Eva Esteve

Sales support officer, Madrid

The art lover

History floats in the air of Madrid. When I want to see art, I walk to the city centre, enjoying the fantastic architecture of its old buildings and piazzas.

I like to explore the Royal Palace, the Cathedral, the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol; as well as the Gran Vía Avenue, an ornate shopping street. I also enjoy visiting the exhibitions of Madrid’s most important museums: including the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Reina Sofía, the CaixaForum cultural centre and many other interesting private collections. Real art lovers should head to Doctor Fourquet street, where many of the city’s art galleries are located. It’s where you can find the latest trends in painting, photography and sculpture.

Silvia Carbonell

Marketing executive, Madrid

The urbanite

Madrid is a city to enjoy every day of the week and at all hours of the day. The city has a wide variety of restaurants, cafés and bars that visitors – and locals – love.

For me, there are several special places to mention for an indulgent dinner. In Madrid, eating is a sensory experience, and restaurants serve both modern and traditional cuisine. At restaurants like La Candela Restó and Raro Rare you’ll find original décor and fusion cuisine.

Discover Madrid at night by meeting people and experiencing its vibrant nightlife. I like having a cocktail or a gin and tonic at 1862 Dry Bar: worth a visit if you’re looking for classic cocktails whipped up by expert bartenders.

Mercedes Tejero

Assistant people manager, Madrid

The explorer

The best way to understand a city is to meet its people, to get to know its customs and its environment – and by doing interesting activities. That’s why I like to take the Strawberry Train in spring, which travels from Madrid to the town of Aranjuez. You get to enjoy countryside views and the best fruit of the season.

Walk through Madrid’s parks, particularly El Retiro and Casa de Campo, where people play sports, take boat rides and meet friends. El Retiro is close to the Cuesta de Moyano, famous for its stalls selling new and secondhand books.

But my favourite thing to do in Madrid is to tour the narrow streets of the city centre by trying the tapas at one of the city’s 14,000 bars with local friends. After all, they know which place serves the best.