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The City

Madrid is not as large as it might seem, especially its central districts. The heart of the city is marked by the Puerta del Sol, a bustling intersection from which all distances are measured. The oldest area of Madrid, Los Austrias, is located south of Calle Mayor and includes historic landmarks such as the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) and the well-trodden square Plaza Mayor.

To the east and south of Sol lies a vibrant triangular region, where Plaza de Cibeles, Atocha Station, and Sol converge. This neighbourhood is brimming with restaurants and bars and is home to the three renowned museums of Madrid, as well as the expansive Parque del Buen Retiro.

Lavapiés, just south of Sol, was previously a working-class district but has transformed into a melting pot of ethnic diversity, thanks to an influx of immigrants from Africa and Asia.

On the other side of the Puerta del Sol and the grand avenue of Gran Vía, one can find the Malasaña and Chueca neighbourhoods to the north. The former has undergone gentrification over the past two decades while retaining its reputation as one of the city's most laid-back bar districts. The latter, once a predominantly gay neighbourhood, has evolved into Madrid's trendiest quarter, a hub of nightlife, restaurants, and boutique stores catering to an open-minded clientele.

Explore the city like a local and discover the top things to do and see in Madrid, as well as the best restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafés, and hotels Spain's capital city has to offer, with our comprehensive, up-to-date, and free Madrid travel guide.

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Do & See

Madrid is an enchanting city that offers a plethora of activities — from casual strolls around verdant parks to world-renowned museums to frantic nights on the town. Its streets are always bustling with people, and the city is brimming with culture. Even if you're not a history buff, you'll find yourself captivated by Madrid’s stunning architecture and the constant reminders of its illustrious past.

Madrid's unique blend of old-world charm and modern flair creates a dynamic atmosphere that's unlike any other city in the world. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in art and culture, explore the city's vibrant nightlife, or simply soak up the local ambience, Madrid is the perfect destination.

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Dining

Madrid's gastronomy is a fusion of the diverse culinary traditions found throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Some experts even debate whether Madrid has a unique culinary identity of its own, given its blend of various regional styles.

The city's food culture has been enriched by migrants from different parts of Spain and across the globe, including Andalucia, Galicia, Asturias, and beyond.

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Cafes

Spanish coffee culture is a social and animated affair. Café con leche (coffee with milk) usually accompanies breakfast, preferably with a croissant. Around mid-day, especially after a meal, locals have an espresso, café solo, or a cortado, which is an espresso with milk. Café Americano is what some would call watered-down versions of the first two coffees. In the afternoon, or after dinner, order a café solo corto, a strong espresso, or a carajillo — a café solo with Spanish brandy.

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Bars & Nightlife

Because the clever Spaniards think you should always eat when drinking, most bars also serve food — usually tapas. And despite the efforts of the authorities, Madrid's nightlife still happens later than in most other cities and goes on for longer as well. For the real party animals, the neighbourhoods of Malasaña and La Latina are a mandatory stop at night.

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Shopping

In Madrid, there are three primary shopping districts: Centro, which spans the area between Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía; Chueca, located directly north and east of Centro; and Salamanca, situated a bit further to the east. Each of these areas offers a distinct shopping experience, particularly in terms of the range of products available.

Centro offers a middle-of-the-road shopping experience, while Chueca caters to trendy shoppers seeking the latest styles. On the other hand, Salamanca features expensive designer fashion labels, making it the go-to destination for luxury shopping.

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