It is possible that the city that never sleeps has calmed down a little in recent years. However, even though the bars close a bit earlier these days, you can still count on finding a party atmosphere at all times of the day and in all situations. And then, once you have had enough of socializing, you can take a few days out and enjoy the best kilometre of art to be found in Europe.

Madrid is not as large as it might seem – especially the central districts. Right in the middle of...

Madrid’s three major art galleries are all within a short walk of each other, and together they...

Complements the Thyssen Prado (and the Reina Sofia) with works representing 17th century Dutch...

Is housed in an enormous former hospital. The building dates from the mid-18th century, and it has...

Madrid’s Royal Palace is a magnificent creation dating from 1764, built to replace the Alcázar...

The Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is located about 50 Kilometers northwest of Madrid. It...

The varied culinary traditions of the entire Iberian Peninsula come together in Madrid to such a...

Expensive but delicious food is served at this establishment run by Oscar Velasco, apprentice to...

The chef Pedro Roncero has joined forces with Ferrán Adrià, the legendary creator of Catalonia’s...

A restaurant that really does live up to the epithet “classic”. With a history going back almost...

Modern decor in a three hundred year-old vault, and with an unusual menu drawing inspiration from...

An elegant café with ceilings at the right height and a timeless atmosphere amongst the pillars,...

A pleasant al fresco establishment in the very heart of Madrid serving a large selection of...

A relaxed café with laid-back music and serving coffee with excellent sandwiches and salads, also...

Because the clever Spaniards think you should always eat when drinking, most bars also serve food –...

A classic tapas bar with the right kind of zinc counter and the appropriate associations with...

Joaquín Campos makes tapas that are wonderful and slightly different at this seemingly rather...

A fairly trendy place with both traditional and newly created tapas – ostrich with plum and...

An after-hours classic that was closed down by the authorities, but which re-opened a year later. A...

A cool club with a varied range of music and a good dance show on stage. Thursdays from midnight.

Put simply, there are three shopping areas in Madrid: Centro, located between Puerta del Sol and...

Madrid’s most glamorous hotel, full of old-world atmosphere and a younger, keener sense of...

A boutique hotel that is part of the High Tech chain that lives up to its name. Free broadband...

A very centrally located and value-for-money designer hotel that takes its design seriously. Rooms...

A good and cheap option right in the thick of things. Clean, spacious and functional rooms, all en...

Madrid’s airport, Barajas, is a little over ten kilometres northeast of the city. The cheapest way...

Madrid’s metro system consists of 16 lines that serve both the city and its suburbs. The metro is...

When taxis are available for hire, this is indicated by a “Libre” sign in the front windscreen and...Radio-Taxi Independiente Teletaxi

Most post offices are open from Monday to Friday between 8:30 and 20.30, and on Saturdays between...

All chemists’ have a list or a sign in the window with details of the duty chemists’, with the...Farmacia Lastra (takes credit cards)

There are English-speaking dentists at the Clínica Dental Cisne.

Country code: +34 Area code: 91 (also used within Madrid)

220 volt (125 volt in some older buildings)

There are several Tourist Information Centres in Madrid: Madrid Tourist Centre Colon Tourist Centre Cibeles CallaoArt WalkMadrid Barajas Airport, T4 SATE (Assistance Service for Foreign Tourist) - Police Station in the city centre.24-hour phone number for reporting crimes: 902 102 112