Madrid

There are two Madrids waiting to be discovered; the sinful and the serene. On one hand you have a Madrid that is all grown up European sophistication with outstanding art galleries, gorgeous plazas and a hip, chic cultural vibe. Then there’s the other Madrid, the decadent and wayward hedonist with a social life that sizzles until sunrise in bars and nightclubs that have the streets dancing to their tune.

Yes, you can say that of other cities but the fervor with which Madrileños embrace Spain’s capital has earned it the reputation as one of Europe’s most passionate cities. And the inhabitants are among the main attractions; their warmth is legendary, their zest for life is infectious, and they revel in the fiestas and fixtures that are held throughout the year, including San Isidro (a colossal week-long party in May for the city’s patron saint) and the two-week Festival de Flamenco in January and February.

Though a diverse and forward-looking metropolis, Madrid is still at heart a traditional Spanish city. Narrow cobbled lanes and alleyways, and four-hundred year old chapels may well run alongside wide modern boulevards and glistening skyscrapers, but life can still stop for a siesta, the paella and tapas are as good as anywhere elsewhere in the country, and bullfighting is so popular that it’s been elevated to the status of a protected art form. Get ready to take the plunge and dive deep into this energetic and exhilarating city.

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  Puerta del Sol, Old Town

  This lively hub is the center of Spain - literally

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  Plaza Mayor, Old Town

  A cafe-lined Castilian square dating back to the 16th century

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  Café Circulo de Bellas Artes

  A grand café immortalized by Pedro Almodovar in his 1993 film 'Kika'

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  Dining in Segovia

  Foodies stampede to this nearby town to sample Spain’s national dishes

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