That is the case of Chamartín, a very Madrid area, a few meters from Paseo la Castellana, where the very popular Santiago Bernabu stadium and countless commercial premises are located.
In the Santiago Bernabu stadium, where the Real Madrid team usually plays, they are carrying out a major modernization that will place the sports facility at the forefront of soccer fields in the Iberian country.
If we go up Paseo de La Habana, after leaving Plaza de los Sagrados Corazones, there stands out, at number 75, right next to the NH Madrid Paseo de La Habana hotel, a modern residential building, designed by the firm Bueso-Inchausti & Rein Arquitectos, which denotes an attractive play of geometric figures and forces you to look at it closely.
On Victor Andrés Street, with Paseo de La Habana, there is a good restaurant called El Jamón del Abuelo.
Whoever waits on the table does not have a convincing explanation to support the name of the place, but what we can confirm is that the grandpa potatoes with eggs please the palate.
And if you add some torreznos, what we call chicharrones in America, the culinary pleasure reaches the top.
A couple more streets and we arrive at Príncipe de Vergara street. On this important avenue, which is named after the noble title created by King Amadeo I of Savoy in 1872, the construction of buildings created in the 1960s and 1970s stands out.
If you prefer to take the Madrid metro, which is very well equipped and is the pride of the city, the Colombia station, located precisely in Príncipe de Vergara, will give you access to endless amenities: restaurants, bars and brand-name shops.
The Panaria café, at number 271 Príncipe de Vergara, opens very early, in the morning, at 7 am, when half of Madrid is still asleep.
There, between sips of coffee, croissants and other delicacies, the morning begins.
Uphill, by Principe de Vergara, is Plaza de la República Dominicana, which has nothing to do with the Caribbean country, but does denote an attractive roundabout, with four smiley buildings, including paint color, which defines the harmony of the esplanade.
A couple more streets and we arrive at Jardin de Gloria Fuentes, where, in addition to a children’s area, bars and restaurants, there are public tables to play ping-pong.
Lunch
Unlike the 19 or 20 euros, about 21 or 22 dollars at the current exchange rate, which will pay for a lunch around Puerta del Sol, which includes dessert and wine or soft drink; In this area you usually pay 14 euros, or 15 dollars.
But, if you like seafood, fresh and well served, we recommend Carta Marina, 100 meters from Paseo de La Habana, on Calle del Padre Damin.
If the grilled prawns (shrimp) are impressive, the seafood rice or the steak made to your liking is amazing. For a lower price than what you will pay in Puerta del Sol and its surroundings.
In the afternoon, if you feel like a McDonald’s type hamburger, to remind you of Miami or the United States, on Avenida Alberto de Alcocer, with Paseo de La Habana, you will find it.
Back
When you want to return to the hotel, and if you want to buy groceries, say wine or another snack, at the Aldi supermarket, on Calle de Potos, you will have it at a very good price.
Don’t be surprised if Spanish wines cost half of what you usually pay in the United States. We know that the transit of products, from one place to another, increases the price. And we also know that wine, even if we exaggerate, tastes better in Spain.
How to get there?
There are several airlines that provide service from Miami and the main cities of the United States to Spain.
This time we traveled in comfortable Airbus A330-302 planes. Iberia, which has three types of cabin: Business, with personalized service and comfortable seats that can be converted into beds with the push of a button; Premium Tourist, which offers more space, comfort and service than the regular Tourist which, even though it is more economical, meets expectations.
In fact, Iberia has a wide network of connections to several Spanish, European and even Asian and African cities at Madrid airport.
In addition, Iberia has the program stop-over Hello Madridwhich allows you to make a stopover of several days in Madrid, without additional charge as before, and then continue the trip to the final destination.
If you carry a US passport you do not need a visa, but if you travel with a document from another origin, contact the Spanish consular office to receive appropriate information.
Where to stay?
The Spanish capital has a wide range of hotels for all budgets. However, if you want to spend the night near Paseo La Castellana and pay less, we recommend the NH Madrid Paseo de La Habana.
The property has modern and comfortable rooms, a restaurant and a very well-stocked and attended breakfast service.
In fact, this hotel is one of the favorites for executives and business people who opt for a central but peaceful area.
Save dollars
The US dollar is strong against the European currency and traveling to the Old Continent is cheaper than before.
However, follow these tips to make it easier on your pocketbook. DO NOT EXCHANGE MONEY before traveling nor do it at the destination. Most tourists tend to change dollars and ignore that they are charged a commission that is often excessive.
Better deposit the money in your bank account and use the ATM card as soon as you arrive at the destination. This way you will save the exchange fee and get the best international rate available that day.
Check with your banking institution about a possible international service charge.
You can also use credit cards in stores, restaurants and hotels.
