This was our first time in Madrid and I cannot imagine a better location! Alberto was a great host and the apartment had everything we needed and even though it is in a busy location it was quiet for sleeping. (the only thing missing was a coffee maker-only instant, but we just took the mugs from the apartment to the restaurant across the street and got our morning caffeine fix) If you go left out of apartment and walk straight down to the next street there are numerous tapas bars and it is really fun and lively at night. We had dinner at Botin (world's oldest restaurant) and got in on a Sat. night without reservations even though it was full. Dinner was not cheap, but was very good. Also would recommend on the same street as Botin, La Taberna de Mister Pinkleton for an amazing flamenco show in a small, intimate setting. We made reservations for the 8:00 p.m. show on a Sunday night and it was packed. We just had drinks and then went elsewhere for dinner. Both Botin and Mr. Pinkleton are just around the corner a few minutes away. I would also recommend the city bus "hop and off' bus tour-we did both routes in one day and it gave us a real feel for the city. You can buy tickets and catch the bus at the Plaza Mayor. (go right out of apartment and 1st left-only 5 minutes walk) Besides that tour everything else was in easy walking distance from Alberto's apartment. Two grocery stores less than 5 minutes away. Thank you, Alberto we had a fabulous time in Madrid and would highly recommend your apartment!!