Cheap Weekend in Madrid

Circular pedestrian square in Chamberí surrounded by outdoor terraces where Madrileños sip vermouth from midday till midnight.

An authentic ancient Egyptian temple rebuilt on a hilltop park, offering the most dramatic sunset silhouette over Madrid's royal palace.

Gritty, creative neighborhood market where stalls sell craft beer, books by weight, artisanal cheeses, and natural wines.

Eclectic comic-book neon fantasy bar created by Diego Cabrera, famous for crazy custom glassware, smoked concoctions, and tropical bites.

The spiritual home of the *yayo* (a lethal house cocktail of vermouth on tap, gin, and fizzy soda water). Standing room only.

Unchanged since the Spanish Civil War. Only serves dry sherry from Jerez straight from huge wooden casks with green olives and cured manchego.

Frequented by royalty and Hollywood stars; legendary for *huevos rotos* (crisp fried potatoes topped with runny fried eggs broken tableside).

Open 24 hours a day; grab an order of piping-hot, crispy churros and porras dipped into thick, molten dark chocolate.

Madrid's quintessential bite: an enormous bocadillo de calamares (fresh golden fried calamari stuffed into a crusty baguette) for just €4.