Madrid, Spain Travel Guide
About Getting Around Attractions Hotels Eats & Nightlife Essentials & Practicals
Intro to Madrid
Madrid has to be one of the most fun and liveliest places in the world. Where else can you can you see people jumping into conversations with arms and hands gesturing animatedly with sophistication and ease (not self-conscious!)? Cafeterias in Madrid, of course. A typical morning scene in a standing Madrid cafeteria – yes, standing – looks like this: stroll into a cafeteria in Puerta del Sol around 7:30 am. Half the counter will be full and there will be a few tables about. One of them will be empty unless the counter is full. The sprite cashiers/cooks behind the counter moves quickly back and forth and bark out orders once in awhile. “Cafe con leche!” Customers stand at the counter, chat a bit, dip their toast or churros in their milk with coffee (not the other way around) and finish in 5 minutes. The next customer moves in. Standing at the counter with no chairs not only functions as a means for customers to move in and out swiftly and informall in Madrid, but also provides a closeness to other customers that doesn’t occur when sitting at separate tables.
The capital of Spain, Madrid is a fun, funky, spunky and thrilling city and one to be experienced. People are colorful and animated, the pace is in places like Plaza del Sol is buzzing and the people are friendly. They will help you, the disabled traveler, out when they see you are in need or just think you need help. Its vibrant and has, it seems, as many restaurants, bars and clubs as there are people. At every corner, especially in the center of Madrid, you´ll encounter something that will catch your eye, whether it‘s the grand, detailed buildings, restaurants, fashion, etc. Only a passport is needed.
Oh, Madrid boasts the longest tunnel in the world. It’s 12 kilometers long and wouldn’t you know, it’s called Urban Tunnel.