4 HOURS IN... MADRID

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WORDS ALLYSON PORTEE Madrid

Bursting with life, encompassing culture, food, music and fashion, not to mention history, Madrid is an intriguing city full of hidden gems and is easily explored on foot

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1 Stay — or dine — at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid

If you’re into Belle Époque architecture, you will adore this hotel, which rst opened 110 years ago and has recently undergone a major renovation. Set in the heart of the city, and popular for high-pro le meetings and events, it’s worth a visit, just to marvel at the building or to experience luxury hospitality with a Spanish twist. Even if you’re not an in-house guest, start your day here with a lavish breakfast in the opulent Dining Room or treat yourself to dinner at El Jardin del Ritz (pictured). Open all year round (weather permitting), the beautiful Ritz Garden is an atmospheric and stylish alfresco destination. Serving a signature amuse bouche tapas menu alongside a host of creative cocktails, mocktails and wine, the Ritz Garden is the place to meet, relax, dine and drink while making the most of Madrid’s traditionally balmy weather. e hotel is also a three-minute walk from the yssen-Bornemisza Museum. mandarinoriental.com/madrid 2 Open your eyes to the Museo del Prado for Art

Across the street from the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid is the Museo del Prado, Spain’s national art museum, renowned globally. Here you will nd art by Francisco Goya, known for his one-of-a kind style that’s seen in Barcelona, as well as Diego Velázquez and El Greco. e museum is more than 200 years old and is one of Madrid’s most popular attractions. Even if you’re not into visual art, you will be moved by the experience; with more than 8,600 paintings, 700-plus sculptures, and special exhibitions, you won’t be disappointed. museodelprado.es 3 Step back in time at the Royal Palace

e Royal Palace of Madrid is not only the largest palace in Western Europe, but one of the biggest in the world. Spanning more than 135,000 sqm, it features 3,418 rooms that have witnessed centuries of Spanish history. It is one of the few o cial residences of the Spanish royal family that is open to the public and attracts almost two million visitors annually who are lured by its works of art and unique treasures. It’s open seven days a week and tours are available, which include the magni cent garden. e changing of the guard ceremony is also worth seeing. patrimonionacional.es/visita/ palacio-real-de-madrid 4 Tuck into churros at Chocolateria San Ginés

Chocolateria San Ginés has been making amazing churros since 1894. Churros are a sweet fried dough that are knotted and thick. In Spain, they are commonly devoured for breakfast, but are just as great as a snack or dessert. Open daily, you’ll nd people queuing for an inside or outside table at this specialist café, which is also the place to grab a thick and delicious Spanish hot chocolate, better known as chocolate caliente. Located between Puerta del Sol and Teatro Real, Chocolateria San Ginés is easy to nd. chocolateriasangines.com 5 Shop out of town at Las Rozas Village

For discounted luxury brand shopping, head to Las Rozas Village, an open-air space at the foot of the Sierra, located just 25 minutes from Madrid’s city centre. It’s a more relaxed – and cheaper – way to shop for big-name fashion brands, from Prada to Ralph Lauren, Burberry to Billabong, Levi’s to Lacoste, and there are plenty of places to dine too. I recommend Cristina Oria for light plates like the salmon board, cooked in two di erent ways with blini, dill sauce, and butter, or just a hot drink to refuel. If you’re not sure what to buy, enlist the help of a personal shopper or style advisor. Reserved parking is available, and Uber o ers a 30 per cent discount to Las Rozas shoppers. thebicestercollection.com/las-rozasvillage/en