Distric 1: La Latina. We will start on our store (Mesón de Paredes, 11). Wll have a good coffee and carrot cake to introduce eachother. Next we will visit the bohemian neighborhood of La Latina. The narrow and winding streets of this irregularly laid-out area, mostly dating back to the Middle Ages, usually lead onto a square.

This church was built by the architect Marcos López in 1669 and finished by Francisco de Moradillo in 1761; it is also believed that José de Churriguera and Pedro de Ribera.

In the high part of the neighbourhood, along the streets that run into the colourful Tirso de Molina Square – peppered with flower stalls –, there are clothing and accessories wholesalers (but a few of them are retail suppliers too)

Next stop: district 2: the tourist Lavapiés. Since the sixteenth century, Lavapiés has been inhabited by the lower classes. Local residents used to live in apartment blocks, or tenements, called corralas that were arranged around an interior courtyard.

Antón Martín Market mercado_de_anton_martin.jpg Anterior Siguiente Description Information (active tab) Map This shopping centre, named after the famous Plaza de Antón Martín, is part of the new trend for gourmet markets, where traditional food stalls sit alongside various restaurants, serving up largely street food and international cuisine, with flavours of Spain, Italy, Asia and Latin America.

Next neighborhood: district 3: Las Letras! (Literary Quarter). In the seventeenth century, the Golden Age of Spanish Literature, Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Quevedo, Tirso de Molina and Góngora, among other authors, had their homes here – hence the name. Some of the streets in this neighbourhood pay tribute to this and other brilliant chapters of Spanish history, culture and art.

A visit to the former Palacio de la Equitativa, between Calle Alcalá and Calle Sevilla, is this exclusive shopping centre, the latest symbol of luxury in the heart of Madrid. Find over 40 boutiques selling fashion, accessories, perfume, and high-end jewellery and watches by some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands (including Hermès, Cartier and Rolex), not forgetting a fantastic selection of restaurants and gastronomic concepts designed by renowned Michelin-star chefs. Covering an area of 15,000 m2, Galería Canalejas is spread across three floors, with the ground floor and first floor dedicated exclusively to shopping. Luxury boutiques of international firms like Hermés, Cartier, Aquazzura, OMEGA, Rolex, Saint Laurent, Valentino, Zegna, Jimmy Choo or Louis Vuitton can be found here. The commercial area is also home to the Beauty Gallery by Isolée, with more than 20 brands of premium cosmetics, make-up and signature perfumes.

Close by Galeria Canalejas one of the city’s most famous sites, Puerta del Sol with its semi-circular shape, it is a junction for many of the city’s historical and busiest streets such as Mayor, Arenal, Alcalá and Preciados, as well as the starting point for all major radial roads in Spain.

District 4: Austrias: 5 minutes away, Madrid’s grand central square is found in the heart of Hapsburg Madrid, the oldest part of the city. Steeped in history, the bustling plaza is the perfect place to begin your stroll through one of Madrid’s most charming districts. While you’re there, have a bite to eat or a coffee at one of the sunny terraces, buy yourself a souvenir in any of the time-honoured shops, watch street musicians and artists working their magic, and soak up the city’s rich history. The square also plays host to events such as the drum parade at Easter, outdoor concerts, and the city's Christmas market in December, so be sure to check the calendar when you're visiting.

This is one of Madrid’s best-preserved historical monuments. It is located in the historical zone, next to the Puerta del Sol Gate, and up until not long ago, you could find there the site of the capital City Council.

Madrid's cathedral, which stands in Hapsburg Madrid, has a short but tortuous history. The first plans for the church were drawn up in 1879 by Francisco de Cubas, who wanted to create a pantheon for the late Queen Maria de la Mercedes. The foundation stone was laid in 1883, but when Pope Leo XIII granted a bull in 1885 for the creation of the Madrid-Alcalá bishopric, the plans for the church were changed to become plans for a cathedral.

This 1.6-hectare garden is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Madrid. The gardens were planned by José Bonaparte, who wanted the gardens to highlight the Palacio and the Teatro Real. Since then, they have undergone significant restoration work. Miguel de Oriol directed the most important restoration work in 1997.

Home to the Kings of Spain from Charles III to Alfonso XIII, Madrid's Royal Palace takes us on a journey through the history of Spain. Though it is no longer the royal family's home, it continues to be their official residence.