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For most of the year this cultural centre hosts temporary art exhibitions. During the annual Summer Arts Festival, however, opera, plays and concerts are also on the programme, many of the events staged outdoors.

This beautiful 1920s cinema is now the headquarters of the National Film Institute. There are two screens showing an excellent selection of classic and contemporary films in the original version and at very reasonable prices. During the summer, films are also shown on an outdoor screen on the terrace (book ahead). The café in the foyer is a good place to meet up with friends (see Cine Doré).

Since its renovation in the 1990s, Madrid’s splendid opera house has gone from strength to strength. This is the venue for classical operas, such as Mozart and Verdi, performed by international as well as Spanish companies. The season runs from September to July. If all you want to do is look around, the theatre is open for tours and there’s a café in the former ballroom (see Teatro Real).

This beautiful theatre dates from 1856 and was built especially to stage zarzuela , a form of light opera unique to Spain and especially popular in Madrid. After decades of neglect zarzuela is now being revived and the theatre commissions new works from time to time as well as performing classic farces such as The Barber of Lavapiés and The Pharoah’s Court . The season runs from September to June. During the summer, the theatre is used for Flamenco, ballet and other cultural events.

The Neo-Baroque Palácio de Linares, an architectural monument in its own right dominating the southern end of the Paseo de Recoletos, is now a cultural centre showcasing Latin American arts, with a regular programme of films, exhibitions and concerts. There is also a good bookshop, café and the Paradís restaurant (see Paradís).

Events at this important arts centre range from temporary art exhibitions to ballet, jazz, dramatic plays, zarzuela and experimental theatre.

Fans of modern art will enjoy the temporary exhibitions here, which are world-class. The foundation also sponsors lunch-time chamber concerts and recitals on weekdays, usually starting around noon (monthly programme available from the centre). While you’re here, take a look at some of the modern sculptures in the forecourt such as Meeting place (1975) by Eduardo Chillida (see Fundación Juan March).

This modern concert hall, in a residential district north of the centre, is the home of the National Orchestra of Spain and the major venue for symphony concerts from October to June. The Orchestra of the Comunidad de Madrid also plays here, as well as international ensembles.

If you’re interested in hearing pop and rock acts such as Massive Attack, Suede or the Rollins Band, this is where they’re most likely to perform while in Madrid. Acoustics and visibility are both good (better than in many similar venues) and fans can cool off in the summer when the roof is drawn back. Also holds discos.

Designed by Teodoro Anasagasti in 1922, this theatre, renowned for its acoustics, is the home of both the RTVE orchestra and choir (Spain’s state radio and television company) as well as the acclaimed Madrid Symphony Orchestra.