Sol Madrid – All our local tips

Mediterranean spirit is present in this particular restaurant where you can try from 15 euros all kind of dishes cooked with rice, of course, typical paella as well. But not only, because the card contains risotto, arroces caldosos, arroces de cuchara… apart from other Spanish dishes as aperitives.

Each rice dish only is cooked for a minimum of four people, so Arrocería Gala it’s ideal for groups. The homemade desserts and refreshing sangria, wine or beer complete the meal.

The place is divided in two areas. The entrance is special for its realist paints of bulls in the countryside. Then you can find a spacious patio covered for a crystal skylight. It’s full of natural plants. In the furniture, with a traditional and Mediterranean touch, white and red colors predominate.

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Arrocería Gala | Restaurants (Mediterranean) | Average € 25
Moratín 22 | Sol | +34914292562
Tue – Sun 13:30 – 16:00 & 20:30 – 23:00

Madrid is full of creative initiatives, full of people with great ideas for entertaining pedestrians and also for earning money.

You just have to walk around the city centre and you will see how amazing art in the street could be. From musicians (of course, all genres) to comedians, singers or mimes. These two on the picture were actors frozen in the middle of the street, in a very crowded sidewalk close to Sol metro station.

No one is forced to give them any money, but we have to accept that they enrich the landscape and they make a regular walk a fantastic experience.
I personally find out something new almost every day. Not just in the city centre, but also in the Retiro park or almost everywhere in Madrid.

Another view, sometimes without words, that shows how beautiful is Madrid!!

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Art in the streets | Art & culture | Free
Puerta del Sol | Sol
Anytime of the day

Who said it’s impossible to find waffles in Madrid’s streets? Bravo’s is a very convenient store for getting popcorn, hot dogs and of course “gofres” (waffles) in the very centre of the city.

Just behind the building of FNAC (see the FNAC article) it is possible to buy all those things that are hardly difficult to find in other Madrid´s streets.

There is actually no tradition of having lunch or a dessert while you walk in the street here. And that´s mainly one of the first shocking differences compared to other European cities. (You know, we like to be seated after lunch, have a long chat and enjoy the conversation…)

So, for those who like having a hot and delicious waffle covered with chocolate and cream, Bravo´s (a very Spanish name for the type of food they serve, by the way) is the best option.

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Bravo’s | Snacks
C/ del Carmen, 27 | Sol
09:00 – 22:00 daily

I know this cafe is mentioned in the Lonely Planet guides, but I can guarantee that locals also go there for a good chat. Café del Real is old-bistro style with dark-red painted woodwork, cigarette stain-coloured walls and ceilings and proper bistro tables and chairs. It´s usually crowded in the evenings during the weekends as it´s really cosy and comfortable for a cup of coffee.

I personally prefer the upper floor, where you can seat close to the window and see the Opera building from a perfect view. It’s actually perfectly located, just in front of Opera metro station (in the city centre) and it´s a good alternative after dinner or for a cake in the afternoon (what we call “merienda” time).

Once you enter, your eyes will go directly to the fantastic cakes that are shown at the bar. Carrot, chocolate, cheese cakes are some of the options. Then you can also ask for different types of coffees or teas. If you ask for a beer or a coke, for example, they´ll serve you some peanuts, so it´s pleasant to combine the salty snacks with your drink.

The music varies a fair bit, depending on who is working. I love when they play classical or instrumental music. It makes it a relaxing place, although people speak loudly around you…In Spain we normally do, so get used to it… you´ll enjoy it in the end!!

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Café del Real | Coffee & tea | Cake € 4,75
Plaza de Isabel II, 2 | Sol | +34915472124
09:00 – 00:30 daily

This is one of my favourite cafes for going out during the week. It gets crowded, lets you meet very different people from all cultures, and it´s located in the heart of the city. Just a few meters behind Café del Real (see the Café del Real article), Café Madrid is also near Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. They serve an assortment of beers and wines in a pleasant atmosphere.

The reason why I usually go there is that, since 2000, every Wednesday there is what is called an International Evening. So either if you´re a local and you´d like to practise other languages, or you´re just visiting the city and you don´t know anyone, this is the place!!

In Café Madrid I find people from different countries, languages and cultures. Actually, language exchanges are getting popular in the city. We call them “intercambios” and they offer people the chance to practice their language skills with “native” speakers.

The madrileño´s guy who came up with the idea of these meetings at Café Madrid also acts as the host of the evening and helps with introductions. So don´t worry  if you´re shy, as he´ll give you a little stick with the language you want to practice, for everybody to know. It´s pretty similar as what they do at O´Neills (see the O’Neills article) but in a different day of the week.

Trust me, it is the cheapest way to practice a foreign language!

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Café Madrid | Bars
Escalinata s/n | Sol
Language exchanges Wed 21:00 – till late

For those from the centre of Europe staying in Madrid for quite a while, to remember the essence of their origins; and for those from the south of Europe or the rest of the world, Edelweiss is a German restaurant selected to represent the gastronomy of central Europe in the centre of Madrid.

There are many opinions about this place with an interesting history.  It was inaugurated in the late thirties and forties, after the emigration of some German Nazis to Madrid with the protection of Franco’s dictatorship. With the years, it has come to be one of the most famous German restaurants in Madrid.

The meals served give you the chance to try the multiple German sausages, the “arenques bismark” and the Russian-typical Spanish salad. But the king of the dishes there is the “codillo with chucrut”, marvellous for some and awesome for the rest.

The restaurant is supposed to be a little bit expensive, but some people think is worth it. Don’t forget to consider the taxes besides the bill that you would have to pay, as the I.V.A. is not included!

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Edelweiss | Restaurants (German) | Main course from € 12.00
Calle de Jovellanos 7 | Sol | +34915323383
13:00 – 16:00 & 20:00 – 00:00 daily

I’m almost afraid to post my secret jamón supply online, but jamón is for sharing, so here goes.

Deep in the center of Madrid, El Rincón Iberico has some of the best Extremaduran ham, cheese and wine at very reasonable prices. The place itself doesn’t look like much and it can fill up with smoke and a crowd if there is a big show at Sala El Sol (check the Sala El Sol article) next door, but most of the time it’s pretty mellow with a few locals hanging out at the bar.

The lunch specials are a good deal for enjoying at one of the few tables in the cramped dining area, but my favorite jamón de bellota (ham made from pigs that ate only acorns) is amazing and goes well with a glass of red wine – and it’s all priced very reasonably.

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El Rincón Iberico | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Spanish) | Plate of ham € 7.00
Calle de los Jardines 7 | Sol | +34915233917
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 00:30, Sat 12:00 – 17:00 & 20:00 – 02:00 (August closed)

The Fundación Caja Madrid is a great art space often overlooked in the center of town. The foundation shows parts of the visiting exhibits from the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum (across from the Prado), but the catch is you don’t have to pay an entry fee here.

I absolutely recommend paying to see the Thyssen collection and their shows (and I love the cafe!) but should you find yourself near Sol or the Royal Palace in need of some (more) culture, this is the place. The building itself is beautiful inside and out, with 2+ floors to ponder whatever the exhibit on hand is. There are usually banners outside alerting you about the show which usually changes every 2-3 months.

If you need to revive yourself after your art break, the Valor Chocolate shop (see the Valor Chocolate article) is around the corner and the San Ginés chocolate shop (see the San Ginés article) is not far away, either!

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Fundación Caja Madrid | Art & culture | Free
Plaza de San Martín, 1 | Sol | +34913792349
Tue – Sun 10:00 – 20:00, Closed Dec 25th & Jan 1st

In Madrid near la Puerta del Sol you will find a new concept store for all the cooking lovers! You can find all kind of gadgets for the kitchen and the funniest appliances for it!! You will find a large selection of cookware, bake ware and bar Supply. They offer cooking lessons from all parts of the world and all regions in Spain. You can learn how to prepare paella but also muffins!

They also have special packages to make paella, “fabada” and other typical Spanish and Madrilenian dishes at home!

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Hazlopro | Shopping
C/ Cedaceros, 9 | Sol | +343692726
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 15:00 & 16:00 – 20:30

Jazz music is perfect for any kind of weather and any type of mood. So if we combine this music with an intimate, cosy bar, we will get a perfect combination. This is the best example.

Jazz bar is located in a very central part of the city (The Prado Museum, Thyssen Museum and Reina Sofía’s Museum are close). In its same building a very famous Spanish playwright called Leandro Fernández de Moratín was born.

It opened almost 30 years ago and mostly locals go there. In fact, I can say I have never seen a foreigner in this place. You definitely have to know where it is to find it, as it is kind of hidden.

I usually go here after a nice dinner. It is a warm place where you can sit on comfortable sofas in front of a coffee or an alcoholic drink. Some people prefer to just sit close to the bar tender and have a chat with him.

Amazing jazz music, cocktails, soft and alcoholic drinks!! Just be careful because it is a small venue and it gets crowded really fast.

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Jazz Bar | Bars
Moratín, 35 | Sol | +34914297031
15:00 – 02:30 daily

Whoever says there’s no place in Madrid where they play real Blues music, doesn’t know “La Coquette”

This is a charming bar where you can find live Blues concerts many days of the week; however for its dimensions it will seems impossible to you to believe that concerts can take place; but they do! And the concerts are very different from the others you can find anywhere.

This bar is the kind that you will call “divebar”. A door, a stairs that goes down and a sort of grotto where there are a bar and three connecting caves. In the first cave there’s the bar, in the second cave there’s little tables and the stage and in the third cave there’s stools and a side view of the stage.

As I said, this place is very charming. And every night is crowded!

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La Coquette | Bars, Music
Calle de las Hileras 14 | Sol | +34915308095
20:00 – 02:30 daily

Spain is one of the countries where you can find more smokers than average. There are a lot of women that smoke and the smoking ban hasn’t affected that as much as some would have liked. At least that is my impression, as I do not smoke. So, you will wonder why I recommend this place.

Well, La Mansión del Fumador is “the shop” for smokers and also the shop for those who don´t smoke but have to buy something new for a smoking friend or relative. As a few members of my family do smoke, I have visited this shop and I find it really unique selling all types of tools for smokers.

In La Mansión del Fumador they do not  sell tobacco, but here you can find an authentic paradise for smokers. There is a huge variety of pipes, water pipes, lighters and funny things like pocket ashtrays!

It is actually a different place for a creative gift. So, even if you do not smoke, it is worth a visit!

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La Mansión del Fumador | Shopping
Calle del Carmen 22 | Sol | +34915320817
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 14:00 & 17:30 – 20:30, Sat: 10:00 – 14:00

If you love France, you will adore this place. You will feel like you’re in a little restaurant in Paris. The meals are really delicious and their speciality are the foie and the oysters.

The menu costs € 13.20. Most of the dishes have a surcharge. But you can also find what they called ‘Formule parisiene’ which costs € 9.90 and includes a main dish, drink and a cup of coffee. They have also an interesting wine list, both Spanish and French.

The waiters are very kind and polite and the atmosphere is really French with those typical small tables. It is frequented by the French people that is living in Madrid, which says it all.

Bon appetit!

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Le Petit Bistrôt | Restaurants (French) | Menu € 13.20
Plaza de Matute 5 | Sol | +34914296265
13:15 – 15:45 & 21:15 – 23:30 daily

Sometimes I need good ideas to buy a present for any of my female friends. Most of the times it is concretely here where I can find a solution.

This cute Linea Cero shop is located in the main hall of Sol metro station. There used to be more shops around but they have closed them recently due to political reasons. So right now this is the only one that lasts and where you can find all kinds of earrings, rings, necklaces, hats, belts, scarfs and purses.

Linea Cero is divided into different sections, so you just have to decide what type of gift you are looking for, and the staff will help you to make the right decision.

Their prices are affordable but if I were you, I would buy a nice ring or a stylish pair of earrings here than any T-shirts, as you will find them cheaper in other shops. (Trust me, I am quite an expert in finding bargains…)

An extraordinary idea to spend a few minutes looking or buying when you commute home.

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Linea Cero Shop | Shopping
Inside Metro Sol Station | Sol
10:00 – 20:30, daily

One of the great historical remnants of Muslim culture in Spain is the public bath – though most are in ruins. At Medina Mayrit, they’ve recreated the Arabic baths that were popular in the region from the 8th to 12th centuries to be a co-ed urban spa with steam rooms, warm baths and massages.

There are numerous packages to choose from – do you want to just bathe and get a short massage? A long exfoliating massage? There are two things that are strongly enforced – you must have a reservation to attend and you must show up 15 minutes early to hear the rules and get a towel (the bath time is monitored to make sure it never gets too full and to guarantee massage time for everyone).

If you’re not the sleepy sort, try the midnight session, while the midday massages are cheaper and you can choose the lunch-included option. The adjacent tea house is perfect after the relaxing baths. Don’t forget your swimsuit!

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Medina Mayrit | Relaxing, Restaurants (Arabic) | bath + massage € 37.00
C/Atocha, 14 | Sol | +34902333334
10:00 – 00:00 daily

Just down from the Mercado de San Miguel (check the San Miguel article) , the Mesón del Champiñon is a cave with fungi-esque decor.

They specialize in fantastic mushrooms drenched in olive oil, garlic and adorned with bits of chorizo, but in addition to the tapas, you get entertainment. There is a guy playing the electric piano for tips and you can make song requests (his repertoire is vast, but random) and then sing along group-style.

The last time I was there a microphone was taken out for a few customers who reminded me of characters from an Almodóvar film; they sang Spanish ballads, danced and we applauded.

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Mesón del Champiñon | Bars, Music, Restaurants (Tapas) | Mushroom tapas € 6.00
Cava de San Miguel 17 | Sol | +34915596790
Spring – Summer Sun – Thu 18:00 – 01:30, Fri – Sat 18:00 – 02:30
Winter lunch 12:00 – 16:00

This is not Ireland, but you can feel like being in that country for a few hours. O´Neills is the typical Irish pub located in the heart of Madrid. So why will a “madrileña” go there?

Very simple, as there are multiple reasons. For example, every Tuesday night, after 22:00, there’s an “intercambio” night at O’ Neills. An “intercambio” night is a night when you meet people from other countries to improve your languages. More than 20 nationalities gather, that’s why I sometimes go there to meet new people, practise my English speaking skills and have a drink.

Not only that: every Friday night, there are free concerts, from old classics to most recent hits. And for those who like sports, all the major and European leagues are shown live on two big screens. (Trust me, it gets really crowded when there´s a football match!)

I don´t normally go there for food, but you can try their Irish breakfast, the famous Fish N’ Chips or the loaded baked potato. There´re also sandwiches, salads and a huge variety of “Finger food”. Obviously, most of the people also go to O’Neills for the beer. So those who miss a good Irish pint won’t be disappointed!!

A good option for a genuine Irish ambiance in the heart of the city…

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O´Neills | Bars
C/ Príncipe, 12 | Sol | +34915212030
Sun – Thu 13:00 – 03:00, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 03:30

Sunday morning is my favorite day for or a stroll in Plaza Mayor. The Plaza Mayor is now a major tourist attraction, visited by thousands of tourists a year. But it has been the scene of many events: markets, bullfights, soccer games, public executions, and, during the Spanish Inquisition, “autos de fe” against supposed heretics and the executions of those condemned to death.

The Plaza Mayor is now completely different and has its own live. There are always people wandering around, street musicians and, what I prefer the most: street painters.

The street painters not only sell their art work during the weekends. In fact, I would highly recommend to walk around any other day of the week if you are looking for something specific.

Sometimes they are specialized in caricatures, so you can sit down and get a funny vision of yourself after a few minutes. But most of the times the paintings have Spanish themes or just abstract designs.

Prices are quite affordable and it is really a nice and different souvenir from the city. As a local, I enjoy talking to the artists because of their original view of life…

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Painters in Plaza Mayor | Art & culture
Plaza Mayor | Sol
Daily

This is one of the best choices in the city centre; just in front of the Prado Museum. May is the month when you should visit it, because it is at the beginning of this month the gardens look best.

Maybe, a good moment to visit is during some of all the exhibitions that are organized at the Pabellón de Villanueva, a neoclassic construction inside the gardens. When you go inside, they give you a map where you see the routes that you can take -it is divided in terraces-: the painting terrace, the botanic schools terrace, the medicinal plants terrace…

There are plants from remote places like Madagascar or Japan, plants that probably you won’t have the opportunity to see anywhere. This is a perfect plan for Sundays.

It’s in the middle of the town, cheap (€2.00), and you can stay inside as long as you want; with a book or a magazine you can spend the afternoon reading under a tree. What else can we ask for?

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Real Jardín Botánico | Art & culture, Relaxing | Ticket € 2.00
Plaza de Murillo 2 | Sol | +34914203017
10:00 – 18:00 / 19:00 / 20:00 / 21:00 daily (depends on the month)

This is the right place for your weekend night fever… Magic and fun in insured.

Thirty years opened in  Madrid´s nights, one of the downtown ‘must’. Disco, Djs´ sessions, live concerts…

Since the beginning this lounge and concert hall has had its own personality and always trying to have the best  alternative bands playing for their  audience.

Now there is an Anti-Karaoke Night, a sort of mad Wednesday night, full of rock, underground and show music, directed by Rachel Arieff a great master of the Madrid show-business.

You will find a large queue but it will be worthwhile. The entrance is only € 7.00 and the average drink is €5.00.

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Sala El Sol | Bars, Music | Ticket entrance € 9.00
Calle de los Jardines 3 | Sol | +34915326490
Tue – Sat 00:00 – 05:30

For obvious reasons, San Ginés is a big hit. The best thing after a night of dancing/a day of sight-seeing/anytime really, is a cup of thick chocolate with churros to dip in it (churros are like long crispy donuts).

This classy chocolatería has been around since 1894 and though maybe it’s not the finest chocolate in the world, it does the trick. Indoors they have white marble floors and tables, but the best part is sitting outside on the terrace in the tiny pedestrian street.

In addition to chocolate and churros, they have porras which are thicker than churros and daily homemade cakes. If you really like the thick chocolate dip, you can buy the mix to make at home.

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San Ginés | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Chocolate & 6 churros € 3.20
Pasadizo de San Gines 5 | Sol | +34913656546
Mon – Fri 09:30 -06:00, Sat – Sun 09:00 – 06:00

The Los Angeles Tavern is an all-around typical Spanish experience.

Known amongst my friends as the “cheese fries place” for the french fries drenched in cabrales cheese (like blue cheese), the menu carries standard tapas and family-style platters full of jamón or chorizo for sharing.

Also featured is Asturian cider – the “natural” one is slightly bitter that your waiter will show you how to pour from great distances. Personally, I prefer the sweet cider, but anything goes well with cheese fries.

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Taberna Los Angeles | Bars, Restaurants (Spanish) | Cheese fries € 6.00
Costanilla Los Ángeles 8 | Sol | +34915423438
11:00 – 01:00 daily

The old hotel “Reina Victoria”, a place where toreros used to go. It is also known as ME by Meliá and it offers a terrace on the top with wonderful views of Madrid as well as a fancy lounge bar with savory and expensive cocktails that can be drank from 17:00 in the afternoon.

You can access by an independent elevator from the hotel that takes you directly to the top.

The ambiance is quite eclectic and you can find actors, as well as tourists that want to enjoy the views and the comfort of the chill out zone listening lounge and chill house music compiled by the best DJs.

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The Penthouse | Bars, Snacks | Cocktails € 9.00
Pza. Sta. Ana, 14 | Sol | +34917016000
Sun – Wed 10:00 – 02:00, Thu – Sat 10:00 – 04:00

Madrid’s long streets and vast parks can be overwhelming on foot, so Trixi’s bike rentals offer the perfect remedy.

You can pedal around the city on your own or request a specialized tour to see some sites. Their tour guides are multi-lingual (and handy with bikes!) and can organize tours to see some typical historical buildings or you can request a specialized tour.

There is a daily tour that leaves every morning at 11:00, complete with stops for drinks and snacks. In general you don’t need a reservation, but it’s wise if you’re going with a bigger group to call ahead to reserve the bikes. Extra bonus, the bikes aren’t too modern (the seats are wide!).

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Trixi Bike Rental | Relaxing | 4 hour rental € 8.00
Calle de los Jardines 12 | Sol | +34915231547
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 14:00 & 16:00 – 20:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 20:00

What better chocolate than the kind made locally? Valor Chocolate is Spain’s oldest (and only if I’m not mistaking) chocolate/coffee shop franchise which dates back to 1881 and has some mighty tasty options from dark, dark chocolate to white chocolate.

In the summer, go for the chocolate granizado – a glass of iced chocolate yumminess “guaranteed” to come to the table at sub zero temperatures. Whereas a few months ago, when it was freezing and raining outside, I ducked in for a cup of rich hot chocolate scented with cinnamon. You can also order from a huge menu of dessert options and buy chocolate bars and sweets to go from the counter.

There are two branches in Madrid and a handful around Spain, this one is just off the busy Plaza Callao.

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Valor Chocolate | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Chocolate & churros € 3.95
Postigo de San Martín, 7 | Sol | +34915229288
Mon – Thu 08:00 – 22:30, Fri 08:00 – 01:00, Sat 09:00 – 01:00, Sun 09:00 – 22:30