Madrid

Metro: Gregorio Marañón, Nuevos Ministerios; Renfe Cercanias: Nuevos Ministerios· Cheap

Contains a large collection of fossils and minerals, plus educational exhibits (some are described in English but many are in Spanish only). Has two parts open to visitors with separate entrances.

C/ Glorieta San Antonio de la Florida, 5· Free

This small church is famous for its murals, painted by Goya. It's also the mausoleum of the painter.

metro: Legazpi or Marqués de Vadillo, or cercanías: Príncipe Pio

The motorway that used to carve into the city and blight the banks of Río Manzanares, was banished into a tunnel, in a superlative urban landscaping project that cost some €4 billion.

Metro: Plaza de Castilla (1/9/10); bus 27

On the north side of the city and bisected by Paseo de la Castellana, this plaza is in the center of Madrid's skyscraper district. A tall obelisk sits in the center of the plaza while the Gate of Europe (Puerta de Europa) towers, two…

metro Alonso Martínez

Exceptionally ornamental art nouveau building, erected 1902–03 for the banker and politician Javier González Longoria. It was designed by the Catalan architect Jose Grasses Riera and is considered to be one of the most important and…

Central square of the Malasaña neighbourhood. It was named after the 2 May uprising of 1808 against the Napoleonic occupation of Spain. A monument in its centre honours the leaders of the uprising who were executed.

metro 10: Begoña

Four sleek skyscrapers, constructed between 2004 and 2009. Standing 224 to 249 metres tall, they are the highest in Spain. From south to north, they are named Torre Cepsa, Torre PwC, Torre de Cristal, and Torre Espacio.

Headquarters of the largest public institution dedicated to research in Spain and the third largest in Europe. Not a real touristic place, and they would probably not let you in to take a photo of the building, but this is the main filming…

· Pricey

For football fanatics, a trip to the Santiago Bernabeu, the home of local club Real Madrid is not to be missed. Real Madrid is the most successful football club in Spain and Europe, having been crowned Spanish champions a record 32 times…

They play in La Liga, the top tier, and are one of the most successful teams in Spain, having won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey on ten occasions.

metro: Legazpi

Madrid's former main abattoir (matadero), an early 20th-century industrial brick compound in Arganzuela district, has been converted to an arts and cultural centre since the 2000s.

Metro: Ventas

Arguably the most important bullfighting site in Spain. Unless you find this spectacle distasteful, this is a must see if you visit Madrid during the bullfighting season (May, during San Isidro).

Metro: Banco de España· Cheap

A non-profit cultural center located a short walk from Sol, the CBA offers up a wide variety of events and shows including film, music, art displays, dance, theater and more. See the website (in Spanish) for a list of activities.

Rayo were relegated in 2019 so they now play in Segunda División, the second tier of Spanish football. Their home ground is Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas, capacity 15,000.

Metro: Opera

The main opera theatre in Madrid. Tickets can be purchased online here.

metro: Anton Martín· Cheap

This is a wonderful old Spanish theatre dating from the 1920s. It has three screens and shows mainly art-house and critically acclaimed films in the original language. In the summertime, they screen movies on the roof.

C/ Morería, 17· Expensive

One of the most famous flamenco tablaos in the world. It′s right in the heart of the city, and you can enjoy a full-fledged Spanish meal while you watch performances by renowned international flamenco music and dance artists.

Annual event held between the last week of June and the first of July, with more than 1.5 million people in the street from all around the world. It began as a weekend party, but lately turned into a full-week extravaganza.

Metro: Gran Vía

Voted the Best European Bar 2004 by MTV-Campari. Extensive cocktail list. Claims to have served drinks to many famous celebrities, including, Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra, Lana Turner, Gary Cooper, Orson Wells, Yul Brynner and Ernest…

Metro: La Latina

Pricey but worth it. The Spanish Royal family sometimes entertain guests here and you may run into a few sports figures and movie stars. You should definitely book ahead on the weekends, and reservations are recommended even for the…

Metro: Pacífico

You can have 2 litres of sangría in a self service dispenser from justorfor 2 litres of beer, and you get a free plate of patatas bravas. They also have a delicious selection of bocatas Big TV to watch the football matches while enjoying…

100 m east of Puerta del Sol

One of several branches of this chain. Offers deli takeout service as well as tapas and raciónes at reasonable prices. They offerham sandwiches and a 'picnic' lunch consisting of a said ham sandwich, fresh fruit and a drink (Feb 2017).

Metro: Velázquez or Serrano

A Madrid institution for decades, Trainera is an excellent but somewhat pricey restaurant serving strictly seafood dishes. They have a great wine selection and the waiters can recommend different vintages that will complement the food.

Metro: Coslada Estadio Olimpico

An excellent tapas bar and restaurant. A nice place to enjoy Spanish food and lifestyle without spending too much. Located in a business park in the far-east of the city, it's far from being a tourist trap and you can enjoy good food and…

Gran Vía, 11

Old building with tasteful modern interior. Well sound-proofed against the busy Gran Via outside. Very comfortable beds. Rooms with TV, hi-fi, mini bar, bath/shower.

metro: Antón Martín· Moderate

Located in a 17th-century palace, but has a modern interior and is clean and secure. Breakfast and internet is included in the price and there is also a bar.

C/ Sevilla 4

The turn-of-the-century grandeur with modern conveniences and amenities. Hotel Quo Puerta del Sol is housed in an emblematic building from the beginning of the 20th century with unique views of the city. It was totally restored in 2003.

C/ de Alfredo Marqueríe, 43· Pricey

A modern luxury hotel located in prestigious residential district Mirasierra, overlooking the Sierra de Guadarama. Facilities include a fitness centre, free parking, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is also home to the Restaurante Verdil.

metro: Noviciado

Breakfast (coffee + pastry + juice) is included in price and it's served in a cafe near hostel. The nearest metro station is Noviciado. The room includes own bathroom and TV. Quiet and clean basic hostel.