Despite being part of Spain's biggest city, Madrid's centre is surprisingly walkable and compact. It's ideal for a memorable two-part day of discovery on foot.

With a strong coffee, a sturdy pair of shoes and a fair wind you can string together a morning walk along its grand avenues, royal palaces and evocative plazas on a panoramic ramble through Spanish history. To make life easy, we provide written steps for a walking tour which you do at your own pace, pausing where you please.

If the morning is all about Madrid's illustrious past, this afternoon we'd love you to explore its multicultural present. In no time at all you can walk from the grandeur of catholic, conservative and regal Madrid into the Lavapiés district, a place of colourful streets, ethnic restaurants, vibrant markets and community theatres. 

Few tourists venture here, but the contrast is remarkable and gives you a real feel for Madrid's more local side. You can download a brilliant audio tour created by a local resident, which tells stories as you fill up your camera with gorgeous photos.