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Raid this store near Puerta del Sol for glitzy costume jewellery and equally showy accessories – perfect for a night on the town.

Four floors of books on every subject under the sun. Some English books. Good travel section, especially for books on Spain.

It’s difficult to tear yourself away from this emporium specializing in mantones (Spanish shawls) and mantillas , the silk headresses worn by women in Goya’s paintings (see Casa Jiménez).

Shades of the Big Top in this small shop, founded by a former circus performer. Sells all the paraphernalia – stilts, jugglers clubs, diabolos, etc. Great for kids.

This useful store, just a few minutes’ walk from Puerta del Sol, sells everything from CDs and sound systems to cameras, videos, books and mobile phones. Helpful floor staff, some of whom speak a little English.

This famous jeweller occupies one of the signature buildings of the Gran Vía dating from 1916. The gleaming window displays of rings, watches and other items (all original designs) are equally distinguished.

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 .

This useful shopping and restaurant chain is open almost all hours. You can eat in the reasonably priced café-restaurant, while the shop stocks everything from books and newspapers to drinks and batteries.