Chocolate con Churros!! and other Madrid, Spain Things to Do Tips

Here's the queue for this place on

a fiesta day...

by mollymoo0oo0 , 4 more photos

It's an absolute institution to try chocolate con churros here... and San Gines is undoubtably the best and most popular place in the city for it!!!

So popular - and big - is this place, that you pay first and they have a ticketing system for collection... *and* they serve the freshest yummiest chocolate (Spanish hot chocolate, which is very very thick and unlike any other I've tasted in another country) partnered perfectly with churros (a long stick of 'doughnut' type consistency... though far far better than any doughnut in my opinion). There are also porras, which are similar to churros, only thicker. Early evening prices are halved to cater for the local shopping crowd who wander by from Sol and Plaza Mayor

Coffees and a bar of the usual drinks are also available here, though most of the patrons you will find being consumed with chocolate!! The place is huge, across 2 floors, and being open throughout the night from Wednesday to Sunday (I'm told it closes at 7a.m. ish, but am sure to have been here after that time).... it gets packed full of people from all walks of life - old and young, families, party people, some in full costumes... a great place to meet people too. It's very close to Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, tucked down a little side street.

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Phone: 91-365-65-46
Address: Chocolater�a San Gin�s, Pasadizo de San Gin�s, 5

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Other Museums: El Museo de Escultura del Aire Libre

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Updated by mollymoo0oo0

on Jan 6, 2008

Can you see the smiley face?

by mollymoo0oo0 , 1 more photos

Open Air Sculpture Museum in Madrid... a fantastic concept...

In the heart of the financial/working district, sat between Paseo de Castellana and Calle de Serrano, you can find this outdoor collection of sculptures from various well-known artists...

It's a nice space for sitting or perhaps taking lunch - especially for local workers, for whom the concept was originally designed.

Note that by following the directions below, you will see the sculptures are in front of you, with an information plaque to guide you. It is also possible to receive an information leaflet upon request from the small booth at the far end (almost hidden, on the left hand side) just before ascending the stairs towards Calle de Serrano.

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Address: Paseo de Castellana
Directions: Go to Ruben Dario Metro, exit onto Paseo de Castellana. Cross this road (under Puente Enrique de la Mata Goro/Calle de Juan Bravo) towards Calle de Serrano.

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Things To Do: Celebration? Need a Cake??

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Updated by mollymoo0oo0

on Nov 7, 2007

Cumplea�os Feliz!!

by mollymoo0oo0 , 2 more photos

Tartalia has recently opened a new shop near my home, expanding on it's various shops across town... it offers a range of party cakes - or tartas de toda la vida as they say, in the shape of decorated sponges, gateaux, profiteroles, fruit, chocolate, cream....

fantastic for birthdays or any celebration. Small (for approx. 8 people) are 7 euros, with family size at 9 euros - a bargain!!

I highly recommend the Cumplea�os (birthday) cake, a moist sponge with a layer of cream and chocolate cream, with a chocolate topping.

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Phone: 913-324-560/Fax: 913-320-287
Address: Paseo de la Esperanza, 25, 28005 Madrid
Directions: From Acacias Metro, walk down the hill (Paseo de la Esperanza) for about 3-4 minutes, Tartalia is on the left hand side just past the Burger King.
Website: http://www.tartalia.com/
Other Contact: Opening hours vary: 10h-14h30/15

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Things To Do: Tapas and Copas near Estadio Vincent Calderon

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Updated by mollymoo0oo0

on Nov 7, 2007

If you're off to see un partido - a match - at Atletico Madrid's Stadium or in the area, check out this bar, El Paseo to sample the tapas...

A small, modest bar/cafe a couple of roads away - with some well chilled freshly squeezed orange juice and delicious compimentary tapas... it will whet your appetite to order some others to try. Very good value, the low prices hardly justify the quality and friendly staff.

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Address: El Paseo Cafeter�a/Cervecer�a, Paseo Pontones, S/N
Directions: from Piramides Metro station, turn into Paseo Imperial until the roundabout, then turn right into Paseo de los Pontones. El Paseo is on a corner on the right hand side.

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Things To Do: Tapas - near Serrano and Colon

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Updated by mollymoo0oo0

on Nov 7, 2007

Calle de Serrano has been cited as having the most expensive properties in Madrid, according to a recent survey.... which is further enhanced by its housing of some of the most expensive and exclusive boutiques and other shops....

Yet in spite of this, exploring a few side streets will present one or two more reasonably priced places to stop off for a lunch or tapas...

Candilejas is a pleasant cafeteria/restaurant with a tasty range of freshly prepared tapas on offer each day. And a good hot chocolate too! ;)

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Phone: 914-35-34-70/914-35-33-67
Address: Candilejas, Calle Hermosilla, 7, 28001 Madrid
Directions: From Serrano Metro, exit onto Calle de Serrano and walk in the opposite direction of Plaza de Colon. Calle Hermosilla will be the first left hand turn, restaurant on the left.

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Parks: Parque San Isidro

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Updated by mollymoo0oo0

on Nov 7, 2007

by mollymoo0oo0 , 4 more photos

San Isidro is the Patron Saint of Madrid... and is celebrated in fiesta in May as part of a week-long event. The Park in his name is located within 5 minute's walk from the Atletico Madrid football stadium, and is a little tucked away, so even more of a pleasure to encounter.

The park is of medium size, very well maintained with lots of wonderful fountains... and offers dedicated space for several sports. These include:

- basketball (dedicated court and 3 other sets of nets in a less well-maintained court - good practice area)
- volleyball - 3 nets... with a dedicated following of players and their supporters
- table tennis - many tables
- football (2 pitches. It is possible this particular space requires pre-booking. I will update this tip once I have confirmed this point).

Also in the park are many picnic tables - for those who don't feel like sitting on the lovely green spaces for their lunch and snacks - as well as lots of spots designed for exercises - complete with instruction boards.

Finally, you will also find a lovely sculpture of Goya in the park, just by a high point where it is possible to look across the city of Madrid and even see the mountains in the distance!!

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Address: Paseo de la Ermita del Santo
Directions: From Marqu�s de Vadillo Metro station...follow the street signs - about 5 minute's walk. Map on http://maps.google.com/ (search for "parque san isidro, madrid")

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Things To Do: Good, Fresh and Tasty Tapas in Goya

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Updated by mollymoo0oo0

on Jan 4, 2008

by mollymoo0oo0

Goya is at the heart of the shopping zone, and when you need a break, there is a great little bar tucked away down a side street.

It�s called Daniela�s, and is a very clean white-tiled bar, quite typical of the madrile�o style. Staff are friendly and attentive, and will offer you delicious free tapas with every copa.... only to give you a hunger for more from their delicious menu.

Prices are slightly above average, but this is in keeping with the local zone. And besides, there are one or two gems not to be missed.
I highly recommend the tortilla paisana (includes meat) or the tortilla espa�ola (vegetarian), which you can watch being freshly made and enjoy with a nice glass of rioja. Only 3� for one, and it�s perfect to share as a snack.

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Address: C/General Pardi�as, 21, 28001, Madrid
Directions: From C/Goya, C/General Pardi�as is a one-way street crossing through. Daniela�s is about 2 minutes� walk from here.

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Things To Do: El Templo de Debod

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Written by mollymoo0oo0

on Jan 6, 2008

by mollymoo0oo0 , 4 more photos

Tucked away inside El Parque del Oeste is el Templo de Debod, an Egyptian temple which was given to Spain in the late 1960s in thanks for the country�s support in saving la the temples of Nubia, most notably that of Abu Simbel. The temples had been under threat of destruction due to the building of the Aswan Dam.

Inside the temple there a several small rooms displaying various stones with carved hyrogliphs and other Ancient Egyptian images... on the second level there is a display of a minature model of the islands along the path of the Nile in the lower section (Aswan to Abu Simbel).

Worth a look, and entrance is free. Opening hours vary though, so make sure you check what they will be for the day of your visit before you arrive disappointed!

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Phone: 913-66-74-15
Address: Parque del Oeste, Paseo del Pintor Rosales, Madrid
Directions: 10 minutes� walk from Arguelles metro station. From the station, walk down Calle del Marqu�s de Urquijo and turn right onto Paseo del Pintor Rosales at the end.
Other Contact: Various opening times - check in

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Things To Do: Panini caf�

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Updated by mollymoo0oo0

on Jan 9, 2008

Panini is a pleasant caf�, serving a fantastic hot chocolate - with a choice of flavoured syrups (the almond one is lovely, if you have a sweet tooth). Costs about 2,50�.

Also served are a range of very tasty homemade cakes, and Italian sandwiches (hence the name!). Staff are friendly and also speak English well.

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Phone: 915-47-34-04
Address: Calle Campomanes, 11, 28013 Madrid
Directions: The street is tucked between �pera and Santa Domingo metro stations.

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Things To Do: Generous Tapas and a truly madrile�o experience!

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Updated by mollymoo0oo0

on Jan 11, 2008