaces and the VIP parking for T1, T2, T3 and T4 (spaces must be reserved by calling +34 902 102 020), and a long-stay car park with 1,655 spaces.

TRAIN Madrid boasts an impressive railway system that enables access to the city from several parts of Spain as well as easy transport within the city. The two main stations are Atocha and Chamartín, handling medium distance, long distance, high speed and commuter trains. Chamartín also handles international trains to France and Portugal. Medium Distance The medium distance trains enable access to the city from any point of Spain. The stations of Chamartín (Agustín de Foxa, s/n) and Atocha (Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, s/n ) handle the arrival and departure of trains from all major Spanish cities on a daily basis. High Speed – Medium Distance (Avant and AVE Commuter) The railway system in Spain belongs to the state-owned company RENFE. On their website (www.renfe.es) you can find timetables, destinations and prices of the different routes. This company also controls the commuter train system.

bUs Generally the bus is the cheapest mode of transport in Spain. The Mendez Alvaro station is the busiest station in the city. It is hectic at any time of the day. Along with this, the Avenida de America station is the first point of reference for many tourists setting foot in Madrid. Sur de Madrid Station Méndez Álvaro, 83. Metro: Méndez Álvaro (L6). Telephone: (+34) 91 468 42 00. MAIN COMPANIES: • Alsa. (+34) 902 42 22 42. Their network of buses covers the majority of Spain. They also travel to several cities in Morocc0 and in some European countries (Germany, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Slovakia, France, Great Britain, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Moldavia, Poland,

Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Switzerland and Ukraine). • Socibus. (+34) 902 22 92 92. Travels to and from Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, Huelva and Jerez de la Frontera.

A-1. Madrid-Irún. Autovía del norte

alternative route to get to the west of Andalucia.

• Auto Res. (+34) 902 02 09 99 Offering routes from Madrid to Badajoz, Benavente, Cáceres, Castellón, Cuenca, Mérida, Orense, Pontevedra, Salamanca, Valencia, Vigo, Zamora and Lisbon (Portugal).

From here you can get to Plaza de Castilla, where you will find the famous towers that make up the Puerta de Europa. It is the road that you need to take if you want to visit Sierra Norte de Madrid.

Provinces it passes through: Toledo, Cáceres and Badajoz.

Avenida de América Station Avenida de América, 9. Metro: Avenida de América (L4, L6, L7, L9). • Several intercity lines linking Madrid to its surrounding area. • Continental-Auto. (+34) 34 902 33 04 00. Covers Bilbao, San Sebastián, Vitoria, Burgos, Santander, Pamplona, Logroño, Soria and Granada. • Alsa. (+34) 902 42 22 42. Several buses leaving this station to 12 Spanish cities, such as Barcelona, Huesca, Lérida, Tarragona and Zaragoza. Intercity buses From Aluche, Conde de Casal, Moncloa, Plaza de Castilla, Plaza Elíptica, Príncipe Pío and Ronda de Atocha intercity buses link Madrid city to the rest of the towns within the autonomous community and the central part of the country. For example Alsa offers a MadridToledo service from Plaza Elíptica and La Sepulvedana, Madrid-Segovia from Príncipe Pío.

CAR Although the law requires you to have an international driving permit, in practice a national license is sufficient to rent a car in Spain. Agencies usually request that the driver is at least 21 years of age, as well as a deposit payment. Civil liability insurance is included in the rental price, but the user can take out full cover insurance as well. Fuel is at the cost of the driver. Madrid has six main access roads to the city: from the N-I to the N-VI (the N means National Highway). The city also has two ring roads, the interior is known as the M-30 and the exterior is knows as the M-40.

Provinces and communities it passes through: Segovia, Burgos and the Basque Country. It is the road that joins Madrid to the French border. Towns it passes through in Madrid: El Molar, San Agustín de Guadalix, Circuito del Jarama, Algete, San Sebastián de los Reyes and Alcobendas. A-2. Madrid-Barcelona. Autovía de Aragón Goes through the Corredor de Henares and from there you can access Madrid airport from the city. Provinces it passes through: Guadalajara, Soria, Zaragoza, Lleida, and Barcelona. Towns it passes through in Madrid: Coslada, San Fernando, Torrejón de Ardoz and Alcalá de Henares. A-3. Madrid-Valencia. Autovía de Valencia This is also the way to go to get to Albacete, Alicante or Murcia. Provinces it passes through: Cuenca and Valencia. Towns it passes through in Madrid: Vicálvaro, Rivas Vaciamadrid, Arganda del Rey and Villarejo de Salvanés. A-4. Madrid-Sevilla. Autovía de Andalucía This is the road that joins the capital with the south of the country and connects with other routes to access Málaga, Cádiz or Almería. Provinces it passes through: Toledo, Ciudad Real, Jaén, Córdoba, and Sevilla. Towns it passes through in Madrid: Getafe, Pinto, Valdemoro, Ciempozuelos and Aranjuez. A-5. Madrid-Badajoz. Autovía de Extremadura This road goes as far as the Portuguese border and is an

Towns it passes through in Madrid: Alcorcón, Móstoles and Navalcarnero. A-6. Madrid-A Coruña. Autovía de A Coruña Passing the town of Villalba this turns into the toll road AP-6 up until the town of Adanero in Avila. Strangely, it has a reversible lane on the road just kilometers from the city to cope with heavy traffic. Provinces it passes through: Segovia, Ávila, Valladolid, Zamora, León, Lugo and A Coruña. Towns it passes through in Madrid Pozuelo de Alarcón, Majadahonda, Las Rozas, Torrelodones and Villalba.

GETTING AROUND MADRID Metro and Bus The Madrid Metro system is one of the oldestestablished metropolitan railways in the world. The Metro is, without a doubt, the quickest way to go anywhere in the city. To avoid making mistakes and taking unnecessary detours, it is best to pick up a railway map (free at the ticket windows). The Metro runs from 6 am to 1,30 am every day of the week. The bus is an ideal way to discover the city. However you should know that traffic jams are frequent in Madrid especially during peak hours. The timetable varies depending on the line number but in general it is from 6 am or 7 am to 11pm or 12 pm. After this time, the service is replaced by a half-hourly service that leaves from Plaza Cibeles. For some reason these buses are called “buhos”. In Madrid the metro and bus system operate in conjunction with each other and the tickets you buy (single way, 10-trip ticket, monthly ticket) are valid for both. These tickets can be purchased in the metro stations (automatic ticket machines or ticket office) and in tobacconists. To find out the prices click on: www. metromadrid.es or call the information line +34 91 552 59 09.

Highways, motorways and radial roads to access the capital. Madrid is the central point of all connections by highway in Spain. In Puerta del Sol at the foot of the Real Casa de Correos you will find Kilometre Zero, a point at which all routes connecting the city with the rest of the country starts. A dense network of motorways flows through the city, including the six access roads to the national highways.

Metro: Line 9. Estación Duque de Pastrana. Exit at C/Mateo Inurria.

for every kilometre driven. There are surcharges for airport, train / bus station, luggage, night time, holidays.

Line 1. Estación Plaza de Castilla. Exit at Plaza de Castilla. Line 10. Estación Plaza de Castilla. Exit at Plaza de Castilla

TAXI

Line 9. Estación Plaza de Castilla. Exit at Plaza de Castilla

Telephone

Website

91 405 55 00

www.taxidemadrid.es

Bus:

91 447 51 80

www.tele-taxi.es

Line 14. Bus stop: Paseo de la Habana-Menendez Pidal.

91 445 90 08

Line 70. Bus stop: Mateo Inurria-Paseo de la Habana Line 107. Bus stop: Mateo Inurria-Paseo de la Habana Line 129. Bus stop: Mateo Inurria-Paseo de la Habana Line 174. Bus stop: Mateo Inurria-Avenida del Recuerdo You can also take any bus that has a stop at Plaza de Castilla: 5, 14, 27,42, 49, 66, 67, 70, 80, 107, 124, 129, 134, 135, 147, 149, 150, 173, 174, 176, 178, SE 704. Cercanías: C1, C2, C7, C8 Y C10. Bus stop: Chamartin.

Getting around on a bike Unfortunately Madrid is not the best city for cycling around. The traffic is quite bad even when driving so it would be much worse on a bike. It may seem far-fetched but the only day you should consider cycling in Madrid is on Sunday or on holidays when the city is deserted. But going to the mountains is a different story. You can take a commuter train with your bike, hop off and start cycling.

5.6 COST OF LIVING

5.7 CULTURE IN MADRID

Madrid, just like most European capital cities, is expensive. For example, for a student to live in this city, it costs approximately 700 to 850 EUR per month. This would cover accommodation and food, depending on the type of accommodation you want.

Madrid, the capital of Spain since 1562, is also the geographical centre of the Iberian Peninsula. As you would expect, it is an enormous city. Perhaps the most surprising aspect is the old town, which was built in the era when the Habsburgo dynasty reigned over Spain and therefore it is known as “Madrid de los Austrias”.

Maybe the biggest advantage to living in Madrid is the wide range of possibilities, which means it is still possible to eat, go out etc. relatively cheaply. Here is a list of products and their prices.

MADRID – APPROXIMATE PRICES Newspaper

1,20€

Commuter trains

Metro / bus ticket

1,20€

If you live on the outskirts of the city, the best option is to take a commuter train. The Red Ferroviaria de Cercanías de Renfe covers most of the suburb towns. Here are the services offered:

Cinema ticket

6,00€

Beer in a bar

1,40€

Set meal of the day

10 €

Load of bread

0,60-1,15€

• C-1 Alcalá de Henares/Alcobendas – S. Sebastián de los Reyes

It would be impossible to get bored of Madrid’s culture given its richness and variety. Not a day goes by that there isn’t some concert, play, recital or exhibition on offer. Madrid is also known for being an exceptionally lively city; its bustling nightlife (with pubs, cafétheatres and discos open late at night) has made it famous for many years now. The best way to stay up-to-date on cultural events is the “Guía del Ocio”, a weekly publication listing all of the cultural activities of the week as well as information about the museums, shops, restaurants etc.

• C-2 Guadalajara/Atocha/Chamartín • C-3 Atocha/Aranjuez • C-3a Pinto/San Martín de la Vega • C-4 Atocha/Parla • C-5 Móstoles El Soto/Atocha/Fuenlabrada • C-7 Alcalá de Henares/Chamartín/Príncipe Pío/Tres Cantos/ Colmenar • C-8 a Atocha/El Escorial • C-8 b Atocha/Cercedilla • C-9 Cercedilla/Cotos • C-10 Villalba/Príncipe Pío/Atocha/Chamartín/Tres Cantos Prices for commuter trains vary depending on the area. Rates can be looked up on: http://www.ctm-madrid.es or on +34 91 580 19 80. Taxi Taxis in Madrid are white with a maroon diagonal stripe and the coat of arms of the town on the side. They drive around with a green light turned on if they are available and you can simply hail them.

The minimum fare is about 1.05 EUR which increases

MUSEUMS

THEATRES

For art lovers, Madrid offers endless possibilities. Its museums and galleries house all types of artistic trends, from classic pieces to more modern and transgressive art. Most museums in Madrid offer student rates to those who present their Student Card. Here is a list of contact information for the museums. More information about each one can be found online:

The options are wide and varied for theatre in Madrid. The spectator can enjoy the theatre in all sorts of venues, whether you want classic or alternative. Here is a list of theatres and alternative halls.

THEATRE

ADDRESS

TELEPHONE

Abadía

Fernández de los Ríos 42 (metros Quevedo y Argüelles)

91 448 16 27

MUSEUM

ADDRESS

TELEPHONE

Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

Sta. Isabel, 52 (metro Atocha)

91 467 50 62

Albéniz

Paz 11 (metro Sol)

91 531 83 11

Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida

Pº de la Florida, s/n. (metro Príncipe Pío)

91 542 07 22

Alcázar

Alcalá 20 (metro Sevilla)

91 532 06 16

Lázaro Galdiano

Serrano 122 (metro Nuñez de Balboa)

91 561 60 84

Alfil

Pez 10 (metro Noviciado)

91 521 58 27

Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales

Pza. de las Descalzas, s/n (metros Sol y Callao)

91 542 00 59

Bellas Artes

Marqués de Casa Riera 2 (metro Banco de España)

91 532 44 37/8

Museo Municipal

Fuencarral, 78 (metro Tribunal)

91 588 86 72

Español

Príncipe 25 (metros Sevilla y Sol)

91 429 62 97

Museo Arqueológico Nacional

Serrano, 13 (metros Colón y Serrano)

91 577 79 12/19

La Latina

Pza. de la Cebada 2 (metro La Latina)

91 365 28 35

Museo de Cera

Pº de Recoletos, 41 (metro Colón)

91 319 26 49

Nuevo Apolo

91 369 06 37

Museo Nacional del Prado

º de Prado, s/n (metros Atocha y Banco de España)

Pza. Tirso de Molina 1 (metro Tirso de Molina)

91 330 28 00

Real

Pza. de Oriente s/n (metro Ópera)

91 516 06 06

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

Pº del Prado, 8 (metro Banco de España)

91 369 01 51

Zarzuela

Jovellanos 4 (metro Sevilla)

91 524 54 00

Palacio Real

Bailén, s/n (metro Ópera)

91 547 53 50

Centro Cultural de la Villa

Plaza de Colón s/n (metro Colón y Serrano)

91 575 60 80

Templo de Debod

Jardines del Pº del Pintor Rosales (metros Ventura Rodríguez y Pza. de España)

91 409 61 65

PARKS AND GARDENS

Pza. de Murillo 2 (metro Atocha)

91 420 30 17

Madrid boasts large expanses of green areas: a total of 33 million square metres divided among 43 city parks. Here is information about some in which you can escape the noise of the city and enjoy nature.

Real Jardín Botánico

• Parque del Buen Retiro (metros Retiro and Ibiza) The Parque del Retiro is the ideal place to stroll in Madrid, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours. Every Sunday, crowds of both locals and tourists become impromptu spectators of all sorts of shows (street theatre and puppet shows, singer-songwriter concerts, dance shows, juggling and mime shows). Retiro is without a doubt the most important historical park in the city. This huge park is also home to one of the most significant cultural events of Madrid: the book fair, which is held every year in June.

CINEMA

• Campo del Moro and Jardines de Sabatini (metro Príncipe Pío) The Campo del Moro has had the same name since 1140 when the Aben-Jucef army camped on the hillside to besiege and attack the fortress Viejo Alcázar. Later Felipe II bought the land and converted it into the beautiful park it is today. These days, the Campo del Moro is the Royal Palace gardens, along with the Sabatini Gardens. There are two monumental fountains: Los Tritones and Las Conchas. The Jardines de Sabatini were created by the Italian himself in the place where the stables of the Royal Palace were in olden times. • Jardín Botánico (metro Atocha) These botanical gardens were created in 1744 on the initiative of Carlos III, who is often referred to as “the best mayor of Madrid”. With a neo-classical design, the garden contains more than 30,000 plant species from all over the world. • Parque del Oeste (metros Moncloa and Argüelles) Some believe this is the best landscaped garden in the city. It is certainly the ideal park for taking a stroll. The Casa de Campo cable car leaves from here. Designed at the beginning of the 20th century, the park is arranged based on the British or naturist garden system, with large green areas, and trees and paths that adapt to the lie of the land. In the lower part, you will find La Rosaleda where an international rose contest is held every year in the months of May and June.

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST

PLACE

ADDRESS

TELEPHONE

Scientific, Literary and Art Library

Pº del Prado, 21

91 429 17 50

National Library

Pº de Recoletos, 20

91 580 78 00

Madrid Planetarium

Parque Tierno Galván s/n, (metro Méndez Álvaro)

91 467 34 61

Amusement Park

Casa de Campo (metro Batán)

91 463 29 00

Cable Cars

Pº de Pintor Rosales s/n (metro Argüelles)

91 541 74 50

Moncloa Lighthouse

Metro Moncloa

Puerta del Sol (metro Sol)

Podría considerarse el centro neurálgico de la ciudad

There are endless options when it comes to cinema in Madrid. Many of the theatres are found on Gran Vía, where you will also come across some of the oldest cinema theatres in Madrid as well as on Calle Fuencarral. These theatres screen movies of all genres: commercial, Spanish, original language, classis and even 3D. On the other hand, it is also good to know that there is a “Día del Espectador” (discount day), which means that one day the tickets will be sold at a reduced price. It is usually on Wednesdays although this can vary from one cinema to the other. Often the first showing will also be at a reduced rate for young people, as long as they can present their student card. In any case, the best way to stay informed about what movies are screening and the relevant discounts is to consult the entertainment section of the newspapers or in the Leisure Guide. Apart from the traditional cinemas, which can be found all over the city, we think it is worth mentioning Filmoteca, Kinépolis and Imax cinemas as well.

CINEMA

ADDRESS

TELEPHONE

La Filmoteca- CINE DORÉ

Santa Isabel 3 (metro Antón Martín)

91 549 60 11

Imax Madrid

Meneses s/n. Junto al Parque Tierno Galván (metro Méndez Álvaro)

91 467 48 00

MUSIC There is plenty of music on offer in the city; pop-rock, blues, jazz, singersongwriting, flamenco and salsa. Many of these concerts take place in cafes, or in pubs, and therefore the entrance is included in the price of a drink. In the case of larger concerts, tickets can be bought from FNAC or in branches of the music chain Madrid Rock.

BULLFIGHTING Although it is a controversial topic in many countries, bullfighting is very popular in Madrid. The Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas bullring plays a leading role in bullfighting season, which coincides with the San Isidro Fair (during the whole month of May). Both critics and supporters should make an effort to go to the Las Ventas bullring to bear witness to one of the best Spanish traditions. The bullring itself, built in 1934, deserves a special mention. With its Neo-Mudéjar style, Las Ventas has always been closely linked to the birth of modern bullfighting. It has also become a symbol of the city and in 1994 it was declared a Heritage of Cultural Interest with the category of Artistic and Historical Monument.

MADRID HOLIDAYS San Isidro On the 15th of May the city celebrates its patron saint, San Isidro. He is praised by many people from Madrid for his simplicity and humbleness as well as his kindness and tolerance. It is without a doubt the liveliest holiday in the city. To celebrate it the people go in procession to drink the miraculous water of the hermitage and take part in a large festival, with food and drink stands. For this holiday a multitude of cultural events are organised, from recitals and concerts to exhibitions and, of course, bullfighting. Virgen de la Almudena Almudena is the patron saint of people from Madrid. Her image appeared on a tower of the Arab city wall of La Vega, where she probably hidden by the Christians. On the 9th of November 1083, a battle took place in which Alfonso VI defeated the Muslims. This victory by the Christians over the Muslims is attributed to Almudena, hence her feast day is celebrated on the 9th of November. Virgen de la Paloma

5.8 NIGHT LIFE Perhaps the best thing about Madrid is that it is able to satisfy all tastes. The Madrid night life (“La Movida Madrileña) is no exception. The night life is somewhat nomadic in nature; people tend to go from one place to another, and never stay in the one bar all night. Another distinctive aspect of night life in Madrid is that the places stay open till the early hours of the morning, which is sure to surprise some people. The night life in this city – also known as the European Capital of the Night – is divided into zones. Most of the premises are bars or pubs and entrance is free. The busiest zones are: ALONSO MARTÍNEZ Y BILBAO - Lots of bustling tapas bars, breweries, pubs and cafes. The liveliest areas are streets Campoamor, Fernando VI, Santa Teresa and Barquillo. Bilbao, on the outskirts of Fuencarral and San Vicente Ferrer, there are several places with live performances such as the famous Pachá disco. SANTA ANA Y HUERTAS - From Puerta del Sol to Plaza de Santa Ana, passing through Calle Huertas, you will find the liveliest zone. It is an area frequented by tourists and students and is considered one of the most emblematic points of Madrid nightlife. ARGÜELLES, MONCLOA, CIUDAD UNIVERSITARIA - In this area you will find a multitude of places to eat, dance and have a chat. OTRAS ZONAS - Santiago Bernabéu zone - Malasaña zone (more alternative) - Chueca zone (all types of establishments)

On the 15th of August, the Virgen de la Paloma is celebrated, which is one of the most authentic holidays in Madrid. During the festivities the people, dressed in “castizos” (19th century costumes), dance the “chotis” (typical dance of Madrid) accompanied by traditional barrel organs. Although Paloma is not an official patron saint of the city, the people hold her very close to their hearts.