Local Area

Madrid may be filled with history and culture, but it is also packed with life and surprisingly easy to walk around.

Start with a visit to the world-famous Prado, Thyssen Bornemisza or Reina Sofia Museums in what’s known as Madrid’s Paseo del Arte before strolling down the elegant Paseo del Prado and up towards the old city centre.

Time for tapas? There are many friendly, traditionally tiled bars serving Madrileno tapas and the only problem is which to choose. Casa Julio in Malasaña is famous for croquettes and its walls are lined with photos of celebrity aficionados like U2. Madrid is where Spain comes to the capital so you can also experience seafood dishes from Galicia, Asturian cider and music from all over the country including Andalusian flamenco.

After lunch, it might be time for some serious shopping in one of Madrid’s many designer stores or specialist boutiques. Try the newly hip district of Lavapiés for funky vintage bargains.

Madrid dines late and most restaurants don’t really get going until 9 or 10 p.m. so, if you’re hungry after your siesta, start with a tapeo, an early evening tapas bar crawl. Santa Ana Square is a good place to begin.

If you do manage to hold out until dinner, there are many excellent restaurants. Probably the most famous is Botin on Calle Cuchilleros, which first opened its doors in 1725. The Guinness Book of Records claims Botin is the oldest restaurant in the world. True or not, dining at Botin is a real culinary experience.

Really want to make a night of it? Madrid’s nightlife is something else but it doesn’t really get going until after midnight with la marcha, a procession through the bustling streets from bar to bar. If you’re determined to party, head for Chueca, Madrid’s liveliest district.