10 Ways to Relax in Madrid

Here at MAPMagazine, we try to give you plenty of information on the latest and greatest in Madrid. We do such a great job, that we’ve decided you need a break from your action-packed, fun-loving schedule. Take some time to take a deep breath and recharge! Here are our top 10 favorite ideas for taking in the best of Madrid while enjoying some relaxation:

By Alondra Palomino

Romantic Guide to Madrid

When talking about romantic cities, Paris always seems to come up top of everyone´s list. However, our beloved Madrid also has its fair share of romantic potential to create a perfect date with a new loved one, or special moments with an old one. Anyone can go to a bar for a glass of vino or to a fancy restaurant, but it´s much more appealing to be original when planning special time with your partner so here are a few ideas…

Daytime dates

Madrid´s famous Retiro Park is a great place to head for a romantic walk through the greenery. Stroll around the park, people watch, or take a seat on a quiet bench and let the conversation flow. Alternatively, you could rent a row boat on the boating pond and enjoy a Bridget Jones-worthy moment on the water. Pass by the Palacio de Cristal which is a personal favourite of mine and regularly houses various art installations throughout the year. Or, for the more active folk, get some roller skates on and join the other rolling stock in the park to take advantage of the wide promenades all around. Although if you´re a novice, you might want to take arm and knee pads – the local Emergency Room isn´t one of the romantic destinations on our list.

Another outdoor location worth exploring is the Lago (lit: Lake). Most well-known for its summer swimming pools, the Lago also has a separate lake and, away from the bronzing bodies, the lake itself is encircled by a string of cafes and restaurants with terraces to sit and enjoy.  You can get to the Lago by metro (Line 10) but, if you have a full afternoon to indulge yourself in venturing, I would instead suggest taking the teleférico (cable car). The cable car station is located just off Paseo del Pintor Rosales (Link to Argüelles & Moncloa) and the cars will transport you over rooftops and railway tracks into the middle of the Casa de Campo. From here you can then take advantage of the peaceful 20-30 minute walk through nature, and save the metro for the ride home.

On a warm day, when a picnic is the perfect thing to do, head to one of the more forgotten gems of Madrid, the Parque del Oeste (lit: The Western Park). Unlike the Retiro, the Parque del Oeste is generally not home to crowds of people and even on a Saturday afternoon you can take a quiet stroll and find plenty of idyllic spots to set down your blanket and unpack your lunch pale. From the middle of the park you can barely see or hear any signs of the city; it´s almost as if you took a C.S. Lewis step out of Madrid and entered into distant countryside. There is even a babbling brook that runs along the valley of the park. On your way to or from the Parque del Oeste, I would recommend stopping off at the Templo de Debod. The temple was given to Spain as a gift from Egypt for helping them save the temples that would have otherwise been flooded  by the building of the Aswan High Dam. The temple, transported and reconstructed stone by stone, sits at the western edge of the city with a spectacular view of the Casa del Campo. There are also occasional free sunset concerts next to the temple that will help score some romance points and add something different to your evening.

Evening engagements

As night-time falls and the city transforms into twinkling lights and bustling streets, there are a number of things to do either before or after heading for dinner and drinks. The Palacio Real is spectacular at night, with lighting that creates an impressive backdrop for a moonlight stroll with your loved one. The Café Oriente provides a picturesque view, which is perfect to enjoy a fine wine whilst looking out at the palace. From here you could then walk to Las Vistillas where you will come across some splendid views from above Calle de Segovia looking out over the southwest of Madrid.

Recently, one of the neighbouring streets by Plaza de España has been brushed and scrubbed up and Calle de Martín de los Héros is now post-makeover. It is a great pedestrian zone with an array of cute bars, cafes, shops and the cinemas of Plaza de los Cubos right next door. As C/Martín de los Héros is centrally located it means that you can easily fit it in to any part of your day/evening. Plaza de España itself also has a charm that will help you get all starry-eyed, though maybe best to avoid on Friday and Saturday evenings as it becomes a popular spot for botellón (phenomenon of young people drinking together in a public place).

One place that will put a twinkle into even the dullest day is Toni 2 Piano Bar. This romantic lounge hosts a live piano player who will tinkle the ivories all afternoon/evening. This place is popular with the older crowd but is still high on the dream dates stakes.

Inevitably there will be call for refreshments at some point in the evening, but to keep the theme above the run-of-the-mill sitios, go above the buildings themselves and head to one of the city´s terraces. Hotel de las Letras, Gaudeamus Café and El Viajero are just a few of the top spots that merit consideration for ´taking a beverage´. Or should you decide against a terrace then I would factor El Jardin Secreto (C/Conde Duque) into your plans. Renowned for its ´cute and romantic´ atmosphere, this dimly lit bar/restaurant comes equipped with fairy lights and enough trinkets to fill a pirate´s ship. If you aren´t in the love-mood before you walk in the door, you surely will be by the time you get to your seat. And what better way to add to a dreamy date than to throw in a helping of chocolate, and El Jardin Secreto´s Orgasmo de chocolate (lit: Chocolate Orgasm) comes highly recommended.

For the traditionalists out there, the following bars and restaurants are among the date-worthy in the city:

Drinks at Olé Lola, La Mantequería, Café de la Luz or Jose Alfredo´s.

Food at Botin, Con Dos Fogones, La Vaquería Suiza, La Bardemcilla or La Gloria de Montera.

By Tom Burgess

Hasta las Vistas: Eight Rooftop Hotspots in Madrid

When talking about Madrid you will inevitably run into the “rooftop terrace” conversation. Everyone wants to know where the best views can be found. And having mooched, lounged and lorded my way around some of the topspots of Madrid I’ve noticed that one doesn’t rate higher than another, but that each has their own little twist, niche or cariño. From swish and swanky surroundings to a cute urban garden retreat, each week I seem to discover another hidden rooftop hideaway.

Roommate’s Óscar Hotel (Plaza de Vazquez Mella. Tel: +34 91-701-1173. Metro: Chueca / Gran Vía) is a hidden gem open to the public from 20:00 p.m. until 00:00 a.m. every night. Ride the elevator to the 7^th floor and beach party sounds grow louder and louder as you follow the corridor. White is unavoidable at Oscar: from the furniture, the beds, the uniforms and the teeth of the handsome waiters that wait to serve you. Select your perch at one of the many tables, head up by the pool to nab a floor couch, or hover by the bar to see the fashionistas come and go. Although Oscar can’t really be described as a cheap option, I would still push for a visit, especially if you’re looking for that perfect place to take a special someone. Book accommodation in Chueca.

Now if white isn’t your colour and you’re pining for some greenery and garden relaxation then I’d suggest heading to the terrace of Hotel Las Letras (C/Gran Vía, 11. Tel: +34 91-523-7980. Metro: Gran Vía / Sevilla / Sol). With a very different feel, the terrace of Las Letras boasts a fine urban garden with plenty of cute corners in which to relax. The view is not what you come for (unless the sides of neighbouring buildings gets your blood pumping), but well worth checking out nonetheless. The ambience is one of chilling out in seclusion and the feel of being in your own secret corner of the world. Book accommodation in Gran Via

Another in the hotel terrace genre comes in the form of the 5* Hotel Urban roof terrace (Carrera San Jerónimo. Tel: +34 91-787-7770. Metro: Sol / Sevilla). With its world-class reputation it is no surprise that the Urban terrace is a good one, and has that spark of magic that will leave you wanting to return. As is expected, the prices are not what brings in the crowds but for the odd drink they won’t break the bank. This is a good place to start your evening before moving on to more modestly priced venues. Book accommodation in Sol

In a very different category, there is one place that is often overlooked ¾ El Corte Inglés Callao (Plaza de Callao. Metro: Callao / Sol). Venture up to the 9^th Floor café, sit at one of the window tables, and enjoy one of the best views of Madrid and the Sierra de Madrid. This unpolished watchpoint has the benefit of lacking the potential snootiness of some of the more exclusive terrace locations. The café leaves a lot to be desired in terms of internal décor but they offer a range of food and drinks and the view really is worth a visit, day or night. Plus, you have the perfect excuse for a spot of shopping on the way up and on the way back down. Book accommodation near Callao.

Recently featuring the photo/art exhibition “Oh Cielos!” (Lit: “Oh skies!” – an exhibition celebrating the sky-views of Madrid), the terrace of El Circulo De Bellas Artes (C/ Marqués de Casa Riera, just off C/Alcalá. Tel: +34 91-360-5400. Metro: Sevilla / Banco de Espana) is situated in the heart of the city centre and offers a panoramic view  that towers over nearly every other building in central Madrid. From this spectular, and rather spacious, rooftop you can enjoy to your heart’s content the scenery to the north, south, east and west. “Oh Cielos!” has now finished but Circulo de Bellas Artes often makes full use of its terrace so add it to your to-visit list. Book accommodation near Sevilla.

Another top spot is El Viajero (Plaza de la Cebada. Tel: +34 91-366-9064. Metro: La Latina). This 3-storey bar/restaurant in La Latina has a real buzz on the weekends and the top floor is a terrific little terrace. An excellent place to head to on a Sunday afternoon; they play great chilled club music, reminiscent of an after-party, that is ideal for Sunday lazing. Get there early to get a spot on the terrace, or even a table downstairs, as this place packs out quickly and stays packed all afternoon/evening. The vibe flitters between lively and relaxed as groups come and go (or grow!) but all the while remaining a fun place to be. Book accommodation in La Latina.

If you move on down to Lavapies you can find a terrace where ambience, views, good food and culture all come together in superb unison. The Gaudeamus Café (C/Tribulete, 14. Tel: +34 91 528 2594. Metro: Lavapies) sits at the top of the Edificio Escuelas Pías (UNED) building and presents its guests with views of Lavapies. The food is varied and of a high quality, though not the cheapest you´ll find. But it´s just the place for a special occasion dinner, or to come for a drink. And if you´re in the neighbourhood then why not also wander over to Tirso De Molina and check out Casa de Granada (C/Doctor Cortezo, 17. Tel: +34 91 420 0825. Metro: Tirso de Molina) where you´ll find one of the most clandestine of roof terraces. You have to buzz into an apartment building and make your way to the 6^th floor where you´ll discover a real find. As its name might imply, Casa De Granada maintains an Andalucian theme and serves a wide assortment of good sized tapas at low prices and the staff bring some of the white city´s friendliness and warmth to add to the lively atmosphere. Book accommodation near Lavapies.

As a little tip, I would recommend chatting to the staff at any of these venues as they can often recommend similar places in the city if you ask kindly enough. Although rooftops in Madrid are almost like an elite club for only those in the know, now you have an all access pass.

By Tom Burgess

Madrid Dishes We Dare You to Try

You’ve landed in Madrid and you’re ready to explore its narrow streets, bustling plazas, historical sites, and  try traditional dishes, but for those thrill-seekers out there is that enough?  When it comes to food there’s plenty of tasty yet strange, actually some would possibly say disgusting, dishes you should surely try if you want to feel like a “real” Madrileno.  All these dishes will have any vegetarian running for the hills. Here are four plates we dare you to try and if you have any complaints, well, we double dog dare you to raise that to your waiter as well!

Morcilla – Sausage stuffed with pig’s blood, onions, and rice
The wonderful news about Morcilla (black pudding) is, well, you can find it pretty much everywhere. Walk in to any tapas bar in the La Latina neighborhood and you’re bound to see people eating it by the mouth full.  Although it looks gross (black, almost purple-lish in color, and thick), it’s actually really sweet tasting and addictive. Depending on where you go they may stuff it with different spices, but the main ingredient, pig and pig’s blood, well, you can’t really swap that for something else. I’d definitely recommend eating it with lots of bread on the first try … it’s an acquired taste.

Cochinillo – Suckling pig
The best Cochinillo in Madrid is served at Botin (Calle de los Cuchilleros, 17, Metro: Tirso de Molina / Sol, Telephone: 91 366 42 17). Botin is noted in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest restaurant in the world, and has been mentioned in many famous literary texts (the owner, Carlos, says that Hemmingway finished the last page of The Sun Also Rises at an upstairs table). The current owners’ grandparents bought the establishment over ninety years ago,  and they’ve used the same oven since 1725, which is maybe why their suckling pig is the best in the city. The restaurant has strict rules for the little piggies before they arrive at the restaurant. They cannot be over four kilos or twenty days in age, and the must have only been fed mother’s milk. Once the piglets arrive at the restaurant they are put into the oven for two and a half hours. To get a glimpse of the little ones waiting to be placed in the oven – walk straight back from the entrance and look in to see the shelves of piglets and the ancient oven.

Oreja de Cerdo = Pig ears
I’d say if you don’t know how make pig ears (do you fry or boil them?) then head to Bodegas de la Ardosa (Calle Colon, 13, Metro: Chueca, 91 521 4979). Founded in 1892 and known as the seventh oldest tavern in Madrid, here is where you can enjoy a succulent pig ear all for yourself. Lucky for you, they serve this Spanish delicacy with Salsa Brava (red sauce).

Gallinejas, Entresijos and Mollejas – All parts of a lamb fried in its own fat!
One of the fattiest and almost gut wrenching (not only when it goes down but also the smell) must try foods are the Gallinejas, Entresijos and Mollejas. The best place, and one of the few places that still serves them, is  Gallinejas Embajadores (Calle Embajadores, 84, Metro: Embajadores). The large plate shows off the loveliest fatty fried pieces of lamb and they top it off with some french fries. Yep, you’re all set for a great night owt on the town, or on the toilet.

Complain or Change of order
You’ve decided to try one of the foods mentioned above and you don’t like your meal, or after you’ve ordered you’ve changed your mind. Well, we dare you to ask the waiter to change your order, or complain that the food is too salty, fatty, or the fish is not fresh, the meat is not cooked enough. In Madrid the service at restaurants is not like in other parts of the world … But if you’re up for a heckle and big-to-do it’s a great way to entertain yourself and the people you’re with.

Traditional Tapas in Sol

Located just off of Puerta del Sol, Taberna La Soberbia is the perfect place for anyone trying to experience traditional Madrid dining.  Its affordable but high-quality tapas, “raciones” and delicious sangria make it an ideal place to take visitors.  It’s nearly always packed so if you like an earlier dinner, try getting there around 21:00 or 21:30 p.m.  Its proximity to the central hub of the city makes it a convenient and popular stop for tourists, but inside you will always find its fair share of locals.

Every time you walk in or out the waiters will greet you in unison.  It’s quite nice actually, and you are almost always shown to a table immediately.  I have found Taberna La Soberbia to be the most affordable place to go for good “jamón serrano” in Madrid.  While other places often charge about 15€ for a ration of ham, the tavern offers a half ration for 8€, which is plenty for up to four people, providing you order other things. Other favorites include the “albóndigas” (meatballs in sauce) and, best of all, the “pimientos rellenos de bacalao” (peppers stuffed with cod), which are absolutely divine.  Also delicious are the Cogollos con ahumados (little lettuce hearts with smoked fish) and the Morcilla (although, if you get a chance to travel to Burgos, you should definitely taste this traditional blood sausage there as well).

The establishment actually served as a traditional little tavern under the first republic.  It was renovated in 2000 with prized Adolfo Montes Tiles.  The inside is quite beautiful, with lovely tiles and dark wood paneling.  Flamenco music supposedly plays in the background, if you can hear over the chattering buzz.

Come here on a night with friends to enjoy a long Spanish dinner, complete with the after-dinner “sobremesa”.  Just to make you feel extra special, your waiter will bring you a “chupito de la casa” (a little shot of the house digestive liqueur) after your meal. After being wined and dined here in the heart of Madrid, you’re set to head off to any of the surrounding bars and clubs.

In terms of delicious traditional food at a reasonable price, it’s hard to beat Taverna La Soberbia in the immediate Sol area.  Drop by for breakfast or dinner and see for yourself!

A warning for girls: the waiters can be flirtatious, but never to excess.

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Taberna La Soberbia
Calle Espoz y Mina, 1
Phone: 91 531 05 76
Price: Dinner: 15-20 euros per person with drinks
Hours:  Breakfasts: 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. Monday- Saturday.  Dinner: 21:00 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Monday- Wednesday, 21:00 p.m.- 2:00 a.m. Thursday, 21:00 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. Friday, Saturday, 21:00 p.m.- 1:30 a.m. Sunday.
Metro: Sol

By Chloé Rousseau