Posted: 2005-04-21 10:36:00
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.
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