By Cynthia Kane in Madrid—

After the holidays, cold weather, and eating and drinking your way around Madrid, you may find that your body is craving a trip to the gym and a round of any kind of exercise.

Exercising in Madrid is still a relatively new phenomenon: Gyms only popped up about six years ago and yoga and pilates studios about three years ago. But since then, many places have opened, providing a variety of options for those looking for a budget-friendly workout.

Here are a few ways to stay in shape while visiting or living in Madrid:

Opera Gym
Calle Fomento, 3
91 547 2668
Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 11 PM,
Sat: 11 AM – 4 PM, Sun and Holidays: 12 PM – 3 PM
website

Opera is a great gym for those in the center of the city. It’s also perfect if you’re not a die-hard gym enthusiast. This is for the more moderate gym goer. What’s different about Opera gym is that you can pay depending on what activity you want to participate in—so you don’t have to pay for spin classes if you are only interested in boxing. The pricing plan is divided into five categories: Weightlifting, Indoor Cycling, Aerobics, Boxing/Kick Boxing, and Pilates.

One activity is €40 per month, €59 will get you two activities, and €69 buys you three activities. Also, as with most gyms in Madrid, there is an initiation fee. Here, it is €30. Since it’s Madrid, there is always a discount if you are signing up for three months, six months, or a year. If you want an even lower price, mornings are the cheapest.

If you’re just visiting Madrid, Opera also offers daily passes for €8 and 10-pass tickets for €59.

Polydeportivos of Madrid
Various Locations Throughout Madrid
Hours vary by location
website

If you aren’t interested in a gym, but are looking for activities to be a part of, then a “polydeportivo” might be right for you. They are located all over the city and have organized group sports (basketball, etc), all kinds of dance classes, yoga, pilates, and a swimming pool.

The website has all the facility information you’ll need, as each location has different options and pricing plans. Some are €30 a month plus extra for classes.

Urban Fitness
Calle Alberto Aguilera, 1
91 445 3200
Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM– 11:30 PM
Sat, Sun: 10 AM – 3 PM
website

Urban fitness is similar to a gym you’d find in the United States. It might not be as large, but it is definitely a state-of-the-art modern workout facility: all the cardio machines (elliptical, treadmill, bike, and step), strength training equipment, and classes you’ll ever need. Classes include: boxing, yoga, pilates, spinning, abdominals, funk, kick boxing, tai chi, and more. They also have a locker room and sauna.

Sounds amazing, right? It is—and the gym always offers discounted prices that make sense if you are currently living in Madrid. The best way to save your money is to join for a year. They say the standard yearly price is €800, but there’s always a promotion going on—you can get the year for half the price!

About the author: Cynthia Kane is the editor of MAPMagazine.com, a Madrid travel e-zine, written by native English-speaking Madrid experts.

Popularity: 3% [?]

The CosmoCaixa science museum. Photo by Alan Bell.

By Regina Winkle-Bryan in Barcelona—

Visitors to Barcelona (especially those who stop by the tourist office) will no doubt learn about the Barcelona Card for museum and transportation discounts.

A couple years ago, we were not sure if the Barcelona Card really packed enough bang for the buck. In fact, our conclusion was simple: the Barcelona Card? Not for us. This year, we’ve changed out minds a bit, and offer you another look at this discount card.

Barcelona Card. Photo courtesy of the Barcelona Card site.

What to consider before buying

The Barcelona Card is about €28 for a two-day pass, and this includes a paper guidebook that comes with the card.  You really need to ask yourself: How much of an effort am I going to make to use this card?

If you make a point to go to the museums, restaurants, bars, and shows discounted through the card, then yes, you are going to save yourself some dinero. If you simply use it a few times and then lose it or forget about it, then you would be better off just sticking with the Articket (or nothing at all).

Museum discounts

Many of Barcelona’s museums are free with the card—however, some of them that the card lists, like CaixaForum, are free anyway!

You’ll find some good museums on the Barcelona Card’s free-entry list (Museu de Ceramica, Museu Chocolate, Cosmo Caixa), but none of them are must-see museums. Rather, they are more specialty museums that will appeal to travelers with more time on their hands in Barcelona, or with a certain enthusiasm for say, Spanish and ceramics.

The big dogs of Barcelona museums (El Palau de la Musica and Casa Batllo) are only 20% off with the Barcelona Card, and many other must-see monuments, such as the Sagrada Familia, aren’t covered by the card at all.

Transportation and other perks

One perk that the card does offer is free public transportation around the city and to and from the airport. This part of the card I appreciate.

For ten trips on the Metro in Barcelona, you will pay €8 (if you buy the T-10). A ride to the airport on the airport bus? That’s another €5, one way. So you are looking at €15-20 in transport (depending how long you are in the city and how much you want to walk, of course), which you could deduct from the Barcelona Card price.

The card also offers some nice discounts on the zoo, IMAX theater, and aquarium, so if you have kids it might pay off. I am not impressed by the discounts the card offers at local restaurants or shops, but I do like the 10% off at bars Dry Martini and Gimlet.

Again, it comes down to whether or not you will remember to use the card after two dirty vodka martinis…

The bottom line

To conclude, as a local here in Barcelona, I am neither for nor against the Barcelona Card. It is not something I will insist that my friends buy when they come to the city for a visit, as I do with the Articket. However, if you are going to spend a week in the city, then this card could save you some cash.  And, with the dollar taking a serious beating from the euro, that might be a really good thing.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Follow the red diamonds. Photo by Diorama Sky.

By Cynthia Kane in Madrid—

Transportation is easy in Madrid, but if you aren’t aware of your options, you may end up losing money when you’re trying to save it. Here are some tips to help you get to where you’re going and still have money to spend once you get there!

10 bus or metro rides with the “billete de diez”

Although metro tickets are only €1 for a single ride within Madrid, buying multiple single journey tickets can actually cost you more than if you buy a metro pack. One option is to buy a ticket for 10 rides, which is otherwise known as a “billete de diez” or “Metrobús.” The cost is €7.40 and you can use this ticket to travel anywhere within Zone A, which is where most of the tourist attractions in the city are located.

What’s great about these tickets is that they can be used on both the metro and buses, and there is no expiration date! You can buy the “billete de diez” at any metro station, “estanco” (tobacco shop), and at the kiosks located in the metro station. You can’t, however, buy these passes on the bus.

Unlimited travel with the “Abono Turistico” pass

The second option for cheap metro travel is the “Abono Turístico.” This pass gives you unlimited travel throughout the city of Madrid on the metro and buses, and is also valid on the “cercanías,” trains that take you to Madrid’s surrounding areas. You can buy a pass for either 1-5 days or 7 days, and for either zone A or to for the entire Community of Madrid.

This pass is a great option if you know you are going to be traveling outside the city center for day trips. A one-day adult pass for only zone A is €5.20. For a 1-day pass that includes the Community of Madrid the cost is €10.40. A seven-day pass for travel in zone A is €23.60, and for travel that includes the Community of Madrid it is €47.20.

You will need your passport to buy the “Abono Turistico.” It can be purchased in metro stations, the tourism office in Madrid, at hotels, or online.

The “Abono” ticket for longer stays

A third option if you are in town for a month is to buy a season ticket, simply called an “Abono.” The “Abono” is valid for the entire calendar month, so it’s beneficial to buy the pass before the month begins. Zone A should cover everywhere you’d want to go, unless you are planning to travel outside the city.

An adult “Abono” for travel within Zone A costs €46. There are reductions in cost for young people and those over 65. To purchase the “Abono,” you will need your passport and a small passport size photo, and they can be purchased at most tobacco shops around the city.

Taxi Tips

Two quick tips about taking a taxi in Madrid:

For normal rides you do not need to tip the driver. Of course if you want to, go ahead. But again, you can save an extra euro just by knowing it’s not customary to do so.

Secondly, the meter always starts at €2.05, but depending on where you’re going and the time of day, you may be charged an extra fee on top of that.

There is an additional charge from 11 PM to 6 AM, on Sundays and public holidays, and there are extra supplements for travel starting from a bus or train station (€2.95), from the airport (€5.50), and to and from the IFEMA fair complex (€2.95).

About the author: Cynthia Kane is the editor of MAPMagazine.com, a Madrid travel e-zine, written by native English-speaking Madrid experts.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Food from the buffet at Fresc Co. Photo by unite.

By Regina Winkle-Bryan in Barcelona—

At first glance, it may not seem like healthy options abound in Barcelona. The endless ham, the white bread and chocolate croissants, the fried and breaded tapas… and all of it, as one of my friends from North America put it, is “swimming in olive oil.”

Fair enough. But remember that this is also the land of the Mediterranean diet. Fish, fruit, nuts, steamed greens, and delicate salads are also on the menu in the Catalan capitol. Healthy eating is not hard to come by in Barcelona if you know where to go in the city. Until recently, it was a headache to be a vegetarian, but now this too is no big deal in Barcelona.

For your five daily doses of fruit and veggies, here are my local recommendations:

Fresc Co
Locations throughout Barcelona

Fresc Co is a buffet-style restaurant with an enormous salad and pasta bar. This is a good place for vegetarians and picky eaters because there are no surprises and you take only what you want. It’s also a steal, at about €10 for lunch or dinner. The downside is that Fresc Co does not score high in the charm or uniqueness department but the price makes up for this. There are many Fresc Co locations in Barcelona; visit the website for more information.

Sesamo
C/Sant Antoni Abat 52 08001
934 416 411

Not only is this cute spot vegetarian-friendly, it is also organic! In the hip El Raval neighborhood, Sesamo is a bit hidden, so check your map before heading over—it is worth the journey. Tuesday through Sunday the restaurant offers a set meal for €15, which includes three course, bread, and a drink. To some Cheapos this may seem a bit pricey, but portions are large and €15 is an excellent deal for a three-course lunch in Barcelona.

Ra
Plaça Gardunya, 3-4
933 014 163

Another one of my old favorites is Ra Restaurant, which also offers a set meal for €13 on weekdays and weekends alike. Ra is a popular choice for locals and tourists because it is right off Las Ramblas and has one of the nicest outdoor terraces in the city center.

Ra is not a veggie restaurant, but it always offers a veggie option, usually lasagna or some other delicious creation. Ra changes its menu all the time, but the eats are always tasty. I have never been disappointed at Ra, and I have been there many times. Tip: Go before 1:30 PM or you WILL NOT get a table.

Juicy Jones
C/ Hospital, 74
934 439 082

Amazingly, there are even vegan options in Barcelona! Juicy Jones offers vegan fare, smoothies, and fresh squeezed fruit juice. There are a few Juicy Jones around the city, but I am only familiar with the ones in the Gothic Quarter and El Raval. Dreadlocks, hipsters, and new generation hippies abound at Juicy Jones, sipping guava shakes and warming up with homemade soups in the winter months. The prices are reasonable for the high quality.

Popularity: 5% [?]

The audience at Barcelona's Liceu Opera House. Photo by scalleja.

By Regina Winkle-Bryan in Barcelona—

When people think about Catalan Culture, they think Gaudi, Modernista Architecture, and laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. They should, however, also think music. Barcelona loves music. While jazz and classical are perhaps the most popular genres in the city, all music is embraced with open arms in Barcelona.

This love of music means that there are concerts every night of the week. See classical on Monday, opera on Tuesday, jazz on Wednesday, blues on Thursday, and rock on Friday. Groove to internationally-renowned DJ’s over the weekend. There are plenty of shows to pick from and venues which range from posh to underground.

If you’re in the mood for something classical, the city offers an array of locations and programs to fulfill your desires. Here are a few of the best to consider.

L’Auditori

Concerts at L’Auditori range from inexpensive (€10) to pricey (€100). It is a matter of looking over their website and seeing what’s available. Quite often, performances on weekdays are cheaper than those on the weekend.

If you’re in town now, I recommend Camerata Aragon on December 17th, 2009 which is FREE. Another good one is Carmina Burana on December 18, 2009 for €18. Also, the Gran Gala Strauss featuring the Hungarian Philharmonic Orchestra plays on December 26 and 27, 2009 for just €10.

Liceu Opera House

It’s also possible to see an opera at Barcelona’s prestigious Liceu Opera House on Las Ramblas. For good seats to “The Magic Flute” and their other fabulous productions, you will have to pay a hefty sum.

However, if you don’t mind not seeing the stage, and just hearing the music, then you can get a ticket to most of the performances for about €10. From your €10 seat, you will be able to hear the performance and see it on a small TV screen set up in front of you. It is less than ideal, but it is a budget-friendly option. The Liceu has some biggies coming up in the next couple months including Montserrat Caballe, Verdi’s “Troubadour,” and said “Magic Flute.”

Bonus tip: Look for deals at El Palau de la Musica

Finally, it is always worth taking a peek at El Palau de la Musica’s concert listings. They often have deals on Sunday mornings. El Palau is a Modernista masterpiece and is absolutely the best place to see a concert in Barcelona.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Buying trees at Barcelona's Christmas Market. Photo by Anna Champel.

By Regina Winkle-Bryan in Barcelona—

Despite its lack of snow, fir trees, and reindeer, Barcelona still tries to put on a good show come Christmas time. The city government has hung elaborate lighting displays throughout the streets and, as a local here, I am excited for the evening to come when they will illuminate the city, inaugurating the holiday season.

With the lights twinkling, the Christmas Market is the next sign that Santa or The Kings are on their way. (King’s Day is more important in Spain than Christmas for children.) The Christmas Market is not as elaborate as those in northern Europe and Germany, but nevertheless is a fun, albeit crowded experience.

Picking up a tree

Set up in front of Barcelona’s Cathedral in the center of the city, the Christmas Market offers freshly cut trees ranging between €20 and €100, depending on size. You can also pick up a fake tree here, which is perhaps more eco-friendly, but does not have that delicious pine smell.

I bought a tree one year at the Christmas Market, and thought I was doing some good, as it still had its roots and was potted in a heavy mass of dirt. It was only much later, and after carrying the tree, pot, and dirt through the city, that I realized that my tree was nothing more than a cut stump shoved into dirt to look good. Such is the case with all the trees at the market–for some reason the tree stand does not exist here.

…and the trimmings

Besides trees, you can also pick up all the trimmings. Some of the decorations are straight from China and others are handmade from Spain—you’ll know which is which by the price.

My favorite part of the market are the stands selling houses, figures, animals, and mangers for nativity scenes. I don’t put up a nativity scene at home, but most people do. Many times the nativity scene is much more important in the Barcelona household than a tree. Many of the figures for the nativity scenes are finely carved and intricate, with fabulous expressions on their tiny faces. Stalls also sell all the extras for making your nativity scene a wower, like moss, mini trees, and fake rivers made of plastic.

Souvenirs

Around the perimeter of the market and down side streets connected to the square, you will also find many stalls with artisans selling handmade gifts such as jewelry, soap, clothing, and games. This is the perfect place to buy a souvenir made in Catalonia or even wines and cheeses from local farmers. Prices vary but there are deals to be had. I have never walked away from the Christmas Market empty-handed!

When to visit

The Christmas Market, which is officially called “La Feria de Santa Lucia,” opened November 28, 2009 and closes the December 23. It’s open all day but really gets going in the evenings and on the weekends. In fact, it is so crowded on the weekends that it is almost unpleasant. It’s best to go midweek.

Feliz Navidad, or as they say in Barcelona, “Bon Nadal!”

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Crowds at the Rastro Market. Photo by Sylvain Bourdos.

By Cynthia Kane in Madrid–

If you’re looking to buy clothes, household goods, furniture, or trinkets on the cheap in Madrid, Sunday is your day. This is when the city’s sprawling outdoor flea market, the Rastro, is open between La Plaza Mayor and Puerta de Toledo.

History of the Rastro

The Rastro is the largest outdoor flea market in Madrid and its origins date back nearly five centuries. It’s been said that the area used to be the epicenter of the tanning trade. The word “Rastro” actually translates as “track” or “trace”, which evokes the image of slaughterers dragging animals to the tannery. Alongside the tanners were clothing makers and workers in other associated trades, which encouraged the development of the area into a commercial district.

Today, the Rastro has much more to offer than just tanned leather and hides. Walking the market’s principal road, Ribera de Curtidores, you will find every product imaginable: from t-shirts to jewelry to musical instruments to hand bags. The side streets are more specialized.

Where to look for what

As a general rule, the streets to the east of Ribera de Curtidores offer more commercial goods, and are hot spots for great deals. Calle de San Cayetano is also to the east: Here you’ll find frames and a variety of original artwork.

The streets to the west host more antiques dealers. The Calle de Carnero, leading off the main drag, is just one of many streets that offer an eclectic selection old world goodies. Dealers here casually display their items on blankets or in makeshift stalls. You can find everything from coins to crucifixes to old furniture.

On the north side, Calle Arniches runs into the Plaza del General Vara Del Rey, which is where you’ll find tons of second hand clothes.

Getting there

To get to the Rastro, take metro line 5 or 10 to La Latina or line 1,2, or 3 to Puerta del Sol. From these stops, follow the signs toward Puerta de Toledo—you’ll soon see the crowds browsing the market’s many stalls. The Rastro is open Sundays from 7 AM to 2:30 PM.

One note of caution: The market is filled with pickpockets, so keep a tight grip on your valuables.

Bonus tip: Relax at the Plaza de la Paja after shopping

So you’ve shopped, you’re tired, now what?

Well, head over to Plaza de la Paja. Filled with restaurants and bars, there’s nothing better than after a long day of bargain hunting to relax with a caña (little beer)! The entire area around Plaza de la Paja is chock-a-block full of revelers, enjoying the summer sun or the cozy winter taverns.

About the author: Cynthia Kane is the editor of MAPMagazine.com, a Madrid travel e-zine, written by native English-speaking Madrid experts.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Madrid's sumptuous El Retiro Park. Photo by Stephanie Corral.

By Stephanie Corral in Madrid—

(Editor’s note: Stephanie recently moved to Madrid from Los Angeles. EuroCheapo checked in with her before the big move and is now following up to hear about her experience.)

I was worried I wouldn’t like Madrid. Or even sillier still, I was worried that Madrid wouldn’t like me. But as it turns out, we are a perfect match.

It’s hard to believe I’ve only been living here for a month because I feel right at home. Although my arrival was marred by rain and exhaustion, after a couple of days (and many siestas), I was riding the metro alone, saying “vale” and meeting friends for tapas in Sol.

Perhaps the transition into Spanish life was easy because before the big move, I had done enough research to know what to expect (chain smokers, weird closing hours, slow service at restaurants). But there are things that can only be discovered by living here.

Madrid never ceases to surprise me, but here are five things about this city that are pretty amazing:

1. The tap water.

The tap water is good enough to drink here. While the tap water back in Los Angeles is also safe to drink, it has that “tap water” taste, which is why I never drank the stuff. I was skeptical about drinking from the tap at first so it took a couple of days of cautious sipping before I became a full-fledged tap water drinker.

And you know what? It tastes fantastic. Madrilenos are very proud of their tap water, which comes from the city’s neighboring mountains. Now I fill up my water bottle with what is probably the best tap water in Spain, if not in Europe.

2. Cheap food.

I love that I can go out with my friends for tapas and a drink at places like 100 Montaditos or El Mercado de San Miguel with less than €10 in my pocket. Tax is included in the bill and tipping isn’t a must like it is back home.

TIP: If you’re in the mood for brunch, go to VIPS (pronounced “VEEPS”), a popular chain in Madrid. For €3.75, you can have pancakes, eggs, bacon and café con leche).

3. The Metro.

I’m just going to say it: I am in love with Metro Madrid. The first time I rode the metro, my roommate laughed at my bright-eyed fascination. I explained to her that the metro system in LA is a joke. The metro in Madrid is super efficient, organized, and affordable. If you miss the train, you can catch the next one in four minutes, so there’s no reason to kick yourself over hitting the snooze button.

4. A walking city.

I’m amazed at how well I can get around this city on foot when I don’t feel like taking the metro. I spent my first week walking everywhere, constantly feeling like I had walked into a postcard at every corner. I had to buy new walking shoes within a week of moving here. But now that it’s getting much colder, I join everyone else underground.

5. Public Libraries.

When I first arrived in Madrid, my apartment didn’t have internet access. I lugged my laptop to various WiFi cafés, but that wasn’t always practical. A trip to my nearest biblioteca publica (public library) revealed that with a library card, I could sign up for free internet access for an hour on the library’s computers. I checked my email, read the news and caught up on my blog reading in a clean and quiet place.

To get a library card, all you need is a passport or NIE (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero). To find the nearest library, visit the library directory on the Comunidad de Madrid website.

One more surprise: El Retiro Park on a weekday

I should also add that if you’re ever in Madrid and are craving some peace and quiet, go to El Retiro park during a weekday afternoon. Sit on the steps of the Crystal Palace and feed the ducks and black swans. A fair warning: It will be enough to make you consider moving here.

About the author: Stephanie Corral is a freelance writer from Los Angeles living in Madrid, where she works as an English teacher.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Leaves in in Gallecs, Catalonia. Photo by Horitzons Inesperats.

By Regina Winkle-Bryan in Barcelona–

Fall is creeping into northeastern Spain ever so slowly. Today I even saw someone swimming in the Mediterranean, mind you, it is far too cold for that nonsense. We know the seasons are changing here in Barcelona, because all non-palm trees are beginning to shed their leaves, which is especially obvious on the tree-lined Rambla.

Replacing lush leaves are the “Yam Guys.” This is not their real name, but it’s what I call them. They show up as the weather gets nippy and set up their food carts throughout town. Their operation is simple, nothing more than a BBQ grill and a cash box, plus a stack of old newsprint to wrap up the chestnuts and barbecued yams that they sell for a couple euros. I strongly recommend the yams—they’re a strange sort of street food, but very delicious and seem to embody autumn with their sweet burnt flavors.

Looking for leaves around Barcelona

While it is clear that fall is here, those who want to see forests ablaze in reds, yellows and tangerines will have to hit the road and get out of the city. Sad but true, Barcelona does not have enough in the way of green spaces for one to take much notice of fall colors. That and the fact that many of the trees here are of the tropical variety.

Instead, head for the mountains, the Pyrenees to be exact, just an hour and forty-five minutes from the city due north. Along the highways that run up to Spanish-French border town Puigcerda, you’ll find plenty of autumn splendor tucked amongst quaint Catalan villages.

Do yourself a favor and rent a car to really get out into the countryside. Sure, you could take the RENFE train inland and glimpse some fall shades, but a car will get you out into the thick of the color-fest. (Note: Catalonia is not Connecticut, but there is still fall flare to be had!)

I recommend the following route for fall colors and nature lovers:

Take the C-16 north from Barcelona all the way to Puigcerda. Stay the night there if you can, or at one of the smaller (and most likely cheaper) villages along the way. On the way back to Barcelona take the long way home heading west to La Seu d’Urgell and then swinging south again towards the city.

To make renting a car budget-friendly, try to get a few people to go in a group to share gas costs. Also, consider renting on off-days (week days) or reserving the car ahead of time which can also save you some dinero. Lately, because fall is off-season here, there have been some great car rental deals with the company Sixt.com.

For extra savings, grab a couple of yams and a newspaper full of chestnuts for road grub from the Yam Guys. Happy Trails!

Popularity: 5% [?]

Madrid's Cine Doré offers films for €2.50! Photo by SantiMD.

By Cynthia Kane in Madrid–

Madrid is known for its great nightlife — from thumping clubs to tapas bars. But did you know that the city also offers its share of Cheapo-friendly nighttime entertainment options? Here are some of our favorite spots for finding film and music in Madrid.

Cine Doré
Tuesday - Sunday
Calle de Santa Isabel 3
28012 Madrid, Spain
+34 913 691 125

Cine Doré is the exhibition hall of the Spanish Film Library. Also known as the Filmoteca, this beautiful old theater dates back to 1923. Today the cinema offers three projection rooms and shows old and new films in their original versions. Aside from films, the theater also holds seminars, roundtables, conferences, and book talks… all of them great! But what sweetens the deal further is it’s price–it only costs €2.50 to catch a film. What a deal!

Contra Club

Live music nightly at the Contra Club.

Calle de Bailén 16
28005 Madrid, Spain
+34 915 231 511

Madrid’s Contra Club offers live music acts practically every night. They host all kinds of music; just check their site to see what’s playing. The entrance fee is 6 euro, but you get a mixed drink for free!

El Gato Verde
Calle Torrecilla del Lea, 15
28012 Madrid, Spain

If you’re looking for a truly Madrileño hang out, the El Gato Verde is the place for you. The bar offers wine for €2, beer for €1.30, and mixed drinks for €5. Not only are the prices right, but you’ll often get to take in some live music for free. Here you’ll find acoustic performances, jazz, blues, soul and funk. Entrance can be free or €5.

Cuevas de Sesamo
Calle Principe, 7

Cuevas de Sesamo is known for many things: pitchers of Sangria for €7, quotes along the walls, and their live music. Beginning every night at 9:30 PM, live piano music fills the underground cave bar, making you feel like you gone back in time.

About the author: Cynthia Kane is the editor of MAPMagazine.com, a Madrid travel e-zine, written by native English-speaking Madrid experts.

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