"Madrid" Madrid by scanos

I've been in Madrid a number of times now and always look forward to returning. On my last trip we stayed in near Plaza Espana, a wonderful place to relax. We indulged in our favourite pastime of tapas bar hopping. My preferred route is Plaza Espana down Gran Via to Callao and then through the side streets to Sol. I love the South American bands who serenade the passing crowds in that area.There are also a number of decent Latin American clubs for those who desire late night entertainment.

The other beauty of Madrid is that there are some wonderful day trips such as Toledo and Segovia.

Tapas bar near Atocha Station

When you get to know the owners of tapas establishments, you'll be brought into the inner tapas sanctum - so to speak - where jambon is replaced with steak, and chorizo with paella. The trick is to speak Spanish and seek out decent gran reservas, not just vino de casa. You'll be respected for it. Of course, you have the 'chains' such as Museo de Jamon - and some poor 'me toos' - which whilst excellent by U.K. standards ,are aimed at turning round food quickly for the masses. Indeed, you should lunch at the Museo De Jamon near Sol at midday to witness the great foodrush of elderly Madrilenos seeking 'menu del dia'. Elsewhere, bar owners are more idiosyncratic. One guy kept a running list of what you had consumed by chalking it on the bar beside you. When we moved once he had to rewrite everything at our new position, with good humour to be fair.

Street sign Madrid

I love the old street signs near Plaza del Sol which echo back to past grandeur.

• Pros:Friendly - non touristy - vibrant
• Cons:Not enough time to see everything
• In a nutshell:South America comes to Europe