I am arriving in Madrid and attending a bullfight on the same day. We have ordered tickets and I was emailed that I must pick them up between 13:00 and 16:00 the day of the bullfight at the TEYCI office next to the Plaza Colon. I am staying at the Hotel Emperador , Gran Via, We will have been traveling all night, so do you have any suggestions of the most convenient way to get there to pick up these tickets? Is there a nice place to have lunch near the ticket office?

The easiest way to go would be by taxi - but it's also the most expensive way. You can go easily and cheaply by metro. Check out the map @ http://www.MetroMadrid.es .

As for "a nice place to have lunch" near the ticket office, Plaza de Colón, please steer clear of The Hard Rock Café. Yes, the food IS good but the loud, American atmosphere there will not lend to a good welcoming transition to Spanish culture.

Anyone else have ideas for good Spanish restaurants around there?

Enjoy your visit to Madrid and Spain!

Saludos, MadridMan