Never understood the importance of a siesta? Wait until you visit Madrid. The city is famous for its nightlife and so locals follow a different rhythm of life than most. Breakfast tends to be light, lunch is the main meal of the day (usually between 2-4 p.m.), and dinner doesn't tend to start until 9 p.m. And don't think you'll be in bed by 10:30: nightlife rarely starts before midnight and many bars stay open until dawn. That afternoon nap suddenly feels a lot more necessary.

Whatever you do, don't try to drive in Madrid. This will help both your stress levels and your finances (parking is limited and expensive). The city has a great public transport network with a metro, bus, and train system that covers most of the key neighborhoods that you'll want to explore. The best way to get around is by buying a tourist travel pass, which offers unlimited travel across all public transport for a certain number of days. Stay in the center of the city for easy access, especially if you're only visiting for a few days.

After a heavy lunch, dinner often looks like tapas or raciones, shared with friends. Madrid is renowned for its tapas culture and the most authentic places are usually the noisy, atmospheric, a-little-too-cozy-for-comfort-standing-room-only spots. Many places offer free tapas with every drink you order, so you can sample different specialties without breaking the bank. Raciones are larger tapas portions, but we'd recommend going on a little tapas crawl first to truly discover the tastes of the city.

Madrid is a stylish city, and locals like to dress well. You won’t see many people wearing shorts, flip-flops, or sweatpants, even in the summer. Instead, you’ll see elegant outfits and full faces of make-up, with accessories and shoes to match. If you want to blend in, pack some smart casual clothes, and avoid anything too flashy or revealing. You’ll also want a good pair of comfortable shoes, like smart white trainers, as you’ll be walking a lot.

Madrid is an incredible city if you're into history, culture, and art. But its popularity means a little preparation is essential. Places like the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), the Prado Museum, and Retiro Park often get busy, and the palace in particular books up a week or two in advance during high season. Buy your tickets in advance, either online or at a ticket office around the city. Pay attention to discounts, too, if you're a student or a youth card holder.