Rapid Fire Chat - Madrid Edition

Why did you choose Madrid?

Unrivaled water quality

Extremely walkable with massively reliable public transportation

Well-connected to the rest of Spain via high-speed trains and clearly the main hub for international travel

Events all-year round (a key differentiator)

Gorgeous architecture

Is English widely spoken?

In international chains and centrally located establishments, yes. In local stores, hardly (or they expect you to try first)

What are the best areas to live in the city?

Personal recommendations: Chamberi, Chueca, Salamanca

If I can only visit one museum in Madrid, where should I go?

I’ll probably be in the minority, but I will choose the Reina Sofia Museum. The Prado Museum is a treasure trove for priceless works of art, but Picasso’s Guernica will simply take your breath away.

What about local restaurant recommendations?

For an authentic experience and your own way of participating in the local slice of life, order a menu del dia. The restaurant hardly matters, be adventurous.

Your menu del dia inclusions and vocabulary guide:

pan (bread)

primero (first course) On a lucky day, paella is one of the options

segundo (main course)

postre o cafe (you have the option to end your meal with dessert or coffee)

bebida (drink, which almost always include a glass of wine!)

Price range for this whole set is 14-18EUR. Available from 13:30 to 16:00, with slight variation on hours

Where should I go for the best Basque cheesecake?

Naturally, in Basque. But in Madrid, we love Luna y Wanda and none of our friends who received it as gift ever expressed disappointment.

On the topic of desserts, Chocolateria San Gines is also an institution.

And for drinks?

Madrid converted me to vermouth. So long as you find vermut de grifo in the menu, I'll say it's worth trying. My personal recommendations are La Indigna in Calle de Santa Brigada and Taberna La Concha in Calle Cava Baja. Faultless service, and the food is delicious too.

What's a good restaurant to have a memorable dinner experience?

That is a growing list, so I do not have a definitive answer just yet. Madrid is a foodie paradise, there are more impressive restaurants than just good restaurants.

One year of being here and the ones I still cannot forget are: (1) the tasting menu in Llama Inn and (2) the steak tartare in Fismuler.

Llama Inn: Calle Conde de Xiquena, 2

Fismuler: Calle de Sagasta, 29

Which is the best park to visit?

For tourists, Retiro Park. For locals/residents, Casa de Campo is a sanctuary.

Is a flamenco show overrated?

Not at all. It's an expression of raw emotion coming from cante (singing), toque (the guitar) and baile (dance). To me, it's an all-or-none performance. You have to be uninhibited or the passion simply won't transmit.

That said, the shows in Seville are a notch above.

Are there flea markets in Madrid?

Yes, with El Rastro being the most popular. It takes place every Sunday as well as during public holidays from 09:00 to 15:00. It is located in the La Latina neighborhood where tapas bars (tabernas) are also well-regarded.

Which building is most emblematic of Madrid?

Palacio Real is the obvious answer, it is an iconic landmark. However, my personal favorite is the Biblioteca Nacional followed by Palacio de Cibeles.

Which is the best football team, Real Madrid, Barca or Atletico?

The Spanish National Team! La Roja! Campeones del Mundo!