DJ and producer Sandro Bianchi is the resident tune spinner at Museo Chicote, Charada Club de Baile and Weekend. He has lived in Madrid for 24 years.
Madrid is already a truly diverse city but it's getting more cosmopolitan every day. Our museums and galleries are world class. The must-see for art lovers is the Golden Triangle. The most famous of these three museums is the Prado. There's also the Thyssen Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia Museum, which is home to Picasso's Guernica.
You could spend an age enjoying the traditional side of Madrid but trends develop fast here and the city is teeming with new talent. There are lots of cool new shops in Chueca. Moustache sells hip brands like Wood Wood and Pendleton, and Black Track, just around the corner, stocks a slick selection of fixed-gear bikes — the perfect ride for cruising around the city.
If I'm loooking for something special I usually go to Gallery, an über-cool concept store, perfect for designer pieces. Sportivo, Mini y Duke in Conde Duque is split into three distinct zones showcasing urban fashions, smart labels, and an unbeatable shoe department. Lanikai is the place for streetwear and snowboard gear and Isolée is definitely worth a look. It sells everything from Diptyque candles to speciality foods.
For a great read check out Panta Rhei. It carries an eclectic and personally edited selection of books. There's also a little gallery there.
I love the architecture of Madrid, and my favourite buildings are in and around Plaza Cibeles. There's an amazing view to Puerta del Sol and the beginning of the Gran Via. If you want to see some green space, head to Casa de Campo. It's perfect for a picnic or a kickabout. There's also a zoo, a funfair and a lake. It's a little bizarre but you'll probably see lots of hairless dogs around — I suppose you could say they are the new pet on the block. I have one called Calata.
An ideal weekend for me might include an exhibition, followed by tapas, cañas y vinos, and a bit of street life. I eat out more than I eat at home so I've got to know the food scene very well. La Manduca de Azagra is my favourite. It's a Navarre restaurant that takes the quality of their raw ingredients very seriously. Vegetables are grown in their own garden and the traditional food is updated without losing the classic essence of Spain.
Asiana is a restaurant concealed inside an Oriental furniture store. It's a bit of a hidden gem. There are less than ten tables spread throughout the space, so it's perfect for an intimate dinner. It serves delicious Peruvian Nikkei food - a sort of Japanese and Peruvian fusion cuisine. Go for the tasting menu, you won't be disappointed. For a top-notch speedy snack I always head to Magasand. The sandwiches are the best in Madrid.
Le Cabrera is my favourite bar but it also serves fantastic food. You can sit at the bar and mingle with the chef, Benjamin Bensoussan, then head downstairs for one of their supreme cocktails. I love the décor and the friendly energy there. As for clubbing, the scene in Madrid is booming. Musically, black is back, and house and disco is invading the dancefloor. A good circuit includes Museo Chicote, Demodé, and Charada Club de Baile. Weekend, El Junco and Marula Café are also great, but ask around for information on the hottest nights and happenings.
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