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Travel By Numbers: Madrid

As Cristiano Ronaldo makes his first appearance in La Liga, Ben Ross adds up the attractions of the Spanish capital

Saturday 29 August 2009 00:00 BST
Comments

9

The number Cristiano Ronaldo will be wearing today in his first La Liga football match since his transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid. Stadium tours of Real's Bernabeu Stadium in the Chamartin district cost €15 and run daily (with reduced access on match days). realmadrid.com

41

The number of rooms in the Hospes Madrid, one of a new breed of boutique hotels that are shaking up the Spanish capital's previously austere accommodation options. Converted from a five-storey 19th-century mansion on the Plaza Independencia, the Hospes also contains a stylish spa. Doubles from €220 per night. hospes.com

1969

The year Joaquí*Cortés – the dancer credited with re-invigorating Madrid's flamenco scene – was born. It's easy to see flamenco artists in action; one of the best-known venues is Café de Chinitas at Calle Torija 7, with two performances per night (except Sunday). chinitas.com

7.8

The length, in metres, of Guernica, Pablo Picasso's stunning visual commentary on the bombing of the eponymous Basque town during the Spanish Civil War. The painting is on display at Madrid's Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, which showcases modern Spanish art. Admission is €6. museoreinasofia.es

2,200

Age in years of the Temple of Debod. In 1968 it was transferred from its original location at Abu Simbel in Egypt to a hilltop in Madrid's Parque de la Montaña. Open daily except Monday; admission €1.80, free on Wednesdays and Sundays. independent.co.uk/48madrid

3

The ranking, in terms of population, of Spain's capital city when measured against the rest of the EU (only London and Berlin have more residents). For more information on this most cosmopolitan of destinations – and some of its 3.2 million inhabitants – see esmadrid.com

17

Street number on Calle de Cuchilleros of "the oldest restaurant in the world" – the claim of the Restaurante Botin, established in 1725. The kitchens, where cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) is prepared, are open to view. botin.es

8

The price, in euros, of entry to the Museo del Prado. The impressive 19th-century building, which contains a vast array of works by leading European artists, was extended in 2007 with the addition of a stunning new wing. museodelprado.es

0

Number of free drinks you can expect if you book a "British Airways" flight from Heathrow to Madrid that is actually operated by the Spanish national airline, Iberia. The clue is in the flight number: if it starts with a seven, then you will go thirsty, unless you opt to pay for refreshments. ba.com

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