Puerta del Sol It is the best place to start the visit. “Puerta del Sol” is the downtown and the busiest square in Madrid. This is the centre of the radial network of the Spanish roads. In the oldest building in the square is the famous clock, whose bells mark the traditional eating of the Twelve Grapes and the beginning of a New Year. It has been broadcast live since 1962. Not far from it, just 5 minutes walking, it is the long and always crowded Gran Vía Street: “The place that never sleeps”. During the day there are many people buying in the numerous shops; at nights people enjoy the lively Spanish nightlife. Close to “Puerta del Sol” there are many places that must be visited, such as Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral or Plaza Mayor. Some restaurants we recommend are: - LHARDY, Carrera de San Jerómico 8: A mecca of Spanish culinary tradition, with restaurant upstairs and a tapas bar and grocery store downstairs. -La Mallorquina, Calle Mayor 2: This pastry/café on the Puerta del Sol is the city`s most famous. Their star dish is the “napolitana” -La Tintoreria, near to Puerta del Sol, Espoz y Mina, 18: With a rustic decoration located in a cave. They have clasic spanish kictchen with their personal touch. -Café de Oriente, Plaza Café de Oriente 2: Magnificent terrace facing the Palacio Real. The interior, with large windows and red sofas, makes it a comfy place to stop. -Mercado de San Miguel.It is located in the Plaza de San Miguel. It´s impossible to visit Madrid without buying some pata negra ham, olive oil and other local specialties. This entirely renovated market, open till midnight, is the place to find them. -Taberneros, Calle Santiago 9. People folck here more for huge variety of delicious pinchos than for restaurants. The wine list is extensive.