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.

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The Penthouse | Bars, Snacks | Cocktails € 12.00
Pza. Sta. Ana, 14 | Sol | +34917016000
Sun – Wed 10:00 – 02:00, Thu – Sat 10:00 – 04:00

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

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!

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Yambala | Bars, Coffee & tea | Tea € 2.50
Calle Coloreros, 4 | Sol
Mon – Fri 16:00 – 01:30, Sat – Sun 16:00 – 02:00

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

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, Relaxing | Free
Puerta del Sol | Sol
Anytime of the day

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

La Rebelión de los Mandiles pays tribute to those traditional trades that help in the process of wine manufacturing. “Mandil” means “apron”, so all of them refer to the grape-gatherers, the barrel-makers, the wine-producers and also the sommeliers.

You can take part in a wine tasting tour even if you are a beginner. I have tried and it is a nice experience because you learn a lot. Keep in mind that it is pretty expensive, but if you want to do something for yourself at least once in a while, I would highly recommend it to you.

They also have a very nice shop located in Calle Mayor 88, close to Sol. There you can find all types of olive oil, wine and also products like shampoos, soaps, hand creams and gels made out of olive oil and wine.

Notice that the wine tasting session includes a free tour, and that sometimes you can even get discounts (as 2×1) or special offers. So I think it is definitely a great approach to those natural and powerful elements that we produce in Spain. Do not miss them!

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La rebelión de los mandiles | Shopping, Festivals & events | Wine tasting tour € 25
San Isidro Labrador, 10 | Sol | +34913656270
Tue & Sat 20:00 – 22:00

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

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

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