Joined the board yesterday and have been reading a few interesting posts!
I am coming to Madrid with a group of 8 persons on the 30th May until 2nd June.
Although I want a non organized flow to the weekend I would like some things to do that are a must...these are the things you guys and girls can help me with.
So far we have the following:
1) Pick up from airport and a tour of the city by limo. (Friday 30th)
2) Tour of the old town by recommended guide (Friday 30th Evening)
3) Real Madrid Vs Celta Vigo (Sunday 1st Evening)
I would appreciate any help/advice from anyone on the MUST DO/SEE for 8 Madrid virgins..
Someone mentioned Gula Gula and the Botin???
Any feedback on these places?
Many thanks for your help,
Mike
Madrid Holiday 30/05/03 - 02/06/03
Posts: 33 | Location: London, United Kingdom | Registered: 25 March 2003
Hi Mike! Welcome! I'm sure that you guys will have a great time! I suggest just going through the other threads on the board, and reading what other people have suggested, because there are so many great ideas already on here! Gula gula is hysterical!
Do a search on the main page on stuff to do, or on these things, for starts: Rastro, Prado, Thyssen, Reina Sofia, Toledo, Escorial, Segovia...
Have a great time, let us know how it goes! besos, Joy
Posts: 541 | Location: Madrid (but from Boston) | Registered: 16 December 2002
Botin is something to see being the oldest restaurant around and all, but personally I wasn't impressed by the food. Nonetheless I recommend it because it is a classic.
Gula Gula is hilarious, but lately whenever I go by it seems closed or dead. Maybe it's time has passed?
Okay, for my one must-do thing. Spend one evening on Calle Echegaray and visit the following places:
La Venenzia...it is an old sherry bar that looks like a step back in time. All they serve is sherry and I suggest you try one of each of the types (don't worry the glasses are small.) Tapas are limited to embutidos, and for a real treat, try the Mojama. It is smoked tuna back and it is divine!
Los Gabrielles, if you go early evening or during the day you will be able to see the phenomenal tile work. Rumor has it that when the original owner bought the bar back in the 80s or something the tiles were painted over and one day he went a chipping and unveiled a masterpiece. I should mention this rumor was told to me by a very drunk argentinian man who wanted my phone number. Anyway, if you go at night, expect techno-ish music, low-lighting, and big crowds. However, one eve that is way worth it is Tuesday when they present a free flamenco show. It is really quite good. The show starts around 11ish, but get there around 10 if you want to be within eyeshot of the stage.
La Marga, Echegaray, 8. I mention this bar because it is an old favorite of mine. It is really nothing special and the drinks are a bit pricey, but Jan, the charming dutch/mexican owner who lived in nyc for a decade makes a killer manhatten and sometimes in madrid, when you (okay, I) am just fed up with spanish and subjunctives and no hbo, I need a manhatten, served perfect, and in English!
La Caserola, Echegaray 3 I think. This is where the mm crew has been holding their shindigs. It is a basic Madrid dive bar where all the old guys in the hood hang out while the wives shop or do wifey stuff. The Croquetas are amazing as are the boquerones en vinagre. Cheap, yummy eats..always a good thing.
From Echegaray, you are a second away from Santa Ana. On your walk there, stop into Viva Madrid and look up and the amazing carved ceiling. Back in the day, viva madrid was a bordello and that's no rumor. They make a decent caipirihna (brazilian cane liquor and lime drink) and it is a hoot to watch the bartenders crack each piece of ice in their hands. (Well, I am easily amused and I did bartend for years.)
In Santa Ana, if you ask me...and well, you did...the best best tapas are at La Moderna on the far corner near the Reina Victoria Hotel. Try the chicken thingy with Apio (sorry blanking on the name.) also the smoked salmon is incredible.
Okay, there is my suggestion! Enjoy! Candela
Posts: 1002 | Location: MADRID! | Registered: 09 November 2002
OK, I might not know any names of restaurants or street names for that matter, but I know some great things to eat!
First: you have to try the bocadillo con tortilla (not like the Mexican tortillas). This tortilla is a mixture of eggs and potatoes (sometimes with onions and peppers too.
Second: chocolate con churros (also not like the Mexican churros which I like better, but when youi dip them in the chocolate it is heaven!!).
Third: a palmera con chocolate. there is a thread about The Mallorquina in Puerta Del Sol and Jer took a very nice picture which motivated me to but one (not that I need motivation to buy chocolate).
Fourth: Red wine (vino tinto) from La Rioja. Wine here is amazingly cheap and good!
There is a lot more food, but some Spanish food I stay from, so I may not be the most open-minded eater. But I do know my chocolate!
Some other places to go: Plaza Mayor (see Jer's live pic), Puerta Del Sol, and I really like Fuencarral Street which is filled with little trendy stores and some tattoo parlors. I also love going to the swat meet called Rastro, which is held every sunday in the La Latina/Tirso De Molina area. You can get all your Madrid/Spain souveniers here for super cheap. If you want the expensive shopping go to Serrano Street. Also Castellana and calle Orense have a lot of shops too (metro stop Nuevos Ministerios). One more place to go is Parque Retiro, especially on Sundays because so many people are there selling all types of things from necklaces to hash. A mix of people indeed! Also, you must buy a CD off the street. They are all illegal, but super cheap and everyone does it! Just beware, you may not get all the songs! Oh, if you want to go to a bullfight the stadium is at Ventas, but you can buy your tickets at many little stands/shops in Puerta Del Sol. I went to one, only one, and I do NOT need to go to anymore. But at least I can say I have been to a bullfight. When in Rome...or Madrid!
Posts: 331 | Location: San Diego | Registered: 14 December 2002
Hi all, Call me boring (but then I am old!!), but this time last year I was on a long weekend in Madrid and I took the MadridVision tours around the city. I know a few members have said they were expensive in relation to the metro but I just loved sitting on the open topped bus and seeing all the sights, and hopping on and off when I saw something I wanted to explore further.
________________________________________ Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional
You must plan a memorable daytrip to Segovia! An enchanting city where you can see a Roman Aqueduct, eat cochinillo Asado at one of the oldest restaurants in Spain, Casa de Candido, and visit the alcazar, that lovely castle that Walt Disney copied in Disney World!
A very easy daytrip! Lots of fun!
Posts: 697 | Location: Florida | Registered: 24 August 2001
WOW!!! I go away for 2 weeks and the awesome members of this board come through BIGTIME
Mike, this is the most awesome thread, listen to all of them
madsue, not boring at all!!! The MadridVision bus is great and I would also recommend it to Mike and his 7 other Madrid virgins As long as they get on and off and explore the sights close up. I had a cell client recently who told me that they just rode around and around on it and never got off, not even to walk into the Plaza Mayor
Mike, no need to reserve on MadridVision, just buy your tickets at the bus itself. There is a stop right at Puerta del Sol number 6, in front of the photo/internet shop (CLICK HERE).
As long as they get on and off and explore the sights close up. I had a cell client recently who told me that they just rode around and around on it and never got off, not even to walk into the Plaza Mayor 
- rent or buy a cell phone from me for your stay in spain, more info at 
- already have a cell phone, get a spanish SIM card for it at 
