LIVING MADRID

In Spain, the Puerta del Sol square in the centre of Madrid is known as kilometro zero, or “zero kilometres”.

The Prado is one of the world’s top art museums. It is found on the wide Paseo del Prado boulevard in a district is known as Huertas. In the Huertas district you’ll also find the Reina Sofia Modern Art Museum and the Thyssen Gallery, also well worth a visit.

West of Puerta del Sol, the Moncloa neighbourhood has three top attractions: Plaza de España, the Royal Palace and the Parque del Oeste.

To discover what old Madrid was like, take a walk from Puerta del Sol to Plaza Mayor in the Austrias district.

Chamartín is known as Madrid’s administrative district, with numerous business buildings and four of the biggest skyscrapers in Spain. Importantly, Chamartín also houses the Santiago Bernabeu football stadium, home of the Real Madrid football club.

The El Rastro flea market is an unforgettable experience. The El Rastro area is in fact named after the vast, sprawling flee market that takes over the streets near the La Latina metro station each Sunday of the year.

In Chueca, Madrid's gay neighbourhood, you will find the most fashionable boutiques, and trendy restaurants and bars. Every June the district turns into a huge party zone.

The area is known for its wealthy inhabitants and many grand old, beautiful buildings, and for Madrid’s biggest and best-known park, Parque del Buen Retiro.

If rock music is your thing, then when the evening comes, head to the Malasaña barrio’s Plaza Dos de Mayo square, where you’ll find numerous music bars, cafes and restaurants.