Report and photos Florian Guillemin.
If you have an hour...
As you might expect, Madrid's business district is not renowned for its cultural offerings. It is here, however, that one of the city's great symbols stands, and one whose aura has reached a global dimension: the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. A visit to the Real Madridnamed best football club of the 20th centurye century - is well worth the diversions. With its plethora of trophies, changing rooms and pitchside areas, the home of the 'White House' is sure to interest even novices.
... or an afternoon
With more time on your hands, you can set off to discover the treasures of Madrid, starting with the Plaza Mayorpushing all the way to Palacio Real and the cathedral ofAlmudena the neighbouring town, or by going green in the Retiro Park. As for the famous Prado MuseumIt will take up half a day. To take the pulse of today's Madrid, we'll be heading to MalasañaThis is the capital's hipster district, with its mix of thrift shops, vegan restaurants, tattoo parlours and trendy boutiques. In fine weather, the coquette Plaza del Dos de Mayo is home to a small market, lined with bars and restaurants. Ideal for soaking up the dynamism of the local youth.
Shopping
There are three main shopping options for business travellers. The easy option is to stay in the heart of the AZCA district, with Spain's largest representative of the famous ready-to-wear chain Zara and the local Galeries Lafayette, El Corte Inglès. The luxury brands are concentrated in the Salamanca district, to the north-east of the historic centre. The hipster district of Malasana caters for a broad public,
with a concentration of small, original shops and resolutely trendy concept stores such as the Paracaidista.
