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.

José Luís

Attracts a loyal clientele for its tapas , said to be among the best in the city – the tortilla is heavenly.
Joseph Bonaparte

Detested during his short reign as King of Spain (1808–12), he did plan one of the city’s finest squares, Plaza de Oriente.
Joy Madrid

Madrid’s best-known disco celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2001. Once a 19th-century theatre, staging zarzuela operettas and music hall, visitors can still gaze down at the dancers from the tiered balconies. A favourite with the city’s gilded youth and showbiz crowd, outsiders are more than welcome. Don’t bother turning up before midnight – none of the locals will.
Juan Bautista de Toledo

Juan Bautista de Toledo (died May 19, 1567) was a well-known Spanish sculptor and architect from Madrid.

He was born in Madrid at an unknown date, and nothing is known of his childhood. But in 1547, Toledo went to Rome and studied under Michelangelo Buonarroti. Then he went to Naples, where he had been summoned by the Viceroy, Don Pietro de Toledo, to work as an architect for Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. He designed many buildings there, including: the Strada di Toledo (since 1870 called Strada di Roma), the church of St. Giacomo degli Spagnuoli; the square bastions to the Castello Nuovo; a large palazzo at Posillipo, and a number of fountains.

In 1559, he was summoned back to Madrid by Philip II and appointed Architect-in-Chief of the royal works in Spain. His yearly salary as architect to the Crown was at first no more than 220 ducats, because Philip's policy, with his Spanish artists at least, was to give them moderate allowances until he had tested their abilities. In Madrid, he designed the Casa de la Misericordia and the façade of the church de las Descalzas Reales, Casa de Campo. He also created works at Aceca; at the palace of Aranjuez; at Martininos de las Posadas, the palace of Cardinal Espinosa, and a villa at Esteban de Ambran for the secretary D. de Vargas. Toledo's master work was the Escorial, the Monastery, La Granjila de La Fresneda de El Escorial and Canal de El Escorial (the channel to supply water to the Monastery). He supervised El Escorial (Monastery and Site -the surroundings of Monastery) until his death in 1567. El Escorial was finished by Juan de Herrera.

Also reported to have designed the Palacio del Buen Retiro and, in collaboration with Gaspar de Vega, the main design of La Granjilla de La Fresneda de El Escorial, Madrid.
Julio Rodríguez

As the hand-painted wall sign indicates, this tiny shop is crammed with foot-treadle antique sewing machines. Also sells typewriters.
Kantharos

Selection of stylish gifts including pocket- as well as wrist-watches, key rings, jewellery, ink wells etc.
Kappa

On the fringes of the Lavapiés district, this café-bar is an ideal place to relax with a drink while chatting with friends and listening to good music. Cosy ambience.
Korynto

This restaurant is known for the quality of its seafood and fish.
La Ardosa

This popular watering hole has a pedigree going back more than 200 years – Goya sold some of his paintings here. The pub was given a makeover in the 1980s and the owner claims it was the first bar in Madrid to celebrate St Patrick’s night. That was when they started serving Guinness and home-made tortilla , one of the mainstays of an enticing tapas menu. The subdued lighting, mellow music and amiable clientele create an addictive ambience (see La Ardosa).
La Ardosa

This cosy taberna ’s best-known customer was the painter Francisco de Goya. Guinness on tap, as well as excellent and imaginative tapas . Try the fabada (bean and squid stew) (see La Ardosa)

Jump to top

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