Hello!! Soon a couple of friends and myself are going to Madrid.. this is our first time in this city. We’re on our thirties, so we want to visit museums and restaurants. Besides, we are still looking for accommodation.. we have been thinking on hostels, but we are not so sure... Can you give us some recommendations???
In Madrid I know a place called Metropol Hostel. This place is very well located, 5 minutes walking from “La Puerta del Sol”. It’s economic, clean, with breakfast included. I believe it was a hotel and a couple of years ago became a hostel. The rooms are small, so you will not have to share with more people.... Each room has a TV and bathroom. Near this hostel, Santa Ana and Huertas are the nearest zonas! Head up Calle Victoria (I think - beside the Museo del Jamon) from Puerta del Sol and stop in the busy bars for tapas and drinks. Take a look at what people are eating/ drinking and point, if necessary. Many of the bars have a specialty, so don't miss out. To sit down (very casual) try Maceira on Huertas. They'll probably have a queue so pop in before you're starving and put your name down. There's a place called Susana that looks great, but always has a queue around Calle Sevilla (head up San Jeronimo from Sol and take the first left, then the first right I think...). There are also great tapas bars around La Latina - try El Almendro (earlyish) and again follow the crowd. For trendy eating try calle Libertad (metro Opera - but a short walk really). There's a huge range of restaurants there. Bocaito for tapas and great raciones (best jamon I've EVER eaten); Extremedura (for BIG meat), Carmencita (I've never been, but it's always recommended) and I can't believe I don't remember the name, but there's a restaurant towards the end of the street with huge plate glass windows that's really great. The street leads on to Agusto Figueroa - the home of all great shoes! (just go before 2 on Saturday!) This area is called Chueca, it's the gay area, has a fabulous buzz and I really like it, but some people think it seedy, so if you're very nervous go for lunch not dinner - and don't miss the shoes...For boozy lunch, I like Bellas Artes restaurant (metro Opera)- it's incredibly chic. Don't miss Casa Mingo for Sunday lunch (roast chicken, cider, salad) - metro to Principe Pio then walk 10-15 minutes on Paseo de la Florida. This is an institution, and if you like people watching, it will be hard to leave. I hope this information is helpful.
Thanks very much Loreto.. it seems like you know very well the city. I will check the hostel you mention... I have found a place to stay yet...Believe me, your recommendations will be very useful for me.. I was a little bit lost...
