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The three days leading up to Easter are marked by solemn religious processions. On Holy Thursday the image of Jesus is carried through the city by penitents wearing the traditional purple hoods and chains around their feet. The following evening is the procession of Jesús de Medinacelli which leaves from the basílica of the same name before winding its way around the city centre.

One of Madrid’s most exclusive restaurants, Horcher specializes in the cooking of central Europe, in particular game.

Classy restaurant with wonderful vistas of the sierra – book a terrace table in summer. First-class international cuisine.

The decoration of this traditional Madrid bakery borders on the palatial. The produce is just as good – every conceivable type of bread, as well as seasonal specialities such as roscón de Reyes and turrón .

An easy-going, friendly place with a great location near Sol and the night life of Santa Ana. The rooms are generously sized, but those overlooking the street can be noisy. Some are en-suite.

A pleasant hostel in an historic part of Madrid, close to the museums of the Paseo del Prado. Some of the rooms have balconies with rooftop views of the city and are surprisingly quiet, bearing in mind that this area is also known for its nightlife.

Like the Mónaco, this was once a brothel catering for members of the Spanish aristocracy. Tell-tale signs include frescoes depicting women in seductive poses. Excellent location near the Gran Vía.

Handy for the nightlife of Chueca and the shops and cinemas of Gran Vía, this friendly, efficiently run hostel is in an old house on a busy shopping street. All rooms have showers but toilets are shared.

Overlooking a quiet square, yet surrounded by shops, bars and monuments, this hostel is excellent value. The comfortable rooms all have satellite TV and some overlook the courtyard. Also has its own coffee shop; a good place to get to know fellow guests and trade information.

In the heart of Madrid, this friendly hostel is convenient for the night-life of Huertas and the art galleries on the Paseo del Prado. The 24 rooms are clean and nicely decorated and have TV and phone. There’s also a bar and laundry service.