wiki:WikiStart

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# IETF 123 :es: Madrid, Spain *To edit the wiki, log in using your IETF Datatracker login credentials. If you don't yet have one, you may [create an IETF Datatracker account](​https://datatracker.ietf.org/accounts/create/).*

## Meeting Venue Meliá Castilla Calle del Poeta Joan Maragall, 43 Tetuán - 28020 Madrid, Spain

The Meliá Castilla is very well located next to the Paseo de la Castellana, one of the key arteries of Madrid, walking distance to the Bernabéu Real Madrid football stadium and right in the middle of the culinary Golden Mile of Madrid.

It offers easy access to the airport, train stations, exhibition centers, museums and main touristic attractions.

If you're coming to the IETF with your family, the hotel offers special services for your kids and even allow small dogs (up to 8 Kg.).

Meliá Hotels is one of the top-10 worldwide hotel chains, offering their own Loyalty Program Meliá Rewards?(​https://www.melia.com/en/meliarewards/elprograma/home.htm).

## Map The following link is a map of restaurants, attractions, hotels, etc. in the Madrid area surrounding the IETF venue.

[IETF 123 Map of Madrid](​https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=102JuLhlShMRQjo64ygpH223ifcjkyXc&usp=sharing).

## Alternative Hotels nearby (max. 15m walking distance)

## Side Meetings More information about side meeting can be found at ​https://trello.com/b/6kmZPwOx/ietf-123-side-meeting-scheduling

## Airport Transportation :airplane:

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is operated by AENA (National Airports Authority), being the biggest one in Spain, 2nd in Europe, and 14th in the world. It has 4 main terminals, which distribute the flights among different airline alliances.

The biggest and most modern terminal, the T4, concentrates all the flights from the Oneworld alliance, and has a Satellite terminal (T4S), for all the non-Schengen flights.

[Official AENA website with all the airport information](​http://www.aena.es/en/madrid-barajas-airport/index.html).

The 4 main terminals are interconnected by [free shuttle bus](​https://www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/airport-services/transport-between-terminals.html).

AENA is the national operator for Spanish and many international airports. You can register for free in their [Club](​https://clubcliente.aena.es/AenaClub/en/) to obtain free services and discounts within the airports network.

[Alternative non-official information website](​https://www.aeropuertomadrid-barajas.com/eng/).

Depending on what terminal you're landing, there are several transport options to reach the venue.

All the public transports in Madrid have air conditioning.

There are different bus lines, metro and train. Google Maps offers very good information of all the choices.

  • Metro (recommented, faster & cheaper, unless you prefer a taxi)
  • Cercanías (Commuter) Train
  • Bus
  • Taxi

The most efficient method to reach the IETF venue from the Madrid Airport is by Taxi or rideshare service. If you are looking for a more immersive and cost-effective travel method, you can take the local Metro, Train, or Bus system.

If you plan to use the public transport around Madrid, it is recommended to purchase 10-trips or a Multi Public Transport Card for 30 days, which can be just Metro, Bus, Cercanías Train, or combinations of them, so you can save more as much as you use it. All the information available at the [Metro web site](​https://www.metromadrid.es/en).

In addition to that, there is also a Tourist Card with unlimited traveling, and different options depending on the number of days (can be further recharged afterwards), which can be purchased at any of the airport terminals. [Complete Information](​https://www.crtm.es/billetes-y-tarifas/otras-tarjetas/turistica/?lang=en).

### Transport Card and Personal Transport Card for Madrid Region

If you plan to commute a lot, or stay more than 7 days its interesting instead of the Tourist Card or 10-trips, to consider a Personal Public Transport Card. Also for ages up to 14 or over 65 as then you get free access to all the public transport.

Note that a Tourist Card for 1 week cost 42€, while the [30 days](​https://crtm.es/billetes-y-tarifas/billetes-y-abonos/abono-transportes/abono-treinta-dias/?lang=en) option (Zone A, Madrid) with the Personal Public Transport Card is only 32,7€. In case of people below 26 years old, it is only 10€ (and in this case the complete Madrid region).

You can use the [Virtual Transport Card app](​https://www.crtm.es/billetes-y-tarifas/apps/tarjeta-transporte-virtual), either for [Android](​https://play.google.com/store/search?q=tarjeta%20transporte%20virtual&c=apps) or [iOS](​https://apps.apple.com/es/app/tarjeta-transporte/id1619770175), in order to "load" your transport tickets instead of requiring a formal card (waiting for authority confirmation, the formal card may be also required, at least in the case of iOS).

To obtain the formal card (4€) at the airport, you can make an [appointment](​https://webttp.comunidad.madrid/CRTM-ABONOS/entrada_cita.aspx) something like 60-120 minutes after your flight arrival (so you have time for immigration, baggage pick-up, customs, etc., much less if you travel from Schengen area). This [map](​https://www.crtm.es/media/m22n41g0/oficinasgestionttp.png) shows all the available offices for making an appointment, including the ones in airport (T2. T4 seems not available at the moment, so if you land there, you need to take the [free shuttle](​https://www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/airport-services/transport-between-terminals.html#fromterminalt4) to T2). If you land outside the working hours of the airport offices, you will not be able to take advantage of the card for the 1st trip from the airport to the hotel, but still you can make the appointment nearby the venue or your hotel. Close (walking distance) to the venue there are two of them:

  • Plaza de Castilla
  • Nuevos Ministerios

In case of flight delay and landing then after the office hours in the airport, you can [modify or cancel the appointment](​https://webttp.comunidad.madrid/CRTM-ABONOS/modificar_anular.aspx), for example to re-book the appoointment near to the venue or your hotel, In this case also you will need to pay this trip to the hotel.

You can also [order online](​https://webttp.comunidad.madrid/CRTM-ABONOS/entrada.aspx?s=individual) and use your hotel address, at least 1 week before your arrival. Make sure to include your reservation number as part of the address so the hotel properly identify you when the post arrives. This means you will need to pay for the trip from the airport to the hotel.

### Metro :metro:

The Madrid Airport is connected to the city of Madrid via the [Pink Metro Line 8](​https://www.metromadrid.es/en/linea/linea-8). [Alternative map](​https://www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/getting-there/underground.html). This line ends at the Nuevos Ministerios Station, where you would need to transfer to the [Dark Blue Metro Line 10](​https://www.metromadrid.es/en/linea/linea-10), direction "Hospital Infanta Sofia". The closest station to the Meliá Castilla is "Cuzco" (5 minutes walking to the Melíá Castilla), just 2 stations from Nuevos Ministerios.

The total journey is estimated to be about 40-45 minutes in travel time and will cost 4.50€. Along with your regular single or 10-trip ticket, you have to buy a 3€ airport supplement which can be loaded on the same card.

The airport has two metro stations; one at Terminal 2 (T2), floor 1, and the other one at Terminal 4 (T4), floor -1. Both are part of the pink line 8. These lines run from 06:00 to 01:30.

### Cercanías Train :train:

Madrid Airport is served by the train line C-1 (light blue), located in Aeropuerto Terminal 4 (T4), floor -1. Take the C1 (light blue) line to the Madrid Chamartin Train Station where you will transfer to the Metro dark Blue Line 10 to the venue (direction Puerta del Sur, stop at Cuzco Station).

You can also use at Madrid Chamartin the Metro light Blue Line 1 direction Valdecarros, stop just at the next Station Plaza de Castilla and walk to Meliá Castilla (10 minutes).

Cercanias train tickets are about 2.60€ for a one-way trip and 5.20€ for a return one and can be purchased by the station’s automatic vendors. When buying a ticket, you must use it during the next 2 hours, while the return ticket is valid until next day. Expect about 45 minutes of travel time including transfers.

[Complete information about the Cercanias network](​https://www.renfe.com/es/en/suburban/suburban-madrid).

### Bus :bus:

There is a bus service from the airport to Madrid Center, however if you're staying at the Meliá Castilla, is not the best option, even if you will be directly connected to the Metro, or other buses.

Nonetheless, the bus network (EMT) in Madrid is very extensive, and it can be useful specially if you get a Public Transport Card. [Information about the buses](​https://www.emtmadrid.es/Bloques-EMT/Aeropuerto.aspx?lang=en-GB). Buses (not Metro) can also be paid directly with cash (up to 5 €) or credit card.

The most complete information of all the coordinated transports is offered by the CRTM [(Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid)](​https://www.crtm.es/tu-transporte-publico/?lang=en).

### Taxi & Rideshare :taxi:

Madrid airport taxis are white taxi vehicles, with a red stripe and the city’s emblem on their sides. They are lined up at the airport taxi ranks, no matter the time or day. Each terminal is equipped with two taxi ranks, one at the departures and one at the arrivals level, while passengers are highly advised to hire their cabs exclusively from the official ranks to avoid getting overcharged.

Madrid taxis are metered. However, the ride from the airport to the Hotel or City Center is set at 35€, even if the transfer takes place during the night or on public holidays. Additionally, luggage isn’t an extra charge. The travel time is about 20-30 minutes, however, could spike up to 40-50 during peak traffic hours.

Uber, Cabify and Bolt are rideshare services offered in Madrid. The rideshare station at the Madrid Airport is located in the designated passenger pick-up area outside the airport labeled, "VTC/Rideshares.".

### Sim/eSim Cards

### IBERIA Airlines

Iberia Airlines is the [featured air carrier for IETF 123](​https://www.ietf.org/meeting/123/featured-airline/), offering IETF attendees a discount on flights to Madrid for IETF 123.

### Immigration, Baggage Claim and Customs

Usually inmigration is very fast in Madrid airport. If you're traveling from a country outside the Schengen area and your hold an European Union passport (also if you're citizen of Iceland, Norway or Switzerland), you will be able to use the ABC system (Automatic Border Control). No need for any previous registration.

All the information regarding passport control, baggage claim and customs is available at [AENA](​https://www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/airport-services/categories-and-terminals/arrivals-area.html#passportcontrol).

## Arrival Coordination :flight_arrival: [Arrival Coordination](/meeting/123/ArrivalCoordination)

## Departure Coordination :flight_departure: [Departure Coordination](/meeting/123/DepartureCoordination)

## Fast Track, Lounges and Air Room :hotel: All the Barajas terminals offer Fast Track and Lounges, which can be also acquired by means of the [AENA Club](​https://clubcliente.aena.es/AenaClub/en/) service.

There is not a in-airport hotel, but an equivalent service is offered by means of the [Air Room](​https://www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/airport-services/categories-and-terminals/air-rooms.html).

## Language :globe_with_meridians: Spain's official language: Spanish, together with other autonomic languages in some specific regions:

  • Catalonian (in Catalonia and Balearic Islands)
  • Aranés (in Arán Valley)
  • Valencian (in Valencia)
  • Galician (in Galicia)
  • Basque (in Basque Country and Navarra)
  • Bable (in Asturias)

There are few more, but rarely used.

[IETF Language Buttons](/meeting/buttons)

## Money Conversion € The official (cash) currency of Spain is the Euro (international abbreviation EUR€).

All the airport terminals offer [currency exchange services](​https://www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/airport-services/categories-and-terminals/currency-exchange.html). Note that exchange rates at currency exchanges and ATMs in most airports are not as good as ATMs at banks in town.

[XE Currency Conversion Website](​https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=EUR)

The older currency (Peseta) is only accepted for exchange in the [National Bank](​https://www.bde.es/bde/en/).

## Credit Cards :bank: Major Credit and Debit cards, such as VISA and MasterCard? are usually accepted everywhere. American Express and other cards are often also accepted, but not in smaller shops.

## ATM :atm: There are many banks in the area around the Meliá which have ATMs. Check the [map](​https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=102JuLhlShMRQjo64ygpH223ifcjkyXc&usp=sharing) for them.

## VAT Refund Most of the airports in Spain have "electronic kiosk" (DIVA) for requesting tax refunds for non-EU residents, and offices for support in case the validation through the machine could not get achieved.

AENA offers the relevant information for each airport. [Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport](​https://www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/airport-services/categories-and-terminals/vat-refund.html).

## Electrical Plug / Outlet :electric_plug:

[Electrical Plug and Voltage Information for Spain](​https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/advice-for-you/when-travelling/travel-adaptor-for-spain/) In Spain, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type C and F are used. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.

## Weather :sunny: [Current weather conditions in Madrid, Spain](​https://www.accuweather.com/en/es/madrid/308526/weather-forecast/308526).

  • [Madrid's Climate](​https://www.esmadrid.com/en/madrid-climate).
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Avoid outside activities (especially exercise) in the central hours of the day. If you want to go outside, then wear sunblock, hat/cap, sunglasses, extra water even with electrolytes.

## Tap Water & Fountains :fountain:

The tap water in Spain is normally drinkable, and this is specially true in Madrid region.

## Parks and Gardens Madrid has many green areas. [Information and map](​https://www.esmadrid.com/en/parks-gardens-madrid).

## Safety In general Spain is safe. Madrid and its extensive public transport are not an exception.

Madrid is a big city, so usual recommendations about pickpockets, especially in busy shopping and tourist areas, apply.

Of course, as in any other big city, there are some more remote suburbs, which I will not recommend to visit.

## Emergency Assistance :ambulance: :cop: In case of an emergency situation, the emergency number in Spain is 112.

In addition to that, you have the "SATE" or [Foreign Tourist Assistance Service](​https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/sate).

There is a closer [police station](​https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ly7UyHVBKZ3r7Usy8) to the Meliá (12m walk).

There are several Hospitals very close to the hotel. A selection of them are pinned in the above map.

## Pharmacies Several in the area. You can search them [here](​https://www.farmacias.es/madrid/28046).

## Laundry

## Dry Cleaner

## Information Points for Visitors Oficial Regional & Municipal Government Services

## Tipping Culture Tipping is not a must in Spain, typically if you pay with cash, you round up the bill, or add up to a 10%.

## Nearby Grocery, Supermarkets and Convenience Stores There are several types of supermarkets, grocery and convenience stores at walking distance of the venue. Look for them in our [map](​https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=102JuLhlShMRQjo64ygpH223ifcjkyXc&usp=sharing).

## Apple and electronics nearby the Meliá Hotel :apple: :computer:

## Shopping :shopping: Nearby, even walking distance (25m)

Ouside the Meliá Castilla area

Bookstores

Printing and related

TAX-FREE SHOPPING

Madrid is a great destination for shopping tourism. Non-EU visitors can also take advantage of the tax refund to save extra money on their travel expenses.

Remember that, to be elegible, you must present your original passport in the shop.

To obtain a tax refund before leaving the country through airport customs, non-EU residents can apply for an early refund by completing the procedures at major shopping centers, at offices in the city center, or even from their smartphone using an [app](​https://www.globalblue.com/en/shoppers/mobile-customer-care).

Regardless, as indicated above in the VAT Refund section, visitors must validate their purchases at the airport's DIVA kiosk by presenting the forms provided by the shop.

There are several tax-free operators on the market. [Global Blue](​https://www.globalblue.com/en/shoppers/how-to-shop-tax-free/destinations/spain), one of the main international tax-free operators, offers all the methods for early refund options in Madrid and they have multiple [locations in Madrid](​https://www.globalblue.com/en/refund-points-map?country=Spain&category=Refunding%20point%20only&unit=km).

## Food recommendations, not to miss while you're in Spain Included links to recipes, so you can have a look to the ingredients. Please note that there maybe differences depending on each chef, so double check with the restaurant in case you have any dietary restrictions or intolerances.

### Cold Soups

### Warm Soups You will be able to find many offering for warm soups, not just vegetables, but also fish and seafood soups. A must try is [Sopa de ajo o sopa Castellana](​https://www.bascofinefoods.com/spanish-recipes/sopa-de-ajo/), for instance to recharge your batteries after a night of partying.

### Salads or so ... Not sure if everybody will considered them as a salad. They can be a dish on their own, or tapas, better order several of them and share! Some of them can have only vegetables, check with the chef. Some can be served warm or hot, even as side of a main dish.

### Paella, Rice, others Instead of [paella](​https://spanishsabores.com/what-is-paella/) I prefer to talk about "spanish rice (arroz) dishes" as there are many versions or the paella. Note that a good rice dish, may require up to 40 minutes cooking. My recommendation is to try:

If instead of rice you prefer pasta, try the [fideuá](​https://www.thespanishchef.com/recipes/how-to-make-fideua). Similar cookings as the rice dishes, replacing the rice with cut vermicelli.

### Meat In Spain there is a big variety of high quality meat and all kind of preparations, some of them are specialities from different regions. You will find beef, pork, lamb, poultry and game meats in most of the restaurants.

### Fish and Sea Food Similarly, commonly available high quality fish are tuna, cod, seabass, turbot, monkfish, hake and sole. As in the case of the meat, there are many specialities in each Spanish region.

Tuna from the south of Spain, captured using ancient techniques [Almadraba](​https://genuineandalusia.com/almadraba-barbate-red-tuna-spain/) is especially appreciated (whether raw or cooked recipes). A very common preparation is [mojama](​https://www.anchoasdeluxe.com/en/blog/1078_the-3-best-tapas-recipes-with-mojama-from-barbate-the-taste-of-the-sea-on-your-palate.html), which basically is wind dryed salted tuna.

You could also try fish roe, from different fish varieties and cookings, even in [salads](​https://www.conservasortiz.com/en/recipes/hake-roe-salad/).

### Tapas, pintxos or complete dishes? All the dishes in this section can be just a simple tapa or pintxo, but also a very complete dish on their own. Of couse, you want to try them all, so better order as tapas to share and enjoy tasting them with your colleagues!

### Vegan tapas

### Ham and cold cuts, deserve their own section No doubt, the king is the ham, but Spain is rich for many high quality and tasty cold cuts.

### Desserts and sweet treats, some as drinks

### Drinks and cocktails There are many good red, white and rose wines in Spain, from the different regions. In general, no need to pay for expensive ones. In addition to that, follow some recomendations for local drinks that you could try.

## Restaurants at the Meliá Hotel The Meliá offers an impressive international breakfast buffet [Cervantes](​https://www.melia.com/es/hoteles/espana/madrid/melia-castilla/restaurantes/desayunador-cervantes).

If you want to enjoy Spanish rice dishes, you should make sure to visit [L'Albufera](​https://www.melia.com/es/hoteles/espana/madrid/melia-castilla/restaurantes/lalbufera). Only open for lunch.

El Pelícano offers international cuisine choices, while "Distrito 798" offers a sushi bar and two dining rooms offering carefully prepared and surprising cuisine, a fusion of Chifa, Nikkei and Mediterranean styles (​https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/spain/madrid/melia-castilla/restaurants.htm).

During IETF, the Meliá will offer some saldas, sandwiches, burgers and similar choices in the lobby cafeteria and Pelicano.

## Dining options nearby the Meliá Hotel Mainly listed (in each subsection) upon proximity to the Meliá Castilla. However, may be easier to look at the [map](​https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=102JuLhlShMRQjo64ygpH223ifcjkyXc&ll=40.455566880224524%2C-3.7326607999999872&z=12) if you're in a rush.

### Sandwiches and Fast Food (with quality!) Options meant for a quick meal. They will work very well if you need to ensure making it in the 90 minutes lunch break. Many of them offer online ordering or even delivery, so you don't need to wait.

Please take a look also to the Japanese, Lebanese, Indian, Other Asian, Mexican and El Salvador choices in the sections below. Many of them offer online ordering and even delivery as well.

Note also that for lunch time, most of the restaurans offer what in Spain we call "Menú del día" (daily menu). This is often a set of different options for starter, main and dessert, which should come to your table very fast, even for multiple guests.

Last, but not least, some of the "Espresso, Coffee, Tea, Pastries, Ice Creams" section options, often offer some kind of light quick meal choices.

### "Traditional" Spanish Including restaurants which offer a variety of food (such as "tapas", vegetables, fish, seafood, meat, etc.) typical from different regions of Spain.

### Fish and Seafood Madrid has the best fish and seafood brought from the coast every morning. You may find speciallized restaurants, which often also offer very good meat, vegetables and "tapas", so almost any of the "Traditional" Spanish above, will be a good choice for looking for fish and seafood.

### Japanese

### Korean

### Peruvian

### Brasilian

### Mexican

### El Salvador

### Turkish

### Lebanese

### Indian

### Other Asian

### Italian

### Meat Lovers

### Fusion

### Mediterranean

## Espresso, Coffee, Tea, Pastries, Ice Creams

## Dining outside the Meliá Castilla area Note that this is just a very small set of recommendations, to get you started, you really need to check Madrid guides and even decide which area you want to visit.

## Bars and Tapas outside the Meliá Castilla area

You can also choose popular city areas, plenty of dining options, such as:

## Having a Drink after dinner & Rooftops

## Night Fun

## For Gourmets Madrid offers an incredible set of choices for gourmets, with some of the best Michelin Star Restaurants. Some of them are even at walking distance from the venue. Be aware that very advance reservation may be required!

The following web sites collect information about many other options:

## Where to buy cheese, ham, other Spanish delicious foods

## Where to buy Spanish wine

## Self-tour - Not to miss while in Madrid Organize your own walking tour. A very nice one could cover:

  • Almudena Cathedral
  • Royal Palace
  • Orient Square
  • Temple of Debod
  • Spain Square
  • Sun Square
  • Major Square

Plenty of food options in almost every corner of those locations.

If you have spare time, and you want to visit nice places around Madrid, don't miss:

## Museums Madrid offers an spectacular set of museums, being the more famous ones "El Prado", "Reina Sofía" and the "Thyssen Bornemisza", which coincidentally are in walking distance one to each other. However you will need several days to pay a complete visit to them!

The Madrid official tourism guide, offers a specific web page for listing all them (​https://www.esmadrid.com/listado-museos-madrid-pdf).

## Tours in Madrid Here are some interesting options for tours in Madrid:

## Flamenco Show in Madrid May include drinks, dinner, etc:

## Other Shows in Madrid May include drinks, dinner, etc:

## Madrid Activities in July: Music, Cinema, ...

## LGBTQI+

## Soccer Lovers

## Walking and Hiking from Metro Stations or Suburban Rail

## Cycling in Madrid and around The following sites offer information relative to bicycles, from parking to rental and cycling routes.

## Climbing gyms

## Visiting Barcelona - dining recommendations If you plan to have some additiontal time in Spain and visit Barcelona, here are some dining recommendation.