Spain: What are some great places to eat & things to do for a few hours in Madrid?

Our Halcyon Member is always right, I would definitely NOT stay around horrible Barajas for 18 hours! Here is my quickie guide to your layover: Take a (cheaper than most European capitals) taxi and head for the dead center of Madrid as soon you land! Check in at the Hotel Villa Magna http://www.villamagna.es/ (or Hotel de las Lettras for a smaller budget) Head over to Mercado San Miguel  http://www.mercadodesanmiguel.es snoop around the different food stalls, buy a beautiful book at Laie, have a glass of Champagne at Daniel Sorlut and some cheese tapas at La Fromagerie. Then go to La Terraza del Casino for a sneaky taste of the "temporarily retired" best Chef in the World Ferran Adria (he designed the menu) http://www.casinodemadrid.es/en/gastronomia/index.htm Since it should be around 2am now, stumble to Gabana the best nightclub in town http://www.gabana.es/ (if you really want to get in, message me ;) Next day: recover in the Hotel's spa and head for the airport.

A 18-hour layover is an amazing opportunity to know Madrid! is absolutely right, Metro de Madrid will take you to Central Madrid in less than 40 minutes (this time is for the complete journey, from the boarding gate to Gregorio Marañón Metro Station). To see the location of the abovementioned station, you may google Plaza de Gregorio Marañón. So, you are now in Gregorio Marañón, you are within walking distance of many outstanding places to eat (I am assuming that you will prefer some Spanish food): - In less than 5 minutes, you can get to the 2-Michelin starred Santceloni (http://www.santceloni.com) or to all-times classic Zalacain (http://www.zalacain.com). - Much less pricey alternative (and truly near to the station) is Poncelet Cheese Bar (amazing assortment of Spanish and foreign cheeses available). Of course, you may grab a taxi and head to one of the many mid-price recent openings (all of them within a 5-15 minutes taxi ride): - Lakasa, for traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern touch. http://www.lakasa.es. - Esbardos, for Asturian cuisine. The worst the weather is that day, this alternative becomes more and more atractive. http://www.restauranteesbardos.com - Higinio's, for traditional Spanish and international cuisine and a classy service, adjacent to the Italian Embassy. http://www.higinios.com  - Surtopia, for the real Andalusian cuisine prepared by Jose Calleja. http://www.surtopia.com - Le Cabrera, an excellent alterntive as it will allow you to take a superb evening meal together with the best cocktails in town (you may also have dinner first in any other of the places mentioned before and then come here). Let Diego Cabrera know that you have take a Metro and taxi just to get there. He will make it an unforgetable experience! As suggested by , should your timing allow it, please do not miss Museo Lázaro Galdiano, in the nearby of many of the places suggested to eat (in fact, all of them save for Lakasa and Le Cabrera). There is a free entrance period (15:30 h. to 16:30 h.) but I am afraid that you will not be able to take advantage of it. I have edited this as I realised it is for the evening... Hope this helps!

Evening, huh? A Spanish-style steak dinner at Parrilla Cuarto y Mitad, Calle Bolivia 21, just east of Avda. Principe de Vergara, and just north of Avda. Alberto Alcocer. Tel: 913508334/913593775. Unlike most madrid restaurants, you can get in by about 9:15 p.m.  Get buey (steer), a salad, and ONLY if you're starved, a stuffed patata, plus a glass of rioja.  That white stuff they'll put on the table isn't mayo for your bread, it's roasted garlic puree for your meat.  :g It's about three blocks north of the Metro: Colombia, which is on the line to/from the airport.  You can get a printable/savable Google map by searching for Cuarto y Mitad Restaurant, Calle de Bolivia, Madrid, Spain Actually, here's a broader answer.  Later in the evening, the buses and metro run less frequently or stop altogether, depending on the route and system.

I must confess I'm a little food obsessed and when I return to Madrid, all I think about is food. So, depending on where you end up: -If you are in the centre, around Santa Ana, as mentioned by Antonio, go to c/Argumosa. Plenty of places there but you must try the croquetas in El Automatico, Argumosa, 17. - If you fancy taking some jamón with you, go to Gaztambide, 68 to José Jiménez and take some packed "al vacío". http://atozofspanishculture.com/2012/06/05/j-is-for-jamon-from-jose-jimenez/ - For a lovely atmosphere having a coffee, try Café Belén, in the calle Belén, between Alonso Martinez/Chueca/Malasaña. -To really absorb the nightlife, visit the Chueca neighbourhood: plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars there. (Not sure of the exact date of your stop over, but remember that 12th October is a national holiday.)

I was and am partial to the churros and chocolate place with the name which escapes me. It's near the center of town and most guidebooks have it (Lonely Planet and Rick Steves, etc.).The other place, a minor chain I recall, is the Musee Jamon (the Museum of Ham). It's a cultural experience if not great eating (quite adequate and a little corny).

Eat at Casa Mingo. Paseo de la Florida, 34, 28008 Madrid Because it is simply the best roast chicken in the world, as far as I know. If you arrive before two, you can usually get a seat for lunch, but there is a little known terrace at the top of the ramp outside the building on your right as you face the main entrance.  It is also not too far away from the royal palace, which is a tribute to the fact that the most powerful people in history can have kitsch taste in decoration... but Casa Mingo is a place where you could invite royalty and I always take people there when I have guests. Don't trust me.  Check out google opinions of the place.

I'd definitely checkout this blog on that. Many options and all accessible http://www.muchbites.com It's written by a person who studied in Madrid and later decided to move back to Madrid. Based on the problems encountered RE eating and stuff, the blog tries to answer and guide newbies to Madrid. But, even locals have found it useful. It's a good place to check out as it's simple layout means what you're looking for is easy to find. No complications. For an even more up to date list on what to do in Madrid. Well what to eat, the Instagram helps http://www.instagram.com/muchbites_madrid Enjoy