Royal Madrid

Description:

The Palace is an ornate Victorian wedding cake known as the gran dueña of Spanish hotels. It had an auspicious beginning, inaugurated personally by King Alfonso XIII in 1912, and covers an entire city block in the historical and artistic area. The property was a military hospital during the civil war, and when it reverted back to hotel status, politicians, artists, and celebrities formed a strong part of its clientele. It faces the Prado and Neptune Fountain and lies within walking distance of the main shopping center and the best antiques shops. Some of the city's most intriguing tascas and restaurants are a short stroll away.

Architecturally, the Palace captures the grand pre-World War I style, with an emphasis on space and comfort; a stunning atrium dominates the ground floor public areas. Although it doesn't achieve the snob appeal of its nearby siblings, the Ritz and the Villa Real, it's one of the largest hotels in Madrid and offers first-class service. The air-conditioned hotel has conservative, traditional rooms, boasting plenty of space, large, immaculate bathrooms, and lots of extras. Accommodations vary widely, with the best rooms found on the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors. Rooms on the side are noisy and lack views. Many rooms appear not to have been renovated for some time.

Our Local Expert Says:

From El Escorial you can make an easy trip to el Valle de los Caidos.

Description:

This historic complex is divided into three parts: the monastery (with Lucas Jordán's frescoes), the royal mausoleum, and the palace. The palace's magnificent rooms are decorated with paintings by Titian, El Greco, and Claudio Coello, as well as wonderful 18th-century furniture. The library contains a fascinating collection of manuscripts and the Museum of Painting and Architecture is worth a look. Felipe II commissioned Juan Bautista de Toledo and Juan de Herrera to build everything between 1563 and 1584 to commemorate Spanish victory in the battle of San Quintín (1557). Transport: 50km by car from Madrid on N-VI then M-505 roads. Regular trains every day from Madrid's railway stations and buses from Moncloa.

Description:

A funicular takes you up to the base of this huge 150m cross built on top of General Franco's tomb. The dictator's body lies behind the impressive crypt and transept. The views of the Sierra de Guadarama from up here are magnificent. Transport: Take the train from Madrid or the bus from Moncloa. Admission required.

Description:

The city's most imaginative chef, Ferran Adrià, isn't in Madrid. He's still tending those pots and pans in the little town of Roses near Girona in Catalonia. But the innovative master of cuisine created all the dishes on the menu here and flies in regularly to see that his cooks are following his orders. His luxe restaurant in Madrid lies on the top floor of the Casino in Madrid, a historical building and a former gentlemen's club with a history going back to 1910. Even the grand dons of those days surely didn't dine as well as you can today.

Adrià's dishes are exquisite, and food critics (and I concur) are always writing about taste "explosions" in your mouth. His Catalan restaurant is El Bulli, meaning "innovative" in Spanish. The same name could apply to this Madrid dining hot spot that provides a panoramic view of the heart of Madrid and can be reached by an elevator or up a sweeping 19th-century staircase designed to impress. The decor is classically restrained with high ceilings and crystal chandeliers. The exquisite food uses fresh seasonal ingredients and reinterprets Spanish dishes. An example is raya (skate) in oil and saffron with parsley purée and nuts on a bed of finely diced fries. More traditional dishes include the succulent merluza a la gallega (Galician hake), crema de la fabada asturiana (creamed Asturian bean soup), and the steeply priced jamón Jabugo (cured ham from acorn-fed pigs) served with a menestra (mixed vegetables) al dente. Only French champagne and Spanish wines are listed, and one of the best is the rounded woody red, the Ribera del Duero from the province of Valladolid.

Description:

Once a mid-19th century meeting place for Madrid's high society, this beautiful palace is now a luxurious disco, open to the general public. There is a different special theme every night: Tuesday nights it is salsa, Wednesdays are for tango, and Thursday nights you can enjoy the International Fiesta. Manuel Gaviria, a prominent banker, hired an Italian architect to create the Renaissance-style palace in 1846. Sadly, the neon signs and tacky shops and bars on the busy street level detract more than a little from what must have been a magnificent external appearance.

Description:

Spain's democratically elected Diputados (MPs) meet here to discuss matters of state and formulate legislation. Individuals can visit on Saturdays between 10.30a and 12.30p. 50 people are allowed in every 30 minutes. You must bring your DNI (national identification card) or passport. Group visits can be organized by writing to the Protocol Department on Carrera de San Jerónimo with the organization's name, address, phone number, contact person and number of visitors (55 persons maximum). Plenary sessions can also be visited by reserving a place in the Chamber on the Friday before the session at the Calle Zorilla door (6p-8p with your DNI or passport). Admission: free

Description:

Neptune's Fountain stands in green and peaceful Plaza Cánovas del Castillo, a totally different atmosphere from the hurly-burly surrounding its sister fountain up the road, Cibeles. Carlos III had it built by Ventura Rodríguez in 1780 as part of his continuous quest to beautify the city. You'll find two upmarket hotels in the same square - Ritz and Palace - as well as the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Atlético de Madrid soccer fans meet here to celebrate their team's victories with rowdy high spirits.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of Cibeles' hands was stolen during a soccer celebration, although it has since been restored.

Description:

Another majestic work of art commissioned by King Carlos III to ennoble the city. This time his architects chose to create an image in white stone of the goddess Cibeles driving a carriage drawn by lions. Ventura Rodríguez came up with the design while Roberto Michel and Francisco Gutiérrez carried out the work. It's surrounded by some of the city's most important historic buildings and it has become a favourite symbolic landmark for madrileños. The fans of Real Madrid football club gather here to celebrate their team's victories.

Description:

This is the grandiose name for Madrid's imposing Correos (Post Office) building, which was completed at the end of the first World War by Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi. An extravagant wedding cake look-alike that gleams cream-ochre above the Plaza de la Cibeles, it's one of the most emblematic images of 20th-century Madrid. An ambitious blend of Spanish and Viennese Art Nouveau, the building is anything but functional in style, and contrasts strongly with the stark modernity of many buildings lining the nearby Castellana Avenue. Inside, it's just as dramatic, with high ceilings, soaring pillars, marble floors, and a palatial staircase. You won't find a more impressive place to buy stamps for your postcards.

Description:

Headquarters to an organization responsible for improving relations between Spain and South America, this lovely old palace acts as a venue for numerous cultural events throughout the year. It contains a newspaper and magazine library, a video library, several exhibition rooms and an auditorium, as well as a restaurant, shop, museum and bookshop. It's one of the finest examples of neo-baroque design in Spain and was built at the end of the 19th century for the Marquis of Linares. You'll find it amongst all the other architectural masterpieces surrounding Cibeles Fountain. Admission: Free.

Description:

One of Madrid's enduring symbols, it's made entirely of granite with one central arch and two smaller passageways on each side. Carlos III had his Court architect Sabatini build the gate in 1778 as a monument to himself and to show visiting merchants from Aragon how important the city had become. The ornamental statues are the work of Roberto Michel and Francisco Gutiérrez. It's location is spectacular, as it stands on raised ground opposite another symbol of the city, Cibeles Fountain.

Our Local Expert Says:

Find the only statue dedicated to the fallen angel in Madrid.

Description:

It's known as the "lungs of Madrid" and few cities can boast such a large park (118 hectares) in such a central location. There's a large boating lake and the park has three art galleries (Casa de Vacas, Palacio de Cristal and Palacio de Velázquez. On weekends and holidays, it fills with madrileños (citizens of Madrid) and performers of all sorts, including mime artists and jugglers, painters, singers, puppet masters and fortune-tellers. It was built as a royal park in the 17th century, and until 1868 it was the exclusive reserve of the aristocracy.

Description:

This palace was originally built as a pavilion for the Mining Exhibition of 1883 and it's now used as an exhibition hall for contemporary art organized by the Museo Reina Sofia. It's located in front of the famous Artichoke Fountain in Retiro Park. The exterior is a marvellous display of two-tone brickwork and tiles around a metal frame crowned by a dome. The palace is named after the architect who designed and built it, Velázquez Bosco. Admission is free.

Description:

Madrid hosted an exhibition on the Philippine Islands in 1887, and the same architect who created the nearby Palacio de Velázquez was hired to design this greenhouse to hold all the flowers brought over from the islands. It's an attractive steel and glass design that now houses temporary exhibitions of contemporary art organized by the Museo Reina Sofía.

Description:

It's not every day you get the opportunity to visit a museum where a workforce of up to 50 people produces and restores tapestries using 18th-century techniques. In addition to the worshops, there's a gallery where you can examine the tapestries, rugs and carpets that are made here. The factory opened in 1721 during the reign of Felipe V, and only became a public museum in the mid-1980s. Admission required. There are guided tours in Spanish, French and English.

Description:

The original idea here was to create a mausoleum dedicated to famous figures from Spanish history. In the end, the project ran out of steam and only the pantheon and tower were built, forming part of the Basílica de Atocha. Nevertheless, some heavyweight military, political and cultural historical figures are represented. There are 13 in total, including Prim, Ríos Rosas, Cánovas del Castillo, Argüelles and Mendizábal. Valencian sculptor Benlliure contributed some interesting pieces.

Description:

Viridiana -- named after the 1961 Luis Buñuel film classic -- is widely regarded as one of the finest restaurants of Madrid, renowned for the creative imagination of its chef and part-owner, Abraham García, who has lined the walls with stills from Buñuel films. (He's not just a self-taught chef; he's also a film historian.) Menu specialties are contemporary adaptations of traditional recipes, and they change frequently according to availability. Examples of the individualistic cooking include a salad of exotic lettuces served with smoked salmon, a chicken pastilla (pie) laced with cinnamon, baby squid with curry served on a bed of lentils, roasted lamb served in puff pastry with fresh basil, and the choicest langostinos from Cádiz. The food is sublime, and the inviting ambience makes you relax as you sit back to enjoy dishes that dazzle the eye, notably venison and rabbit arranged on a plate with fresh greens to evoke an autumnal scene in a forest.

Description:

The Palace is an ornate Victorian wedding cake known as the gran dueña of Spanish hotels. It had an auspicious beginning, inaugurated personally by King Alfonso XIII in 1912, and covers an entire city block in the historical and artistic area. The property was a military hospital during the civil war, and when it reverted back to hotel status, politicians, artists, and celebrities formed a strong part of its clientele. It faces the Prado and Neptune Fountain and lies within walking distance of the main shopping center and the best antiques shops. Some of the city's most intriguing tascas and restaurants are a short stroll away.

Architecturally, the Palace captures the grand pre-World War I style, with an emphasis on space and comfort; a stunning atrium dominates the ground floor public areas. Although it doesn't achieve the snob appeal of its nearby siblings, the Ritz and the Villa Real, it's one of the largest hotels in Madrid and offers first-class service. The air-conditioned hotel has conservative, traditional rooms, boasting plenty of space, large, immaculate bathrooms, and lots of extras. Accommodations vary widely, with the best rooms found on the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors. Rooms on the side are noisy and lack views. Many rooms appear not to have been renovated for some time.

Description:

El Pardo palace began life as a royal hunting lodge. It later became General Franco's official residence, and nowadays it is a museum and accommodation for visiting foreign leaders. Its great collection of paintings, textiles, antique furniture, and porcelain is open to the public. Roberto Michel's decorative ceilings and Bayeu y Maella's murals are particularly worth seeing. The prince's palace and the Quinta palace (closed for restoration work) are also part of this complex, eight kilometers away on the outskirts of Madrid. The wooded gardens and restaurants here are popular with locals relaxing on weekends. Take the public bus (El Pardo-Mingorrubio) from Moncloa.

Description:

Resembling a space ship, the Faro de Moncloa is an observation deck, accessed by an elevator in the base, featuring panoramic views of the city. Built in Madrid's Moncloa district in 1992, the Faro de Moncloa was closed to the public for repairs in 2005 and is now scheduled to open again in late 2011.

Description:

Taberna la Percha is divided in two dining areas: one's a traditional tapas bar and the other is a more formal but still relaxed dining room in which homemade specials are offered. Specials include dishes like Huevos Rotos with Ham (basically, fried eggs with ham) and Migas (bread crumbs fried in olive oil with peppers and chunks of spicy sausage). The building itself features a domed 14th-century ceiling and the remains of an old Moorish wall, but the restaurant only dates from 1998.

Our Local Expert Says:

You can grab a stool or stand at the bar to get a taste of the scrumptious tapas and tasty wines here.

Description:

The focus here is on Basque cuisine from the Bilbao area rather than the more common specialties from San Sebastián. Nevertheless, cod in all its many varieties is still the star of the menu, especially prepared a la vizcaína (onions and red peppers) and al pil pil (olive oil and garlic). On Fridays and Saturdays, the kitchen serves up an unforgettable Alubiada (white bean stew feast). The wine list contains a fine selection from Rioja, Valdepeñas, Ribera del Duero and Penedés.

Description:

This bustling three-story restaurant is located right on Plaza de la Cebada close to the Rastro market and the labyrinthine lanes of Lavapiés. Grilling is the big thing here with an emphasis on Uruguayan chorizo (a sausage of red peppers and pork), salchichas (sausages), and beef, but the wide-ranging choice also covers salads, pinchitos (shish kabobs), and couscous. Prices are very reasonable, and there's a first-rate prix-fixe menu. Lunch times tend to be packed, and market visitors make it particularly busy on Sundays. On sunny summer days you can eat on the terrace and enjoy the view.

Description:

The Palace is an ornate Victorian wedding cake known as the gran dueña of Spanish hotels. It had an auspicious beginning, inaugurated personally by King Alfonso XIII in 1912, and covers an entire city block in the historical and artistic area. The property was a military hospital during the civil war, and when it reverted back to hotel status, politicians, artists, and celebrities formed a strong part of its clientele. It faces the Prado and Neptune Fountain and lies within walking distance of the main shopping center and the best antiques shops. Some of the city's most intriguing tascas and restaurants are a short stroll away.

Architecturally, the Palace captures the grand pre-World War I style, with an emphasis on space and comfort; a stunning atrium dominates the ground floor public areas. Although it doesn't achieve the snob appeal of its nearby siblings, the Ritz and the Villa Real, it's one of the largest hotels in Madrid and offers first-class service. The air-conditioned hotel has conservative, traditional rooms, boasting plenty of space, large, immaculate bathrooms, and lots of extras. Accommodations vary widely, with the best rooms found on the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors. Rooms on the side are noisy and lack views. Many rooms appear not to have been renovated for some time.

Description:

This former royal residence houses a fantastic collection of paintings (Velázquez, Caravaggio and Goya), sculpture, furniture, tapestries, glassware, gold and silverware, medals, porcelain and musical instruments. It is well worth visiting the rooms decorated by Gasparini as well as the Royal Pharmacy, the Library, and the Royal Armoury. King Felipe V commissioned the Italian architect Sabatini to design the palace, and work was carried out betwween 1738-1770.

Description:

Located opposite Palacio Real (Royal Palace), this is the city's largest, most elegant and peaceful square. It's a semi-circle of landscaped gardens planted with many varieties of trees and flowers. Statues of medieval kings line one of the walkways and Felipe IV takes centre stage. The horse he sits on was modelled on a Velázquez drawing. It's an attractive pedestrianized area with an underground car-park below and many smart cafés with outdoor terraces to choose from. The Teatro Real (Opera House) is just round the corner.

Description:

It is much more than a café. In fact, this is a restaurant that is good enough to have been awarded a Michelin star for its creative and modern style of cooking. The house specials are cod prepared in a variety of ways and duck liver paté. There is a gourmet menu and an excellent wine cellar. The restaurant is built on top of the ruins of an old convent close to the Teatro Real, and tends to fill up after performances and on Sunday afternoons when the outdoor terrace is very popular.

Description:

A spacious and elegantly furnished tavern that offers high-quality food at reasonable prices, the highlights include white shrimp fresh from the coast at Huelva, lamb sweetbreads and portions of homemade croquettes. The various stews on the menu are exceptionally good and they include Rape Al Ajillo (garlic monkfish), Arroz Con Bogavante (rice with lobster) for two people and Rabo de Toro (oxtail). Wash it all down with draught beer, vermouth from the barrel or house wine.

Our Local Expert Says:

You can see the theater without seeing a show, take a guided visit in the morning. No tours Tuesday.

Description:

Madrid's Opera House has one of the largest stages in the world and seats up to 1630 spectators. Its annual programme features the whole range of operatic styles and genre from the baroque to the contemporary, including the ever-popular work of composers like Mozart, Rossini, Verdi and Wagner. It also hosts lyric concerts and dance performances. You'll find it close to the Palacio Real (Royal Palace). Tickets are hard to come by, so book early.