Spain’s capital city is a vibrant metropolis full of history, beautiful architecture, and exciting street culture in an around its endless plazas. A foodie’s heaven, there are incredible places to eat in Madrid, from olde-worlde tapas bars to gourmet restaurants. And if experiencing local nightlife is your thing, Madrid has one of the best social scenes in the world with even the humblest of bars staying open until the early hours until it’s time for your morning café con leche again. Whether you’re a culture vulture or a hedonist, the Spanish capital is sure to get you hooked in no time!

Central Madrid

The city centre is home to many of Madrid’s iconic spots with Puerta del Sol being its bustling central point. A short stroll away you’ll reach Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s most famous square – a great place for people watching and a beverage – albeit a pricey one. Want to see where the King of Spain calls home? Head to the Royal Palace and chill in the beautiful gardens outside. Finally hop over to Gran Via, one of the city’s most famous streets and a great place for shopping.

Huertas

Once home to literary legends such as Miguel de Cervantes, the pretty Huertas district is located a stone’s throw away from Puerta del Sol. Its main street Calle de las Huertas is home to two of the most famous bars in the city, Magister and Viva Madrid, as well as other fantastic tapas joints. Two highly regarded Jazz Clubs, Café Central and Populart, are also located here, not forgetting Cardamono, one of the best Flamenco venues in Madrid. Nearby are the Prado and Reina Sofia museums, perfect for all you art lovers.

Chueca

Known as Madrid’s gay district Chueca is home to trendy vibes and incredible nightlife.Plaza de Chueca is a popular meeting point for locals and a great place to watch the world go by. Chueca’s fashionable nature means there are lots of great restaurants in the neighbourhood, which combined with its fun-filled bars mean it’s a great area to head for an evening.

Malasaña

Once the centre of the explosive, arty Movida movement in the 80s, the Malasaña districtis today knowns as the bohemian neighbourhood of Madrid. If it’s currently in vogue you’ll find it here! From hipster cafés to trendy restaurants and endless bars, Malasaña is another great place to experience Madrid’s lively nightlife. Full of young people, the area has an artistic air with some cool, vintage shops and hangouts. The urban street art also adds to the area’s flair.

Day trips from Madrid

Real Madrid and the Bernabéu
Located just outside the city centre, the home of Real Madrid – Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – is well worth the visit. Take the stadium tour and try your luck at getting your hands on some match tickets. These sell like hot cakes so try and book in advance!

Toledo

Spain’s former capital city Toledo is just 30 minutes by train from Madrid. It is a walled city steeped in history, with Arabic, Jewish and Christian remnants, beautiful medieval winding streets and an impressive cathedral.

Segovia

Another example of classic, olde-worlde Spain, Segovia is a beautiful city rich in history and architecture, from Roman ruins to medieval castles, the latter said to have inspired Disney. Again, it’s around a half an hour train ride from Madrid.

Salamanca

Spain’s answer to Oxbridge, Salamanca is Spain’s most prestigious university town and has been home to scholars for centuries. Its central Plaza Mayor is striking, as are the university buildings whose students ensure that the nightlife is on form. Trains take around two hours from Madrid.

Olé! Soak up the hotspots and falmenco the night away in the Spanish capital of Madrid

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