Madrid from the Sky

Last week we suggested a movie and dinner plan at Cine Doré and the Antón Martín Market. There are not many cinemas as magical as that one, but there are many old food markets in Madrid that were restored and that now offer a varied gastronomic offer:

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jan/29/top-10-food-markets-madrid-spain

In addition to trying those other markets (and don't just stick to the one in San Miguel, please! 😊), today we suggest a new plan:

An exhibition on Monet, the father of French Impressionism, and a 30-minute visit to an observation deck from which you can contemplate wonderful views of the Madrid skyline. Everything in the emblematic Cibeles Palace, currently the headquarters of the Madrid City Council and the CentroCentro cultural space, the former Communications Palace (it used to be the main Post Office, can you believe it?!).

 

    

Here you can find information about the different spaces of the building:

https://www.centrocentro.org/en/centrocentro/spaces/mirador-madrid-observation-deck the exhibition

Information about the Monet exhibition:

https://www.centrocentro.org/en/exhibition/monet

And the observation deck:

https://www.centrocentro.org/en/centrocentro/spaces/mirador-madrid-observation-deck

Other tips for viewpoints in Madrid: https://madridfilmoffice.com/en/madrid-scenic-points/

There is also a rooftop in the building to have a drink, but it is temporarily closed, so here you have other rooftops to LIVE MADRID FROM THE SKY 😊:

https://www.citylifemadrid.com/rooftop-terraces-overlooking-madrid/

A Very Special Movie Theater in Madrid

 If you like going to the movies, you cannot miss a visit to the "Ciné Doré". It is a building built in 1923, with a modernist style, common in cinemas from the beginning of the century and consistent with the architecture that was being carried out at that time in Madrid. It is really beautiful and different from the modern movies theater we are used to!

Calle Santa Isabel 3 - Metro Antón Martín (Line 1)

Tickets cost only 3 euros! You can buy them with a maximum of 72 hours in advance and there is a10-ticket passes for 20 euros. Any of those two options are available here: https://entradasfilmoteca.gob.es/ Several films are shown on the same day, some are current ones and others classic films of all time. You can find works of many nationalities, always in the original version with Spanish subtitles. Also, their cafeteria is very pretty and you can spend a pleasant time there (and you do not need to go to the cinema to enter the cafeteria). And it has an interesting bookstore specialized in cinema as well!

On the other hand, right next to it, you will find the Antón Martín market (one of the many traditional markets in Madrid, much cheaper than San Miguel, which is mainly for tourists). The market is filled with traditional stalls dedicated to the sale of fresh products, as well as small stands offering cuisine from all over the world, be it Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Colombian or Taiwanese.

     

WELCOME TO OUR BLOG!

Welcome to our AU Spain blog! Every week we will share with you some tips to enjoy your stay in Madrid.

During our trip to Toledo, Paco told you about El Rastro, an old flea market open every Sunday from 9:00am to 3:00pm where you can find trinkets and handmade products, but also good antique stores and also hiking clothing, military clothing, second-hand and many other things.

    

Metro stops - Tirso de Molina (Line 1) or Embajadores (Lines 3 and 5) or La Latina (line 5).

By the way, if you are interested in vintage clothing, you can not only go to the Rastro on Sundays, here you will find some suggestions for every day of the week:

https://www.timeout.com/madrid/shopping/vintage-and-second-hand-shops

And for other flea martkets:

https://www.the500hiddensecrets.com/spain/madrid/discover/flea-markets

However, if you prefer to do something cultural (we will inform you about exhibitions, films, concerts... every week), don't miss the exhibition on the fall of the Berlin Wall. It has been in Madrid since November, but it is supposed to end at the end of February. It is located close to ISDE!

https://theberlinwall.com/madrid/en/

 Metro stop-Plaza de Castilla (Lines 1, 9 y 10)

Last week in Madrid

Hello all and thank you for following along this term. Please enjoy your last week in Madrid and know that you will be missed and always welcome back !! 

Holiday activities !

Thursday, November 23rd the Christmas lights will be turned on! All over the city the streets have been decorated with floating lights. Not only are their competitions within Madrid as to who has the best display but also in the surrounding cities. 

Highlights: Puerta de Alcalá, Retiro Park, Plaza de Cibeles, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor.

LINK to two hour self guided walking tour to enjoy the lights this weekend or in the coming weeks! 

Saturday, November 25th the Christmas markets open! 

The most famous is that of Plaza Mayor with over 100 stalls filled with nativity scene figures, toys, homemade gifts, sweets, etc. 

Plaza España also has a lovely market, it features a huge skating rink as well as food, drink and gift stalls.

Plaza de Colon (November 25-27, and December 4) - Adventsbasar is a German themed Christmas market. To visit this market, it is necessary to buy a ticket for 5€. On this market you can find clothes, books, Christmas decorations, typical German food, glühwein and more!

The Corte Inglés located near Nuevos Ministerios has really outdone themselves with this one! They have taken advantage of the large courtyard area in front of their store and set up a lovely Christmas market with a very traditional feel! The market is filled with cabins selling awesome gifts and decorations, but there are also many different food stalls for you to enjoy! From crepes and churros to burgers and croissants!

For more markets around the city ! LINK 

So many things to do this week in Madrid !

Mix of culture, art and history -- Exposition about the Berlin Wall

Extensive collection of over 300 original objects, testimonials from people on both sides and  20 meters of the original wall. 

Paseo de la Castellana, 214 (Chamartín metro)

tickets starting at 17,80€.

Free Monday dance classes - entry between 8:30 pm and 11 pm 

Learn salsa at any experience level and meet new people at Calle 365 in Bario de Las Letras 

9 pm Salsa class and 10:10 Bollywood class 

Calle 365 - Calle de Echegaray, 18, 28014 Madrid

 Reserve your free tickets here 

Comedy show - pay what you can

Every week, we have an English comedy open mic with some of Madrid's most talented comedians who want to try new jokes. This show has a great mix of professional comedians who try new jokes and new/upcoming comedians who work on their crafts. Don't miss your chance to witness the raw version of the jokes for the first time! This is Jokesmith’s Open Mic!

Doors open at 8pm - show is at 8:30 

Reserve place here - then bring cash for the show 

El Pez Gato (Noviciado or Tribunal metro) 

Make your own bathbomb with LUSH

Get creative, make a bathbomb, add a little secret note inside for yourself or a special someone! Come alone or bring friends.  

Saturday, November 18th 

Timing - 5:30 to 6:30 pm 

 tickets - 8 euros 

64 Calle de Fuencarral 

Sunday free running club 

5km run at your own pace but start together. 

Timing: 10:30 am 

 free 

Puerta de la Independencia 

Outdoor Escape Game - in La Latina 

Explore the beautiful streets of La Latina neighbourhood of Madrid. Become immersed in the culture through traditional food, murals depicting scenes from history, and small museums packed with meaningful objects on display. You’ll get to feast all your senses as you discover restaurants with colourful exteriors, serving delicious traditional dishes. The grandest church in Madrid is also one of the attractions waiting to be discovered by you, and be prepared to fall in love with the squares and markets of the neighbourhood! Adventure is one click away!

The route you’re going to follow in the city is sprinkled with unique places, fun clues and challenges, and incredible stories of past and present.

The experience will play out like you’re the main characters of a movie, only that you’re experiencing everything in first person! Fun dialogue, intrigue, and unexpected interactions are guaranteed.

HOW IT WORKS❓

1. Book your tickets 🎫

2. Download the Questo app - it's free 📲

3. Head to the starting point📍

• Available 24/7
• Pause and resume anytime.
• You can play offline

 tickets for 7.99 

Botin Restaurant 

Interested in exploring your artistic side and socializing ... maybe make some holiday presents

Pinta en Copas - CeramicafeChoose a ceramic piece from the more than 100 models available. Then paint and drink a coffee. A week late you can go pick up your piece after it has been fired. This is a super central and really accessible option to spend a few hours!

Prices range from €10 for the smallest pieces to €30 for the largest. For example, a cup of breakfast would cost a total of €15 (although there are cups between 12 and 19 euros)

Youth card: 15% discount on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, in the morning.

LINK

                                                           

Everyday there is an option to pain a different category at ARTE BAR

40 Euros for a three hour session with a professional teacher, an apron, paints and bottomless wine

LINK provides options for each day 

                                                           

Wednesday November 29th

Sip and Paint - 5 Euro Tickets

Are you ready for a fun and creative experience? Join our Sip and Paint event. In a relaxed atmosphere, you'll enjoy a glass of wine while exploring your artistic side. Awaken your creativity and take home your own masterpiece - come and discover the pleasure of painting while socialising! ??

LINK