Madrid 2.0

TEXT: BEATRIZ BERNABÉ
CATEGORIES: Europe, International, Places, Spain

TOURING BERNABÉU

Santiago Bernanbéu stadium is an absolutely essential pilgrimage for soccer fans. The tour visits the trophy room, the playing field, the Presidential box, the technical area, the bench area, the press room and the club’s official store. On game day, the locker rooms are closed, but you can arrive at the stadium up to six hours before the game.

SELF-GUIDED BIKE ROUTES

Discover Madrid through a fusion of culture and exercise with 27Bikes. Hop on a rented bicycle and follow one of the self-guided routes. A detailed map and an informative dossier on each point of interest (with historic facts, schedules, prices, etc.) let you explore the city at your leisure. The routes take between two and eight hours. The company can also provide helmets, bike locks and baby seats.

SKATING IN EL RETIRO

Always wanted to roller skate but never got the chance? The traditional park of El Retiro is an excellent place to learn, among fountains, extensive paths and lovely gardens. The company Roller Madrid offers classes throughout the day for all skill levels. If you’re already an expert skater and just want a bit of exercise, you can simply rent a pair of skates.

SKIING 365 DAYS A YEAR

At Madrid Snow Zone you can ski all year long on a covered run measuring 820 feet long, as well as a 330-foot beginner’s slope. Located in the Madrid Xanadú shopping center in Arroyomolinos (14 miles from the capital), Madrid Snow Zone also has a ski school that caters to everyone from novices to experienced skiers who want to refine their technique. You can rent any piece of equipment you need – boots, skis, snowboards, jackets, snow pants, etc. – on the premises.

HISTORIC, LITERARY AND ARTISTIC TOURS

Part of the Urban Culture and Tourism Network, the company Carpetania Madrid offers unusual routes for groups of 10 to 20 people. “Republican Madrid,” “From Marvels to Malasaña,” “Fables and Legends” and “Bohemian Madrid” are a few of the options, which are adapted to the season, the month’s festivities and the current theater schedule. The morning routes include church visits, while the nighttime tours make stops at taverns. Visit the Website for a listing of the tours scheduled for each month.

COOKING CLASSES

The culinary bookstore A Punto organizes cooking classes and wine tastings that last about two hours. The courses are structured around a general theme: you may learn to make Italian risotto or shakes and crushed ice drinks for summertime or refreshing chilled soups. At the end of the class, you can sample your preparations in situ, or if you prefer, you can take them “to go.”

SINGER-SONGWRITERS AND STORYTELLERS

Since 1975, Café Libertad 8 has been a haven for the city’s singer-songwriters and an iconic meeting place for music lovers in the heart of the neighborhood of Chueca. The café has maintained its original décor, with a working, turn-of-the-century player piano. This cozy establishment also organizes storytelling events, perfect for an evening of literary fun in fine company.