DK Travel : Madrid

Madrid’s three world-class art museums and two royal palaces alone would set the pulses racing, but there is more to this exciting and diverse capital than its tourist sights. The fashion boutiques of the Salamanca district showcase Europe’s top designers and are just the tip of a shopping iceberg, perfectly complementing the informality of the fascinating El Rastro market, while Madrid’s world-famous tapas bars vie for attention with gourmet restaurants and humble tabernas in a city which never sleeps. To simply watch the world go by, head for the supremely elegant Plaza Mayor.

Plaza Mayor

The inspiration for the square was El Escorial’s courtyard (see El Escorial). But the plans of architect Juan de Herrera were only realized 30 years in 1619 later by Gómez de Mora (see Plaza Mayor).
Plaza Mayor

The heart of Old Madrid is this vast square, surrounded by arcaded buildings, now home to tourist shops (see Plaza Mayor).
Plaza Mayor

Absolutely breathtaking. Wasn't really expecting it to be quite so huge! Despite the numbers of people wandering around, it was really nice to be able to have a relaxing drink or two and some tapas at any number of bars and cafes dotted around the square.
Plaza Mayor

This magnificent square, now lined with shops, has been the focal point of the city ever since Madrid became the capital of Spain’s world empire in the 16th century (see Plaza Mayor).
Polvorones

“Crumbly” biscuits flavoured with cinnamon and almonds.
Popland

Packed to the rafters with the very best of 1950s and 1960s pop kitsch. Beatles figurines, James Bond posters, Judy Garland cut-out dolls, badges, key rings, money boxes and mugs – you name it, they have it.
Populart

Founded in the early 1990s, this jazz venue, like the Central, is now an important part of the cultural life of the city. The stage is small and space is at a premium, so get here early if you want to see as well as hear the acts – not only traditional jazz, but blues, country, Jazz-Latino, even occasional reggae. Very smoky (see Populart).
Populart

Eclectic live music nightly – anything from blues or jazz to Celtic – and beer on tap. No cover charge, but be warned that there’s a steep mark-up on drinks (see Populart).
Potato dishes

Including patatas bravas (fried, with a spicy tomato sauce) or patatas alioli (boiled, with a mayonnaise and garlic dressing).
Prado Museum (Museo del Prado),

It has one of the largest collections of art in the world and has a large variety of differents artists works on display, i great day out if you like art