A trip plan through Spain that I wouldn’t mind taking, visiting Madrid, Barcelona and Santander. I would get a chance to see both tourist sites as well as local life. Shopping, fine dining and premier accomodations are items I wanted to focus on.
Duplicate: Spain for Travelers
Month: February, 2007
Total (per person): 178 USD
This full-scale restaurant in a large café setting received the Micelin star award for their stylish and creative dishes. There is a full gourmet menu that includes the house specials of cod and various duck dishes. The restaurant is located atop some ruins near the Teatro Real. It is enormously popular after performances at the Teatro Real.
Madrid, 28013
Near Teatro Real
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Said to have some of the most elite exhibits in the world, this highlight contains works by renowned artists such as Boticelli, Poussin, Goya, Velazquez, Rubens, Tintoretto and much more. Decorative arts as well as sculpture art are also on display. The museum is located within a absolutely gorgeous building, which was turned into a museum in 1819. Also check out the cafe, bookshop, gift shop and reference library. Admission: EUR6; students, EUR3.
Madrid, 28014
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A well-known five branch chain restaurant in Madrid, which specializes in cured Iberian ham and tapas. Other specialities include Fried Potatoes Povered in Creamy Onion Sauce and Scrambled Eggs with mixed vegetables. Also available is tons of grilled meat dishes and tapas to boot. Interior decoration is interesting and all Andalusian.
Madrid, 28008
Website: http://www.mesoncinco...
E-mail: m5jserrano@osborne.es
Hours: breakfast, lunch, dinner
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This structure will have you scratching your head in pure shock and awe. Commissioned by King Carlos III and designed by Ventura Rodriguez, this white stone building full with sculptures of Godess Cibeles driving a carriage of lions. The sculpture is encompassed by some of the city’s most significant landmarks and historical buildings. Definitely worth checking out and spending some time here.
Madrid, 28014
Hours:
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This well known night spot is large enough to hold movie premiere parties or concerts. During non-event nights it serves as a night club and bar with techno and disco music. During prime clubbing time there can be a decent wait before getting in.
Madrid, 28008
Website: http://www.salarena.c...
Hours: Midnight-6a Th, 7:30p-11:30p, midnight-6a F-Sa
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The royal residence structure itself will take your breath away, and inside you’ll see a splendid collection of paintings from artists such as Goya, Velazquez and Caravaggio. Also walk around and adore the furniture, interior decorations, silver and glassware as well as the porcelain and musical instruments. Various rooms include the Library, Pharmacy and Royal Armoury. The building was designed by Italian architect Sabatini during the years 1738-1779, it was commissioned by King Felipe V.
Madrid, 28071
Website: http://www.patrimonio...
E-mail: info@patrimonionacional.es
Hours: Apr-Sep: 9a-6p M-Sa, 9a-3p Su, Oct-Mar: 9:30a-5p M-Sa, 9a-2p Su
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This cozy one-of-a-kind restaurant is headed by Chef Inaki Camba who serves a variety of gourmet traditional Basque dishes. Be aware of the chef wondering how hungry you are before he cooks up your dish!
Madrid, 28004
Hours: 1:30p-4p M-F, 9p-midnight M-Sa
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This three-story, very classy restaurant is run by Master Chef Martin Berasategui, with specialties that include Oxtail Stew with Puree of celery and raviolio stuffed with goose liver plate and truffles. The wine list is stellar with all of Spain’s finest wines on the list. The interior decoration will have you talking throughout dinner, with spectacular tapestries on the walls and a central skylight in the middle, awesome!
Madrid, 28001
Website: http://www.amerc.es/E...
E-mail: rte.elamparo@terra.es
Hours: Lunch: 1:30p-3:30p M-F, Dinner: 9p-11:30p M-Sa
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Crème de la Crème of hotels in Spain, what else would you expect from a Ritz-Carlton? Well this Ritz-Carlton will meet all your high-class distinguished expectations of what high-rolling is all about.
Barcelona, 08005
Hours:
Olympic Village
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Great location, high-class hotel.
Madrid, 28014
Hours:
In the heart of Madrid, facing the Prado
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One of Madrid’s most well-known and stylish restaurants, Lhardy has been open since 1839 and still serves spectacular dishes in an old fashion style dining room and interior decoration. Specialities include the Cocido Madrileno (various meats in a hearty stew broth with peas). Other dishes include fish, meats, souffles and more.
Madrid, 28014
Website: http://www.lhardy.com...
E-mail: lhardy@lhardy.com
Hours: 1p-3:30p M-Sa, 8:30p-11p M-Sa
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Definitely a site to be seen, these two leaning skyscrapers are each 27-stories tall and made of granite, glass and metal. Although these buildings are not open to the public, they are still one of the most dramatic buildings on any European skyline. They are observed from the North side of Madrid, the architect is Philip Johnson and commissioned by the banking group Caja Madrid in 1996. The towers’ official name is Puerta de Europa (Gateway to Europe), but they are largely known as the KIO Towers after the business that resides inside.
Madrid, 28046
Hours:
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Chef Abraham Garcia displays his exotic array of unique Spanish style dishes for your pleasure. The wine list is exquisite and be sure to save room for desserts. The interior décor is dazzling and service is excellent.
Madrid, 28014
Website: http://www.restaurant...
E-mail: viridiana@restauranteviridiana.com
Hours: Lunch: 1:30p-4p, Dinner: 8:30p-midnight
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This comfortable night spot was most popular during the mid-80’s just after it’s opening in 1979. The varied crowd enjoys top-pop hits and rock music. The setting is ideal for anytype of visitor, with a large dance floor surrouned by spacious bleachers. The second floor is a great place to talk and enjoy a drink, and down below there are tables to sit at without the loud music.
Madrid, 28013
Hours: 11:30p-5:30a Tu-Sa
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Great location, high-class hotel.
Madrid, 28014
Hours:
In the heart of Madrid, facing the Prado
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Puerta del Sol, or Sun Gate, is the most visited commercial area in old town Madrid. Named after the gateway to the city with an image of a sun drawn on it, this area is most known for bing the center of a national road network. The significant Post Office is the center point from which every other part of Spain is measured. The clocktower chimes on New Years for thousands of spectactors to celebrate.
Hours:
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An awesome site that includes a guided tour of architect Antoni Gaudi first big project for his most significant patron Eusebi Guell. The structure was built during the years 1885-1889 and displays Gaudi’s interest to use decorative aspects as part of the structural design. Be sure not to miss the Byzantine domes made of flat bricks.
Barcelona, 08001
Website: http://www.gaudiclub....
E-mail: info@gaudiclub.com
Hours: "10a-6p M-Su (Nov-Feb), 10a-7p M-Su (May-Aug), 10a-8p (Apr-Sep)
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Whoa, now this magnificent Gothic style cathedral is a place that you can’t ever forget. The history of the building dates as far back as the 1st century, but most of what you see today was started in 1298 and finally completed in 1913(!). Highlights include the crypt of Santa Eulalia, the chorus, and the crucifix.
Barcelona, 08002
Hours: 8am-1.30pm & 4pm-7.30pm Mon-Fri; 8am-1.30pm & 5pm-7.30pm Sat -Sun, Mass (in Catalan): 9a, 10a, 11a,
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This place is a one-stop-all-night-hangout-spot with everthing from a delicious café, to a vegetarian restaurant, to a ecology bookshop, and not to forget the dance school that offers Tai-Chi classes. Although the menu is limited, the vegetarian dishes are exquisite and the ice cream is some of the best. Definitely a must eat for healthy diners.
Barcelona, 08011
Hours:
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A hot spot for regulars and visitors alike, this restaurant serves modern Catalan dishes such as lamb in truffle sauce, baby octopus and much more. The wine list is excellent, and the interior decoration is cozy with photographs, lithographs and paintings. Definitely recommended.
Barcelona, 08001
Hours: Closed on Su, Easter week, mid July-mid Aug
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This cozy old style seafood restaurant serves fresh cuisine and a variety of bread to choose from. Specialties include scrumptuous fish and shellfish dishes such as steams mussels or a cod salad with puff pastries.
Barcelona, 08005
Website: http://www.elspescado...
E-mail: contacte@elspescadors.com
Hours: Lunch: 1p-3:45p M-Su, Dinner: 8p-midnight M-Su (closed at Easter, Christmas, 26th Dec, 31st Dec & Ne
Located near the Olympic Village
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A MUST SHOP for the trendiest young fashions for men and women. See rare and precious clothing designs that you won’t find anywhere else, such as Plein Sud, Moschino, Anti Flirt and more. Zas has traditionally been known to be one of Spain’s first top quality international brand-name clothing stores for young people.
Barcelona, 08007
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The zoo is always a ton of fun, and Barcelona’s display is an awesome one. Home to over 7,000 animals boasting over 500 different species with highlights that include dolphin shows and a gorilla exhibit, and of course much more.
Barcelona, 08003
E-mail: info@zoobarcelona.com
Hours:
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This charming and very cozy restaurant serves great Catalan dishes such as Anglerfish Suquet (stew) and Bouillabaisse. The service is very friendly and inviting to all different kinds of patrons such as politians, students, artists and the like. Paintings and artwork on the walls provides diners with an interesting array of images to look at.
Barcelona, 08002
Hours: Lunch: 1:30p-4p Tu-Su, Dinner: 9p-midnight Tu-Sa, closed in July
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Crème de la Crème of hotels in Spain, what else would you expect from a Ritz-Carlton? Well this Ritz-Carlton will meet all your high-class distinguished expectations of what high-rolling is all about.
Barcelona, 08005
Hours:
Olympic Village
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A must visit for any Barcelona visitor, this entertainment, shopping and leisure area was orginally built for the 1988-1992 Olympic games, and is now an extremely popular spot for shoppers and siteseeing during the day, and night club, bars and fine dining during the evening. The skyline holds the dazzling twin skyscrapers, which are the Mapfre Tower and Hotel Arts Barcelona. Rent speedboats for tours of the port.
Barcelona, 08005
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After spending several weeks in Barcelona and eating out every meal, Cal Pep stood firmly above the rest in terms of traditional tapas . Great wines are on the fly, and seafood as fresh it possibly can be. The atmosphere is always buzzing.
Barcelona, 08003
Website: http://www.calpep.net...
Hours: 1p-4p Tu-Sa, 8p-midnight Tu-Th, 8p-1a F-Sa
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Walk along these series of streets and enjoy a site filled time. Start at Placa Catalunya and walk all the way to the see and look at the wonderful display of churces and religious structures dating as far back as the 13th century. The name of the area Les Rambles originated from the Arabic term which means riverbed.
Hours:
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Have an enjoyable meal at moderate prices. Great place to have a casual dinner and dine on excellent tapas, sandwiches and more. Relaxed atmosphere.
Barcelona, 08008
Hours: 7p-1:30a M-Sa, 7p-1a Su
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Crème de la Crème of hotels in Spain, what else would you expect from a Ritz-Carlton? Well this Ritz-Carlton will meet all your high-class distinguished expectations of what high-rolling is all about.
Barcelona, 08005
Hours:
Olympic Village
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Designed by architect Antoni Gaudi, this uncompleted, and most expensive project is magnificent. This very unique exhibit includes drawings, photos, plans and models of the completed temple. The museum is located in the crypt that you can enter from the side of the building. Be sure to take elevator up to the observation area atop one of the tower, the views of the construction and surrounding area are excellent.
Barcelona, 08013
Website: http://www.sagradafam...
E-mail: pedagogia@sagradafamilia.org
Hours: 9a-6p M-Su (Oct-Feb), 9a-8p M-Su (Mar-Sep)
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Top-of-the-line gourmet restaurant has an international menu but specializes in Catalan dishes. The variety includes fresh seafood, beef filet, lamb delicacies, and more. Interior decoration is traditional with wood tables and chairs lined with linen.
Barcelona, 08003
Old Town
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The largest football stadium in Europe, originally constructed in 1957, this mammoth arean can hold a whopping 98,000 fans! The famous location is home to the Barcelona Football Club, and historic player Kubula from the 1950’s.
Barcelona, 08028
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Considered to be one of the best restaurants in the area. The menu is short and sweet offering fresh seafood, paellas and homemade desserts. The atmosphere is busy and often filled with locals and tourists, yet the place still retains a certain charm and romance to it. Variety of wine, liquor and cigars are available on the menu.
Barcelona, 08003
Hours: Lunch: 1p-4p Tu-Sa, Dinner: 9p-midnight Tu-Sa
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Crème de la Crème of hotels in Spain, what else would you expect from a Ritz-Carlton? Well this Ritz-Carlton will meet all your high-class distinguished expectations of what high-rolling is all about.
Barcelona, 08005
Hours:
Olympic Village
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“No other place in Santander is better than the Hotel Real regarding views. The hotel stands on top of a hill that overlooks the bay providing most rooms with an excellent 180 degree view of the best part of the city. Santander was once a fashionable paradise for aristocrats and the Spanish monarchy and the hotel, built in the Belle Époque architecture time, is typical of those times when there were different kinds of bedrooms, but the most recommendable is certainly the two-storey Royal Suite.
“
Santander, 39005
Hours:
Residential area; 1 block from beach; 2 km from downtown
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Despite this place being a large national shopping chain, and the large number of shoppers who shop here, this place is a very pleasant place to walk around, try and clothes and buy goods. The store has two stories with a great selection of fashions for men, women and children. Definitely one of the most popular shopping stores in the city.
Santander, 39002
Hours: 10a-8p M-Sa
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Located in one of the most touristy areas of Santander, this restaurant can serve around 60 people with a large menu of fresh seafood seasoned with peppers, wild mushrooms and more. Local fish, mussels, eel, and various meats also served here. Desserts are definitely recommended.
Santander, 39005
Hours: Noon-4p & 8p-midnight M-Sa
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This wonderful annual marketand art gallery holds some of Spain’s most interesting art exhibits, most notable are those from Cantabria. Specialty bookshops are spread around the area as well as the most recent prize winners. The fair has been held at the beginning of August annually since 1992.
Santander, 39004
Hours: 5:30p-10:30p M-Su
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The structure was designed by Javier Saenz de Oiza and opened in 1991. It’s extremely unique and innovative design is covered in marble and weathered copper, making the exterior look bluish-green. Lighting is provided by the numerous skylights on the rooftop. Inside there are two great halls that hold permenant art venues and events throughout the year, highlights include Santander’s International Festival, classical music concerts and ballet performances.
Santander, 39004
Website: http://www.palaciofes...
E-mail: agudo@palaciofestivales.com
Hours: 9:30a-2p & 4:30p-7:30p M-F
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This restaurant is run by Chef Juan Abascal, someone who really knows how to whip up those fantastic traditonal dishes with good ‘ol fashion taste and style. Be sure to try the fresh fish, or top sirloin meats, and save room for some exquisite desserts like the tocinillo de cielo (kind of like flan). The atmosphere and interior decorations are country and very home like. Definitely a place to enjoy great food and talk up a storm with friends or family.
Santander, 39005
Hours: Noon-4p Su, 7p-1a M, noon-4p & 7p-1a Tu-Sa
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Take a pleasant walk and take in the fresh sea air in vast park greenland that covers over 100,000 square meters. The trail will take you along a spectacular path where you can watch the sea waves crash into the rocks on the cliffside below. The Cabo Mayor lighthouse, the oldest in Cantabria, was built in 1839, stands at 30 meters tall, and can project it’s beam of light over 29miles. Other highlights nearby include Englishman’s Pantheon, Devil’s Bridge, and the festival of the Pilgrimage to the Lighthouse held every year at the end of August.
Santander, 39012
Hours: 9a-9:30p
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Fine dining with spectacular views overlooks the Cantabrian Sea. The restaurant is run by Chef Ignacio Basurto, who runs a delicious menu with a wide variety of modern and traditional meals. Charming, yet romantic and sophisticated atmosphere with private rooms available. Wine list is exceptional.
Santander, 39005
Hours: Noon-4p & 8p-midnight
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Declared a national monument in 1982, this widely impressive structure holds some of the most important cultural history of the Santander region. The building was originally built to hold the collection of the Marcelino Menendez Pelayo literary collection. The library boasts some 42,000 volumes including original manuscripts and two dozen extremely rare vintage books. Fans may also visit the Menendez Pelayo family home built in 1876. No Admission.
Santander, 39001
Website: http://www.unican.es/...
E-mail: info@bibmp.com
Hours: 9:30p-11:30a M-F (guided tours every half hour)
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Freshness of seafood is this restaurant’s specialty, especially shellfish. Also get fresh cob, fresh crab, fresh lobster and more. Order fresh seafood to go, with a variety of fish style options available. Wine also served here.
Santander, 39004
Hours: Noon-4p & 8p-midnight Tu-Su
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SANTA LUCÍA. From Bloody Marys to lemonade, this quaint bar remains a favorite with locals and tourists alike. Terminal Sur provides indoor and outdoor seating, a cheerful ambience, and music that runs the gamut from funk to rock. BUS: 5
Hours: Daily 6pm-3am
Bus 5
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“No other place in Santander is better than the Hotel Real regarding views. The hotel stands on top of a hill that overlooks the bay providing most rooms with an excellent 180 degree view of the best part of the city. Santander was once a fashionable paradise for aristocrats and the Spanish monarchy and the hotel, built in the Belle Époque architecture time, is typical of those times when there were different kinds of bedrooms, but the most recommendable is certainly the two-storey Royal Suite.
“
Santander, 39005
Hours:
Residential area; 1 block from beach; 2 km from downtown
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Promoting some of Cantabria’s contemporary artwork from the city’s numerous fine artists, from photography, scultpture, ceramics and more. Much of the artwork you will see focuses on the most current devlopments and disciplines in the respective art field. Be sure to combine the visit with Galeria Trazos Dos located next door also displaying exhibits from Fine Arts. No Admission.
Santander, 39007
Hours: 6p-9p
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This fantastic shopping area is a great place to take a stroll and checkout the countless clothing, book, music, shoestores and more. Great cafes and restaurants can also be found along the strip to fulfill all your dining needs. The street is closed to street traffic so visitors won’t have to fight with cars and rush hour. Check out the one-of-a-kind blue street lights as well as the Teatro Gran Cinema.
Santander, 39008
Hours: 24 Hours
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This place is known for taking great traditional Spanish style ingredients and dishes, and altering them in different cooking styles and presentations. Atmosphere is classic and pleasant, and the menu includes specials such as the Mozarabic rice salad, Spanish ham and more.
Santander, 39005
Hours: 12:30p-midnight Tu-Su
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”
Although this site is a short drive out of the city, it is highly recommended by locals and by the tourist office. Guided visits are the best way to see the cave, which is full of prehistoric paintings and engravings. Archeological remains were also found in the cave, including ancient tools made from bones. To see the inside of the cave, visitors must apply in writing or by fax at the Altamira Museum – but the amazing, vivid Stone Age paintings on the ceiling are worth the effort.
“
Santander, 39330
Hours:
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One of the most famous restaurants in Santander, headed by Chef Ramon Arriaran whom has been serving breakthrough Santander cuisine over the years. Specializing in various meat and fish dishes, the T-bone steak is among the best, as well as the shellfish. Fine wine is also available, a must eat for Santander visitors.
Santander, 39003
Hours: 1p-4p, 9p-midnight M-Su
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Great night spot with live jazz music and gigs held regularly. Atmosphere is decorated in a blues-jazz music theme. Very pleasant young crowd typically in the mid-20’s.
Santander, 39005
Hours: 4p-4a Th-Su
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Great location, high-class hotel.
Madrid, 28014
Hours:
In the heart of Madrid, facing the Prado
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