What is Plaza Mayor?
Madrid's most decorated plaza, with a number of restaurants, cafes and shops around its perimeter.

Where is Plaza Mayor?
A little to the west of Puerta del Sol.

Metro: Sol and Opera.

Useful Information About Plaza Mayor
Tempted by one of the restaurants in Plaza Mayor? Most of them are overpriced and of mediocre quality. But if you really must take in the plaza atmosphere with a bite to eat, go for breakfast instead. They can't mess up coffee, orange juice and toast or pastry - and at about six euros, though the price is still a little inflated, it won't break the bank.

What is El Botin?
El Botin (or, to give it its full title, El Sobrino del Botin) has a trio of great reasons to dine here. Not only is it a fine restaurant in itself, serving some of the best cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) that you'll find in Madrid, El Botin was also Ernest Hemingway's favorite restaurant (he says as such in his book, The Sun Also Rises)

Where is El Botin?
El Botin can be found at Calle Cutilleros 17, a short walk from Plaza Mayor.

Metro: Opera, Sol or La Latina.

Useful Information About El Botin
As one might expect, the menu is a little pricey, though by no means as expensive as it could be considering the restaurant's credentials (as an example, soup is 8 euros). The 'menu del dia' is a bit of a disappointment as it doesn't really provide you with much of a saving. So I recommend the Botin Experience, which is only slightly more expensive than the menu del dia, but includes a guided tour of the restaurant and a more extensive selection of dishes to try.

What is Madrid Cathedral?
Madrid's cathedral, more properly called Almudena Cathedral, is the city's premier church.

Where is Madrid Cathedral?
The Almudena cathedral is on Calle Bailen, between the opera house and Plaza España.

Metro: Opera or Plaza de España

Useful Information About Madrid Cathedral
Despite Madrid being the capital of Spain since the 16th century, the city did not get its cathedral until 1993.
The cathedral is open 10am to 7.30pm. Mass is scheduled for 7pm daily, as well as at 10.30am and 12noon on Sundays. Confession is held in Spanish, English, German and Italian, from 11.30am to 12:45pm and from 5pm to 7pm.

What is Plaza Oriente?
Admire the royal palace with a coffee in this attractive plaza.

Where is Plaza Oriente?
Between the royal palace and the opera house.

Metro: Opera or Plaza de España.

Useful Information About Plaza Oriente
The cafes here are expensive for Madrid but you get what you pay for - good service in an excellent setting.

What is Madrid Royal Palace?
The official residence of the Spanish royal family.
Entry to the Madrid Royal Palace is free with the Madrid Card and Madrid Cultura Card. Read more about these cards here: Madrid Card

Where is Madrid Royal Palace?
A little to the west of the opera house and a bit south of Plaza España.

Metro: Opera or Plaza de España

Useful Information About Madrid Royal Palace
Many of the rooms are open to the public, decorated in original artifacts from times gone by.
Art by such Spanish staples as Velazquez and Goya are on display in the palace.
The cost of entry to the Royal Palace depends on which part you'd like to visit, with prices ranging from 2€ to 11€. Free entry on Wednesdays.

Opening times:
Oct - Mar 9.30am - 5pm, (Sundays only until 2pm).
Apr- Sep 9am - 6pm (Sundays 9.30am to 3pm).

What is El Flamenco Vive?
An excellent flamenco shop with very knowledgeable staff. Get their recommendations on which flamenco CDs you should check out. They also have books to allow you to study the art.

Where is El Flamenco Vive?
On C/ Conde De Lemos 7, a couple of minutes' walk from the royal palace.

Useful Information about El Flamenco Vive?
Nearby there is a number of guitar shops so you can also buy your instrument.

What is San Gines Chocolateria?
The best place to have Spain's most famous breakfast - chocolate con churros.

Where is San Gines Chocolateria?
On C/ Pasadizo De San Ginés, a small alley leading from Calle de Arenal to Calle Mayor. From Arenal, turn when you see the San Gines church.

Useful Information About San Gines Chocolateria?
One portion of chocolate con churros is usually enough for two people. There's no law that says you have to take your churros with Spain's quite sickly chocolate. Many go for coffee instead.

Metro: Sol

What is Casa da las Torrijas?
A bit of an oddity this one. This place looks like a classic cafeteria from days gone by, only they don't serve coffee! As the name suggests, this place specializes in torrijas, a sweet bread-based dish usually associated with breakfast in Easter.

Where is Casa da las Torrijas?
On Calle Paz, one of the streets that leads directly south from Puerta del Sol.

Metro: Sol

What is La Muralla Arabe?
Remnants of a ninth century wall built by the Muslims who ruled Spain at the time.

Where is La Muralla Arabe?
Starts at Calle Bailen, next to the cathedral.

Metro: Opera

What is Medina Mayrit?
Turkish baths and tearoom in the heart of Madrid.

Where is Medina Mayrit?
At Calle Atocha 14, a short walk from Puerta del Sol.

Metro: Sol