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ONLY BE MADRILENIAN
Only-Be Madrilenian
Segway Tours across 3 European Capitals
The Segway tourism trend has reached virtually all European capitals. Don’t be intimidated! You don’t have to be fit. All you need is a bit of balance. The rest comes by itself.
Food Trucks: Gastronomy on Wheels in Madrid
Food trucks hide little gourmet bites that you can’t miss out on. Get acquainted with Madrid’s food on wheels events.
5 Beautiful Excursions from Madrid
To experience a day like a true local and immerse yourself in the most authentic Spanish culture, we recommend making one of these five excursions from Madrid.
Low Cost Plans in Madrid: Under 20 Euros
What can you do in Madrid with less than 20 euros? Lots of things. No question about it. With that amount of money you’ll be able to experience any of countless plans, ranging from a workshop-tasting of the trendiest drink, climbing up the Madrid skies aboard a cable-car, delighting in a chocolate con churros in one of the capital city’s most traditional and emblematic venues, or even enjoying a boat ride along the pond of the popular Park of El Retiro. Are you ready? You’ll have to dig in your pocket, but not too deep.
7 Good, Cheap and Cheerful Restaurants in Madrid
If you’re in Madrid and looking for affordable restaurants for a lunch or dinner fix, you’ll find there’s more here than you ever thought possible: tapas bars, sushi places, or pizzerias… the Spanish capital is jam-packed with restaurants that will appease your hunger for less than 25€. We have compiled our own customized list that takes into account, not just the price but also the quality on offer, so you don’t have to spend twice as much if the first restaurant you visit doesn’t deliver. 1. Mythos Greek Restaurant. This restaurant on Calle Apodaca 20 (Chueca), offers a range of Mediterranean flavors that its regulars swear by. Among its specialties you’ll find Tzatziki, Dolmadakia, Hummus and Feta, as well wines straight from the vineyards of the Peloponnese. We recommend making reservations for groups, as they offer hefty discounts on group menus. 2. Taberna Malaspina. Ravenous for some typical Spanish tapas? If so, then head to Calle Cádiz 9 for raciones, paella and a great atmosphere with a lively terrace. But be sure to call ahead and book a table to avoid unexpected surprises. 3. Anema e Core Italian Restaurant. If you are looking for high-quality Italian cuisine at an affordable price, this is the place for you. The menu ranges from classic Neapolitan dishes to selected specialties from regions like Sardinia and Sicily. However, the undisputed star of their menu is their margherita ‘dop’ pizza with real Mozzarella di Bufala, followed by their delicious deserts. You’ll find it at Calle de las Donados 2, in the historic center of Madrid. 4. Museo del Jamón. With 5 venues across Madrid, these restaurants serve Serrano...
Madrid’s San Isidro Festivities
May is right around the corner, and with it, Madrid’s San Isidro Labrador Festivities. From May 8th to 17th, the Spanish capital dons its festive attire to celebrate the festivity of its patron saint. Fun times and folklore are guaranteed. Fancy soaking up the local culture of Madrid? Well, this is your chance. Come and join the San Isidro Festivities! Madrid’s San Isidro Festivities revolve around the figure of Isidore the Farm Laborer, to whom more than 100 miracles are attributed, all of them related to water. Not surprisingly, he is the patron saint of farmers, and he is rumored to have had the gift of finding water. It is for this reason that Madrid’s proudest and most devout locals make their way down to the Pradera de San Isidro on May 15th, to take part in the traditional procession and to have a drink of the agua del santo (holy water) sprouting from the stream near the San Isidro chapel; and all this in their chulapos and chulapas attire. Such a sight to behold! Midafternoon, the prairie is pretty much lined with rosquillas (typical ring-shaped pastries) and lemonade. If you have a sweet tooth, this is your lucky day, as you’ll be able to choose among rosquillas tontas (with egg), rosquillas listas (with egg and sugar icing), rosquillas de Santa Clara (with meringue frosting) and rosquillas francesas (with almonds). Finger licking good! If folklore and traditional dance is something for you, don’t hesitate to make your way up to Las Vistillas to see the chulapos and chulapas dance chotis, dressed in their typical costumes. This traditional dance, which...
The Best Pubs to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Madrid
St. Patrick’s Day, a day when people around the world wear green, is celebrated on March 17. That means lots of partying, beer, traditional Irish music, leprechauns and shamrocks. Simply follow the famous leprechaun hats and you will find the party. If not, we suggest going to Irish pubs to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Madrid, which is home to the largest Irish colony in Spain. The Irish Rover Located on Avenida de Brasil, the Irish Rover is one of the most famous pubs in the capital and home to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations for many years. On the first floor the décor makes one feel like you’re on an old Irish street. On the second floor you’ll find a small library and terrace. For St. Patrick’s Day, they host pop, rock and Irish folk concerts. Try their Irish dishes accompanied by a Guinness. It’s an atmosphere you won’t want to miss! Av del Brasil, 7, 28020 Madrid Molly Malone’s Molly Malone’s is the first Official Guinness Irish Pub in Madrid. Located on the edge of Malasaña, Molly Malone’s has two floors. On St. Patrick’s Day you can enjoy live music in a variety of styles. They also have several big screens to follow the latest football and rugby matches. Try one of the typical and affordable Irish dishes. Furthermore, in addition to dark beer, they hand out the green leprechaun hats on St. Patrick’s Day. Calle de Manuela Malasaña, 11, 28004 Madrid La Fontana de Oro La Fontana de Oro is an old café located in the center of Madrid. Benito Pérez Galdós was a regular customer and...
Fashion Week in Madrid: Fashion Tourism
Fans and fashion freaks have a hot date this September: the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, to be held this month, from the 11th to 16th, at the Feria de Madrid. Season after season, Madrid puts her best foot forward for big names in the world of the catwalk. This edition includes new designs by Alvarno, Ulises Mérida and Leyre Valiente (as part of SAMSUNG EGO), as well as the participation of the brand Desigual and the return of Rabaneda and Maya Hansen. It´s no secret that fashion moves the masses, and fashion tourism, travel that is booked solely to be there for the next event, the next fashion show, or the last trade show dedicated to the realm of image and fashion, is becoming increasingly common. Pure paraphernalia, some may think. However, if it is true that fashion tourism is a type of tourism that’s a bit exclusive, using this as an excuse to travel is just as valid as that of festival-goers who organize their calendars around Primavera Sound, Sonar, Tomorrowland, etc. The Fashion Week is an important event for such tourists, which is why cities vie for a place in on the international circuit and to earn the sought-after title of “City of Fashion.” Paris, Milan and New York have succeeded in gaining this most fashionable reputation, while Barcelona, Madrid and London are still struggling to for this recognition. In addition, fashion tourism is one of the most profitable in economic terms. Fashion events attract an elite audience that promotes business on and off the catwalk; the hospitality industry, for example, is a primary beneficiary. It is...
The Castle of the Star in Montiel (Ciudad Real)
Although it’s weird to write about myself, I find it especially thrilling to write about Montiel, its majestic castle, and the living history there I´ve learned from my people. Built up by the Arabs in the ninth century, it was later conquered by the Christians in one of the cruelest battles of history between Don Pedro I of Castile (who was nicknamed The Cruel One) and his brother, Don Enrique de Transtamare, who were archrivals. Specifically, the Battle of Montiel was fought there during the Hundred Years War. The history of the Castle of the Star as seen through my eyes My grandparents built their lives in the same place where Don Quixote of La Mancha lived out some of his adventures: the Campos de Montiel. I spent my summers, weekends and sometimes even Christmas there. In all, I have spent many wonderful years there and have good memories related to the surname Pretel. And of course, related to my grandparents´ house in the Plaza del Quinto Centenario. This house deserves an entirely separate post. Several images come to mind: my grandparents (Antonio and Dolores), climbs to the near ruins of the Castle of the Star with my siblings (Aida, Celia and Antonio), my parents who never fail me (Adelaide and Joseph) and Paquita (who has always been like family to me). In fact, many of the mysteries of Montiel I now know I owe to her. She told me that back when she was a still a child, there were dozens of underground tunnels connecting the castle with the hill known as the Cerro de San Polo (which...
