Madrid has a lot to offer, whether it be relaxing in the many, beautiful plazas watching the sun slowly retir. Para mi, being a TEFL graduate for only a few months, the events leading up to the night’s fun in the best part. The bookends of the night are caňas and tapas. Let me present, ‘caňas y tapas’. This combination can of course be coddled in at any time…

The ultimate edible morsels I have come across in Spain have been served with caňas. Caňas are small, being served in a mini glass, and are the perfect coupling with a idle Sunday afternoon. Whichever one, fantastic tapas is always served up.

My first caňa and tapas experience was in Plaza de Espana, just off Grand Via in a very loud, typically Spanish tapas joint. This bar compels you to stand, which is not as appalling as made out. The bar makes a very useful prop and you feel exceptionally Spanish ordering caňas whilst making small talk. The bartenders were highly amusing and happy to help and whet the appetite. The first dish they present is fried chip potatoes covered in a delicious oily, garlic sauce. With these potatoes came three chorizo sausages. My Spanish friend and I eagerly dig in. I don’t think you should chose the garlic sauce on a first date, wow. It was magnificient. The chorizo was the best bit, completely disappearing in my mouth and making me want to order more from the waiters! Another caňa, another tapa. Next up was baby squid in a rich, divine tomato salsa. Fondly remembering the day I decided to come to Madrid, we ate the squid eagerly and chugged the beer. Another beer, another plate of food. Next on the agenda was a plate of salami that was really delicious.

Plaza de Espana really is great for tapas bars. Its extensive side streets offer a whole host of cercevias that produce their own nuggets of pure culinary genius. But be aware that the closer you go to Gran Via, the pricer things become. Plaza de Espana is the great mixture of classic Madrid and busy Spanish culture. Our bill totalled only €7, for 3 beers and 3 plates of fantastic food. So how come we didn’t stay there you might wonder? Just too many more bars to discover!

I was not able to stay in town any more I had to lesson plan. After getting home after quite a dizzy metro ride I sit down and start planning my business English lessons. Fill on tapas and content on caňas, this comes very easy. Another great evening! Here’s to the next time I go out in Madrid!

Puerta del Sol is one of the most popular destinations for tourists to Madrid; the name means “Gate of the Sun”.

The gates used to be the entrance to the city of Madrid. Like many towns in medieval times back in the 15th century Madrid was protected by a large wall with Puerta Del Sol serving as the only entrance. This made them known to traders and visitors from all over the world and the site remained a meeting place after the walls surrounding Madrid were taken down. As a matter of fact, it remains the major meeting point in Madrid even today.

Outstanding examples of Spanish architecture can be seen throughout the area and there are also various monuments and statues, a particularly famous one being a large sculpture of a bear eating the fruit of the madrone tree (the name ‘Madrid’ derives from the Spanish word for this plant and the bear is a powerful symbol for the Madrid citizens).

The House of the Post Office is one of Madrid’s most important sites and is located nearby to Puerta Del Sol, it is central to New Years celebrations, there is also a paving slab which marks the start of the six major highways which cross over Spain. It’s therefore not only a good point from which to begin to explore the city, but to explore the country as a whole.

From other attractions on Madrid, like the Plaza Mayor, and the Palacio Real(Royal Palace, and Parliament it is only a brief walk, in addition, there is a Metro station that allows fast access to the site and back.

There are many side streets that have shops, restaurants, and many other attractions, so as much time as possible should be used to visit this section. But Madrid and Puerta del Sol are not just places to visit during the daylight hours. At night is when the real fun begins; as bars and cantinas and cafes become packed with tourists and residents, the street performers come out and entertain all.

More : Spanish Phrases