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/32538 I'm not here to advertise Santander, but since this tip will save me lots of money I thought it might help others too.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32538 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32425 The starters are brilliant and very large. The portion of mussels was huge and very good. The desserts are mouth watering.
The main weakness of this place is that some of the meat based mains are not as good as the rest of the menu. The fish based mains are good.
Staff are businesslike rather than friendly - food comes quickly but having said that there is no push to get you out if you are nursing your drinks.
One other note - bread is not free!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32425 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32254 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32254 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32156 I bought some Franco era peseta coins as souvenirs. These coins cost only 50c or €1 each and are a reminder of Spain's dark days.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32156 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30398 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30398 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29174 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29174 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29076 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29076 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28587 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28587 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28586 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28586 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28585 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28585 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28558
It can be a perfect weekend getaway for kinky travelers. Obviously it is a recommendation only for those into the fetish lifestyle.

It is a LGBT, queer, CD/TV, poly friendly event.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28558 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28510 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28510 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26542 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26542 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25036 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25036 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24495 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24495 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/23291 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23291 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