The Monocle Travel Guide Series – Madrid

Madrid is a changed city. The recent metamorphosis has been fuelled by the economic crisis and led by a new generation of determined Madrileños who have transformed the Spanish capital for the better. Tradition and modernity thrive side by side: marvel at the centuries-old masterpieces inside the Prado one moment and enjoy sumptuous morsels cooked up by a new wave of intrepid chefs the next.

After sating your appetite, be sure to save enough energy for nocturnal frolics in the endless mix of bars, theatres, and clubs. In fact, the native penchant for a good time is such an irrefutable character trait that Monocle challenges you not to be affected by the contagiously cheerful spirit you’ll encounter. The city has thrown off the shackles of immovable tradition; what was once a buttoned-down bastion of conservatism has become Spain’s unabashed center of the avant-garde. Enjoy a melting pot of talent, taste, and tenacity—all courtesy of fun-loving and welcoming residents.

About The Monocle Travel Guide Series:
Monocle reports from around the globe in print, on radio, and online. As its editors and correspondents dart from city to city, they get to know the best places to rest their heads, stretch their limbs, and kick back with a contact in a hard-to-find cocktail bar. That information is now available in Monocle’s Travel Guide Series: a line-up of titles that speaks to you in an informed but informal way about everything from architecture to art, late-night bars to early-morning markets.

These are books that go beyond the traditional tourist beats to make sure you get the best out of a city—no matter how short your stay. Designed to be compact and collectable, they are also discerning; Monocle’s team won’t list a hundred places to eat but they will tell you where’s best for everything from some tasty fast food to something truly celebratory.

Cities are fun. Let’s explore.