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Spain : Madrid - January 2008

Country Code: Dial for Spain

Many large European cities have become so cosmopolitan that their high streets are virtually interchangeable. Not so Madrid. Somehow it has managed to retain its individuality, just like its residents who are more warm-hearted and laid-back than anywhere else. Sarah Morris finds plenty to like about the Spanish capital, especially in January

Getting around

Barajas Airport

Bus: There are regular buses from the airport to Avenida de America (which connects with Metro lines 4, 6, 7 and 9) until 11pm. The journey takes between 30 minutes and an hour (emtmadrid.es).
Train: Terminal 4 is covered by line 8 of the metro system. The journey to the city centre takes about 45 minutes and a single ticket costs €2.
Taxi: The journey to the centre takes around 20 minutes and costs around €28 (which includes the taxis’ airport charge of €5,25).
Tourist information: The main office is at 27 Plaza Mayor (tel. , www.turismomadrid.es) but there’s also an information stand at Terminal 1.

SOL AND THE CENTRE

Sol, the square where many Spaniards see in the New Year, is thought of as the country’s most central point, and boasts non-stop bars and clubs in and around Plaza Santa Ana and Calle Huertas. Although the area has a certain ‘edge’ to it, it’s pretty safe.

Sleep soundly – For somewhere to lay your head after a night on the tiles, the Hostal Andorra (33 Gran Vía, tel. , rooms from €60) is a great choice if you’re on a budget. If you fancy something a bit more upmarket, try the new Hospes Madrid, with views of the Alcalá Gate and complete with Bodyna spa and indoor pool (3 Plaza de la Independencia, tel. , epoquehotels.com, rooms from €190).

Culture vultures – The Yelmo Ideal cinema (Plaza de Jacinto Benavente) has a pretty stained-glass front and screens films in their original language with Spanish subtitles.

Must eat – Head for Los Gatos (2 Calle Jesús) to enjoy an aperitif Spanish-style – standing up, frothy beer in one hand, tapas in the other, while wondering if any more decorations can be squeezed onto the walls.

Dance the night away – A wonderfully kitsch version of Granada’s Alhambra, Villa Rosa (15 Plaza de Santa Ana) is probably the closest you’ll come to dancing in a Moorish palace.

Shop til you drop – For unusual gifts, head to Ricami Verónica (1 Plaza del Ángel), where you can buy a traditional apron or chef’s hat embroidered with your choice of name or message.

CHUECA

There is something funkier about this end of town. Sadly for girls on the prowl, though, most of the good-looking, well-dressed men in the bars and boutiques here are gay.

Sleep soundly – Each of the nine rooms in Colors Host (39 Calle Fuencarral, tel. , colorshost. com, rooms from €45) is decorated in a different colour and comes equipped with internet access.

Must eat – There is a huge variety of restaurants in and around Calle Libertad, from noodles at Circus (13 Calle Libertad, tel. ) to fish, seafood and rice at Boga Bar (11 Calle Almirante, tel. ).

Must drink – Head straight for Stromboli Café (96 Calle de Hortaleza), where you can sip late-night drinks to a soundtrack of deep house and new jazz. It’s open until around 3am – perfect for night owls.

Dance the night away – Housed in what was once a theatre, nowadays Pacha (11 Calle de Barceló) is the place to see and be seen. Dress up and take plenty of money with you.

Shop til you drop – To blend into the neighbourhood, pick up a T-shirt saying something like ‘Estoy harta de ser buena’ (‘I’m tired of being good’) at the boutique El Tintero (5 Calle de Gravina).

SALAMANCA

Madrid’s smartest residential area offers great shopping, whether you want to browse exclusive boutiques or pick up bargains at high-street stores like Zara and Mango.

Sleep soundly – The light, modern Abba Hotel (32 Avenida de América, tel. , abbamadridhotel.com, rooms from €75) has excellent business facilities as well as a gym.

Culture vultures – The impressive-looking National Library (20-22 Paseo de Recoletos) regularly puts on excellent free exhibitions.

Must eat – Sushi Olé (71 Calle Francisco Silvela) is a bit out of the way but well worth the trip – the chef fuses sushi and Spanish cuisine, and it’s immensely popular, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Must drink – Sugar (11 Calle de Diego de Léon) is the place to go for dinner and drinks in a stylish setting. The red room downstairs is particularly striking. There are also regular DJ nights.

Shop til you drop – If you thought Spaniards didn’t make much fuss over their pets, Pet à Porter (21 Calle Juan Bravo) will prove an eye-opener.

Compiled by Scott Adams