Madrilenos have helped shape Madrid into one of the continent's most friendly and open cities, something you can see for yourself by staying in a Madrid hotel. The Spanish capital's residents are known the world over for their love of life, and thanks to their positive and welcoming attitude, there's pretty much always something going on, no matter what time of day or night.

There's no doubt about it; Madrid is a party town. When you're here, do as the Madrilenos do - before gathering in the city's many bars and clubs, start the evening with some traditional tapas and Spanish beer. After this, it's time to move on to some of Spain's legendary cocktails and party the night away. Forget about leaving at 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning, much of Madrid doesn't wind down until 6am, by which time you'll certainly be glad of your hotel bed.

If it's a quieter break you're after however, then no fear - why not take advantage of one of Madrid's smaller bars or restaurants? Try and see where the locals go - it is these eateries where you can be sure of some authentic Spanish cuisine and more reasonable prices. You'll also be able to practise the local lingo, so remember to pack your phrasebook.

Hotels in Madrid are usually the preferred option for city breakers embarking on a stay in the Spanish capital, and spending a night or two in a cosy hotel room is the ideal base from which to explore this most fascinating of European destinations.

There is an ongoing debate as to whether Madrid has its own style of cuisine or not. What is certain, however, is that it has embraced different recipes from all over Spain. One of the best known local recipes is Cocido Madrileno, a stew containing chickpeas and various different types of vegetables. It is served with beef, chicken or pork to create something rather delicious - so why not consider Madrid hotels and come and sample some of the Spanish capital's finest eateries?

Tapas is probably Madrid's oldest culinary tradition, with dishes containing of a range of savoury snacks served as appetisers. The city is full of specialist tapas outlets accommodating the 'ir de tapeo' (going out for tapas) tradition, which means you won't have far to look for some authentic Spanish food.

If tapas takes your fancy, you should consider a visit to La Latina, one of Madrid's most historic neighbourhoods. Known throughout the world as one of the best places to discover traditional Spanish tapas, La Latina is especially popular among the city's 30-somethings looking for a more refined evening out. If you wish to get away from the crowds, the district is also home to some of the Spanish capital's quaintest churches and plazas. It's always fun getting lost before stumbling across a pretty little eatery for lunch.

While heading to a local restaurant is an excellent way of mingling with the locals, so to is shopping. One of Madrid's best shopping locations is the El Rastro flea market, the largest outdoor market of its kind in Europe. Handily located right in the city centre between Plaza Mayor, La Latina and Puerta de Toledo, El Rastro's traders set up their stalls every Sunday morning in the city's oldest residential district - making it a huge draw for locals as well as tourists.

Because of the market's size, virtually anything is sold here. It sticks to a rough layout despite not being formally organised - if it's clothing you're after, for example, you should head to the top of the hill, while arts and handicrafts can be found in the streets to the west. You can expect to find a whole range of goods at the base of the hotel, where stalls sell anything from old books to electrical goods.

Due to El Rastro's location, the market is an excellent place to mingle with the locals and have a go at haggling. Who knows, you might find the perfect souvenir to take home with you at a bargain price. If you want to make the most of shopping during your visit to Madrid, you may also wish to visit the Gran Via, which is the city's equivalent to Oxford Street. Home to a number of malls located in old theatres, the boulevard is as popular with shoppers as it is with architecture enthusiasts.

This is due to the imposing 'edificios' on the street's buildings. Wonderfully decorated, visitors to Gran Via can indulge themselves in Art Deco, Vienna Secession, Plateresque and Neo-Mudejar architectural styles. Never thought about taking your camera on a shopping trip before? Well, in Madrid it might be a good idea to!

If you're visiting Madrid this summer, you'll no doubt have one eye on discovering somewhere to cool off. Sadly, there's no sea nearby, but don't that let put you off. June and mid-to-late August is probably the best time to visit - during July, temperatures regularly top 40 degrees C. During August, the city feels noticeably quieter too - this is because millions of Madrilenos travel away from the city on holiday.

Parque del Retiro, which translates as Park of the Pleasant Retreat, is the perfect place to cool off. Boasting a variety of beautiful structures and monuments, the park, which is also known as 'the lungs of Madrid', is the ideal place to catch a cool breeze and a bit of shade on a hot summer's day. What's more, the lake it contains is one of the city's most popular attractions during June, July and August.

Now's the perfect time of year to plan your Madrid city break, so why not come and see for yourself what the city has to offer?

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