Hey there! it's my first time! i am going to Spain! 5 days in madrid, 5 days in sevilla. cant't wait. read all the guide books that exist, talked to many people, but still need first hand information. we'll be staying at the plaza santo domingo. does anyone know this area? any good restaurants around there? what should i see first in madrid. I am kind of overwhelmed with anticipation now.

Hi Maria, glad you dropped by my board.

Well, I am excited for you and your first trip to Madrid, reminds me of the way I felt years ago before coming over for the very first time . Funny hting is, I still feel that way when I wake up every morning

I LOVE MADRID!

Anyway, is your hotel either the HOTEL SANTO DOMINGO or the new Hotel Preciados? Those are the only 2 I can think of in the Plaza de Santo Domingo and I do not recall any hostels in the Plaza.

Either way, both hotels are beautiful (inside anyway) but the Plaza is rather ugly itself and a bit dingy. I used to live on Calle Leganitos which runs between the Plaza de Santo Domingo and the PLAZA DE ESPA�A.

Your area is very central and well communicated by both Metro and Bus, most sites are easily walkable from there.

If you like good beef, try the "Novillo" restaurant on Calle Leganitos # 27ish (on your left hand side about mid way as you walk down Leganitos towards the PLAZA DE ESPA�A.

If you like Turkish Kebaps, there is a good (but the workers are NOT friendly) place on Calle Jacometrezo (just off the Plaza de Santo Domingo) heading towards the Plaza de Callao. The place is called "Doner Kebap Istanbul" and is on your right just past a print shop called "Serviprint".

Since you are so close to the PLAZA DE ESPA�A, I think you should go there first, it is a great way to kick off your Madrid stay

Have a killer time,

Saludos,
jer...

p.d. if you need any English (or French, German, Spanish, etc...) language books, do not miss the ever so friendly and cozy INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP on Calle Campoamanes, #13 just around the corner on the other side of the parking structure in the Plaza de Santo Domingo. See my thread on the bookshop at www.multimadrid.com/cgi-bin/jersbbucgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=12&t=000017

Hi Maria!

As Jer has said, you are in the middle of Madrid, near La Puerta del Sol, but I suposse that you already knew it.

After visiting Plaza Espa�a, you can go for a stroll towards Plaza de Oriente through Bailen Street or maybe to the other side, towards El Templo de Debod. From the Templo de Debod you'll get one of the best views of the Palacio Real and La Amudena

Now, you can walk back towards Plaza de Oriente, and there you'll see the Palacio Real and la Almudena just in front of you.

Then, you can reach La Puerta del Sol walking through la Calle Mayor and, finally go to La Plaza Mayor where our friend Jer watch over us with his webcam

But, if you have a map, you can go wherever you want.

Welcome!

Mil gracias a todos! My husband and I will be staying in Hotel Santo Domingo. I picked central location on purpose, so I am not planning on spending time at the hotel itself. Gotta walk around! How about tapas bars? Are there any good ones in the area?
A few more little questions. What's the situation with euros now? Is it difficult to get them? How do i pay for the cab ride?
Maria

Hi Maria.

Hmmmmmm... you shouls take a look around the message board, there are posts on the euro at:

* www.multimadrid.com/cgi-bin/jersbbucgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000010

and

* www.multimadrid.com/cgi-bin/jersbbucgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=8&t=000026

plus, for all the Spain money info you need, check out my money matters page in my practical info section at www.multimadrid.com/practical_info/spain_money.htm

I busted my but designing that so you don't have to worry about stressing over the peseta/euro question

Euros are very easy to get and are available at any bank although you do not need them and can spend pesetas until the end of February as explained below in a quote from my money matters page...

quote:

"Briefly, the peseta ---> euro transition in Spain is as follows: As of Jan. 1st 2002, the euro is the official monitary uinit of Spain. Between Jan. 1st and Feb. 28th 2002, one will be able to spend both euros and pesetas. On March 1st 2002, the peseta will disappear forever and we will have until July 1st 2002 to change over all existing pesetas to Euros. So, change over those pesetas before July 1st 2002 or lose them forever."

As a side note, let me suggest a aerocity airport shuttle to get to town instead of a cab, you can see the comparison (pros and cons of each) on my transportation page at www.multimadrid.com/practical_info/mad_transports.htm under the "getting from the airport to town and vice-versa" section.

I suggest aerocity over a cab especailly at the holiday time of the year when the city center is so packed with people that a cab can be expensive due to the traffic.

I got back from a visit to England this past weekend and made the mistake of not using aerocity (simply forgot). The cab took just as long and was 5.000 pesetas (we were stuck in traffic in a tunnel in central Madrid for about 15 minutes).

You can also check out the aerocity website and make your reservation online at www.aerocity.com

Saludos,
jer...

Jer, just a little clarification on your quote about the Euro.

You say: "..we will have until July 1st 2002 to change over all existing pesetas to Euros. So, change over those pesetas before July 1st 2002 or lose them forever."

Until July 1st. pesetas can be changed on any bank, but after July 1st. (and indefinitively) it will also be possible to exchange pesetas for Euros, but only on the Bank of Spain.

Thanks Madrile�a, I forgot about that

I have already made the correction on my SPAIN MONEY MATTERS PAGE

That's what I like to see, my visitors keeping me in line

Saludos,
jer...

You are wellcome.

You are realy quick updating the information

Thanks Madrile�a, gotta get the info correct for my visitors.

We would'nt want people throwing pesetas away and thinking they are worthless

Saludos,
jer...