What to Do:
Eat. Eat until you can’t anymore. Madrileños are famous for hanging until the dawn’s early light and they work on the pauper, king, prince approach to eating. Traditional breakfast is rare, especially since many are rolling out from the club just a few hours before the workday begins. So instead of bacon and eggs, you’ll find locals dunking sugar-dusted churros into cups of thick, rich, hot chocolate.
One of the most popular spots for this alcohol-absorbing treat is the Chocolatería San Ginés, open from 6pm until 7am. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day, and you’ll find most people dedicate a few hours to the experience.
Whether it’s a hearty pan of paella,grilled dorado fish, or a potato and sausage-stuffed tortilla “omelet”, most restaurants offer an inexpensive menu del dia that usually includes a glass of wine or beer and even dessert.
Dinners are pretty late around 9pm, and is a precursor to the evening’s festivities. This is the country that brought tapas to the world, so you’ll find people noshing on small plates of chorizo, garlicky mushrooms and slices of Serrano or Ibérico ham,savoring the taste with a glass of rioja.
Walk it all off by getting lost in a world of Picasso, Goya and Rubens by strolling through the venerable Prado Museum.
Most of the other must-sees are dotted around the city's historical center; Puerta del Sol as well as Plaza Mayor. Retail breaks are best on the Gran Via, a shop-stocked avenue.
Sound Sleep:
In the heart of bustling Plaza de Santa Ana square, is the ME Madrid hotel, pictured above, a former palace that’s hosted the likes of George Clooney and Sarah Jessica Parker. The penthouse rooftop becomes a bumping club once the sun goes down and is packed with locals getting their sip and groove on. The good thing about staying here is the action is a mere elevator ride away, so you don’t have to navigate Madrid’s streets at night if you don't want to. But the party lasts until the wee hours, so make sure your room is on
a lower floor, away from the noise, if you plan on sleeping.
Insider Tip:
Solo travelers nervous about hanging out at night alone should keep to the busy areas around Puerta del Sol plaza and Calle de Arenal. There are lots of dark, narrow side streets throughout the city, so map out where you’re going before you set off.
You’ll notice women carrying their pocketbooks across their bodies and clutching the strap with a death grip. It’s a tad dramatic, but to be on the safe side, invest in a bag with a cut-proof metal strap, but whatever you do, nix the fanny pack. It screams "Rob me now, please." Better yet, when navigating high traffic and pickpocket areas like the popular El Rastro flea market, a Racktrap may come in handy.
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