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.

La Fontana de Oro

Pretty old café converted into a Guinness pub.
La Galette

Vegetarian cooking is slowly catching on in Madrid, no small thanks to pioneers like La Galette. Cosy candlelit ambience and country-kitchen décor.
La Isla del Tesoro

One of the few vegetarian restaurants in the city offers international dishes (see Isla del Tesoro).
La Kontxa

If you want a change from Castilian cooking, try this Basque restaurant. Specialities include chuletón de buey (ox steak).
La Latina

Historic La Latina really comes alive on Sundays when the trendy bars of Cava Baja, Calle de Don Pedro and Plaza de los Carros are frequented by pop singers, actors and TV stars. Plaza de la Paja – the main square of medieval Madrid – takes its name from the straw which was sold here by villagers from the across the River Manzanares. Nowadays it’s much quieter and a nice place to rest one’s legs. The two churches of San Andrés and San Pedro el Viejo have been closed for some time but their history and that of the area as a whole is admirably explained in the Museo de San Isidro (see La Latina).
La Mancha

Spain’s largest wine growing region produces good-value table wines.
La Marquesita

The game specialities in this formal but reasonably priced restaurant are a reminder that El Pardo was once a royal hunting lodge. Wonderful desserts. Summer terrace.
La Metralleta

This large store specializes in second-hand records. Every taste and period is catered for and the staff are both helpful and knowledgeable.
La Negra Tomasa

One of the best places in town to hear top salsa bands (and emerging talent) performing live. The show usually starts around 11pm but you’ll have to get here much earlier to get a seat. Otherwise you’ll join the samba-like queue at the bar, clapping and swaying to the infectious rhythms. Standard Cuban fare served (see La Negra Tomasa).
La Negra Tomasa

The live salsa music, played Thursdays to Saturdays inclusive, is the main draw of this noisy Cuban restaurant (see La Negra Tomasa).

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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
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