The Puerta del Sol can be one of the most avoidable places in Madrid—what with its tourists, ear-splitting construction racket and general bustle. Steer clear of the Puerta del Sol itself and the streets north, between Sol and Gran Vía, which are teeming with commercial glut—from souvenir shops to seedy sex shops. Luckily, other streets [...]

Chocolate con churros is a quintessential Madrid treat, and a serving of both will usually only cost you around 3 or 4 Euros. This breakfast/late-night treat is served at cafeterías, chocolaterías and churrerías throughout the city. Thick and pudding-like, Spain’s chocolate is best enjoyed with churro sticks, whose fried ridges are engineered for dunking. Porras [...]

La Mallorquina bakery is Madrid’s sweet-tooth mecca. With its aromas wafting about the Puerta del Sol, this pastelería has been a local and tourist favorite since 1894. Its name derives from the original Mallorcan owner, and it’s not the only contending confectionery with a regional name; try the nearby El Riojano, est. 1855, for traditional [...]

Tucked away in a very narrow street in the heart of old Madrid (Calle de la Paz, 4 – map), this authentic Castillian bar doesn’t seem to have changed at all in the last 50 years. It’s speciality is a delicious sweet wine and a dessert known as “Torrijas” which, although usually only on sale [...]