A Day’s Stroll Around Downtown Madrid
Morning
Start the walk outside the Casa de Correos in
Puerta del Sol
, a popular meeting point for madrileños.
Cross the square in the direction of the bus stops, then turn on to
Calle de Alcalá. This busy street is lined with fine examples of 18th
and 19th century architecture. Two examples on your left are the Casa de la Aduana and the
Real Academia de Bellas Artes
. Take time to visit this often
overlooked gallery, with its small, but quality, collection of
paintings. Next door is the showy façade of the Casino de Madrid.
Cross Calle de Alcalá when you reach the junction with Gran Vía, then head for coffee in the
Círculo de Bellas Artes
. As you make your way back to Gran Vía look up to admire the Metrópolis building, then take a stroll along Madrid’s bustling main avenue.
When you’re ready for lunch, escape the crowds by turning into Calle de Hortaleza, then Calle de la Reina. At No. 29 is La Barraca, famous for its paellas
(see Museo del Jamón).
Afternoon
Head back to Gran Vía and continue to Plaza del Callao. Turn left into Calle de Preciados, a pedestrianized street dominated by two large department stores, FNAC and El Corte Inglés. After a leisurely browse around the shops, return to Puerta del Sol as it begins to liven up for the evening.
Cinemas and Entertainment
Cine Estudio Círculo de Bellas Artes
The cinema of the fine arts centre (see Círculo de Bellas Artes) shows classic movies by famous 20th-century directors such as Eisenstein, Fassbinder, Francis Ford Coppola and John Huston.
Palacio de la Prensa
Designed
in 1928 by Pedro M uguruza, this Art Deco cinema is a classic. Shows
mainstream movies dubbed into Spanish. Three screens.
Plaza del Callao 4
Dis. access (screen 1)
Palacio de la Música
Opened in 1928, this three screen cinema has ornate Baroque touches. Reduced-price tickets available on Wednesdays.
Gran Vía 35
Dis. access (screen 2)
Callao
Located
in the Art Deco Carrión building, this cinema’s greatest moment
occurred early in the Civil War when Eisenstein’s stirring movie Kronstadt
was shown to an audience including the President of the Republic and
leading military figures. Films are screened in Spanish. There are two
screens.
Aixa Forum
This
interesting art centre is based in one of the area’s few industrial
buildings. The converted site has a cinema and space for exhibitions,
concerts, festivals and conferences.
Teatro Lírico Nacional de la Zarzuela
Purpose-built to showcase Spain’s unique light opera form, Zarzuela. Also international opera, music recitals and other events .
Teatro Lírico Nacional de la Zarazuela
Teatro Lope de Vega
Musicals like Beauty and the Beast and Les Misérables are staged here, performed in Spanish.
Teatro María Guerrero
This
theatre is home to the National Dramatic Centre. The company stages
hugely successful theatre plays and is a favourite amongst theatre
goers.
Calle de Tamayo y Baus 4
Closed Mon
Dis. access
Gula Gula
Great
views of the Gran Vía and Alcalá can be had from the first floor of
this restaurant, which entertains customers with disco music and floor
shows in the evenings.
El Sol
Venue for concerts by Spanish and international bands that date from the Movida period . Reasonable bar and entry prices.
Calle de los Jardines 3
Closed Sun–Mon
Downtown Shops
Zara
This
Spanish fashion phenomenon is now also a household name throughout
Europe and the United States. Stylish clothes for all the family at very
reasonable prices.
Zara
FNAC
This
useful store, just a few minutes’ walk from Puerta del Sol, sells
everything from CDs and sound systems to cameras, videos, books and
mobile phones. Helpful floor staff, some of whom speak a little English.
Horno San Onofre
The
decoration of this traditional Madrid bakery borders on the palatial.
The produce is just as good – every conceivable type of bread, as well
as seasonal specialities such as roscón de Reyes and turrón .
Cortefiel
This branch of the Spanish high street chain specializes in reasonably priced clothes and sportswear for both men and women.
Men
Women
Cortefiel
02
Raid this store near Puerta del Sol for glitzy costume jewellery and equally showy accessories perfect for a night on the town.
Casa del Libro
Four floors of books on every subject under the sun. Some English books. Good travel section, especially for books on Spain.
Casa Jiménez
It’s difficult to tear yourself away from this emporium specializing in mantones (Spanish shawls) and mantillas, the silk headdresses worn by women in Goya’s paintings .
El Elefante Blanco
Shades
of the Big Top in this small shop, founded by a former circus
performer. Sells all the paraphernalia – stilts, jugglers clubs,
diabolos, etc. Great for kids.
VIPS
This
useful shopping and restaurant chain is open almost all hours. You can
eat in the reasonably priced café-restaurant, while the shop stocks
everything from books and newspapers to drinks and batteries.
Grassy
This
famous jeweller occupies one of the signature buildings of the Gran Vía
dating from 1916. The gleaming window displays of rings, watches and
other items (all original designs) are equally distinguished.
