Every time I walk past the corner of Calle Fernando VI and Calle Pelayo, I see people stop in their tracks. They look up, tilt their heads, and usually say the same thing: "I didn't know Madrid had buildings like this."Meet the Palacio de Longoria.

If you’ve ever walked down Calle Fuencarral, you’ve probably stopped for a second to stare at that massive, swirling stone entrance at number 78. It looks like a giant, carved wedding cake. That’s the Museo de Historia de Madrid, and since the restoration was completed late last year, it is looking absolutely spectacular.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of modern-day Madrid and step directly into a time machine, there is no better place than the Museo del Romanticismo. Located in the heart of the trendy Malasaña neighborhood, this museum is housed in a stunning 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Marquis of Matallana.

Explain that in Spain, the "Three Wise Men" (Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar) are the ones who bring gifts to children. The parade on the evening of January 5th is their grand arrival into the city. It’s a massive spectacle with giant floats, acrobats, music, and tons of candy!

Inspired by the street food markets of London and New York, this "gastromarket" is the perfect place to grab a high-quality bite in a chic, industrial setting. Whether you are a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a couple on a shopping break, this is where Madrid’s trendy crowd comes to eat.

If you’re visiting Madrid and want to see where the locals actually shop, look no further than Calle Fuencarral. Stretching from the iconic Gran Vía all the way up to the Glorieta de Bilbao, this largely pedestrianized street is the heart of Madrid's urban fashion scene.But the real magic isn’t just on the main street—it’s in the colorful side alleys of Malasaña, where the best second-hand and vintage treasures in Spain are hidden.

Madrid is one of the most vibrant places in the world to welcome the New Year. From the world-famous chimes at Puerta del Sol to glamorous gala dinners and all-night parties, Nochevieja (New Year's Eve) in the Spanish capital is an experience you’ll never forget. If you are lucky enough to be in Madrid on December 31st, here is everything you need to know to celebrate like a local!

Forget the historical grandeur of the Royal Palace for a moment. If you want to dive into the vibrant, beating heart of modern, alternative Madrid, you need to head straight to Malasaña.