City By City: Madrid
Although the cost of living in Madrid has risen in recent years, it is still easy to explore the Spanish capital without depriving yourself of small indulgences. This is, after all, a place where you can order a good bottle of Rioja for less than 12 eros at many fine restaurants.
Cheap Eats
It's hard to beat La Finca de Susana, always packed with trendy Spaniards. It serves Mediterranian dishes like black rice and squid. Dinner for 2 with wine and an elaborate desert is about 40 euros ($50).
Also a Paupers favorite is Maceiras tavern. Dinner for two, with wine averages just 25 euros.
To save on meals in Madrid order "menu del dia", when offered. This prix-fixe lunch includes three courses and can cost half as much as ordering a la carte.
Cheap Lodging
The all new Petit Palace chain (www.hthotels.com) drop their rates to as low as 85 euros on low occupancy days. But for a deal year-round try the fmaily-run Plaza Mayor (www.h-plazamayor.com) which opened in 1997 next to the Plaza Mayor. 34 air ocnditioned rooms are clean and contemporary, with marble baths. A standard double is 79 euros.
Cool Cultural Events (Cheapo Style)
The city is filled with flashy flaminco bars that are less expensive and more authentic than the tourist packed shows at the traditional tablaos. The Sala Juglar (www.salajuglar.com ) features young flaminco dancers on Sunday nights with a 5 euro admission.
Cardamomo has a jazz-flamingo jam session on Wednesday nights and it's free.
(www.cardamomo.net )
Paupers Freebies
An after-dusk stroll through Spain's nightlife capial is a free spectacle. People watching is top notch and at its finest when lights bath the historic buildings and fountains. Start at the Cibeles Fountain, walk up Calle Alcala to the bustling Peurta del Sol (watch your wallet) and continue along the Calle Arenal to the glowing Royal Palace. Or stop into a cafe at Plaza Mayor, ablaze!
Money Saving Tip
You can easily save 65 percent on the price of a double room at participating hotels with Bancotel vouchers. (www.bancotel.com) The vouchers are 50 euros each and they are so
ld in books of five. Some moderatly priced chain hotels accept a single 50 euro voucher a night. Upscale lodging requires two or three.
Check out the hostels available in Madrid---they are some of the best in the world!
Coming in my next Blog: Dublin.
Cheap Eats
It's hard to beat La Finca de Susana, always packed with trendy Spaniards. It serves Mediterranian dishes like black rice and squid. Dinner for 2 with wine and an elaborate desert is about 40 euros ($50).
Also a Paupers favorite is Maceiras tavern. Dinner for two, with wine averages just 25 euros.
To save on meals in Madrid order "menu del dia", when offered. This prix-fixe lunch includes three courses and can cost half as much as ordering a la carte.
Cheap Lodging
The all new Petit Palace chain (www.hthotels.com) drop their rates to as low as 85 euros on low occupancy days. But for a deal year-round try the fmaily-run Plaza Mayor (www.h-plazamayor.com) which opened in 1997 next to the Plaza Mayor. 34 air ocnditioned rooms are clean and contemporary, with marble baths. A standard double is 79 euros.
Cool Cultural Events (Cheapo Style)
The city is filled with flashy flaminco bars that are less expensive and more authentic than the tourist packed shows at the traditional tablaos. The Sala Juglar (www.salajuglar.com ) features young flaminco dancers on Sunday nights with a 5 euro admission.
Cardamomo has a jazz-flamingo jam session on Wednesday nights and it's free.
(www.cardamomo.net )
Paupers Freebies
An after-dusk stroll through Spain's nightlife capial is a free spectacle. People watching is top notch and at its finest when lights bath the historic buildings and fountains. Start at the Cibeles Fountain, walk up Calle Alcala to the bustling Peurta del Sol (watch your wallet) and continue along the Calle Arenal to the glowing Royal Palace. Or stop into a cafe at Plaza Mayor, ablaze!
Money Saving Tip
You can easily save 65 percent on the price of a double room at participating hotels with Bancotel vouchers. (www.bancotel.com) The vouchers are 50 euros each and they are so
ld in books of five. Some moderatly priced chain hotels accept a single 50 euro voucher a night. Upscale lodging requires two or three.
Check out the hostels available in Madrid---they are some of the best in the world!
Coming in my next Blog: Dublin.
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