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.

Calle de Hermosilla

This side-street off Serrano has everything from cut-glass decanters to beach bags. For designer clothes for children, try Nanos (No. 21). Vista Alegre (No. 29) has a glittering array of Portuguese-made tableware. If you’re off on safari but still want to look elegant, Colonel Tapioca (No. 32) fits the bill with backpacks, cord shorts, shirts and hats for the fashion-conscious. Estay is just the job for a spot of lunch. Next door but one is Tea Shop (No. 48), with more than 40 aromatic teas, including rum, toffee, cherry and passion fruit.
Calle de las Huertas

The name refers to the orchards that flourished here in the 17th century. Today the street is better known for its nightlife.
Calle de Serrano

Madrid’s smartest shopping street runs through the heart of the Salamanca district. Here, top Spanish designer names such as Adolfo Domínguez, Purificación García and Roberto Verino, rub shoulders with Armani, Gucci, Yves St-Laurent and Cartier. Even if you’re not especially interested in fashion, there’s plenty to amuse you. Madrid’s best-known department store, El Corte Inglés, has branches at Nos. 47 and 52, Crisol (No. 24) is good for art books, while VIPS Viajes (No. 39) specializes in travel. If you’re looking for gifts, Papelería Saab (No. 20) has a good selection. For a bite to eat, try Serrano 50 which has a menú del día as well as tapas .
Calle54

After making the film Calle-54 , Spanish director Fernando Trueba created this club to offer the best in lively latin-jazz. There is also a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. The show starts at 11pm and booking is essential.
Callos a la Madrileña

Tripe may not be to everyone’s taste, but try it “Madrid-style” in a typical taberna and you may change your mind. The ingredients of this tasty stew include chorizo (Spanish sausage), tomatoes, onions and paprika.
Campo del Moro

The Campo del Moro is a pleasing park, rising steeply from the Rio Manzanares to offer one of the finest views of the Palacio Real. The park has a varied history. In 1109 a Moorish army, led by Ali ben Yusuf bivouacked here, hence the name. In the late 19th century it was used as a lavish playground for royal children. It was reopened to the public in 1931 under the Second Republic closed again under Franco and not reopened until 1983.
Canapés

The toppings for canapés range from anchovies and egg slices to morcilla (black pudding) and smoked salmon.
Cántaro

A treasure trove for admirers of pottery and an excellent place to shop for gifts. Products from all over Spain at very reasonable prices.
Caramelos Paco

The display windows of this famous sweet emporium are ablaze with colour. Some of the flavours – rice pudding, for example – sound less appealing than others. Sugar-free sweets for diabetics.
Carlos III

Madrid’s “best mayor” spent little of the first part of his reign in the city, but his long-term impact is undeniable.