Madrid holidays

To eat lunch like a local, head to the nearest bar and ask for a bocadillo de calamares. This tasty and inexpensive snack consists of lightly fried squid, served in a crispy Spanish baguette called barra de pan. Add a squeeze of alioli or a squirt of lemon, and you’re good to go. If you have a hankering for tapas on your city break, don’t forget to order setas al ajillo – mushrooms cooked in white wine, garlic, and olive oil. Try it with a glass of tinto de Verano, a summery drink made with soda water, red wine, lemon and ice. Huevos rotos, or ‘broken eggs’ are a staple in the taverns of Madrid. You’ll find this Spanish version of egg and chips prepared in a variety of ways, but the most common is to fry eggs in olive oil, then break them into pieces over a bed of fried potatoes and jamon – perfect with a cold beer on a hot day.

Palacio Real is the biggest royal place in Europe, and a can’t-miss on your Madrid city break. This grand building comes with 3.400 rooms, spread over 135,000m² – wear your comfy shoes for this one! Arrive on the first Wednesday of each month to witness the Changing of the Guard. Madrid has a impressive number of art galleries to choose from, but one of our favourites is Reina Sofia in the city centre. The museum houses hundreds of important works from Spain’s greatest artists, including pieces by Salvador Dali, Picasso, and Miro. When it’s time to take a break from your sightseeing adventures, head to Parque del Retiro, a vast green space in the heart of the city. After a spot of lunch, amble around the lake to find the Crystal Palace and the Cecilio Roriguez Gardens – don’t forget to say hi to the peacocks along the way.

If you’re in Madrid for a few days, you’ll have time to check out some attractions off the beaten path.

Egyptian temple: Don’t miss a visit to the Temple of Debod, an Egyptian temple dating back to the 2nd century BC. The temple was donated to Spain during construction of the Aswan dam, and is now proudly on display in Parque del Oeste, near the Royal Palace.

Markets: There are dozens of markets worth visiting, in Madrid but if you only have time for one, check out Mercato de San Miguel in Old Town. A food-lovers paradise, you’ll find not only fresh produce including blue fin tuna and cured meats, but dozens of takeaway stalls selling everything from jalapeno fritters to fresh oysters.

Cocktail time: When it comes to drinking in style, there’s nowhere better than Casa Suecia, Ernest Hemingway’s favourite hotel in Madrid. In the basement you’ll find a plush cocktail bar complete with art deco stylings and red velvet armchairs. Order a Martini, and take it all in.

Madrid is an excellent city for families, with tons of all-ages activities around every corner. After a peek at Picasso’s greatest works, head to Madrid Rio, a riverside park with lots to keep everyone occupied. You’ll find ziplines, swings, slides, and even an artificial beach in this family-friendly park.

Bernabeu Stadium: If you’ve got a sports fan in the family, a trip to Bernabeu Stadium is a must. Home to Real Madrid, this mighty 80,000-seater stadium is open for tours of the grounds and museum. Highlights include a visit to the players’ dressing room, a walk down the tunnel, and a photo with the Champion’s League trophy.

Theme park: If you're a theme park fan – you’re in for a treat. Just half an hour outside Madrid, you’ll find Parque Warner, a DC Comics-themed amusement park with tons of top rides and attractions. From the thrilling roller coasters in DC Superhero’s World, to the kid-friendly rides in Cartoon Village, there’s endless fun here for the whole family.