If you have been in Madrid for longer than 3 days chances are you’ve visited the Mercado de San Miguel. If you haven’t been there yet, time to scold your so called Madrid-experienced friends and make your way to the Plaza de San Miguel to enjoy the many flavors, colors and smells of this historic market.  Inside it is well kept and filled with the first class foods, from the most traditional of Spain—smoked pork, olives, paella—to spectacular sushi to fresh fruits and vegetables. A lot of the food may be for your eyes only though: the market is anything but cheap. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
By Daniel Sznajderman
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Houdini Sala de Magia claims to be the only place dedicated exclusively to magic in all of Europe, and although this statement is as implausible as it is impossible to prove, the Sala is nonetheless a rare place. Not only is it used for all kinds of magic shows that are supposed to be top of the line, the locality itself is a stylized museum of magic: it is filled with authentic posters and artwork, some of which are over a century old, and has a collection of old artifacts used in old magic shows and actual rituals (including satanic ones!) from the golden age of superstition and witchery. It is open Tuesday’s to Friday’s, since events and scheduling are subject to change, check out updates here.
By Daniel Sznajderman
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For a bird’s view of the city visit the Teleferico de Madrid, around since 1969 and still retaining that old school touch. It is also a convenient way to enter Casa de Campo, the city’s largest municipal park and home to a variety of trees and animal species. A two way ticket is 5.15 Euros, though prices vary depending on the day and number of people per group. For more information go to the website.
By Daniel Sznajderman
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Looking for a fun way to spend a sunny day? Rent a bicycle at Bybike and explore El Retiro, the beautifully well kept patch of green that’s smack in the middle of the busy city. The rental is just across the street from the park’s east entrance and the prices are friendly: 4 Euros an hour on weekdays and 5 Euros on weekends and holidays. Ordinary and mountain bikes are available, as well as ones for children as young as 3 years old. Weekday hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 14:30 p.m. and 17:00 p.m. to 20:30 p.m.; weekend hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m.. For more information visit the Bybike website here.
By Daniel Sznajderman
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If you’re interested in doing something different with the family  then you’ll love Teatralia. Teatralia is Madrid’s annual theater festival for kids and teens. It will be running from the 29th of January until the 21st of February, and includes thirty performances for all ages by both Spanish and international companies. For more information click here.
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From December 28th to the 3rd of January take your kids out for a day of fun to the Sala Triangulo. Your kids will love the interactive concert by The Funky Topo Trio. For more information click here.
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From December 6th to January 10th take the family over to see the Madrid-based company ALE HOP at Teatro Circo Price. You’ll find artists from Argentina, Russia, Italy and China working together to create a performance that falls somewhere between circus and theater. This event is great for the kids. For more information click here.
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On Saturday, December 5th, and Sunday, December 6th CaixaForum presents Spanish Brass Luur Metalls. The  eclectic repertoire of the brass quintet will have your kids up and moving around. The show starts at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday  and at 12 p.m on Sunday. The cost of entry is 4 euros. For more information click here.
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Beginning the 24th of October and ending the 7th of January, Science fun is a great way to spend some time with your kids. At CosmoCaixa, a museum where children learn, investigate, and play, has a great lineup of fall activities and workshops for families to enjoy. The museum is where state-of-the-art technology comes together with thousand year old artifacts. The museum is divided into five main spaces, each of them showing off different areas of science. For more information on activities planned click here. Entrance is 2-3 euro.
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The most unique café to hit the scene in recent years, Café De Los Signos, caused a stir in Madrid by being the first café to cater to and be run by the deaf. However, it should be noted that all people regardless of their hearing status are more than welcome.
Entering this spacious cafe, one might not immediately notice any differences. An ample sound system provides background music to the ordinary murmur of café life.
However a second glance reveals evidence of deaf culture. Many but by no means all of the customers are communicating in sign language. Another notable detail is the single miniature light fixed to the front corner of every table; tapping it on allows you to get your servers attention. And by the way, communicating with the waiters, all of whom are deaf, is the same as at any foreign language restaurant – you simply smile and point at your chosen menu item. Less obvious is the fact the kitchen communicates with the waiters via pager-like vibrating devices. The television is, obviously, always running subtitles, but the function of the board games in the back is less clear. Perhaps they are to entertain the children, facilitate cross-cultural (sign to spoken) interaction, or simply because occasionally one does get the urge to play Scrabble.
As with most cafes, there is entertainment. The line up includes stand-up comedy, cuenta cuentos (story telling), and magic shows. And don’t worry, most performances come with verbal translators for the sign language impaired.
But enough about the differences, it’s obvious that the management understands that one thing we all have in common is the appreciation of good food. From curries to couscous, to pasta and salads, Café de Los Signos, serves up international cuisine at down-home prices (5.50 – 7.00 euros).
Paseo Santa Maria de la Cabeza, 75
Metro: Embajadores
Hours: Sun – Thurs 11–midnight, Fri & Sat 11–2AM, Food 11-17:30
T: 91 474 87 43
M: 618 600 176
W:Â http://www.cafedelossignos.com/
* Please note: Hours of operation are subject to change – call to confirm
To go to the main Food and Tapas page click here
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