If you believe all you read in the tourist guides, Spain’s capital was never all that much to write a postcard home about. It was awarded its status in 1561 by King Felipe II. But the has-been city has now been revived into one of Europe’s most energetic playgrounds.
Cruising through the heart of Madrid’s Chueca district, the beautiful people all around us, we’d have to concur. The clock clicks from 01.59 to 02.00, and even though it’s not the weekend, there’s no sign of the Madrileños calling it a night. Bars are heaving, pavements are bustling and smiles radiate enthusiasm every which way you look.