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 Trucha

Bar-restaurant patronized by show-business types from the Teatro Español next door. Relaxed ambience and a great place to sample tapas . Try rabo de toro (bull’s tail).
La Vaca Argentina

One of a chain of steak houses specializing in grilled beef straight from the pampas. Can be noisy.
La Venencia

A bar for sherry drinkers who know their fino from their manzanilla, La Venencia opened its doors in 1929 and still does a roaring trade, especially in the evenings when tourists mingle with a loyal local following. Apart from the decor, which is ageing as graciously as the sherries behind the counter, there’s a good selection of canapés and tapas such as mojama (flakes of salty dried tuna) (see La Venencia).
La Venencia

Sherry is the speciality of this small, lively bar. Simple tapas dishes.
La Violeta

This quaint store, founded more than a century ago, sells its own brand of sugared violets, plus a small range of marrons glacés , pralines and other sweets.
Lafuente

Wine supermarket, with more than 500 varieties to choose from, mostly Spanish and including sparkling wines (cava ).
Lagasca

Shopaholics need look no further than this good value, 3-star hotel, close to the boutiques of Calle Serrano. Built in the early 1990s, all rooms have well-designed bathrooms. The hotel also offers an airport shuttle service.
Las Carboneras

Set to rival Casa PATAS is this Madrid tablao (Flamenco club) which opened in 2002, its talented and enthusiastic young owners also figuring among the performers. The standard of both resident and visiting acts is excellent, which is why it is already making waves among aficionados. Although the show doesn’t usually begin until around 11pm, arrive early to be sure of a seat. Serves typical Spanish snacks.
Las Postas

This roadside hotel-restaurant serves Castilian meat dishes in an attractive dining room, the centrepiece of which is a 16th-century retablo. Live music on Saturday nights.
Lavapiés

This colourful working-class neighbourhood has a cosmopolitan feel, thanks to its ethnic mix of Moroccans, Indians, Turks and Chinese. The narrow streets sloping towards the river from Plaza Tirso de Molina are full of shops selling everything from cheap clothes and leather handbags to tea and spices. Check out the traditional bars, such as Taberna Antonio Sánchez for example. Performances of the traditional light opera known as zarzuela are given outdoors in La Corrala in summer.

Lavapiés district

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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
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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