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 open 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 to lounge and chillout house music by the best DJs. The food is not worth mentioning though.

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!

Situated between Sol and Plaza Mayor, Yambala is a small jewel in the heart of the city. It is a very cosy place for teas, coffees and natural shakes during the day and mojitos and cocktails by night.

Yambala has a very narrow entrance and a chill out area at the back of the venue, where you can lay down and perhaps smoke a hookah.

The only problem is that it is so small, that most of the times you need to go there early to find a spot. The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly, so it is perfect for passing the time.

Do not miss it!

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.

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!!