Where is the good part of Madrid?
June 19, 2011 11:15 PM Subscribe
I am in Madrid for three days for work - where should I go in the evenings?
My work sent me to Madrid to do a training course in the Salamanca district. I was hoping to eat some good food and maybe go shopping and pick up some new shoes or a shirt or something. I am not interested in going to museums or anything like that, although I could see a concert.
I walked around the district of my hotel and it is kind of a disappointment. Few shops, lots of bad looking bar/tapas places. For example, I got some boquerones at a nearby bar and they tasted like KFC, and the bravas were in a neon orange MSG-based sauce.
So, any MeFites know the city and want to help me find the good parts?? Last time I was here Malasaña seemed somewhat happening, should I head back there?
My work sent me to Madrid to do a training course in the Salamanca district. I was hoping to eat some good food and maybe go shopping and pick up some new shoes or a shirt or something. I am not interested in going to museums or anything like that, although I could see a concert.
I walked around the district of my hotel and it is kind of a disappointment. Few shops, lots of bad looking bar/tapas places. For example, I got some boquerones at a nearby bar and they tasted like KFC, and the bravas were in a neon orange MSG-based sauce.
So, any MeFites know the city and want to help me find the good parts?? Last time I was here Malasaña seemed somewhat happening, should I head back there?
Best answer: I lived in barrio Salamanca near Juan Bravo and there are places there that are interesting but generally it is a little on the less touristy side. This can actually be better than the tourist-laden areas. The main streets to find places are Diego de Leon and Francisco Silvela. To the east, Calle del Pilar de Zaragoza has a few cafes that may be of interest. Wander some of the side streets and you will be amazed at some of the good cafes you can find. The area is safe so you don't have to worry about being mugged.
I would also suggest going around the area near Ventas which has plenty of good, authentic bars. Calle de Alcala in particular to the west of the Plaza de Toros. There are some men's clothing stores along that street too, assuming you are a man.
posted by JJ86 at 8:25 AM on June 20, 2011
I would also suggest going around the area near Ventas which has plenty of good, authentic bars. Calle de Alcala in particular to the west of the Plaza de Toros. There are some men's clothing stores along that street too, assuming you are a man.
posted by JJ86 at 8:25 AM on June 20, 2011
Response by poster: both great answers, thank you! i wandered around from Metro Opera and up into Malasaña and it was ok but i thought the city probably has more to offer. maybe i will try argumosa tomorrow evening.
funny, i am right at Diego de Leon - although i have to say, it seemed pretty lame on sunday night but today was more lively and i saw some bars and restaurants that looked decent. do you have any specific recommendations for the Diego de Leon / Francisco Silvela area?
thanks again!
posted by molecicco at 12:00 PM on June 20, 2011
funny, i am right at Diego de Leon - although i have to say, it seemed pretty lame on sunday night but today was more lively and i saw some bars and restaurants that looked decent. do you have any specific recommendations for the Diego de Leon / Francisco Silvela area?
thanks again!
posted by molecicco at 12:00 PM on June 20, 2011
I usually stopped by the nearby Casa de la Cerveza which was popular and may work for you. You can sit out on the sidewalk and have a caña.
posted by JJ86 at 1:10 PM on June 20, 2011
posted by JJ86 at 1:10 PM on June 20, 2011
That was just a place for drinks and simple bar food but a good nearby restaurant is Wagaboo. I've been to the one in Chueca and it is great. This one is probably just as good.
posted by JJ86 at 1:17 PM on June 20, 2011
posted by JJ86 at 1:17 PM on June 20, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
Malasaña is still somewhat happening, though becoming increasingly more upmarket. It no longer plays host to the massive weekend outdoor-drinking binges known as botellón, which is a bit of a shame if you liked the atmosphere (though the neighbours are understandably thankful). It still has plenty of nice little dive bars and quirky shops, however. On the other hand, if it's the botellón atmosphere you're after, it seems to have mostly moved to Plaza de España on weekends.
They gay neighborhood, Chueca, is also very lively, if a tad expensive. Lots of interesting alternative clothing shops in the area and along Fuencarral street. Not so sure about the food there, however: a lot of bars and restaurants in the area seem to favour style over substance, and prices tend to be on the high side. If you head there for dinner, check the reviews first.
As far as personal recommendations go, my recent-ish discoveries include La Latina (along line 5), which has plenty of bars with pretty decent food and lots of outdoor seating. Lavapiés (on line 3), and more specifically Argumosa street, should also fit the bill for decent, inexpensive bar food; if you get tired of Spanish delicacies, it's also a good place to grab some Indian grub.
Huertas street (and the Barrio de las Letras area in general) has a large number of decent pubs, though be aware that the closer you get to Sol, the more likely you are stumble into the "tourist trap" area.
I may be able to fine-tune my recommendations a bit if you can be a bit more specific re: what you're after, but hopefully the above should be a good starting point. I'll keep an eye on your question and come back with more ideas if anything else crosses my mind.
Have lots of fun in sunny (and stifling hot) Madrid!
posted by doctorpiorno at 7:39 AM on June 20, 2011