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Tapas and Plazas

Description:

Madrilenos live in the streets and squares. Most social activity involves food and drinks. A typical evening or night will take you to several cafes, bars, or restaurants. If you're in a group, the question will always be, where should we go next? And, "En donde nos tomamos la ultima?"

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Author: Jennifer

Day 1 - Madrid

Today you'll explore around the Plaza Mayor, Lavapies, and Sol. Start in the Plaza Mayor around midday to catch some sunshine. While the views are great from the outdoor cafe tables, the prices can be high. When you're ready, exit the square from the far corner through the Arco de Cuchilleros onto the streets Cuchilleros and San Miguel. Lining these streets are "mesones" each with their own specialty. You can also try the Cuevas de Luis Candelas or Botin for historical options. Walk down Calle Colegiata through the Plaza Tirso de Molina and down the Calle de Lavapies. Lavapies is full of outdoor cafes and the Corralas architecture. Calle Lavapies is overpopulated with Indian restaurants, and along the Calle Argumosa you'll find plenty of tapas and beer. It's best to come here for your first time during the day to get a lay of the land because some shady characters can come out at night. On your way to the Plaza Santa Ana, stop at the Aloque wine bar for quality tapas and good variety of wine. Plaza Santa Ana is packed with bars and tourists, but it's still pleasant and attracts some locals. Between Santa Ana and Sol around the streets Cruz and Espoz y Mina you'll find more drinks and food. If you've made it this far, make a couple final stops at Lhardy and Casa Labra around Puerta del Sol. Of course you can take these recommendations by area, simply visiting one of them and tasting what you can.

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Plaza Mayor

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Location:

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Plaza Mayor
28013 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

+34 91 588 1636(Tourist Information)

Casa de la Panadería

Location:

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Plaza Mayor, 27
28012 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

+34 91 588 1636(Tourist Information)

Cuevas de Luis Candelas (Las)

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Location:

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Calle de los Cuchilleros 1
28005 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

34 91 366 5428

Corralas (Las)

Location:

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Ruda, 3
28012 Madrid, Spain

Aloque

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Location:

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Torrecilla del Leal, 20
28012 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

34 91 528 3662

Casa de Diego

Location:

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Puerta del Sol 12
28012 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

+34 91 588 1636(Tourist Information)

Puerta del Sol

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Location:

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Calle Mayor & Plaza Puerta del Sol
28013 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

+34 91 588 1636 (Tourist Information)

Casa Labra

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Location:

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Tetuan 12
28013 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

91-532-14-05

Lhardy

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Location:

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Carrera de San Jerónimo 8
28014 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

91-521-33-85

Day 2 - Madrid

Add a little art and history to the gluttony. Pay respects to Fransisco de Goya, and marvel at his frescoes in the Ermita de San Antonio. Then fill up on "pollo" at Casa Mingo. Metro over to the Plaza Dos de Mayo for your after lunch coffee and see the square dedicated to the second of May rebellion against the French in 1808. Goya's impressive and emotional paintings "Dos de Mayo" and "Tres de Mayo" tell this story at the Museo del Prado. The streets surrounding the historical square are full of bars and cafes. You can spend the rest of your night here, or you can walk over to the nearby Plaza Santa Barbara for more action.

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Ermita San Antonio de la Florida and the Panteón de Goya (Goya's Tomb)

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Location:

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Glorieta de San Antonio de la Florida s/n
Principe Pio
28008 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

+34 91 542 0722

Casa Mingo

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Location:

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Paseo de la Florida 34
Near Glorieta de San Vicente
28008 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

91-547-79-18

Plaza del Dos de Mayo

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Location:

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Plaza del Dos de Mayo
28004 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

+34 91 366 5477 (Tourist Information)

Plaza de Santa Bárbara

Location:

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Plaza de Santa Bárbara
28004 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

+34 91 588 1636 (Tourist Information)

Day 3 - Madrid

A typical sunny Sunday in Madrid is spent denying Monday morning. Most shops are closed, and people go to the Rastro flea market. You can find just about anything you're looking for if you have the time, and lots of things you've never thought to look for: used shoes, hippie clothes, arts and crafts, antiques, a key that doesn't fit any lock...After you've found your treasures, cut across to the La Latina neighborhood where the outdoor cafes overflow with activity. Branch out from the Plazas de la Cebada and de la Paja and the streets Cava Alta and Cava Baja to taste tapas and meet people. Continue down to the Basílica de San Francisco el Grande and through the Jardines de las Vistillas. By this time everyone has forgotten about their weekly obligations.

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