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.

Auditorio Nacional de Música

This modern concert hall, in a residential district north of the centre, is the home of the National Orchestra of Spain and the major venue for symphony concerts from October to June. The Orchestra of the Comunidad de Madrid also plays here, as well as international ensembles.
Bacalao

It is said that there are as many ways of cooking this Mediterranean staple of salted cod as there are days in the year. The American writer Ernest Hemingway relished bacalao al ajoarriero , a cod stew made with tomatoes, peppers and garlic.
Balzac

A classy restaurant near the Prado. The Mediterranean food is distinguished and there’s an excellent wine list. Book ahead.
Banco de España

The Bank of Spain was founded in 1856 and 20 years later acquired the exclusive right to issue bank notes in its name. The most impressive part of these headquarters is the corner section, decorated with typical Neo-Baroque ornamentation – caryatids and medallions, a marble clock and the distinctive golden globe. Spain’s gold reserves are locked away in the vaults beneath Plaza de Cibeles. Apart from gold, the bank’s main treasure is its art collection, with works ranging from Goya to Tàpies. It can only be viewed by written application to the bank.
Biocentro

Health food shop with a good selection of natural products, mainly food (including vacuum-packed 100 per cent vegeburgers) and cosmetics.
Birth of a City

The first inhabitants of Madrid were Muslim soldiers under the command of Muhammad I. The founding of the city is usually dated to AD 852 when a fortress (alcázar) was built on the escarpment now occupied by the Palacio Real (see Palacio Real). Few traces of this early settlement survive, apart from a small section of the city wall (see Best of the Rest).
Bocaíto

Classic tapas . The prawn and garlic tostadas are wonderful (see El Bocaíto).
Bodega de Angel Sierra

Stunning tiled façade and interior, dating from the early 20th century (see Taberna de Angel Sierra).
Bodega La Ardosa

Close to the trendy Mercado de Fuencarral and all its fashionable stores, this bar stands out with its classical decoration and cool ambient. People gather here from midday to midnight for a quiet beer and a chat with the friends or a quick break in the shopping frenzy. If this is not enough, they hold a competition: La Ardosa Guinness Record of beer drinking. dont you fancy giving it a try?
Bodega Santa Cecilia

This wine cellar is popular not only for its range (more than 4,000 labels), but for the quality and affordability. The owners keep prices down by scouring the countryside for lesser-known vineyards.

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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