Madrid is a city that has always been associated with great writers and their artistic movements. One of the most famous writers who spent time in Madrid was Ernest Hemingway.
Hemingway lived in Madrid during the 1920s and 1930s, and he frequented many bars, restaurants, and cafes in the city. In this article, we will explore where Hemingway hung out in Madrid.
The First Stop: Cerveceria Alemana
One of Hemingway’s favorite spots in Madrid was Cerveceria Alemana, which is located near the Puerta del Sol. This bar was founded in 1904 and became famous for its German beers and sausages.
Hemingway visited this place frequently, and it is said that he wrote part of his novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls” at one of its tables. The bar still maintains its original decoration with dark wood furniture and marble counters.
The Second Stop: La Venencia
Another popular spot for Hemingway was La Venencia, a sherry bar located near Plaza Santa Ana. This bar has been open since 1925, and it still maintains its original decoration with barrels of sherry lining the walls. Hemingway used to come here to drink sherry with his friends, and it is said that he even had his own bottle reserved at the bar.
The Third Stop: Casa Alberto
Casa Alberto is one of the oldest bars in Madrid, founded in 1827. Located near Plaza Santa Ana, this bar was another favorite spot for Hemingway.
He used to come here to eat tapas and drink vermouth with his friends. The bar still maintains its traditional decoration with wooden tables and chairs.
The Fourth Stop: Botin Restaurant
Botin Restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in the world, founded in 1725. Hemingway visited this restaurant frequently during his time in Madrid, and it is said that he even mentioned it in his novel “The Sun Also Rises”. The restaurant is famous for its roast suckling pig and lamb, which are cooked in a wood-fired oven.
The Fifth Stop: Bar Cock
Bar Cock is one of the most famous cocktail bars in Madrid. Hemingway used to come here to drink gin and tonic with his friends. The bar still maintains its original decoration with leather armchairs and a long wooden bar.
The Sixth Stop: Hotel Florida
Hotel Florida was one of the most famous hotels in Madrid during the 1930s. Hemingway stayed at this hotel while covering the Spanish Civil War as a journalist. The hotel has been renovated since then, but it still maintains its original facade.
Conclusion
Ernest Hemingway was one of the most famous writers of the 20th century, and he spent a considerable amount of time in Madrid. He frequented many bars, restaurants, and cafes in the city, leaving behind a legacy that still lives on today. If you’re ever in Madrid, be sure to visit these places where Hemingway hung out and experience the city through his eyes.