Madrid

About Madrid

Madrid runs on a late clock and a short walk between bars. Mornings are for the Prado and the Reina Sofía, afternoons for rowing boats and shade in El Retiro. On Sunday, browse El Rastro flea market in La Latina, then hop between tapas bars on Cava Baja. Malasaña and Lavapiés bring vintage shops, vermouth and neighbourhood terraces. Watch the sun set behind the Templo de Debod, and don't expect dinner before ten; the city is just getting started.

Best time: March–May, September–November

Highlights