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Spain : Madrid - January 2010

Country Code: Dial for Spain

Madrid goes into a post- Christmas sale frenzy from 6 January. So when you’re not searching for bargains, feast on great local cuisine accompanied by Spanish wines. And don’t miss the Tears of Eros art exhibition at the Thyssen-Bornemisza. It delves into the realms of love and the erotic. Scott Adams goes exploring

Getting around

Barajas Airport

Bus: There are regular buses from the airport to Avenida de America (which connects with Metro lines 4, 6, 7 and 9) until 11pm. The journey takes between 30 minutes and an hour (emtmadrid.es).
Train: Terminal 4 is covered by line 8 of the metro system. The journey to the city centre takes about 45 minutes and a single ticket costs €2.
Taxi: The journey to the centre takes around 20 minutes and costs around €28 (which includes the taxis’ airport charge of €5,25).
Tourist information: The main office is at 27 Plaza Mayor (tel. , www.turismomadrid.es) but there’s also an information stand at Terminal 1.

PUERTA DEL SOL AND AROUND

After a six-year-long major facelift, the famous Puerta del Sol is ready to be enjoyed again. Have your photo taken next to the statue of the bear, before discovering the bargains, food and fun in the nearby streets.

Sleep soundly – Perfectly positioned near all the major attractions and with a sleek and chic interior, the Petit Palace Mayor (46 Calle Mayor, tel. , hthoteles.com, doubles from €90) is great value for money. Bike hire is available from the hotel.

Must drink – A must while in Madrid, the Mercado San Miguel (Plaza San Miguel) is where to sit with a glass of Spanish La Rioja wine or sparkling cava, while you enjoy a dozen oysters or some finely shaved cured ham.

Dance the night away – The lavish 19th-century mansion, Palacio de Gaviria (9 Calle Arenal) now houses one of the city’s most exciting discos and nightspots. Top Spanish DJs do the rounds, spinning funky and techno beats.

Shop til you drop – Stock up on brightly coloured T-shirts with highly original Spanish designs at Kukuxumusu (47 Calle Mayor).

PASEO DE LA CASTELLANA

This broad tree-lined thoroughfare is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the smaller streets in the old town.

Culture vultures – Head to the historic home of the Spanish impressionist artist Joaquin Sorolla, Museo Sorolla (27 Calle Martinez Campos). His paintings exude light and life.

Must eat – Dress up and fight away the January blues at Restaurant Santceloni (57 Paseo de la Castellana, tel. ) The exquisite menu created by Michelin-starred chef Oscar Velasco features winter favourites such as roast lamb and pork, and can be accompanied by some great vintage wines.

Must drink – Also dress to impress to get into MOMA 56 (56 Calle Jose Abascal). The designer interior is a good place to spot famous faces – and Real Madrid players. Sip on a caipirinha as you chill out.

CALLE FUENCARRAL AND AROUND

Without doubt, one of the greatest shopping streets in Europe for young trendy fashionistas.

Must eat – You’ll find Il Pizzaiolo (84 Calle Hortaleza, tel. ) is continually packed with hungry locals and travellers chomping into the excellent pizzas and pasta dishes. Take the opportunity to try the homemade gnocchi.

Must drink – Sit under the heaters and savour the view of old Madrid from the rooftop terrace of Splash (12 Plaza Vasquez de Mella). Order a mojito or Spanish wine and chill out with the beautiful people who frequent this trendy open-air bar.

Shop til you drop – With seriously original designs for him and her, Desigual (36 Calle Fuencarral) is a must. Shirts and dresses with overprinting, creative stitching and bold colours are the trademark here.

PLAZA DE LAS CORTES

A central hub of downtown Madrid, enjoy the magnificent view of the Congreso de los Diputados building, home to the Spanish parliament.

Sleep soundly – Perfect for a special treat, the Hotel Ritz (5 Plaza Lealtad, tel. , ritz.es, doubles from €255) is a warm cocoon of luxury. Enjoy afternoon tea in the opulent lounge or participate in one of the themed gastronomic festivals in the restaurant.

Culture vultures – Discover love and lust with major works of art at the exhibition, Tears of Eros, at the Thyssen- Bornemisza Museum (8 Paseo del Prado). Masterpieces by Magritte, Rubens, Bill Viola and Man Ray make this an exceptional experience.

Dance the night away – Still Madrid’s biggest and best disco, Kapital (125 Calle Atocha) covers five floors and pumps out a wide variety of music to suit most tastes. January sees some hot party themes and DJ Armand Vasquez spins the best music on the main dance floor. Definitely not to be missed!

Compiled by Scott Adams