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.

Puerta de Alcalá

This imposing gateway to the city was designed in 1769 by Francesco Sabatini.
Puerta de Europa

The “Gateway to Europe” is a modern version of a triumphal arch. Twenty-six storeys high, the leaning towers of glass and metal were completed in 1996.
Puerta del Sol

Noisy with traffic, chatter and policemen's whistles, the Puerta del Sol makes a fitting centre for Madrid. This is one of the city's most popular meeting places, and huge crowds converge here on their way to the shops and sights in the old part of the city. Today the "square" is shaped like half moon. A recent addition is the imposing statue of Carlos III. The Puerta del Sol has witnessed many important historical events. On 2 May 1808 the uprising against the occupying French forces began here, but the crowd, pitted against the well-armed French troops, was crushed. In 1912 the liberal Prime Minister Jose Canalejas was assassinated in the square and, in 1931, the Second Republic was proclaimed from the balcony of the Ministry of the Interior.
Puerta del Sol

Ten streets radiate from this elliptical square, which for most madrileños is the real heart of the city. The name means “Gateway of the Sun” although the actual gateway was demolished in 1570. Of numerous historic events to take place here, the most dramatic occurred during the 1808 insurrection when snipers fired on one of Napoleon’s soldiers, provoking a massacre. Dominating the south side of the square is the 18th-century Casa de Correos, a post office which later became the Ministry of the Interior and the headquarters of General Franco’s secret police. A marker in front of the building indicates “kilómetro cero” , from which all distances in Spain are calculated. In the centre of the square is a statue of Carlos III and, on the corner of Calle del Carmen, a bronze statue of a bear climbing an arbutus tree, the symbol of the city.
Pulpo Gallego

Octopus “Galician style” originated in a part of the country famous for its fish and seafood dishes. Usually served on a wooden platter, it comes in slices on a layer of potato, with a large dose of oil and a sprinkling of paprika. Pulpo gallego is extremely popular in Madrid.
Purificación García

The minimalist layout of the store is the perfect backdrop for the Spanish designer’s sleek men’s and women’s clothing. Good range of accessories.
Raciones

Generally, a plate of jamón Serrano (cured ham), chorizo (spicy sausage), queso manchego (sheep’s milk cheese) or pâté.
Rafa Postigo

Rafa Postigo reinvents traditional tweed as elegant and audacious evening wear in brightly coloured combinations. Also sells parasols, shawls and a whole range of other beautiful accessories.
Rafael Atocha

For those not travelling on an expense account, this modern 3-star hotel offers exceptional value. Near Atocha railway station, all 245 rooms have satellite and cable TV, and marble bathrooms with direct-dial phone. Facilities include a business centre, restaurant and garage.
RAMSES

BAR AND RESTAURANT DESIGNED BY PHILIPPE STARCK. THE MOST HIP PLACE IN TOWN.

PLAZA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA 4

MADRID 28001

0034914351666

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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