We couldn’t believe our eyes and ears when we encountered the aptly named, “The Passenger” in Madrid recently. Ideally suited for savvy travellers who yearn for a bygone era when train travel was done in style.

Opened in 2012 in the trendy Malasaña neighbourhood’s Tribrall area in Madrid, The Passenger was designed by Paralio and they utilized the train travel concept throughout the venue. It has a snack bar in the front, rock & roll vibe in the middle and pool in the back. The 150 seat coffee bar by day, rock bar by night provides guests with the illusion of movement via three “windows” in the main seating area that are actually video screens onto which a constant, synchronized stream of video is programmed. The images brilliantly flow from window to window, creating a feeling of looking out the window of a moving train.

Created by Spanish video artist Frager, the moving images are both of urban scenes and natural landscapes, and were from actual trains from around the world. Add to that the liberal use of leather, brass and dark wood, bulky and chubby arm chairs, the iron table legs, the big windows – and you have a genuine and unique attempt to evoke an era of the Orient Express.

As one would expect, the menu features small plates and a reasonable selection of beers, wines and cocktails – and of course whiskeys. Beers start at 4 euros and appetizers at 5 euros. A dry martini clocks in at 8 euros. The Passenger’s owners are young Spanish actors Rodrigo Taramona and Jimmy Castro with entrepreneurs Miguel Peman and Carlos Carrillo. Food and drink prices are reasonable – and funky activities like movie nights and Spanish lessons are held regularly.

If you are planning to visit the Madrid area anytime soon, this resto should definitely be on your list to visit. They are open:

Tuesday – Sunday 3pm-3amCalle Pez, 16, Madrid 28004  Ph.# +34629-989119

About the Contributor:

Michael Bociurkiw is a world traveler who has crisscrossed the globe several times as an Aid Worker for Unicef. In 2007, he started Savvy Traveller which was born out of the belief that discriminating travelers require a repository for trust-worthy, fresh and exclusive travel intelligence. This road warrior has built a tribe (otherwise known as a worldwide network of friends and associates) who contribute posts and actually live in the country they write about. Michael has written for various publications such as; MSNBC, Forbes Magazine, Huffington Post, South China Morning Post and the Business Traveller.

Get social and follow Savvy Traveller here on Twitter Facebook and on the Savvy Traveller website

And you can follow Michael also on his personal Twitter> and Instagram accounts.