Dear readers,
Today its thursday the 23rd of May. I am looking forward to Saturday because than its weekend and it weekend we can enjoy better of the fantastic city Madrid. My previous blogs were about the neighborhoods Salamanca and Chueca, two very different areas in Madrid. This week I am going to write about about a more touristic area of Sol Madrid:!
General
Sol is the center of Madrid where all roads of the center come together at a big square. It is Madrid's most famous and most central square of the city, located just a short walk from the Plaza Mayor. Since this is now Madrid's most central location, it is an excellent area to to stay and there are many hotels, hostals (smaller, often family-run hotels) and tourist apartments nearby. If you look to the "flat" south side of the semi circle you will see a clock tower, part of a building known as the "Real Casa de Correos". This was originally built in the 18th century as part of the Post Office, and now functions as the headquarters of the President of Madrid's Autonomous Community.
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| Oso |
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| Sol overview |
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| Sol clock tower |
On the east side of the square you can find the ''symbol'' of Madrid called the Oso and Madroño. The Oso & Madroño is the official symbol of the city although with an unclear origin - it seems that there used to be many bears in the fields around Madrid although the original symbol was supposed to be a female bear (osa). And the strawberry tree seems to be have actually been a hackberry tree, which was once in abundance around Madrid. Whatever the real history, this bronze statue is the work of the sculptor Antonio Navarro Santa Fe. Although this area is very crowded and touristic, if its your first time in Madrid you should definitely take a quick look.For more touristic information press on the neighborhood Sol.
Due to my longer stay here in Madrid I have found some insight places in Sol which I definitely want to recommend you guys!
Uvepan
If you want to have an affordable, fresh, spanish breakfast/lunch you should definitely bring a visit to 'Uvepan'. Uvepan is a Spanish is combination of a 'panaderia' (bakery) and 'posteleria' (dessert specialist). You can compare it with ''le pain quotidien'' only its a bit more focused on sweets. The bread that they offer is of very high quality and is being sold for a relatively low price (around 2€). Uvepan is a small 'chain' in Madrid but definitely worth visiting and not so touristic. The one nearby Sol is established in the Calle Mayor number 30. Uvepan has a relaxed atmosphere where all kinds of (spanish) people are coming to have a breakfast or lunch. They have a big 'menu' to choose from. Although they are specialized in sweets and bread it is also possible to order good sandwiches.
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| Uvepan interior |
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| Uvepan bread |
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| Uvepan outside |
Malaspina
Malaspina is one of the best tapas bar in Madrid, its nearby Sol and not touristic. (calle de cadiz, 9) Malaspina has it all: good food (tapas), great service, cozyness (but still crowded) and the real Spanish atmosphere and culture. If you enter the bar, the first thing you notice is that you hear a loud HOLA (hello) from the barkeeper. I have visited this place many times and not even one time he forgot to scream a loud HOLA from behind the bar.
Its not possible to make reservations over here. Its always full with people, no matter what day you visit the bar. Sometimes you have to wait for a while but they always try to serve you as best as possible; providing nice tapas and drinks. The tapas bar is not very big but this gives the real Spanish feeling. You hear everybody talking and ejoying life. If you have bad ears I don't recommend you to go over here, but if you do you won't regret it! The prices of the tapas are relativly low (around 5€) for a plate, which you can divide with tho persons. You nee around 2 till 3 plates in total for 2 persons. The drinks are not expensive as well: a beer costs around 1.8€. After you have enjoyed the food and the atmosphere they always offer you a free shot of the house, no matter how crowded it is. You never have (although people are waiting in line) the feeling that you have to 'hurry up'. If you want to sit down and relax, the bar personal has no problem with that, as it of-course should be. If you receive the bill you are probably stunned about the final amount you have to pay. The food is in general is quite good in comparison for the prices you pay. I would recommend you to try several different things and judge by yourself which you like best (although they have very good 'huevos rotos' -->jamon with eggs and potatoes). The only thing I would not order is the tapas plate for two. Its too much bread and the tapas aren't the best you get. Just order some different plates as they say in Spain 'Para Compartir' (to share).
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| Malaspina outside |
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| Malaspina inside |
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| Malaspina inside |
Malaspina hasn't got an a website. Of-course you could complain about it, but it has also some charms. On this way only the Madrilenian insiders know where to find, and of-course you now you know it as well. Don't tell it further ;)
La Bienquerida
If you are looking for a place to sit outside, where you can relax, and have a proper meal for an affordable price go to La Bienquerida. This restaurant is established in the Plaza Jacinto.
This place has the atmosphere, especially in the winter, of a 'Winter Wonderland'. The restaurant is established outside (not in a building like other places but it is just loose standing on a square), it has fantastic service (you really can see the waiters enjoy their work), the furniture is 'sweden-look a like-in the winter' and has a 'relaxed lounge look-a-like in the the summer'
In the winter they have heaters and blankets for each and everyone. The seats are covered with soft white coats. If you are with your beloved one I recommend you to visit this place. What you should order is as followed: both a sangria (which is really nice, in a big glass and it is not too expensive -->3.5€) and order the 'gourmet' for two. This gourmet costs 14€ in total and you have a delicious and cozy meal. You get some different cheeses, bread, vegetables and sausages. This is also a good idea to do in the summer, but than its more a lounge area. Eating is still possible (food in general is fine and not expensive) but my preference has the winter.
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| La Bienquerida terrace |
Corte Ingles Gourmet Experience
El corte Ingles is one of the most famous warehouses of Madrid. Nearby sol (plaza Callao) is one of the warehouses of el Corte Ingles. You can buy whatever you want over here (clothes, electronic equipment, shoppings etc) but this is not why you have to visit this place. You have to visit this place because there is on the 9th floor a so-called 'gourmet experience'. If you enter this area it is a collection of all kinds of tapas. From burgers to sushi, to deserts and different jamons. It is relatively expensive but the atmosphere is hip-Spanish and you have a view over whole madrid. If you have some money to spend I would recommend you to try some tapas and have some drinks. If you don't have a lot of money to spend it is a perfect place to go to see a beautiful view over Madrid, for free. It is, as written in the name, a real experience!
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| Gourmet experience shop |
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| Gourmet experience interior |
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| Gourmet experience view |
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| Gourmet experience terrace |
Yesterday I needed a haircut. I have visited several hairdressers here in Madrid and each of them didn't satisfied my needs. A friend of mine recommend me to visit El Kinze de Cuchilleros. This hairdresser (also called barberia), was the hair dresser of former Real Madrid player Ruud van Nistelrooij. The store looks really authentic and classic. The hairdressers really give attention to your hair and treat it with, i would almost say, 'love'. They also shave beards for the price of 1€ above the haircut. I am sad that I found this hairdresser at the end of my period in Madrid because I never experienced such an attention towards my hair. I promised them to return the day before my theses defense. If you want to find a reliable, very cheap (12.5€!!!) hairdresser you have to visit this one. From all my recommendations in this blog, this one hairdresser has become a LoveMark for me.I t is established nearby Plaza Mayor in Calle de los Cuchilleros number 15. This shop is too authentic and too classic to have a website and I hope they never will get one. I felt in love for the second time in my life, this time it wasn't a girl but El Kinze de Cuchilleros. RESPECT!
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| Hairdressers 'El Kinze' |
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| Hairsalon 'El Kinze' |
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| Hairdressers |
My last and final recommendation is about a Spanish friend of mine called Elsa, she is very good blog writer and also has great inside information about Madrid. It's called 'Loving Madrid'. Check here blog, because I probably mist something.
Cheers and enjoy the sun!
Casper
i like your blog, its more of a tourist blog though. I also have a blog. Its a nigerian blog buh so much fun, www.
ReplyDeletesheunman.blogspot.com
Great post!!! My boyfriend is working in the city for two months.... Wish we'd come across this sooner xx
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