Madrid

Get into the swing of Madrid

Of course, you probably want to go to the Prado and a few other museums, but make time for wandering around, getting into the Madrid swing. There are few cities where it is so eay to slip into the way of life, to feel like a local, even if it is only for a few days.

This year, the Gran Vía, the main avenue through the centre, is celebrating its centenary. It’s brash, noisy and flanked with huge, ostentatious buildings. But turn down a side street anywhere along it, and you are in a different world (Chris Stokel-Walker discovered this; read his guide - A meal in Madrid for less than €5).

Join the throng strolling down Calle Fuencarral to get an instant idea of what the city’s cool crowd are wearing this season.

And see my guide - Market forces: a gourmet tour of Madrid - for advice on the hora del aperitivo - a Madrid tradition.

Find the real Madrid

Have a look at the Plaza Mayor, the magnificent 17th-century square, but don’t bother with the expensive pavement cafés. When I was walking across it the other day with a few friends, I asked them if they ever stopped for coffee there. They looked as me as if I was insane. Instead, explore the back streets and find a little place full of locals. Twice the fun and half the price. That’s what Madrid is all about.

Antonia Windsor discovers some of the traditions of Madrid in her guide - The Madrid of matadors.

Go towards the light

We dived into a little bar for a pre-lunch glass of vermouth, and I asked them what they love most about Madrid. They all yelled back at once: "the people - and the light!"

Madrid is the highest capital in Europe, at 650 metres above sea level, and that means sharp light and dazzling blue skies for much of the year – even in winter.

Take your time

Spend the mornings soaking up the culture, but don’t try to cram too much in. You could spend days in the Prado, Reina Sofia or Thyssen-Bornemisza – and I have - but if you just have a few hours, don’t try to see everything, just look at the stuff you like best. There’s no test at the end!

And take a tip from me…

Don’t, whatever you do, ask where the movida is to be found. Locals will laugh - and groan - in your face. It was all over a good 20 years ago, believe me. And I was there.

Nowadays movida just means nightlife really – although only tourists ever utter the word - and you won’t need much help finding nightlife in Madrid.

While I hope you’ll check out some of my recommendations, think of them as the first rung on the ladder, just getting you in the right area to make your own discoveries.
As I said at the beginning, this city is all about surprises, not sticking to a plan. Come to Madrid and feel your senses ping back to life. 

Other useful information

For more expert advice, follow these links:

Madrid hotels
Madrid nightlife
Shopping in Madrid
Madrid car hire
Madrid flights
How to get around Madrid
When to go to Madrid
Madrid insider tips