Madrid is the sunniest, highest and leafiest capital in Europe and its inhabitants, the Madrileños, are so proud of the city that they modestly declare "Desde Madrid, al Cielo" ("Beyond Madrid, only Heaven"). You can debate that claim, but this compact, fascinating and lively city has no shortage of appeal for a weekend break. Aim for late spring or very early summer - or September/October - when Madrid is really pleasant, as the mid-summer months can be overbearingly hot.

Equipped with Madrid DIRECTIONS, you have all you need to get the most out of the Spanish capital: the sights not to miss, the coolest bars, the best places to stay in all price brackets ... in short the best the city has to offer.

Browse our ideas section for inspiration before you go and you'll know exactly what you want to do, 24 hours a day. Check out the details in the places section and you can explore the whole city, district by district, with every sight, restaurant, bar and shop located on the easy-to-use maps.

It's like having a Madrileño friend plan your trip.