This modern, award-winning building houses three immense floors of some of the Crown's most spectacular paintings, sculptures, tapestries and carriages.

The museum is big and every inch of the Museo del Traje is enjoyable, but my favourite part is their magnificent display of traditional Spanish costumes.

For 5 euros, paid at the ground-floor, I received a lift ticket which would carry me up 27 dizzying floors to enjoy some of the best views of the city.

All of the classic favourites are served up here at Masala Darbar – Butter Chicken, Korma and Tikka Masala – with sides of basmati rice and fluffy naan.

Discover Barceló Market in Madrid for a lunch filled with global flavors! Stop by Latino Arepa for Venezuelan delights — arepas, empanadas, and cachapas!

"Mercato Italiano" in Madrid is in the city's Little Italy in Rios Rosas. Great bruschetta and salads, and I recommend getting a wine, spritz or Campari...

"Toma Café 2" in Madrid have not only created art out of coffee (I'm sipping a jasmine/white peach brew right now), I love their sandwiches & peacefulness.

"Taverna Sacromonte" is an Andaluz tavern in Usera, Madrid. It feels village-y. Their tapas are great here -- I recommend going there and then for Chinese!

Calle Redondilla (bottom of the square to the left) has maybe the oldest standing building in Madrid at Number 10 - it's from the 15th century,

"Caramelos Paco" in Madrid sells sweets - its window display leaves no doubt about that. I love old shops like this, the opposites of one-stop shopping!

"CaixaForum Madrid" is a good alternative to the nearby, more touristy Prado and Reina Sofia. It's beautiful, cool and quite small if you have limited time

"Casa Gonzalez" is a lovely little delicatessen in Madrid and a great place for some great wine, cheese & tostas! My favorite is the 'azul picón de hojas'.