The pedestrian street, ‘Calle del Arenal’ which starts from Teatro Real to Puerta del Sol is one of the traffic-free zone busy shopping lanes in the Sol District. It’s probably the most popular one because it leads straight to Plaza de Isabel II and Teatro Real, then Plaza de Oriente and the cherry on top of the pie, Palacio Real de Madrid.
I really liked the neighbourhood around Plaza Isabell II square. It’s very dynamic, yet not too blaringly touristy. It has a local and homey atmosphere yet very artistic, perhaps because of the Teatro Real located on the other side of the square.
I am not really into opera and the only reason that I will attend one is because of their costumes. The last time I attended an opera was 2 years ago I think, in Venice, inside a chapel in Dorsoduro quarter.
Anyway, I thought Calle de Arenal must be special mentioned in my travel wrap up together with Plaza de Isabel, they are definitely great places to check out, and not too far away as well.
There is a restaurant nearby by the way that is sworn by natives and tourists alike for having the best chocolate and churros in Madrid—ChocolaterÃa de San Ginés, which we didn’t visit. It was on my list but sometimes you cannot have everything.
At the start of Calle de Arenal beside Teatro Real.
Teatro Real de Madrid.
Posters of the acts. Impressive costumery. I would watch (next time) just to see the costumes.
Plaza de Isabel II.
Busy Calle del Arenal and some nice facade details.
Spotted in a souvenir shop along Calle del Arenal. You know Spaniards are crazy about football right? Well, most Europeans are anyway but the Spaniards take this sport to higher levels. Its almost religion to them.
Travel Period: June 2011
Destination: Madrid, Spain