These businesses let us travel back to the past as though they were time machines. They are bars and eateries, shops, chemists and bookshops which all form an essential part of the city's intimate history; a history which has evolved both behind and in front of the noble wood and marble counters.

Some of them make an appearance in novels by Baroja, Galdós or Cela; others have simply always been there, even before our grandparents were born. Over one, two, three and even four generations have run these establishments, which although not built to last eternally, to pay tribute to some heroic deed or to beautify the streets, have nevertheless become the living history of Madrid thanks to their owners' professionalism and constancy.

The capital´s century-old establishments are easy to spot thanks to the commemorative plaque designed by Mingote placed on the pavement outside.

Traditional stores

What is truly remarkable is the continued survival of specialized businesses, whose unique offer seems to have guaranteed eternal success and presence among the city's shops. These include establishments specializing in espadrilles, guitars, ropes, knives, tailor-made suits, corks and much more.

Pharmacies

In order to inspire trust among their customers, chemists' used to have luxurious décor. Medicines, preparations, herb and ointments were kept in china pots from El Retiro and La Granja, and in Rococo, Neo-Gothic or classic style cupboards and draws. Madrid's old pharmacies, many of which are still open today, are wonderful examples of furniture from different eras; beautiful scenes befitting a palace, rather than our everyday life.

Cafés

Back in the times when houses were cold and damp, when there was neither television nor internet, customers would find in cafés a cosy atmosphere to frame their social lives. Marble tables, continuous, cushioned benches, dark wood and handcrafted ceilings reproduced the feeling of a public gallery where people discussed politics and literature or shared the latest gossip.

Bars and restaurants

The city streets are lined with an array of bars and restaurants that have been serving and improving their own recipes for decades. The secret to these eateries lies in their kitchens, where time and experience have given their food exquisite quality. Step inside these time-honoured venues for tapas, lunch or dinner with friends and family and experience Madrid's past mingling with its present.

DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDES TO LONG-STANDING SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS IN MADRID

• Guide to long-standing shops 1 (3.9MB) (Spanish/English)
• Guide to long-standing shops 2 (2.6MB) (Spanish/English)
• Guide to long-standing shops 3 (4.8MB) (Spanish/English)
• Guide to long-standing shops 4 (9.1MB) (Spanish/English)
• Guide to Madrid’s long-standing restaurants and taverns (634KB) (Spanish/English)