Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a beautiful, sophisticated and diverse city. It has grand avenues as well as small cobbled streets; there are smart roof top bars adjacent to old-fashioned tapas bars. The different neighbourhoods are colourful, and feel intimate and genteel. The oldest part of the city, Los Austrias, named after the Habsburg kings with their Austrian roots, is atmospheric and well preserved. Other neighbourhoods of central Madrid including, Salamanca, Lavapiés, Chueca and La Latina stand out for their old-world charm. One of the main attractions of the city is wandering the streets of these older quarters and coming across interesting places, bars, shops, galleries. As the city is compact the centre is perfect for discovering on foot. 

Madrid is a major arts city. The original golden triangle of major museums (the Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia) has been made into a golden square, with the addition of CaixaForum Madrid. A former power plant has been converted into a spectacular contemporary arts centre, designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Matadero Madrid, an outpost for contemporary art and theatre set in a compound of arched neo-Moorish pavilions of this city’s old slaughterhouse, represents another highlight of this vibrant city. And the famous painting galleries in the Prado are really unique; a royal collection is its core, reflecting the taste of Spanish monarchs in its Golden Age. Adjacent to the Prado is the green expanse of the elegant Retiro Park, a wonderful spot to take a break from the busy city.

For those into more athletic pursuits, the vast former royal hunting estate of Casa de Campo in western Madrid is open to the public. It is a great place to run, cycle or even just walk around. From the neighbourhoods of Lavapiés to Chueca, the old city is steeped in quaint pastry shops, equestrian statues, incongruous modern architecture, art deco cafés, photography exhibitions, minimalist fashion boutiques, Catholic festivals, restaurants and tapas bars.

Madrid is great place to eat. The sheer number of good restaurants, gastro bars, tapas bars and food markets is bewildering. Madrileños, the local residents, really care about their food: a stroll around neighbourhood food markets such as the Mercado de San Anton in Chueca or the Mercado de Vallehermoso serves as evidence of an infrastructure which can support great gastronomy. In stylish modern restaurants, classic dishes such as roast suckling pig with almonds, squid in its own ink with rice, quails with chickpeas and smoked red peppers are successfully reinterpreted.

But rest assured, the traditional eating houses which offer a comforting menu without modernity still remain. Traditional Galician tapas bars abound. They continue to serve uncomplicated comfort food like fried razor clams, ham croquetas, and of course pulpo a la Gallega (octopus marinated in olive oil and paprika). Needless to say, such dishes are accompanied by great Spanish wines. Modern tapas places are plentiful too. Here Spanish staples are given a new twist, with dishes such as sardines drizzled with a passion-fruit vinaigrette or marinated baby aubergine stuffed with red pepper and fennel. Besides San Sebastian, Madrid may be the best place to eat in all of Spain.

In every bar and restaurant it is possible to sample great white wines from Spain, like the beautifully balanced Galician wines made from Albarinho or Godello grapes. Full bodied red wines with concentrated red fruits produced in Rioja and Ribera del Duero, made with the local Granacha or Tempranillo grapes can also be found.

In Madrid meals are served much later than in northern Europe. Lunch is from 13.30 on while dinner rarely begins before 21.00. One can still often dine at midnight. After dinner bars in the Lavapiés and Chueca neighbourhoods beckon Madrileños and tourists alike to drink wine, gin or vermouth.