Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales
A fascinating hoard of art treasures hidden away in the centre of Madrid.

El Palacio Real
At the heart of the city is the sumptuous Palacio Real, which claims more rooms than any other European palace.

A night on the tiles
Start late at a bar, then on to a club and try to make it into the early hours before collapsing over chocolate con churros .

El Rastro
Take a Sunday stroll from Plaza Mayor through Madrid's shambolic flea market, El Rastro.

A visit to the Prado
The Goya, Velázquez and Bosch collections alone make the trip to one of the world's greatest art museums worthwhile.

Guernica
See this icon of twentieth-century art at the Reina Sofía museum.

Urban oases
Escape from the bustle of the city to the Retiro or the shady oasis of the nearby Jardines Botánicos.

Tapas
Sample the specialties as you hop from bar to bar in the Huertas district.

Verbenas
Join in with the traditional August verbenas in the barrio of La Latina.

La Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida
Visit Goya's magnificent frescoes in situ .