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 Parque del Retiro 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, atmos pheric bistro is ideal for an intimate lunch.
• Brasserie de Lista (Inexpensive) ADDRESS: Serrano 10 PHONE: 91 411 0864. In Madrid's poshest shopping district. Sit outside under the parasols and count the carrier bags with designer labels passing by.
• El Espejo (Inexpensive) ADDRESS: Paseo de Recoletos 31 PHONE: 91 308 23 47. Here you can linger over a coffee or beer and tapas on the outdoor terrace of this pavilion overlooking Paseo de Recoletos.
• 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: 91 701 67 67. 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: 91 369 01 51. Sit at the bar or at 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 a taste of some traditional, hearty dishes.

Great Views

• From the glass elevators on the outside of the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
• From the top of Faro de Madrid, Avenida de los Reyes Católicos PHONE: 91 544 81 04
• 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 Mapre Vida, Avenida General Perón 40 PHONE: 91 581 16 28
• Fundación Carlos de Amberes, Calle Clandio Coello 99 PHONE: 91435 22 01
• Fundación La Caixa, Calle Serrano 60 PHONE: 91 426 0202
• Fundación Juan March, Calle de Castelló 77 PHONE: 91 435 42 40
• Fundación Telefónica, Fuencarral 3 PHONE: 91 584 2300

Best Terrazas

Most open at 10pm and close in the early hours.

• El Balcón de Rosales, Paseo del Pintor Rosales/ Marqués de Urquijo
• Bolero, Paseo de la Castellana 33
• Café de Oriente, Plaza de Orient 2
• 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.