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.

Gambas

Shrimps are grilled in their shells (a la plancha ) or peeled and then fried in oil and garlic (al ajillo ).
Gaudí

Conveniently situated for the stock exchange, this comfortable hotel is also handy for the sights. The rooms are modern with satellite TV, while the facilities include a Catalan restaurant, gym, sauna and Jacuzzi.
Gazpacho

The famous cold soup hails from Andalucia. Gazpacho ’s main ingredients are tomatoes, garlic, cucumber and vinegar, with puréed bread for body.
Gino’s

A popular Italian restaurant chain offering a selection of pizzas, pasta and meat dishes. Especially good value is the midweek all-inclusive meals for two.
Golden Age

By the time the Plaza Mayor was completed (1619) Madrid’s population had swollen to around 85,000. Courtiers, noblemen, clerics, and criminals descended on the city, leading to such overcrowding that Felipe IV ordered the building of a new perimeter wall. Madrid provided rich material for the playwrights of Spain’s Golden Age including Lope de Vega and Tirso de Molina.
Grassy

This famous jeweller occupies one of the signature buildings of the Gran Vía dating from 1916. The gleaming window displays of rings, watches and other items (all original designs) are equally distinguished.
Gula Gula

Great views of the Gran Vía and Alcalá can be had from the first floor of this restaurant, which entertains customers with disco music and floor shows in the evenings.
Gustavo Durán

One of the most courageous commanders defending Madrid during the Civil War.
Hard Rock Madrid

Recent refurbishments have converted this beautiful early 1900s building into a modern hotel with excellent facilities and a trendy, first-floor bar. The hotel is a much-loved landmark, conveniently located close to Puerta del Sol (see p87) and the city’s museums.
Hermanos Ortíz Sanza

Just off Plaza Mayor, this philatelist’s dream deals in stamps, albums, catalogues, commemorative issues and magnifying glasses; also medals, coins and old banknotes.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €25
- €25-€35
- €35-€55
- €55-€70
- €over €70
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €70
- €70-€120
- €120-€180
- €180-€240
- over €240