TAPAS WITH ART, SHOPPING AND DRINK

Fancy some tapas, surrounded by art, culture and charm? We invite you, in the centre of Madrid, to enjoy this Spanish dish, so appreciated by many, on the terraces or inside its bars and restaurants.

We suggest the San Miguel Market, located between the Plaza de la Villa and the Plaza Mayor. Perhaps start with some oysters, accompanied by a glass of cava. If you prefer something more traditional, you can also enjoy a tapa of Iberian ham and a vermouth.

From the Congress of Deputies, guarded by two majestic lions that preside over its entrance, cross Calle del Prado and you will come to Plaza de Santa Ana. Have some tapas or a drink in any of its beer gardens and terraces, and then head for the Las Letras district, where you will find many charming and traditional taverns, such as La Dolores, La Daniela, El Barril de las Letras, Estado Puro or Atlantik Corner, where you can eat raciones (portions).

In this neighbourhood, Calle Huertas, one of the city's nightlife centres, dozens of bars, clubs and pubs open their doors for you until the early hours of the morning.

Or if you prefer a drink in one of the most exclusive bars: The Glass Bar, located in the Hotel Urban, very close to Puerta del Sol.

In the northern part of Madrid, the Paseo de la Castellana, with the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium as a protagonist, also has magnificent restaurants, terraces, tapas and pinchos.

It's shopping time!

We're off to the city centre to buy some fans and souvenirs, before going to the "Golden Mile" to indulge ourselves in an exclusive shop, or maybe you're looking for the latest Spanish design? Then don't miss Malasaña or Triball. Fancy a shopping centre? Head to Príncipe Pío, near the Royal Palace, where you'll find it all!

On a Sunday morning in Madrid, a visit to El Rastro is a must. It is advisable to arrive at around 9 am to visit this flea market that stretches along the Ribera de Curtidores and the surrounding streets, displaying all kinds of merchandise before the eyes of passers-by.

All this in the La Latina neighbourhood, famous, among other things, for being a popular area for tapas, which you can start to enjoy at around midday. Also, near La Latina it is worth visiting the Vistillas Gardens, from where you can contemplate Madrid or relax for a while on the lawn.

Image credits: ©Juan Castro