The city’s most celebrated museums are located on or around the central Paseo del Prado boulevard. The Prado is the most famous, with an impressive collection of Spanish painters including Goya and Velázquez. The Reina Sofia specializes in 20th-century art, with an extensive gathering of eye-catching sculptures and modern art from the likes of Picasso and Dalí. Meanwhile, the Thyssen-Bornemisza has a well-rounded mix of traditional and contemporary works.

You might not have enough time to visit all 12 of the city’s palaces on your Madrid holiday, but the Royal Palace of Madrid is a must. Explore its 3,000 rooms – including the royal armoury, pharmacy and private art gallery – then head outside to the adjoining Sabatini Gardens for a moment of reflection. The nearby Almudena Cathedral is architecturally diverse, Baroque, neo-Gothic and neo-Classical styles all sitting in surprising harmony.

There are many places to watch a fiery flamenco performance in Madrid, but no venue is more hallowed than the Corral de la Morería. One of the country’s oldest tablaos (flamenco houses), this ‘cathedral of the art of flamenco’, holds nightly shows, with passionate flamenco dancers and singers moving to the rhythm of claps, stamps and the driving force of the Spanish guitar. The Michelin-starred restaurant only adds to the experience, making it one of the top places to visit in Madrid.

El Rastro is one of Europe’s most famous flea markets. Every Sunday, the street comes alive with hundreds of stalls selling everything from antiques and clothes to quirky souvenirs. Another spot to check out is Conde Duque, one of Madrid’s buzziest neighbourhoods, lined with galleries, bars, bakeries and boutique stores. A 15-minute walk away is Calle de Fuencarral, a popular shopping street that draws a lively line-up of street performers.

A quintessential Spanish night out consists of hopping from bar to bar, ordering a plate or two of tapas in each washed down with a jug of sangria or a caña – a small glass of beer. It’s undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Madrid. Order the classics: ham croquettes, gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), tortilla de patata (potato omelette) and calamari. Don’t have time to bar hop? You’ll find every kind of tapas at the Mercado de San Miguel, a bustling food hall set in a beautiful historic building.

One of Madrid’s greatest charms is its relatively small size, which makes it easy to explore on foot. Begin your wander at Puerta de Alcalá, a beautiful neo-classical archway built in 1776. From there the next Madrid attraction on your itinerary is Puerta del Sol: the city’s busiest square, always bustling with life. Your final stop is Plaza Mayor, a grand courtyard surrounded by magnificent architecture that’s the beating heart of Madrid.

Exploring the Parque del Buen Retiro is exactly what to do in Madrid on a hot summer’s day. This large park is home to manicured lawns, gentle jogging paths, a boating lake and the gorgeous Palacio de Cristal conservatory, which hosts rotating art exhibitions. Nearby, you’ll also find the Royal Botanic Gardens, filled with more than 5,000 different types of medicinal plants and colourful flowers.

The striking domed exterior of Atocha train is simply a precursor to what lies within: its very own indoor rainforest. Built in 1851 as the capital city’s first railway station, today this Madrid landmark houses a shopping and leisure complex alongside the tropical garden – which contains a whopping 7,000 plants. But don’t worry – you can still catch your train next door at the new train station.

The charming city of Toledo is just an hour from Madrid by train. Surrounded by rugged countryside, this fortified city is filled with winding cobblestone streets, majestic architecture and friendly tapas bars. Whether you fancy a walk along the river, exploring this historic Roman trading town, soaking up the sun with an ice-cold cerveza, or peeking into bijou churches and museums, there’s no shortage of things to do in this pretty little city.

An hour's drive from Madrid lies the majestic town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial – a Unesco World Heritage Site. The scenic drive is worth the journey alone, cascading down the southern slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range. Explore the imposing Royal Monastery, a former residence of the Spanish king and one of the top attractions in Spain, with its magnificent art gallery, manicured gardens and lofty basilica.