http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25036 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25036 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24364
The converted former power station presents itself like a walk-in sculpture, with several exhibitions and events hosted concurrently. The building looks over the Paseo del Prado with a daringly beautiful planted wall and contrasting Cor-ten steel and brick facade.

My family and I went there after a visit to the botanical garden for a 'quick look' - we stayed three hours and hadn't even exhausted the impressive Richard Rogers architects exhibition (until 18 Oct 2009) with dozens of models. Even the younger kids were happy!

A cool cafe and bookshop rounds of this 'must visit' gem.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24364 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23486
The Madrid Metro – the Orient Express compared to the London Underground – runs from the airport to city for a paltry €2. Visit the Parque del Retiro and explore the Crystal Palace art installations, monuments including the beautiful but sinister El Angel Caído, go boating by Alfonso XII's grandiose statue, then watch free street performers and puppeteers. Sip your sangria and toast the Madrid teleférico's 40th anniversary at the terminal bar: the skyline's not as exciting as Barcelona but it's relaxing and cheap.

Window-shop the Gran Via and continue to Plaza de España, Teatro Real, Palacio Real and Plaza Mayor for some classic Spanish architecture. Don't miss the El Rastro fleamarket on Sundays: calling it a flea market is a disservice to the sprawling city of stalls filled with delicious food and exotic crafts. It covers several blocks and gets very crowded so mind your valuables.

Madrid's gloriously rowdy tapas bars were out of my budget so I made do with the supermercado for flavoursome food. Ubiquitous Carrefour City and Express stores stock tasty Iberico ham, chorizo and other Spanish treats at unbeatable prices.

From horrific realisation to splendid sunny weekend of exploration, Madrid is perfect for a Spanish holiday on the cheap.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23486 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23207
The staff are extremely welcoming and will give out any advice on things to see, gay/lesbian advice, free vouchers for clubs, saunas etc...

The rooms have ensuite and have great facilities - tvs, free internet, safety deposit boxes, linen and towels.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23207 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23206
The rooms are more like a hotel than a hostel, with TVs, comfortable beds and balconies overlooking Puerta del Sol square. There's also free internet and a free breakfast of freshly baked buns.

The location is excellent, you are right in the center of town, so we could walk everywhere.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23206 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22854
We don't normally go to the same restaurant twice when we are on holiday, but we came here three times when we were here in Madrid in summer 08.
There were queues into the place on some evenings.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22854 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22120 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22120 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21295 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21295 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21291 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21291 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19169 Tickets on my last visit cost just under 3€.
The main screen is a fabulous old salon, complete with balcony and boxes. The whole cinema is housed in a fin de siecle building which has starred in at least one Almodovar film.
As with any Spanish museum, morgue or meeting place there is a cafeteria serving coffee and snacks on site.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19169 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16807 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16807 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12119
A local neighbourhood restaurant, sandwiched between the traditional madrileno working class district of Lavapies and Plaza Santa Ana.

Don't be put off by the long menu translated into English and German as I initially was. If you arrive on a Monday or Thursday lunchtime the queues of Madrilenos, business men in suits to builders in boilersuits, waiting for their cocido and paella specials will convince you it's not a tourist trap.

The service is at times brusque. I ate here at least once a week for a year and only during my last week in Madrid did the waiters show me any familiarity - and I lived next door.

The food is simple but good. There are a selection of menus at various prices to suit any budget.

The atmosphere is pure Madrid. TV blaring in the corner, twice as many tables crammed in as should really fit and shouted conversations echoing off the tiled walls and wooden floor. You do not come here for a relaxing lunch. But all the same don't come here if you are pushed for time. You can be out the door in 40mins having eaten a 3 course meal or waiting for your dessert 2 hours later.

Try the pollo al ajillo. Or the grilled asparagus. or the fried aubergines. or just about anything!

Enjoy.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12119 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2176 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2176 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2095
Expect to pay about £20 for two courses for two with bread, water and wine. And get there early (8.30pm).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2095 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2062
Lovely manchego chipped from a wheel as you enter and brought to the table, good wines, and delicious desserts. Excellent for a solid Spanish meal without all of the touristy tat. Food usually 15€-20€.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2062 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2022 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2022 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/163 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/163 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/160 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/160 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/159 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/159 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/156 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/156