Madrid is an energetic, outgoing city filled with charming lanes, miles of parks, historic plazas and plenty of restaurant patios buzzing with Madrileños socializing and sharing a few laughs. Home of the talented writer, Cervantes, the melodramatic filmmaker, Almodóvar, and, of course, Real Madrid´s football club, this city has something for everyone.

Wherever you stay, you can easily walk to a major museum with astounding art collections, such as the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia. The secret, however, that will make you smile long after you’ve left this charming city, are the little things you discover along the way as you stroll through the different neighbourhoods. Every neighborhood has its own unique personality –the bohemian Malasaña, the tapas-lined Latina, the multicultural Lavapiés, the upscale Salamanca, the trendy Calle Ponzano and one of our favorites – the charming Barrio de Las Letras.

Follow the centennial plaques around the old city that point to century-old businesses from restaurants and bars to boutiques for hand fans, umbrellas and handmade hats. All this while taking in the beautiful architecture ranging from medieval mansions and royal palaces to modern contemporary buildings and creatively curated parks. Madrid is all about spontaneity. Even the best-laid plans tend to get forgotten after a couple of days as you slip into the rhythm of the city. To really feel part of the scene, do it like the Madrileños and step out on “La Marcha“, hopping from one tapas bar to another all evening long, drinking, eating and making friends along the way.

No city on earth is more alive than Madrid. A city that never sleeps. A city that really knows how to live.

Madrid, despite being landlocked, is known for its pristine seafood. Feast on delicacies like razor clams with olive oil and parsley, Galician octopus, sizzling garlic shrimp and old-school traditional Castilian dishes like the cocido madrileño, a warming stew of braised meats and chickpeas, as well as the famous fried calamari sandwich with alioli. You can’t come to Madrid without indulging in and sharing an array of tapas, which we enjoy together on our tapas tour. Expect a welcome tapa in most bars when you order your first drink and often they keep coming as you order more drinks.

Madrid has evolved into one of the richest culinary capitals of Europe. The city has been excitingly embracing all of the creativity and innovation of Spain’s gastronomic revolution. Chefs like David Muñoz, the creative force behind Madrid’s three Michelin star restaurant, DiverXO, have been leading the way in this inventive and fun experience of fine creative dining. Described to diners as Craziness on Canvas, the restaurant’s cuisine is designed to provide unexplored ways of understanding gastronomy.

Another delicacy that locals and visitors enjoy in Madrid is jamon iberico de bellota, the melt-in-your-mouth marbled ham coming from the acorn-eating back-hoofed Iberian pigs. It´s a whole world of its own, with full careers dedicated to this gem. Depending on how the leg is carved, you can enjoy different flavors and textures that really make the taste buds sing – a real science and a fascinating art.

From local tapas and traditional dishes to seafood delights and creative gastronomy, Madrid´s food scene will keep your palate beyond satisfied. And, of course, there is a wide selection of local drinks to pair with – from craft beers and claras (Spanish shandy) to crisp white Verdejo wines and full-bodied silky smooth red wines from Rioja and Ribera, aged in aromatic French barrels. The cocktail scene is quite happening too with bars like Salmon Guru ranking in the World’s Best 50 Bars list, as well as many rooftop bars that overlook the magical city of Madrid.