1. Madrid
City Travel Review

2. Contents
Background
Neighbourhood
Accomodation
Tourist Sights
Food
Nightlife
Arts&Culture
Shopping
Parks
Sports
Practical Info
Contributors

3. BAckground
If you think of Madrid as the unsophisticated big sister of Bar-
celona, or perhaps the dreary aunt of Ibiza, then you are very History of Madrid
wrong. Home to 3.3 million people, the city of Madrid lies in
the centre of Spain and has truly become the literal and sym-
It would be fair to say that the
bolic heart of the country. It may not have one iconic grand
building such as the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum, where you people of Madrid are friendly
might know in an instant where you are; but Madrid can give and most will welcome outsi-
so much more to those who are willing to immerse themsel-
ves completely into what this beautiful city has to offer. ders with open arms. It is not
uncommon for a local to stop on
Food enthusiasts will be spoiled by the choices here and sur- the street to help a tourist find a
prised by the generally low prices. Tantalised by tapas? Fasci-
nated with fresh food markets? Delighted by delicate treats? location or for a waiter to recom-
If your answers are yes then Madrid is for you. Prepare your mend a great bar or nightclub
eyes, and your stomach, for the feast of a lifetime in Madrid.
for you to try after your meal. Of
The artists among you can stroll through grand halls and gaze course, like with any large capi-
at paintings by the likes of Goya, Picasso, Miro and El Greco; tal city, you should still be wary
be swept up into centuries past and pulled in by the pictures
depicted on the canvas. Madrid offers some of the best mu- of yourself and your belongings;
seums in the world, such as El Museo del Prado. Madrid is fast approaching
number one in Europe for pick-
If you love to shop, look no further. Madrid provides
everything from high-end boutiques and internationally pocketing. In general, though,
known brands to stores that provide a true local charm and if you try to understand them
have been around for centuries.
and maybe charm them with
Madrid is not just the Cultural Capital of Europe. It has its own your limited Spanish, a madri-
lifestyle, an attitude carried by those who live here. Don’t leño could become a very good
be fooled by their relaxed smiles and generally laid-back
approach to life, madrileños love to party and know how to friend. Their siesta/fiesta atti-
do it right. There is something for everyone, from live music tude might surprise you when
and jazz to the grand international clubs. Delve into the city’s
you discover much of this great
nightlife and you will not be disappointed.
city’s history that is enveloped
This guide seeks to point you in the direction of the best pla- in fighting and political unrest.
ces to go to experience Madrid to its fullest and it is perfect
for those who are travelling on a budget.

4. Historical timeline of madrid
1833: Isabel II be- 2004: March 11th,
800: Madrid is occu- comes the first and Madrid is attacked by
pied by Arabs, who 1561: Madrid beco- only female Spanish terrorists who deto-
name the city Mayrit mes the capital of monarch of modern nate bombs in busy
in reference to its ri- Spain when Philip II times. Tension rose Metro stations and
ver. Mayrit gains im- moves the court from between the monar- trains. This tragic day
portance, rivalling Toledo. 1716-1788: Carlos II chy and the military. saw the loss of 192
Toledo, and passes 1118: The same laws turns Madrid into a Isabel abdicated in 1979: The monarchy is people with thou-
between the control of Toledo are brought modern city, in line favour of her son in restored and Juan Car- sands injured.
of the Christians and to and dictated in Ma- with other European 1870, leading to re- los I becomes King.
Muslims many times. drid. capitals. volts and the Spanish
Civil War.
800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 Present
1083: Under the con-
trol of the Christian 1480: The Tribunal of
King Alfonso I, Madrid the Holy Office of the 1875: Isabel’s son Al-
loses part of its cultu- Inquisition in Spain is fonso XII becomes 1992: Madrid is na-
ral heritage when all established to ensu- the King of Spain and med as the Culture Ca-
Muslim symbols are re the stability of the the country gains sta- Now: Global eco-
pital of Europe.
abolished in the city. Catholic church and bility once again. nomic crisis sees
expelled Jews and Is- enduring hardship.
lamic people if they Governments aim to
did not convert to make drastic chan-
1383: King John I of 1939: Spain was taken
Catholicism. ges but groups such
Castille names Leo VI over by Nationalist
as Occupy Madrid
of Armenia Lord of Francisco Franco, who
continue protests
Madrid. interestingly, even
against inequality.
Adolf Hitler did not
Rallies can still be
like.
seen in Puerta del
Sol.

5. festivals and events Bollymadrid
There are many different festivals and events occurring in Madrid and its surrounding areas Plaza de Lavapies • 91 522 30 25 • http://www.bo-
throughout the year. Here is a selection of what not to miss. llymadrid.com • Metro: Lavapiés
PHotoEspaña Madrid hosted the annual Bollymadrid In-
January: Día de los Reyes (The Three Kings Calvacade) Presents are exchanged whilst a pro- Paseo de Castellana • 34 913 601 326 • http://www.
dian culture festival. The festival is situated
phe.es • Metro: Colon
cession and party occurs through the streets commemorating the three kings´ pilgrimage to PHotoEspaña is an annual photography and in the Lavapiés neighbourhood, which is
meet baby Jesus. visual arts festival that has been a major at- easily accessible via the metro stop of the
traction in Spain since 1998. It runs throug- same name.
hout June until August and has created
February: ARCO (Contemporary Art fair) Usually in the second week of February, promoting great international interest showing work When approaching the neighbourhood,
you are overwhelmed with the rich scent of
contemporary art throughout Madrid. It is Europe´s largest art fair. from photographers such as Andy Warhol,
food and spices that transport you straight
Richard Avedon and many more.
to the streets of Bangladesh. There are rows
March/April: Semana Santa (Holy Week) Every town and city throughout Spain have mo- The majority of the festival is situated of food stalls lining the squares, serving cu-
throughout the Paseo de Castellana in the linary delights such as samosas, bhajis and
mentous processions through packed streets. Toledo and Segovia are must visit towns for an various rice dishes - try one for just a euro!
city centre of Madrid, with exhibitions loca-
unforgettable display. ted in places such as the picturesque bota-
nical gardens beside the Prado. In terms of Along with the vast range of Indian food
finding out about the exhibitions, you can to sample, there is entertainment running
May/June: Fiestas de San Isidro, the capital´s patron saint. With half a month of neigh- throughout the day, from English dance
check out the website to download the full
bourhood parties, plays and concerts, the city is buzzing with life! Madrileños dress up in festival map. troops to Indian groups performing tradi-
traditional costume and celebrate the event with a procession to the Emita de San Isidro. The tional dances. The costumes are mesmeri-
As well as the exhibitions there are many sing with both the male and female dancers
event also marks the beginning of the bullfighting season. workshops, lectures and competitions in wearing clothing saturated in rich colours
which you can involve yourself. If you have and embellished with intricate beading and
sequins . This provides a feast for all the sen-
July/August: Veranus de la Villa is an open-air festival across Madrid with a range of music an avid interest in photography, there are
ses and is an all round great day of enter-
book stalls set up at the end of the exhi-
and dance including opera, pop concerts, flamenco and much more. bitions for you to purchase books from fa- tainment, as well as providing some really
mous photographers and artists featured tasty foods. So if you are looking to explore
a diverse side to the culture in Madrid, Bo-
September: La Noche de Blanco is part of Europe’s annual White Night festival which began within the exhibitions. It is a must for those
llymadrid is for you.
with a keen interest in photography and the
in Paris 2002. It brings a range of art and cultural performances to the capital many of which visual arts.
are free.
October/November: Festival de Otoño is the city´s largest cultural festival including inter-
national theatre, jazz, dance and many other events.
December: Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) Annual celebration where madrileños welcome the
New Year at the Puerta del Sol. When the clock strikes midnight, people attempt to swallow
twelve uvas (grapes) between each chime. If they manage to do so successfully, it means
they will have a prosperous year.

6. Useful Phrases
Contributors
Meeting People Practical Numbers
Hello- ¡Hola! Who?-¿Quién/Quiénes? 0- cero 16-dieciséis
Goodbye- ¡Adiós!
Please- Por favor
What?- ¿Qué?
When?- ¿Cuándo?
1- uno 17-diecisiete
2- dos 18-dieciocho
LayoutTeam:MalloryConder,BiancaHoward,ElisaKörtge
Thank you- Gracias
Yes/No- Sí/No Where?- ¿Dónde? 3- tres 19-diecinueve
Excuse me- Perdón Why?- ¿Por qué? 4- cuatro 20-veinte
Sorry- Lo siento How?- ¿Cómo? 5- cinco 21-vientiuno
Do you speak English? Howmuch?-¿Cuántos?
¿Habla inglés? 6- seis 22-vientidós
Do you understand? How much is it? 7-siete 23-vientitres
¿Cuánto cuesta? 8- ocho 24-vienticuatro
¿Me entiende?
Yes, I understand. I’dliketochangesomemo- 9-nueve 25-vientecinco MeganBaker
The City’s Jungle, The Rastro on a Budget, Shopping on a Budget, Parque
Elisa Körtge
Tabacalera, 100 Montaditos, Capricho Extremeño, Casa Granada,
Si, entiendo. ney 10-diez 26-veintiséis del Oeste, Casa de Campo, Making a Splash, Anarkoli: Along the Curry Gau&Café, Chocolatería San Ginés, Lavapiés, Areia, Sala el Sol, Madrid Rio,
Could you please speak Queríacambiardinero.
slower? 11-once 27-vientisiete Mile, Crawling around Madrid Parque del Oeste, Puerta Del Sol
¿Puedehablarmasdespacio
por favor?
12-doce 28-veintiocho
13-trece 29-veintinueve
MalloryConder
My Madrid Free Tour, The Royal Armoury, Food Intro, Cava Baja,
ElizabethPrekas
Practical Information, Museo Arquelógico Nacional, Graffiti and Street Art,
Where are the....? 14-catorce 30-treinta Catherdrals, Flamenco, Cultural Centers, Las Letras, Botín Century Plus Old Tiendas, Hombre con Pipa, Carmen, UEFA Champions
¿Dónde hay....? 15-quince 100- cien
KathleenCoyle League, Museo del Prado, Goya Feature, Day Trip Info, Toledo:Swords,
Effects of Economic Crisis
Jessica Salter
Taberna del Marciana, The James Joyce Bar, Ernest Hemingway in Madrid,
The Recycled Music Center, La Gromola, La Libreria de Lavapies, Petra’s
International Bookshop, J&J Book&Coffee, Gran Via, Museum of Romanti-
cism, Madrid Book Fair, Dosde Market Palacio de Deportes, Palacio Vistalgre, La Riviera, Festivals and Events List,
DawnGoodman
Accomodations, Bullfighting Feature, Neighbourhood Intro, Malasaña,
Days Transport Food Nest Boutique, Retro, Lolita’s Closet, Sweet Madrid, Plaza Mayor Review
Whattimedoesthe...lea- Rummaging through the Rastro, From a Side Street to Circo, Museo del
Monday - lunes ve? breakfast-desayuno
Prado, Shopping in Madrid, PHotoEspaña, Bizarre Boutiques, Cheuca,
BollyMadrid
AriannaTrozze
BiancaHoward
Dolores Promesas, Museo Sorolla, Museo Reina Sofia, Museo Thyssen-
¿A qué hora sale el....?
Tuesday - martes lunch- almuerzo Bornemisza, “Waterloo Bridge” by Derain at the Thyssen-Bornemisza,
Is this taxi available? La Latina, Marisqueria Ribeira do Mino, Anema e Core, Nightlife top tips, Don Fruta, Museo Geominero,Museo ABC de Dibujo y Ilustración, Blanca
Wednesday-miércoles ¿Está libre este taxi? dinner- cena Kapital, Bar 1978, Tupperware, Discoteca Palace, Sculpture: Equal Berlin, “EMT”- Madrid’s Bus System, Majaderitos Cafe, Salamanca, Moe,
Thursday - jueves Pleaseputthemeteron. snack- tentempié Parallel, El Corte Ingles, Wine and Cheese in Madrid, Patrimonio Café la Palma, Cardamomo, Background layout
JadeW.Wong
Comunal Olivarero, Apartment Life, Hostel top tips, Students’ Hostel Luis
Friday - viernes Porfavor,pongaeltaxime- bar- bar Velez, Consider Hotels, Fabrizzio Guesthouse, Cat’s Hostel, Hostal
Saturday -sábado tro. cafe- café Helena, Master the Metro Introduction to the Guide, History and background of Madrid, Palacio
Sunday - domingo How much is it to...?
¿Cuánto cuesta ir a ...?
coffee bar- cafeteria Sian Jones
Cine Dore, Botanical Gardens, Centro Centro, Cerveza España, Fancy Bread,
Real, Theatro Real, Toledo,Teatro Joy Eslava, Juicy Avenue, Taberna la
Aguja, Practical Information, Map
Pleasetakeme(tothisad- restaurant-restaurante Marvellous Madrid, Mercado de San Miguel, Summer Shoes, Top 10
Madrid, Vegetarian Delight, Vintage Madrid, Madrid on Two Wheels
dress.)
Porfavor,llévame(aesta
dirección.)
CITYTRAVELREVIEWMADRID2012