Madrid never sleeps. And this is not an urban legend. Having survived the insipid and haughty nineties, the city now lives through a revival of the “Movida” of the eighties, the spirit of this era is given full rein in the shop windows of Fuencarral (one of the most modern in Europe, so they say), and at nightfall, when it becomes one of the most lively of European cities.
Weekends in this city acquire the category of a passport to paradise. Perhaps for this reason bookings for a restaurant on a Friday night must be made in the early afternoon. Afterwards, at night-time, Bilbao, Tribunal, Alonso Martínez, Juan Bravo and of course, Gran Vía, become as crowded as the Paseo de la Castellana business district early on a Monday morning.
Dozens of years of urban growth have not managed to displace Gran Vía as the nerve centre of a city whose metropolitan area now has over five million inhabitants, the same GranVía which owes its monumental aspect to the work of an architect from Galicia, Antonio Palacios. In a constant hustle and bustle, this legendary street commences in
Cibeles Square, on the Recoletos avenue, a refuge of culture and intellectuality: here is the Café Gijón, a meeting place for writers and artists during the most sombre period of the 20^th century; the PradoMuseum, the ThyssenMuseum, the Queen Sophia… Classicism and modernism in less that half a kilometre of tree-lined avenues; a well-balanced and harmonious mixture. Because, in Madrid, everything is conjugated and everything lives side by side, there is room for everything without any objections from the opposite party: the frenzied amusement of Malasaña, with its ultra-modern discos and pubs; the weight of history in the Austrias district, Opera and the surroundings of the Royal Palace, or the decadence of the little cafés and bars around La Latina, Alonso Martínez and Antón Martín.

Casa Lucio:
Traditional cooking placing special emphasis on meat, Madrid-style tripe, and fried eggs.
Cava Baja, 35

Zalacaín:
This legendary spot, an obligatory stop for VIPs, has been serving the most traditional, yet elaborate dishes, such as turbot supreme with wild mushroom puree, since 1973. It also has a wine cellar with over 35,000 bottles of wine from all over the world. Classic and elegant, its service borders on perfection.
Álvarez de Baena, 4

SoMa:
Imaginative haute cuisine and Mediterranean dishes with Oriental touches, served in the hotel of the same name. They have a menu of different brands of water.
Goya, 79

La manduca de Azagra:
The minimalist décor contrasts with cooking anchored in tradition, with dishes such as grilled meat and fish or vegetable preparations.
Sagasta, 14

Lhardy:
One of Madrid’s leading restaurants, it has been able to preserve its romantic atmosphere for over 160 years. This restaurant, which has a cult following among Madrid’s jet set, is one of the best, specialised in cocido madrileño, a typical stew that is a real treat.
Carrera de San Jerónimo, 8   

Horcher:
Haute cuisine, very elaborate dishes with German influences, especially with wild game and fish.
Alfonso XII, 6   

El Chaflán:
Within creative, innovative cooking, this restaurant has become one of the leading gastronomic references in the city, for some it is even the number 1.
Avda. Pio XII, 34


El Bodegón:
One of the best options the city has to offer, its innovative dynamism captivates. In the hands of Hilario Arbelaiz, its menu is an example of solid, well-rounded elaborations. Some of the classic desserts continue to be simply superb.
Pinar, 15

La Tasca Suprema:
Its speciality is stew, lentils, and tripe. Typical traditional home cooking is served in this restaurant that takes the utmost care with every detail, using the highest-quality ingredients.
Argensola, 7
   
La Broche:
Avant-garde cooking under the orders of Chef Sergi Arola, one of the cooks with the best sense of taste on the Spanish scene; of Catalan origin, he is becoming the real star of Madrid cooking. His dishes are incredibly creative.
Miguel Angel, 29

Calle 54 Club:
In this restaurant, the quality of its cocktails and its music are its two most outstanding features. Music: Latin jazz in capital letters, and the best fusion rhythms, played by the most prestigious performers in the world.
Paseo de la Habana, 3

Larios Café:
One of Madrid’s most “in” night spots, where beautiful, modern people meet, attracted by the establishment’s open space and explosive mixture of Art Deco and Caribbean decoration.
Silva, 4
 
Palacio Gaviria:    
Built in 1846, it was inaugurated Queen Elizabeth II with a magnificent dance attended by the crème de la crème of Madrid’s aristocracy at the time. 13 Elizabethan halls will let you dance until sunrise.
Arenal, 9

El Café de los Artistas:
In the streets of the Salamanca neighbourhood is one of the most exclusive clubs. One of the most sophisticated cultural spots.
Serrano, 62

Areia:
This is a good nightclub to have the first drink of the evening and start the night off.  It has a relaxed atmosphere, with lots of pillows, chaise longues and colonial sofas.
Hortaleza, 92

Del Diego:
A well-known cocktail bar, its New York décor and elegant atmosphere make it one of the capital’s most prestigious spots.
Reina, 12

Cock:    
The best array of cocktails in a special, classy setting, where tradition meets the latest trends. Exquisite.
Reina, 16

Strómboli:
Café and drinks for the early evening hours, in a cool spot with trendy designer furniture, where you can enjoy good music.
Hortaleza, 96

Berlín cabaret:
A classic Madrid night spot. A former cabaret from the 1930s, it is a free-and-easy, irreverent club that offers live dance shows. Drinks, music, and dance in a fun atmosphere, where tourists, modern Madrid natives, and the city’s most fashionable people all come together.
Costanilla de S. Pedro, 11

Serrano 41:
The hottest drink bar in Madrid, this is one of the most elegant and exotic night spots. Drinks on its historical terrace offer glamour and the most select crowd. A must-visit part of Madrid’s nightlife.
Serrano, 41

El Anciano Rey de los Vinos:
This venerable place dates back to 1907, an exquisite little corner that has inspired city legends and stories. Its décor is very traditional, and it offers a sample of Madrid’s best traditional tapas.
Bailén, 19

Aloque:
A pioneer in serving quality wines by the glass to accompany its tapas and portions. Here they serve gastronomic portions.
Torrecilla del Leal, 20

Quinto Vino:
One of the capital’s best-kept secrets, this typical Madrid tavern offers a choice of over 350 types of wines and traditional tapas, simple, but unsurpassable.
Hernani, 48

La Montería:
Travellers can taste typical Castilian game here. Exquisite gastronomy.
Lope de Rueda, 35

Taberna la Dolores:
This tavern’s spectacular decoration has been preserved here since 1908, along with fine Castilian tradition, where what is interesting is what is eaten: typical dishes, tapas, and excellent montaditos (tiny sandwiches).
Plaza de Jesús, 4

Biotza:
This tapas bar is located in the capital’s most select neighbourhood, Salamanca. It offers an adaptation of classic tapas in one of the city’s most fashionable spots.
Claudio Coello, 27

Los Gabrieles:
This is one of Madrid’s taverns with the most history, as well as a temple to flamenco. In its basement some of the country’s most well-known bullfighters set up their bullfighting sanctum.
Echegaray, 17

El Garbanzo Negro:
In this typical traditional establishment, the best Spanish gastronomy is offered, the flavours that have been enjoyed since time immemorial: morcilla blood sausage, fava beans, etc.
Tordecilla del Leal, 15

Hespen&Suárez:
Ingredients for the most exotic recipes are sold in this renowned shop. Its shelves are organised by types of cuisine: from Indian to African, including Japanese and Spanish as well.
Barceló, 15

Asaqui:
The most traditional item in this chocolate shop, opened in 1924, are the almond and hazelnut cream oysters. Full of marvellous sweet little morsels, it serves some of the city’s best hotels, like the Ritz and the Palace.
Príncipe de Vergara, 16

David Delfín:
Transgression lives in this luxury boutique’s designs, faithful to this Spanish designer’s style, with provocative and experimental shapes. This creator has become one of the most personal voices on the Spanish fashion scene.
Jorge Juan, 31

Uno de 50:
This young Spanish jewellery and accessory firm is located in the most exclusive area of the Salamanca neighbourhood. In the boutique, the simplicity of the tables and methacrylate display cases really shows off the design of the pieces. Striking jewels, bracelets, rings. A touch of cabaret and irony.
Jorge Juan, 17

Antonio Miró:
This designer’s simple, sober collections stand behind the maximum quality and attention to detail.  His creations are present on international runways like Paris, Milan, Tokyo, Florence, and New York.
Lagasca, 65

Victorio&Lucchino:
These two Spanish designers from Andalusia have managed to give their creations an original style with an undeniably Spanish personality. The traditional essence of their designs made them Pret-à-Porter pioneers.
Lagasca, 75

Sita Murt:
Her collections are regularly seen at the Gaudí Show in Barcelona and Cibeles in Madrid, as well as at Atmosphere in Paris. This designer has managed to perfectly interpret the market’s needs with attractive creations.
Jorge Juan, 43   
   
Totón Comella (TCN):
This designer’s formula brings together the highest-quality fabrics, simple yet new shapes, and fresh, fun colours.  She has collections of women’s intimate apparel, placing her bets on corsets, underwear, and home wear.
Caludio Coello, 90

Loewe:
Founded right in the centre of Madrid, this firm became a supplier for the royal family in 1905 and became very well-known. Its designs become luxury items and its collections set trends for both men and women.
Gran Vía, 8

Roberto Torreta:
This designer began by working in cotton and creating sports pieces, as well as leather and luxury outfits.
Jorge Juan, 14

La Puerta de Alcalá:
One of the city’s most representative monuments, it was created by Charles III between 1769 and 1778, a Neo-classical monument with very simple lines. Its only function was as a commemorative arch.

El Prado Museum:
The radiation of good art. This institution began as the Crown’s private collection, created by coincidence when Ferdinand VII decided to modernise his palace and get rid of canvases by artists such as Rubens, El Greco, Velázquez, etc. He put them into storage, in an old building known today as the Museo del Prado.

La Puerta del Sol:
The square took the name of a wall that disappeared in the 19th century.  It is presided over by the Post Office, the tower of which for centuries marked the country’s official time.  Next to it is the 0 kilometre of Spain’s radial roads.

The Bear and the Arbutus:
The bear that appears on Madrid’s coat of arms is not male, but rather female, and it represents the constellation of Ursa Major, whose stars were taken as the emblem of the capital. These seven stars that make up Ursa Major appear on the community’s flag and the five points symbolise the five provinces bordering the region.

El Rastro:
This is an inimitable bazaar. El Rastro is full of bustle and people, a street market where everything, both new and used, fits in, and where haggling is almost obligatory.

Royal Palace:
This is where official state receptions are held, and it is also an interesting art gallery where works by painters such as Goya or Caravaggio hang. The current royal family no longer lives here.

Plaza Mayor:   
The oldest part of the city. Located a few metres from Puerta del Sol and Plaza de la Villa. Immense, beautiful, and harmonious, it has been used in the past as a marketplace, a bullfighting ring, and a stage for festivals and shows.

El Retiro:
This is an incredible oasis of peace, a splendid park where the court used to entertain itself.  The Palacio de Cristal, Paseo de Coches, La Rosaleda, and Palacio Velázquez stand out.

La Cibeles:
One of the symbols that identify Madrid, this monument represents the Roman goddess of fertility and the earth. She holds the key to the city in her left hand. A few metres from Puerta de Alcalá, it was also built on the orders of Charles III.