Online - October 01, 2005

Reign in Spain

DailyCandy Goes to Madrid

Barcelona may hog the spotlight, but Madrid deserves just as much attencíon.

The barrios are compact and easy to navigate. Chueca is artists, designers, hip restos, and gay bars. Neighboring Malasana is grungy in a good way, with vintage clothing stores and ethnic restaurants. Salamanca is high-end designer; La Latina has the best tapas bars and highest ratio of cute, young actors. Don’t even think about hitting the bars before midnight. The locals aren’t called gatos (cats) for nothing.

NEST
Modern design, free in-room internet, hydro-massage showers, central location — the Petit Palace Puerta del Sol (Calle Arenal 4; +34-91-521-0542) sure doesn’t feel budget. Something more secreto? Chic and quaint HH Campomanes (Calle Campomanes 4; +34-91-548-8548) is tucked off a side street near the Royal Palace. The minimalist look and cool amenities (pillow service, library, hot restaurant overlooking the street) are only part of the charm at the Bauza Hotel (Calle Goya 79; +34-91-435-7545).

INVEST
Madrid is a city with sole. You’ll see the lines even before you get to Casa Hernanz (Calle Toledo 18; +34-91-366-5450), famous for its handmade espadrilles. Clearly, local designer Monica Garcia knows how to walk on cobblestones. Find her fun flats at Las Bailarinas (Calle Piamonte 19; +34-91-319-9069). One-stop shopping? Hit Mercado de Fuencarral’s (Calle Fuencarral 45; +34-91-521-5985) for four floors of clothing, jewelry, shoes, and accessories. And don’t ignore the amazing local chains: Trucco, Adolfo Dominguez, Mango, Camper, Pedro del Hierro, and even Zara.

Forgot that stores are closed all Sundays except the first one of each month? No problem. You’re too busy wandering around El Rastro in La Latina, Madrid’s answer to Portobello Road.

INGEST
Equal parts lounge, club, and restaurant, La Musa (Calle Manuela Malasana 18; +34-91-448-7558) is always hip. Get a taste of Spain’s culinary innovation at Divina la Cocina (Calle Colmenares 13; +34-91-531-3765) with dishes such as cream of seaweed soup with trout eggs and garlic foam. Need a taste of uber-chef Ferrán Adriá but can’t make it to El Bulli? Visit Fast Good (Calle Padre Damian 23; +34-91-343-0655) for his version of fast food. Stop for tapas and wine at Vinoteca Barbechera (Calle Principe 27; +34-91-420-0478) at Plaza Santa Ana.

The Spanish take their late-afternoon merienda seriously — and so should you. Hit Mallorca (various locations) for canapes, mini sandwiches, and baked treats or Ricci (Calle de las Huertas 9; +34-91-429-3345) for real Italian gelato. Bingeing on churros (like donuts, but way better) and hot chocolate at Chocolateria San Gines (Pasadizo de San Gines 11; +34-91-365-6546) after an all-nighter is as much a must-do as visiting the Prado.

You know what they say: Vamos.

  Foodies, Party Towns, Scenesters