WN O
DOWNT MADRI D
Madrid, the most exciting European capital, is yearly visited by people from around the world. However, none of them know it as it is, straightforward, exciting, bustling, surprising, green, lively... This guide will help you to discover the true Madrid and to...
ENJOY IT AS A LOCAL!
ŠJose Manuel Mazintosh
DO W N
Downtown Madrid is the core of
WN TO
the city, not only spatially but socially as well. Spaniards like to have a walk in this crowded area, go shopping, having a coffee, or visiting the myriads of pubs one can find in it. Downtown is “the start and the end” of the Spaniard calendar: La Puerta del Sol and it’s famous clock mark the 12 last seconds of the year when people eat the “12 grapes” in search of luck. When? Come any time of the day, any time of the week, day and night. Downtown Madrid never sleeps! Walk down the street, go shopping at Preciados Street, or watch a musical in Gran Via.
WHAT TO EAT?
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Churros and Spanish Chocolate in San Ginés Squid sandwich in Plaza Mayor. Delicious!
WHAT TO DO?
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Shopping at Preciados Street Attending a musical at Gran Via Buying Spanish Christmas Lottery at “Doña Manolita” in Carmen Street 2
Mal as
Malasaña
a
ña
is known for its alternative scene and nightlife. Malasaña is the new hot spot in Downtown Madrid, the Madrilenian hipster ‘hood. It is the place of the 1970’s and 1980’s “Movida”. Proximity to the University and the old and cheap buildings make young people, especially college students, come to the district to live, work, and party. When? Come from Thursday to Sunday, the streets are bustling with cool people! The stage??? THE STREET! It is typical to drink your cocktail directly at the street with your friends. No rules, no limits, any time.
WHERE TO GO?
◊ La Vía Láctea and El Penta pubs ◊ Tupperware and The MaderFacker for alternative music
WHAT TO DO?
◊
Botellón (“open-air drinking party”)
3
LA L
AT
LA LATINA
IN
A
of be
capita r e
p
Liters
Spain in
70 er
takes its name from an old hospital in the area. It is now a bohemian district with character, socially and culturally mixed, and renowned for its “cañas and tapas” on Sunday morning. Beer and tapas from all around Spain. The central market (La Cebada) and its famous theater (La Latina) are now the heart of the district and the place to go. Relax in one of the many small squares having some tapas and beers in one of its bars, taverns or restaurants it’s a real pleasure!
WHAT TO EAT?
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“Huevos Rotos” in Casa Lucio, worldwide famous!!! Tapas at any of the bars in Cava Baja and Humilladero streets
WHAT TO DO?
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Attending a play in La Latina theater Shopping at La Cebad market Attending “La Paloma” Festival in August, the real Madrilenian soul 4
O
PALA CI
PALACIO
is the “classy” district in Downtown Madrid. The Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Spain, but the Royal Family does not live there anymore. The Royal Theater is the place to attend an opera play or a classical music concert. Oriente Square is a public garden next to the palace where hang out or sunbathe! Debod’s Temble, a real egiptian temple is also closeby. Taking a picture with Don Quijote and Sancho Panza in Plaza de España is historic and priceless...
Where to go?
◊ Royal Palace and its surroundings ◊ La Almudena Cathedral ◊ Plaza de España (Don Quijote and Sancho Panza)
WHAT TO DO?
◊ Attending the changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace ◊ Having a walk and visiting the egyptian temple in West Park 5