80s Music and Mojitos

I would like to add another cool-wandering to my list of places to visit in La Latina.  If you are into some fine 80s classics, good ambience, an open air terrace, and a minty mojito then El Viajero may just be the place for you.  It almost seems as if the cafe slash restaurant slash lounge slash bar does not vertically end.  Reaching three stories high,each level of El Viajero has something different and exciting to offer. 

Upon entrance, if you are still not in the mood to quite let your guard down and forget that it´s Sunday, then sit down and enjoy some classic Spanish tapas while partaking in people watching (at El Viajero all different types of characters come together.)  On the first story, that would be the second story in the states, get ready to try one of the best mojitos La Latina has to offer accompanied by a retro song from Journey.  To top off the night climb to the last level of the bar to find a charming cantina on top of an open air terrace that offers some of the best, most magical views of Madrid.  This terrace is a bit too cold to enjoy during the winter time, but during the summer it is theee place to be.

Calle de la Cebada, 11

Taste of Tea

Step into a majestic salon of tea: BOMEC, el paladar del té. Am I in New York, am I in Hong Kong, am I in Tokyo, France, or...Madrid?  Tea has for years been an ancient health remedy. From the gardens of the emperors of the dynasties to the decadent parties of Marie Antoinette, the concept of tea has always been associated with many uses: an excuse for a social gathering, a meeting, a foreign affair, or simply a tea party...  

Madrid has its very own salón de té where teas can be tasted from many exotic regions of Asia and France.  If you aren´t a tea lover, you can also enjoy one of BOMEC´s cocktails.  Not only can tea be slowly slipped in the lounge, but it can be also be purchased upon your departure. BOMEC tea lounge isn´t your typical tea lounge so step on in and discover your flavor.

CALLE SAN JOAQUÍN 8  

Dim lighting and Rare art

Naive art: the artistic art movement characterized by ingenuity and spontaneity; the style is characterized by contrasting colors and designs, surreal, dream-like world, representations of childhood fantasies that strike a nostalgic chord

What could this all be about?

NAIF is just the name of this hidden treasure on the street of Santa Barbara in Malasaña.  The dim lighting actually welcomes the curious window peeker to step inside and spend a whole afternoon into this cozy cafe slash bar by sipping on a big cup of cappuccino or green tea.  The walls of the high ceilinged cafe are dappled with works of art by local naif artists of Madrid´s most eclectic and friendly neighborhood, Malasaña.  

Owner Jose María told me that the typical customer is usually the hard working and ambitious university student who will tend to come and spend hours working away.  Let me not forget to mention that the MacBooks and iPads of the modern young customer also add to the decor.  Naif seems to be an incubator of creative thoughts and ideas that stem from its surreal yet comforting environment that the typical customer cannot help but adore.  As you let your creative juices flow, don´t hesitate and order one of Naif´s gourmet snacks to keep you thinking away...everyone respects each other´s quiet time so don´t worry about the noise becoming a distraction.  Do you have an assignment due tomorrow? Grab your MacBook and come join the creative thinking forces at Naif.  A strong cup of cappuccino is waiting for you!

Madrid´s FASHION´S NIGHT OUT

The red carpets, the clicking of heels, bow ties, cocktails, private parties, class, style, elegance...

These few words describe Madrid´s very own Fashion´s Night Out, a global event that takes place in only the most international and fashionable cities in the world. Recognized as being the most posh neighborhood of Madrid, Barrio Salamanca plays host to this incredible event every year. Already at noon time, the lights, stages, and private parties begin to be set up.  At around 8 o´clock at night after la merienda, the people of Madrid begin to strut their most prized outfits on the streets of Madrid.  All parties take place within the shops animated with music, fashionable people, and fruity mixed drinks.  At around 1 o´clock in the morning the shops begin to close while the social butterflies of the night continue on with the festivities...A night that takes place only one time a year, but certainly something not to be missed.

Terracita

Located in an extremely historical zone of the capital, Barrio de las Letras has an incredible terrace to soak up the most grand and elegant views of Madrid.  Respecting the name of the barrio, Hotel de las Letras offers its terrace not only to its guests but also to locals and curious visitors.  

In the mood for a late afternoon merienda or late night drink? Make your way down to Gran Vía 11 and treat your self to a refreshing summer time experience.

UrBaN chic

Oooh lala, Madrid in the summer time...Long hot days on the street should inevitably take you to a terrace with views, a nice cold drink, and good music.

Hotel URBAN has a cool, chic, and retro terrace just for you.  The geometric forms and metallic colors together make the terrace of this avant garde hotel a unique experience.  

The terrace is an architectural masterpiece that adds even more to the social atmosphere.  This terrace has an aesthetically appealing touch.  Come enjoy a drink, a dip in the pool, or simply divulge yourself within the views of Madrid.

Carrera de San Jerónimo, 34

Madrid...and the livin' is easy...

Summer time in Madrid means season of the terraces.  Whether on a roof top with views of the city or in a pleasant-relaxed garden setting, Madrid has a terrace waiting to be enjoyed just by you...Come elegantly dressed, casually hip, or simply in what you have been wearing all day, the terrace is a place to let go and let live.

The museum Casa América is a public institution that hosts a variety of cultural events such as expositions, round table talks, concerts, and more.  Casa América has cleverly collaborated with famous cocktail connoissear Diego Cabrera to create Le Cabrera en Casa de América. 

This is a splendid and magical garden terrace where everything from passion fruit martinis to mousse de aguacate can be yours.  The setting is very relaxed and perfect for a mid afternoon drink before a museum visit or after-dinner cocktail ready to get you in the mood to soak up Madrid´s night life.

Paseo de Recoletos 2