Ways to Be a Local

• Stop for a siesta - and enjoy the nightlife.
• Cool off in the afternoon in a cinema on the Gran Vía.
• Order a horchata de chufa - a traditional cold summer drink made from the chufa nut.
• Play chess in the Retiro Park on Sunday morning.
• Go to a zarzuela (light opera) performance.
• Drink hot chocolate with churros at dawn in the Chocolatería San Ginés.
• Buy biscuits from the Convento de las Carboneras.
• Watch the sunset by the Templo de Debod, below the Plaza de España.
• Order a cocido madrileño (traditional stew) at La Posada de la Villa.
• Don't look like a tourist by wearing shorts and halter-tops; think smart casual.

Good Places to Have Lunch

• Angel (Inexpensive) Address: Augusto Figueroa 35 Phone: 91 521 70 12. Near the Gran Vía but away from the tourists, this tiny, atmospheric bistro is ideal for an intimate lunch.
• Brasserie de Lista (Inexpensive) Address: Calle de José Ortega y Gasset 6 Phone: 91 435 28 18. In Madrid's poshest shopping district. Sit outside under the parasols and count the carrier bags with designer labels passing by.
• Café de Rosales (Inexpensive) Address: Paseo del Pintor de Rosales 36 Phone: 91 542 76 42. On a quiet paseo on the west side of town. Light snacks, good beers. Ideal before or after a ride on the Teleférico.
• A' Casiña (Inexpensive-Moderately priced) Address: Avenida del Angel s/n Phone: 91 526 34 25. Located in the Casa de Campo, so lunching here is like eating out in the country.
• Casa Labra (Inexpensive) Address: Calle de Tuetuán 12 Phone: 91 513 00 81. Eat cod at the birthplace of the Spanish Socialist Party.
• Casa Mingo (Inexpensive) Address: Glorieta de San Antonio de la Florida 2 Phone: 91 547 79 18. After seeing the Goya ceiling next door, everyone comes here for roast chicken, sausages and cider - plain, simple and cheap.
• Gran Café Gijón (Inexpensive) Address: Paseo de Recoletos 21 Phone: 91 521 54 25. Order the menu of the day for a bargain lunch in plush art nouveau surroundings.
• Hotel Ritz (Moderately priced-Expensive) Address: Plaza de la Lealtad 5 Phone: 91 521 28 57. The shady garden, scented by flowers, is a delightful spot for Sunday brunch. Expensive but worth it.
• Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza (Inexpensive) Address: Paseo del Prado 8 Phone: 91 429 27 32. Sit at the bar or take a table for modern food in a stylish setting, in the basement of the museum.
• La Posada de la Villa (Inexpensive) Address: Calle de la Cava Baja 9 Phone: 91 366 18 60. When exploring the old city, stop in this medieval tavern for traditional, hearty dishes.

Great Views

• From the glass elevators on the outside of the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
• From top of Faro de Madrid, Avenida de los Reyes Católicos Phone: 91 722 04 00
• From the swimming-pool at the top of the Hotel Emperador, Gran Vía 53, Phone: 91 547 28 00
• From a cable-car on the Teleférico
• From a café in the Jardines de las Vistillas

Private Art Galleries

Major companies have invested in modern art collections that are open to the public during office hours:

• Fundación Bancaja, Paseo de la Castellana 31 Phone: 91 308 39 67
• Fundación Central Hispano, Calle del Marqués de Villamagna 3 Phone: 91 575 14 30
• Caixa Fundación, Calle Serrano 60 Phone: 91 435 48 33
• Fundación Juan March, Calle de Castelló 77 Phone: 91 435 42 40
• Fundación Telefónica, Fuencarral 3 Phone: 91 584 89 96

Best Terrazas

Most open at 10pm and close at dawn.

• El Balcón de Rosales, Paseo del Pintor Rosales/ Marqués de Urquijo
• Bolero, Paseo de la Castellana 33
• El Espejo, Paseo de los Recoletos 31
• El Jardín de las Delicias, Paseo de Cristino Martos 5
• La Vieja Estación, behind Atocha Railway Station

Things to Do on Sunday Morning

• Walk in the Retiro.
• See the stamp dealers in the Plaza Mayor.
• See the Taller Abierto (open studio) paintings in the Plaza del Conde de Barajas.
• Go to the Rastro Flea Market.
• Beat the crowds at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and the Prado. Free all day Sun.