The “Mercado de San Miguel” is one of the oldest covered markets in Madrid. It was recently refurbished and now offers and whole new concept of market. You can actually go and buy good fruits, cheese (more than 100 different varieties) and fish among others things… you can also have oysters with a glass of wine while reading a book bought in the library recently opened inside the place.

Its 33 shops offer a great variety of the best delicatessen delicatessen products in a magnificent setting. It can be called the market of this century even though the Market is almost one hundred years old (it was constructed in 1916).

Mercado de San Miguel has recently gained a new appearance, but you can recognize the metal structure of its original construction (the only one surviving in Madrid). Located near “la Plaza Mayor“, it has certainly become the soul of the square!

This is one of these lovely places in Madrid that combines books with drinks, magic with a great atmosphere. Nostalgia and vanguard in the same room, full of antiques on the walls. Images from the first Holy Communion, pictures in black and white, old furniture… There is a careful selection of champagnes that you can mix with fruits, sweets and other surprises.

And of course, always something new going on in María Pandora. And they are even on Facebook!

It’s also possible to celebrate your birthday party or even your wedding because they know how to arrange all details. There are exhibitions, cultural events and good music. From Portuguese fado to chançon francaise (from the 50´s), or blues.

Don´t miss their funny menu, where you can find what they call “cosquillas” (“tickling”) with cava, liquor, tenderness…Or just try any of their non alcoholic drinks and you will enjoy the sugar on top of the glass.

This mixture of coffee shop- champagne shop – book shop (three in one) was created in 1995. Inspired in the fantasy of the theatre, it has a relaxed atmosphere, full of good vibrations. It is definitely a wonderful way to start the evening by candlelight.

Aula 11 is one of my favourite places in Madrid. I do not think there is anything similar as it offers a combination of cultural events and personal growth.

Three brave partners thought about the idea during the summer of 2006 and now this unique place is located in the heart of the city, in Plaza Tirso de Molina; so it is easy to find.

Apart from the regular agenda that varies every week on their website, there are several interesting seminars that you can try. There are yoga or belly dance courses, you can try your skills in the theatre or performance, or learn about body language, positive attitude and coaching.

Concerts are mostly during weekends. Last time I went to Aula 11, there was a very relaxing Jam Session on a Friday night. The atmosphere was different from any other place. The light, the location, the staff… Trust me, you can feel like at home, sitting down on the wooden floor, enjoying your drink. Do not miss this place, try once and you will get addicted! And do not forget to experience a Hindu concert!

La taberneria is a great place for starting the night out in Madrid with some traditional tostas.

Inspired by the decoration of the beginning of the last century, it has a good selection of wines from different regions in Spain. Tapas and beers are a good combination, but I would highly recommend the “tostas” here – it’s one of the best places to taste them.

La taberneria is a very small bar, with just a few seats and it gets more crowded in the weekends. If you order a beer, they always bring you some cheese or olives.

Do not miss their “empanadillas” and their “salmorejo” either!!!

The name of this tavern comes from an almond tree that Rodrigo de Vargas (a descendant of Saint Isidro, Madrid´s patron saint) used to have in his gardens. When the street was built, the tree was left in the middle. And they cut it in 1742.

This tavern is owned by a guy from Cadiz and he knows how to prepare a good meal. Oh, Gosh!! Sundays are the best days for having a stroll around La Latina and hang out for “tapas y cañas”. Taberna El Almendro is one of my favourite places during the late lunch time. It is a fantastic place for a beer or a glass of white wine (here there´re no red wines or rose wines) with green olives.

It´s normally really crowded, more than usual. But I find it part of its magic, as every time you go, you have to figure out how to take a seat or a spot for your meal. So first you check if there is room for you, and then you order your meal. They will shout your name when it will be ready. For the drinks, you just ask the bar tender and pay straight away.

Don´t miss their famous “patatas con huevos estrellados” (potatoes with fried eggs) and their “roscas” (bread rolls filled with Iberian ham, sobrasada or liver morcilla… Mmmmmm… delicious!!