Circulo de Bellas Artes
A non-profit cultural center located a short walk from Sol, the CBA offers up a wide variety of events and shows including film, music, art displays, dance, theater and more. See the website in Spanish for a list of activities.
There are a number of free, English language periodicals that you will find in bars and restaurants that are a great source of event information. PopGuide Madrid (http://www.popguidemadrid.com) is Madrid's premier English and German lifestyle magazine and features the best Madrid has to offer and the latest in film, fashion, music and art. The monthly InMadrid newspaper (http://www.in-madrid.com/...) has a number of articles and information about events around town. Aimed at the 20-35-year-old crowd, European Vibe (http://www.europeanvibe.com/) has listings for concerts, exhibitions, bars, restaurants, parties and other events happening in Madrid as well as articles about living in the city. Check the websites for current distribution points.
Madrid is more expensive than most cities in Europe, yet average wages are low, between €1800-2900 per month. In addition, Spain has the highest unemployment rate in the EU, at nearly 20% and 40% of people between 20 and 30 of age and finding a job is very difficult. It is even harder if your Spanish skills are limited.
Sandemans New Europe Free Walking Tour
In addition to several other European cities, Sandemans has recently started a free walking tour of Madrid. Excellent guides work solely for tips, and offer a great introduction to the city. Departs everyday at 11AM and 3PM from the Plaza Mayor.
La Transhumancia
Annual event during which the center of Madrid is free of cars and is instead filled with shepherds exercising their ancient right to drive sheep and livestock through the city. Madrid Gay Pride 2011
Movies and film
Yelmo Cineplex Ideal
Probably the best known V.O. theater in Madrid, it offers the largest selection of movies and is only a short walk from Sol.
Cinesa Dreams Palacio de Hielo
This cinema is located in a shopping mall know for its ice-skating ring. It is a great place where teenagers can hang out since the mall also has restaurants, bars, and shops.
Renoir Cuatro Caminos
Cinesa Proyecciones 3D
This is a great movie theather showing all of the latest movies. It has both 3D movies and normal movies. There is also a shop in the movie theather where they sell all kinds of candy, drinks, and popcorn. Great for children!>
Renoir
Cines Golem Alphaville
Alphaville
There are a number of cinemas offering American and British films in English along with films in other languages. These original films are denoted in the listings by a designation of "V.O." which stands for versión original. Cinemas in Madrid will sometimes have dÃas del espectador viewer days with cheaper ticket prices, usually on Mondays or Wednesdays. Some of the V.O. theaters to check out are:
Cine Doré, la Filmoteca Española
This is a wonderful, old Spanish theater dating from the 1920's. It has three screens and shows mainly "art-house" and critically acclaimed films in V.O. In the summertime, they screen movies on the roof.
There are also a few movie theathers in Madrid where they show the orignial version of the movies subtitled in their original language. The list is provided below.
Flamenco shows
Corral de la Moreria
One of the most famous flamenco tablaos in the world. Itâ²s right in the heart of the city, and you can enjoy a full fledged Spanish meal while you watch performances by renowned international flamenco music and dance artists.
Tablao Flamenco Cardamomo
Authentic Flamenco show in the center of Madrid, one of the gratest tablaos flamencos all over Spain, typical spanish food during the performance.
Language schools
Don Quijote
great school where you can take 4-6 hours of courses a day. All courses including beginner courses are taught entirely in Spanish.
PopEnglish
Offers English, German, Italian, French, Swedish and Spanish courses for individuals and companies in Madrid.
Inhispania
Inhispania is specialized in teaching Spanish language and culture. It is an Accredited School by the Instituto Cervantes with an excellent location near Puerta del Sol offering intensive and regular programs, in smalls groups, for all levels and during the whole year. The school also organizes after-school actitivies and offers an optional accommodation service.
Linguaschools Madrid
Offers Spanish courses for foreigners all year round. Students with previous knowledge can start any Monday. For absolute beginners there are fixed start dates.
Concert venues
La Riviera
Another large venue for touring rock and pop bands.
Sala Heineken
National touring acts for rock and pop music.