DK Travel : Madrid

Madrid’s three world-class art museums and two royal palaces alone would set the pulses racing, but there is more to this exciting and diverse capital than its tourist sights. The fashion boutiques of the Salamanca district showcase Europe’s top designers and are just the tip of a shopping iceberg, perfectly complementing the informality of the fascinating El Rastro market, while Madrid’s world-famous tapas bars vie for attention with gourmet restaurants and humble tabernas in a city which never sleeps. To simply watch the world go by, head for the supremely elegant Plaza Mayor.

Christian Conquest

Muhammad I had built his fortress to guard against attack from northern Christian armies and to protect the important city of Toledo. In 1083 Toledo fell and the alcázar of Madrid was surrendered without a fight. The new Christian settlers lived harmoniously with their Arab neighbours (although mosques were converted into churches).
Christmas Crib Fair

The Christmas Fair on Plaza Mayor has more than 100 booths, selling cribs (belenes ), crib figures, trees and decorations. The official crib is housed outside the Casa de la Carnicería.
Cine Doré

The cinematograph was introduced to a Madrid audience from a booth on the site of what is now, fittingly, the cinema house Cine Doré.
Cine Doré

This beautiful 1920s cinema is now the headquarters of the National Film Institute. There are two screens showing an excellent selection of classic and contemporary films in the original version and at very reasonable prices. During the summer, films are also shown on an outdoor screen on the terrace (book ahead). The café in the foyer is a good place to meet up with friends (see Cine Doré).
Cine Estudio Círculo de Bellas Artes

The cinema of the fine arts centre (see Círculo de Bellas Artes) shows classic movies by famous 20th-century directors such as Eisenstein, Fassbinder, Francis Ford Coppola and John Huston.
Cinema

Spain's thriving film scene has gained international exposure in recent years. The country makes around 100 feature films a year and the film "Alatriste", which stars Viggo Mortensen, is the most expensive Spanish-language film ever made in Spain (about €24 million – US$30 million). It portrays Spain of the 17th century using both fictional and real characters. The most famous Spanish directors are Pedro Almodovar, Alejandro Amenabar and Agustin Diaz Yanes. Most foreign-language films are dubbed in Spanish, but non spanish movies can be seen in their original language versions at theatres of "Luna", "Ideal", "Alphaville" and "Renoir". Screenings will be found listed in newspapers and listings magazines. For those with a gasp of the language, Spanish film is a rewarding experience, especially enjoyed at one of the grand film theatres along Gran Via, such as "Capitol", which has screened films since the early 1900s.
Circuito del Jaráma

Fans of motorcar-racing (automovilísmo ) or motorcycle racing (motociclísmo ) should head for this 100-acre track, near San Sebastián de los Reyes, 28 km (17 miles) northeast of Madrid. Race meetings are held here throughout the summer.
Círculo de Bellas Artes

The Fine Arts Club dates from the 1920s and is Antonio Palacios’ Art Deco masterpiece. The crowning feature is the statue on the roof, representing the goddess Minerva, patroness of the arts. Pay the one-day membership fee and you can take in the other highlights – the staircase, theatre, ballroom and the Salón de Fiestas, with its painted ceiling (see Círculo de Bellas Artes).
Círculo de Bellas Artes

While the golden age of the Arts Club was in the 1920s and 1930s, this cultural organization is still thriving today. The Círculo promotes Spanish and world culture, with exhibitions, theatre and ballet productions, art films, workshops and conferences. It even has its own magazine, Minerva , and radio station.
Clamores

This roomy jazz venue also books blues, reggae and gospel acts and, occasionally, Flamenco. The atmosphere is laid back and the audience really gets into the swing of things. Look out for the weekend jam sessions.