From the Arab conquest to ‘la Movida Madrileña’, the culture of Madrid is shaped by a history of religious and class schisms, imperial and national political conflict and dictatorial government – before an economic and cultural triumph in modern times. Madrid has around thirty museums, is home to the ‘Golden Triangle’ of art galleries, numerous theatres and thousands of bars and restaurants. With neighbourhoods catering for its wealthy, fashion-conscious and diverse communities and the late opening of shops, bars and restaurants, Madrileños have a varied and at times frenetic...