Ana Ruiz traces the Celt-Iberian, Roman, and Visigoth roots of the capital of Spain and explores Moorish Madrid of yesterday and today. She recounts intriguing legends and highlights curiosities and special sites in Madrid as well as Toledo. She explains place-names and terms, and the ample illustrations make this an unusual street-by-street guide for travel buffs and everyone who enjoys the kaleidoscopic culture of Spain.

As the capital city of Spain, Madrid is nowadays considered one of the most interesting “food towns” in the world. This is perhaps due to the wide variety of specialty dishes that its cuisine boasts, ranging from the old-fashioned and traditional to the modern, and even the futuristic; a cuisine that has consistently received high praise from the likes of New York Times’ critic Mark Bittman and TV celebrity chefs such as Anthony Bourdain and Mario Battali, to name just a few. But how did a once humble and unsophisticated city like Madrid become the vibrant food metropolis that it is today? How did contemporary madrileño cuisine come to be, and what are its main identifying dishes? What role have its legendary restaurants, cafés and markets played in putting Madrid in the map as one of the world’s top food destinations? Maria Paz Moreno looks at the gastronomical history of Madrid throughout the ages. She traces the historical origins and evolution of Madrid’s cuisine, exploring major trends, most innovative chefs, restaurants and dishes, and telling the story of this fascinating city from the point of view of a food lover. She discusses the diverse influences that have shaped Madrid’s cuisine over the centuries, including the introduction of foods from the New World since the 16th century, the transition from famines to abundance during the second part of the 20th century, the revolution of the Michelin-starred young chefs at the beginning of the 21st century, and how madrileños’ sense of identity is built through their food. The sense of community created through communal eating experiences is also explored, focusing on the culture of sharing tapas, as well as traditional and avant-garde eating establishments, from restaurants to bars to chocolaterías, and even markets and festivals where food plays an important part. Anyone wishing to know more about the city, the culture, the richness of its food and people, will find a delightful review in these pages.

Madrid has gone from shanty town to imperial capital in the last seven centuries. The local writers of Time Out Madrid assist travelers in seeing the city as a native, suggesting where to stay, eat, shop and experience its cultural offerings. Famed for its wild nights and lazy days, Madrid provides a whole lot more, from spectacular opera productions, chirpy folkloric zarzuela, and cutting-edge cuisine to ancient, tiled tabernas, designer-shoe shopping, and numerous flea markets. Written by resident journalists, Time Out Madrid also covers the artistic jewels housed in the Prado, Thyssen, and Reina Sofia, as well as the etiquette of watching a bullfight or joining in with a flamenco performance, as well as where to stay and how to escape the city heat. Also included are the intriguing stories behind some of the city’s best-known paintings, where to find gourmet tapas, the yoga centers, spas, and Turkish baths. Climbing, skiing, and hang-gliding are all within reach of the city, and suggested trips out of town are also recommended.

From Bilbao to the Canary Islands, Fodor's local writers have traveled throughout the country to find the best hotels, restaurants, attractions and activities to prepare readers for a journey of stunning variety.

Madrid, the city that never sleeps (except in the afternoon), comes under scrutiny in this guide. Madrid's most enjoyable sights, from the trio of great art museums to leafy local squares, are thoroughly explored, along with its cultural quirks and the best of its legendary nightlife.

Ana Ruiz traces the Celt-Iberian, Roman, and Visigoth roots of the capital of Spain and explores Moorish Madrid of yesterday and today. She recounts intriguing legends and highlights curiosities and special sites in Madrid as well as Toledo. She explains place-names and terms, and the ample illustrations make this an unusual street-by-street guide for travel buffs and everyone who enjoys the kaleidoscopic culture of Spain.