Barajas Airport is located 8 miles or 13 km north-east of Madrid.
There are buses which leave the airport every 15 minutes to go into the centre at a cost of €2.31. The journey takes around 30 minutes and terminates at the Plaza de Colon.
The airport metro station is situated at terminal 2. Trains on line 8 leave every 5 minutes and go straight to the newly reformed Nuevos Ministerios metro station, which is about 2 miles from the centre of Madrid, with a journey time of 12 minutes. A one-way ticket will cost €1.00. You can buy a 10-journey ticket for €5.35.
It is advised that you use only official taxis from the ranks outside the Airport terminal. The cost in a taxi will be approximately €25.00 (£20). This price includes airport and baggage supplements
MADRID AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Madrid's Metro (underground subway system) is clean, modern and very efficient. It runs from 6am to 1.30am. An individual journey ticket, sencillo combinado, costs less than 2 Euro. All tickets are bought from a machine or a booth in every station. If you’ll be using the Metro more than once or with a group, the 10 journey pass is great value. At around 7 Euro, it can be used on both EMT bus and Metro services, by yourself and your travel group. It is not valid on the Plaza de Colón-airport route. The Tourist Travel Pass, Abono Turístico is recommended for unlimited use over consecutive days (one-person use only) on all bus and Metro networks. Variations include a 1 day unlimited (3.50 Euro) and a full 7 day pass (20 Euro).
Busses run until approx. 22:30 and start again around 6:00 o’ clock in the morning. A network plan can be found at the back side of every bus stop and the prices are the same as for the subway.
The official taxis in Madrid are white with a red stripe and the emblem of the city on the side of the car. Prices are quite reasonable compared to other large European cities; you pay e.g. 2/3 more for taxis in Germany. Every taxi has a label on the passenger side, stating “ocupado” (occupied) in red or “libre” (available) in green. You can also recognise an available taxi by its light on top. There are many taxis in Madrid and it is often the best and quickest way of transport, especially if you are a group of people, who can split the price.
City Centre to the Benabeu Stadium Take metro line 10 to Santiago Bernabeu station. The stadium will be on your right-hand side.
City Centre to Estadio Vicente Calderon Take metro line M5 to Piramides. 5 minute walk. Follow the crowds.
TOURIST OFFICES Madrid Tourism Centre Plaza Mayor 27, Tel: 91.588.1636.
EMERGENCY SERVICES Fire: Madrid area: 080, National: 112. Municipal police: Tel 092. National Police: Tel: 112. Public medical care: Tel 061 Ambulances: Madrid area 061, National: 112. Dental Emergency: Clinica Dental Cisne Tel: 34-650-51-2710.
When calling any of the above numbers it is advisable to ask somebody who speaks fluent Spanish to relay your message.
BRITISH CONSULATE Embajada de Su Majestad Britanica, c/ Fernando el Santo 16, Tel: 91-700-8200.
BANKING HOURS Monday to Friday 0815 - 1400 In the Callao area of Madrid, there are banks with later opening times
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Real Madrid stadium tour Regular schedule: from 10.30am to 6.30pm (Game days: up to 6 hours before the beginning of the game -limited tour) Entrance: Adults, 9 € and under 14 years old, 7 € Ask about discounts for members and Madrid fan cardholders. Ticket points of sale: Main ticket office (Avda. Concha Espina, next to Torre A) Game days at ticket office 10 (Paseo de la Castellana)
Madrid Bus Tours The Madrid Vision bus is a double-decker tour bus that takes you on a scheduled panoramic tour of Madrid on one of 3 possible routes. Hop on and off the tour bus as many times as you like on any of the three routes, or even start one route, and join another at one of the interconnecting stops. The 3 routes are; Modern Madrid, Monumental Madrid and Historic Madrid (see below). The top deck of the bus is open, allowing you to enjoy marvellous views of Madrid's main monuments and sights. The bus has an audio system with tourist information in 8 languages and a low floor for handicapped access together with a ramp for those with reduced mobility. All passengers are given a map of Madrid, showing the city's main attractions and the different tourist routes and also discount vouchers for visiting museums, monuments, attractions and restaurants.
The Royal Palace One of the best preserved palaces in Europe, nearest tube station is “Opera“. Prado Museum, The museum houses the most important schools of painting from the 12th to the 19th centuries. It has an incredible collection of old masters predominantly from the Italian, Spanish and Dutch schools. Closest metro Banco de Espana, Open 0900-1830, closed Mondays. Admission €3 with free admission on Sundays.
Centro de Art Moderno Reina Sofia Lovers of the modern art of Picasso, Miro and Dali should visit the Centro de Art Moderno Reina Sofia. The star attraction is Picasso’s huge masterpiece Guernica, closest metro Atocha, closed Tuesdays.
National Archaeological Museum Archaeological relics from the prehistoric, classical and Middle ages, nearest tube Serrano, closed on Mondays and National holidays.
Warner Brothers Movie World Situated 25km from the city this theme park opened April 2002 can be reached in 15 minutes by rail from the city centre. It is divided into 5 theme areas; Wild West, Cartoon Village, Hollywood Boulevard, Warner Brothers Studio and DC Superheroes World. Open March to mid November.
Zoo and Aquarium More than 2000 different species of mammals and birds live among the 20 hectares of parkland. The dolphinarium is probably the most popular attraction. Dolphins, seals and sea lions give regular performances throughout the day. Admission for adults is €12.15 and €9.50 for under 8s. Open 10:30 am-nightfall. Closest metro Batan, although probably wiser to take a taxi.
Parque de Attracciones A place for young families who can visit the six different adventure zones, nature, automation, tranquillity, infants, grand avenue and virtual world. The children’s amusement park has rides including the Rapids, Launch pad and Top spin. A Supertrasto ticket includes admission and unlimited rides for adults at €18.63 and under 7’s at €11.11. Open Oct-Mar midday-7pm Sat and Sun (Feb midday-8pm, Mar midday-9pm). Apr midday-8pm Mon-Fri, midday-10:00 pm Sat and midday-9pm Sun. May-Sep closes one hour earlier each month.
El Retiro Park For a walk among the families of Madrid, appearing after church in their Sunday best. The parks extensive gardens, stunning buildings (Alfonso XII Monument and Palacio de Cristal shown below) relaxing lakes and incredible variety of ornamental trees are a welcome relief from the city’s frenetic pace. Also a good place to hand feed the tame red squirrels and shoals of goldfish in the main lake.
Shopping In Madrid has its very own shopper’s paradise in the district of Salamanca, the city’s most chic, glamorous and sought after area. The most luxurious boutiques are found in streets such as Serrano, Castelló, Goya, Velázquez, Jorge Juan, Príncipe de Vergara and Ortega y Gasset. It is an area known as the golden mile where you can let yourself be carried away by what you see, and where it is important to know how to keep close tabs on your credit cards.
Strolling down Ortega y Gasset in an experience not unlike attending the Milan Fashion Week, or watching a catwalk in New York. Some of the most prestigious international brand names can be found between number 10 and 16. The prêt-a-porter of Italian firm Versace, with their usual sexy touch, can be found at number 10 of this street. One door up we come across the exclusive outlet of Hermès, with all the refinement and simplicity associated with the name. At number 14, Dolce & Gabanna, have a 700 metre2 painstakingly decorated shop full of sophistication and the most modern design. Also at number 14, Chanel offer exhibitions of “works of art” by Karl Lagerfeld. Giorgio Armani, Valentino y Louis Vuitton. For those looking for distinctive bags and luggage, this is an unmissable opportunity.
Plaza de Cibeles Built between 1777 and 1782 by Ventura Rodriguez. Traditional meeting place for Real Madrid supporters after a Championship or Cup win.
BARS
O’Neill’s, Calle Principe 12. Madrid. Large pub built on 2 floors, all sports shown and live music. This place has become an unofficial meeting place for Fan Fare clients over the years. Close to Puerta del Sol.
Kitty O’Sheas, Alcala 59, Madrid. A great central location for thirsty and hungry visitors. Spanish food (carpaccio-peppered beef fillet) and Irish food (steak in Guinness) is served. Big screen showing football, open 10:00 am - 3:00 am daily.
Finbars, Marques de Urquijo 11. Madrid. A little Irish tavern combing two great traditions from Ireland and Spain, Guinness and tapas. Sky sports on TV. Open 10:30 am - 1:00 am Mon-Fri and midday - 3:00 am Sat and Sun.
Finnegans, Plaza de las Salesas 9, Madrid. Lively, friendly and informal, offering simple snacks, lunch and dinner. Cards, backgammon, darts and chess available. Open 12:30 pm - 2:00 am Mon-Thu and 1:00 am - 3:00 am Fri-Sun.
The Quiet Man, Valverde 44. Madrid. Relax and enjoy a couple of pints whilst listening to live blues. Open 5.30 pm - 2:00 am Mon-Thu and 1:00 pm - 3:30 am Fri-Sun.
Sister Ray, Monteleon 5. Madrid. A sanctuary for fans of bands like Iggy Pop and the Velvet Underground. Rock music from the 1950’s to the present day plays as you prop up the bar.
Louie Louie, Palma 43 Madrid. Rock and Roll bar decorated with rock and roll memorabilia. Open 8:30 pm - 3:00 am daily.
Molly Malone’s, Manuela Malasana 11, Madrid. Choose from a range of over 20 draught or bottled beers. During the summer there’s a terrace where you can sit outside and watch the world go by. Open 5pm-2am Sun-Thu, 5pm-4am Fri and Sat.
O’Connors, Almagro 3, Madrid. Close to Plaza Alonso Martinez and metro of the same name.
RESTAURANTS AND CAFES
Paradis Casa-América, Paseo de Recoletos 2, Madrid. Closed Sat lunchtimes, Sun and holidays. Located in the Palacio de Linares, this attractive, tiled restaurant with a leafy summer terrace is a favourite with business people at lunchtimes, when it serves a good value menu del día. Rice dishes are the house speciality.
La Fromagerie, C Salustiano Olózaga 5, Madrid Typical, old-fashioned basement Madrileño bar, serving a good value menu del día to local office workers.
La Vaca Argentina, C Prim 13, Madrid. Popular chain of Argentine restaurants, for meat-lovers only. Modern decor of the bleached wood and chrome kind.
La Biotika, C Amor de Dios 3, Madrid. Bright and airy café serving tasty vegetarian food, with plenty of dishes featuring seitan and tofu. Menu del día only 7.50 EUROS.
Casa Matute, Plaza Matute 5, Madrid. Charming, traditional Madrileño restaurant, decorated with antiques and lace curtains, which is very popular with locals. There’s a good tapas bar at the front if you just want to snack.
Champañería Gala, C Moratín 22, Madrid. Valencian rice dishes, including fantastic paella, served in a beautiful, glassy patio filled with plants and flowers. Menú del día is excellent value.
La Isla del Tesoro, C Manuel Malasaña 3, Madrid. Exotic bamboo screens, sea shells and deep blue walls make this a wonderfully romantic spot; it’s vegetarian, and the well-priced menu del día (e8.50) features the cuisine of a different country each day.
La Mordida, C Belén 13, Madrid. Fun, colourful and boisterous Mexican restaurant serving fine food, but it’s the party atmosphere that everyone comes for.
El Pepinillo de Barquillo, C Barquillo 42 Madrid. Bright bar with tables covered in red-check tablecloths, serving a light menu featuring salads, seafood and grilled vegetables; a huge gherkin on a cocktail stick is suspended from the ceiling.
Note: There are hundreds of places to enjoy good tapas; we would recommend two main areas where you will find many fine examples of typical Madrid bars. Firstly the area around Plaza de Santa Ana and Huertas is the best known area simply because of the sheer quantity of watering holes. Look for Calle de la Cruz, Calle de Nunez de Arce and Calle de la Victoria, and in particular La Casa del Abuelo for fried and sizzling prawns. Secondly, La Latina, home to most of the traditional taverns. If you stroll in and around Cava Baja, Cava Alta and Almendro you will encounter a countless number of charming places to stop and look at. Look out for Taberna Almendro 13 and El Tempranillo, opposite Casa Lucio on Cava Baja.
KEEPING IN TOUCH, INTERNET CAFES
Easyeverything, Montera 13, just off Puerta del Sol. Ono, 59 Gran Via
