Madrid: Food and Fashion

While exploring Madrid I found some really nice places to eat, shop or simply enjoy a drink on a hot day.

Here are the best spots:

Rooftop terrace: Circulo de bellas artes

If you want to get a magnificent view over Madrid, you have to pay a visit to the last floor of the "Circulo de bellas artes" (Calle de Alcalá 42). The skyline bar is open at day and night, but you can also just enjoy the panorama and take some photos. If you want to get to the terrace, you have to pay 4€, but it's absolutely worth it.

Market hall: Mercado San Miguel
If you are looking for a place to lunch or buy something typical, then stop at the Mercado San Miguel (Plaza San Miguel). There are several restaurants and bars in the market.

If you are ever in Madrid/Spain you have to try some Tapas. My faves were the "Tortilla de patatas" (Spanish omlette), the "Chorizo" (smoked pork) and the "ensalada rusa".

Fish lunch at: El Señor Martín 
If you love fish and other sea food, then have lunch at El Señor Martín (Calle Mayor 31). I went to eat there because I loved the interior design concept of the restaurant. 

Gourmet experience: El Corte Inglés
If you are looking for a wide variety of restaurants and food, then you should go to the "Gourmet Experience" which is located on the last floor of Spain's biggest department store "El corte Inglés" (Calle Gran Via 20).
The restaurants offer a good range of gourmet products, especially Spanish ones.
While lunching, dining or simply enjoying a coffee, you will have a extraordinary view over Madrid.

The view from the restaurants in the Corte Inglés.

Shopping paradise: Gran Vía

The biggest shopping street in Madrid is perfect for every taste. There are shops like Zara, Mango and H&M, but you can also find Loewe, Levi's and Gucci.

Book addiction: Casa del Libro

One of the biggest bookstores in Madrid is "Casa del libro". There are 5 flats and in each one you can find different topics. In the last floor you find some very interesting fashion books (most of them are in Spanish though)

Luxurious shopping: Ekseption

Is the favorite shop of the style blogger "Simply Lovely Pepa"(Alexandra Pereira). In her book she writes:" Although Madrid has a good offer of luxurious clothes, this is a store, where I always find something different." 

It's the only place where to get Céline bags in Madrid.