On a business trip to the Iberian capital, do you have an hour or two before going back to the hotel or hopping on your plane at Barajas? Here’s a little guide to some of the must-see places in the ‘city of the Movida’.
Discover the historic centre on foot
It is quite possible to get across to Madrid’s city centre in a few minutes. Start your journey at the Puerta del Sol, a large square with a statue of a bear standing next to madrone (strawberry tree), two symbols of the city. Then head down the Calle Mayor, a historic central street, which leads you to the place you shouldn’t miss under any circumstances: the Plaza Mayor. Take the opportunity to go and smell the typical aromas of the San Miguel market, located just behind the Plaza Mayor.
Mόvida on the terrace
Madrid’s squares are the perfect place to enjoy an exciting and restorative meal break on the terrace. If your palate leads you to sweet treats, you should definitely order a ‘Chocolate con churros’, a typical, very thick cocoa drink accompanied by churros. On the other hand, if you prefer salty treats, treat yourself to some delicious tapas for a very reasonable price. As an accompaniment, try a glass of ‘tinto de verano’, an alternative to the age-old sangria. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Slipping some Iberian flavours into your luggage is a safe choice
As you will learn, the pleasures of the palate are an integral part of the daily life for the people of Madrid, and it would be a shame to deprive yourself of the riches the city is full of, in terms of the unequalled quality of dishes.
Iberian ham keeps remarkably well and is vacuum-packed so it doesn’t weigh down your luggage. One of the best places to get it in the city: Enrique Tόmas, Calle Tetuan, 19.
You can find the best quality ‘turrón’ (a Spanish sweet treat) around the Plaza Mayor (Turrones Vincens, Calle Mayor, 43, are the best).
