Madrid, Spain

The pulse of Madrid is at this semi-circular plaza, where all the main streets meet and is perpetually full of people going somewhere. Overlooking the crowds is the gracious Casa de Correos, the place of the Government of Madrid community. Also located here is the famous clock which New Year revellers wait to strike midnight (and according to local tradition, swallow a grape at each gong). Look for the statue of a bear reaching up a strawberry tree, which is the official symbol of the city.

A popular drink with tourists, sangria is generally a concoction of red wine, chopped fruits and brandy. Variants of this cocktail are available throughout Spain with some bars using white wine, cava or cider. Though there may be tourist traps, with offerings of tinto de verano, a simple mix of red wine, ice and lemon soda – ask what’s in the drink before you order to avoid surprises. Then sit back and enjoy the Spanish lifestyle as you sip on a glass, or jug, of sangria.

In this covered market, you can sample from the myriad tapas and wine vendors and immerse in the fantastic, jovial atmosphere. Foodies of all levels can explore different regional specialties: try several variations of tapas dishes, either hot (think spicy potatoes and battered squid rings) or cold (famed ibérico ham, manchego cheese, manzanilla olives); the northern variety are called pinchos. Madrid dishes up the best tapas of every Spanish region, plus local favourites like callos a la madrileña (meat and bean stew), which can be paired with rich, oak-aged wines from Rioja.

The Corral de la Morería is the oldest “tablao” (flamenco house) in the world, and also considered the “cathedral of flamenco”. There’s nothing more vibrant than passionate, rhythmical moves of flamenco dancers, powerfully tapping in perfect synchronicity with strumming acoustic guitars, and soaring vocals bring the legendary Spanish tradition to life with music, dance, and colours.

Once a slaughterhouse designed with Neo-Mudejar features, Madrid City Council turned this space into a contemporary arts centre to push forward contemporary creations and artistic expression. Artwork produced by well-known and upcoming artists are promoted here. Check regularly for different contemporary art exhibitions or talks and take in the renovations which build onto the slaughterhouse’s original architecture.

Established in 1819 and hosting one of the finest collections of classical European art in the world, the stately Museo del Prado displays works by Spanish greats Velázquez and Goya, as well as major Italian and Flemish artists, including Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Lore has it that the Spanish queen was so taken by the Louvre in Paris, that she commissioned the magnificent showcase. The masterpieces not to miss are “Las Meninas” by Velázquez and “The Garden of Earthly Delights” Hieronymus Bosch.

Visit the Castellana flagship store for the full Spanish department store experience: international brands, Spanish luxury merchandise, helpful and multilingual staff, and fantastic views of the Madrid skyline. Wander in the aisles of the gourmet grocery floor as well, if you fancy the exquisite La Mancha saffron and other culinary delights.

The most popular open-air flea market in Madrid is at its peak of busyness at 11 am every Sunday. Locals and visitors alike search for bargains or curiosities, sightsee, or enjoy the variety of foods here. The market streets are not difficult to navigate as they are ordered by the wares they sell, such as birds and pets, paintings, trading cards, books, eclectic clothing, and movie merchandise.