Madrid

This hotel is literally just a stone’s throw from the legendary Gran Via – Madrid’s answer to Broadway. There are more theatres, cinemas and boutiques here than anywhere else in the city. But it's not just about the location. The Praktik Metropol has recently been fully restored to its original Belle Époque glory. The perfect place to "drop" after you "shop".

What do you get when you mix a passion for bikes, art and coffee? You get one of the hippest and coziest coffee spots imaginable. Enjoy some of the best coffee in the city here, either sitting at the bar, by the large bright windows or in one of the super-comfy couches. And if you have room for a treat, you should definitely try one of their homemade pastries... Nothing short of heaven!

El Huerto de Lucas (or Lucas’ garden) is more than your average grocery store. It is a 450m2 culinary oasis dedicated to providing food that’s healthy for both you and the planet. Bring a basket and fill it with products from the in-house bakery, delicatessen, green grocery, butchery…all 100% organic and 100% delicious!

How do you like your tapas served? If you're like me, it's with a tasty side of rock 'n' roll! Many locals come here for the authentic menu of local delicacies. But what they stay for is the music. The perfect spot for an up-beat lunch or late-night snack.

This bookshop specializing in visual arts with an emphasis on contemporary culture is very aptly named. For at Pantarhei (or “Everything Flows”, to quote the great philosopher Heraclitus) it’s almost like the literature is on tap. Fill up on anything and everything from graphic design and advertising to exhibition catalogues, art, fashion and photography books… And to keep things flowing freely, the friendly staff are always on hand to help you find whatever it is you’re looking for. Happy reading!

I bet you haven’t tried anything quite like Afri’s Cookies. What’s so special about them? To be honest, I can’t decide whether it’s the variety or the generous ingredients or the texture (crunchy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside) or that they’re baked fresh daily according to traditional recipes. So I'll leave it up to you!

If you love fashion, you can’t walk past Doble AA without going “Ooh” and perhaps also “Aahhh” at this sleek, multi-brand temple to the hottest urban trends of the moment. A must for your shopping itinerary.

Espacio Valverde offers space for creativity and innovation. Take one step inside and you can almost feel the ideas flying around here. It was founded in 2000 as a meeting point for young artists and has since sparked an impressive line-up of work in both visual and performing arts. Come and admire, interact and engage in this highly unique but personal artistic universe.

A spot of lunch or dinner? Or how about tapas and beers with friends? It was love at first sight when I walked into Bar La Gloria for the first time. Now this is a place where you can really feel at home. And as if the Andalusian specialties on the menu weren’t enough to tempt you, they also do live music!

Looking to get a bit of perspective on this unique city? Try the view from the rooftop of the Circulo de Bellas Artes! You'll be rewarded with an absolutely breathtaking panorama of this truly spectacular city. Well worth a visit on its own.

I heart Madrid. And I heart Corazón. This muy chulo cocktail bar keeps the good times flowing well into the night.