Try the churros for breakfast....
by Svitata
Try the churros for breakfast. They're delicious! Especially when you dip them into your cafe con leche or a hot cup of chocolate! Yes, they are oily and not too healthy, but hey, how many times are you going to be in Madrid?
Drinking Culture
by ker331
In Spain (and many other European countries), the drinking culture is quite different from that of the US. The drinking age is lower (either 16 or 18) and the bartenders are not that strict either. However, it is not every person's goal (even young people) to get drunk whenever they go out for a drink. I went to spain and stayed there for about a month last year. I was 16. I was used to the american mentality of --the purpose of alcohol is to get drunk. And I believe that our laws and some influential figure's agendas are counterproductive are major contributing factors of this distorted mentality. However, during my stay in spain, my view of alcohol totally changed because I saw how much more logical and healthy the drinking culture in spain (and france, i went there too) is. It's also very relaxing and a great way to socialize. Just drink a beer during lunch time (especially in the summer when it is so hot). Sangria is really good. Have wine or beer with tapas. Nothing else goes with tapas as well. So, if it's your first time going to spain or another south european country, don't make a fool of yourself by getting extremely drunk at a tapas place or bar...
For more info on this topic:
http://72.14.209.104/search?q=cache:JSCFynU4hwgJ:www.nyjournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article%3FAID%3D/20061011/OPINION03/610110414+keryn+kleiman&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=us
Real Madrid C. F.
by HORSCHECK
Go and see a match of Real Madrid in the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu (See my Must-See Activity Tips). Real Madrid is one of the most famous clubs in the world and plays both league and European cup matches.
The stadium is often sold out, nevertheless, tickets might be available on the black market. I got a ticket for the UEFA Championsleague semifinal between Real Madrid and Juventus Turin.
Don't be shy when negotiating with the touts. I got a brilliant ticket for the lateral side for only 30 Euro, even though it was offered to me for 100 Euro. The original price was 25 Euro for Real members, so these kind of tickets are normally not sold to non-members of the club. I was very lucky ... :-)
wonderful waters in Medina Mayrit
by zumodemango
This is the first time i go to an arab bath in Spain!!!! This Baths are located in an area which was arab originally in Madrid. Although are new they kept teh original structure of the aljibes.
There are 3 different places of water(cold, medium and hot) and the steam house. Then you can choose a massage!!!!!
After the bath is possible to have a dinner or lunch in the restaurant or have a tea!
wonderful expirience!
Great pubs near Puerto del Sol
by nancyw about Irish pubs
Each night we hit a different bar or pub - and enjoyed all of them. I met one guy from Iceland, another from Uruguay and more American college kids than I could count.
Even after sangria and (I can't believe this) Screaming Blue Lamborghinis, walking back in the wee hours to the hotel was safe - with lots of people on the streets even at 3 a.m.