Since the 16th century, Madrid's main square was host to autos-da-fé (condemnation of heretics), bullfights, and royal events. These days it has become a congregation point for thousands of tourists, buskers, and street vendors every day.
Avg. °C | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
High | 10 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 22 | 29 | 32 | 32 | 27 | 20 | 14 | 10 |
Low | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 11 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 10 | 6 | 3 |
Rain (mm) | 75 | 69 | 99 | 161 | 245 | 170 | 175 | 210 | 163 | 116 | 67 | 71 |
Try starting your tapas crawl around Plaza Santa Ana or Cava Baja in the La Latina neighborhood and see what tastes tempts your palate.
If you are looking for a couple more upscale restaurants try Santceloni or Zalacain for some very tasty eats.
Madrileños stay up late and manage to be coherent the next day. Most evening start late and go until 3 in the morning. Nightlife centres on three major districts - Chueca (Madrid's gay district with the trendy restaurants), Calle Huertas (here you will find traditional Spanish music, jazz clubs and bars) and Malasaña (mainly bars and clubs which caters to the younger crowd)
Shopping
Madrid has three main shopping areas. The first area stretches from Callao to Puerta del Sol includes the major department stores and popular brands. The second area is more expensive and has all the high fashion designer name and is east of Salamanca district. And finally, Chueca caters to the trendy younger generations and has all the international and local brands.
Flying time from:
Toronto: Approximately 13hrs.
Montreal: Approximately 11hrs.
Calgary: Approximately 15hrs.
Vancouver: Approximately 18hrs.
Languages: Spanish but most people in the tourist industry will speak English.
Currency: Euros.
Climate: Mediterranean Climate - characterized by hot, dry summers (sometimes in excess of 35C) and cool, wet winters.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard.
Documents
A passport is mandatory for Canadian Citizens, although no visa is required. For other countries, please check the Spanish Tourist Office to get a complete list and other details.
Note:
Hellenic Tourism Organisation website - http://www.spain.info/ca/tourspain
Spanish Tourist Office
2 Bloor Street West, Suite 3402
Toronto, Ontario
M4W 3E2
Tel: (416) 961-3131 / (416) 961-4079
Fax: (416) 961-1992
E-mail : [email protected]
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