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.

Rioja

Spain’s classiest wines hail from the upper Ebro valley (La Rioja) and have a distinctive, oaky flavour.
Ritz

Madrid’s oldest luxury hotel remains true to the traditional values of refined comfort and impeccable service. The belle époque decor and furnishings extend to all 156 rooms, but are seen to best effect in the restaurant, overlooking a flower-filled garden. Facilities include a solarium, gym and sauna.
Robata

The usual Japanese combinations of tempura, sushi and sashimi dishes. Minimalist décor.
Roberto Verino

Men’s and women’s fashions and accessories by another of Spain’s flagship designers. Claims to cater for confident women who know what they want to wear.
Rock Ola

This La Latina nightclub was one of the most important venues of the movida period. Regularly closed down by the police because of drug dealing, it was here that all the influential movida bands played.
Rosa Negra

Wacky gift shop for fans of Disney, Looney Tunes and other cartoons with a weird and wonderful selection of mugs, games and soft toys.
Roscón de Reyes

Circular brioches flavoured with almonds and candied fruit. Usually contain a small charm.
Rosquillas del santo

Small doughnuts with a variety of flavours and bizarre names – “the fool”, “the intelligent one” and “Santa Clara” are just some of them.
Royal Palace

The Palacio Real or Royal Palace is the largest and certainly one of the most impressive palaces in Europe. It has more than 2000 luxuriously decorated rooms, 50 of which can be visited. It is located on the east of Madrid's historic center, within walking distance of the Plaza de España.

Visitors enter the Palace via the large Plaza de la Armería. Some of the sumptuous rooms accessible to visitors are the 400m2 large dining room, the Sala de Porcelana (china room) and the Salón del Trono (throne room) with red velvet walls. The palace also includes the Arméria Real, the royal army museum. It contains a beautiful collection of armory, including King Charles V's armour suit.
Rueda

This small, up-and-coming region south of Valladolid produces lively white wines using the Verdejo grape.

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
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