April 2013
Masterpieces by big names in hyperrealism, including Chuck Close and Don Eddy, make "Hyperrealism", a special exhibition at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, a must. Until 9 June (Palacio de Villahermosa, 8 Paseo del Prado, tel: 902 760 511, museothyssen.org).

March 2013
Opera heart-throb Juan Diego Floréz heads the cast of Bizet's exotic opera Les Pêcheurs de Perles. Mozart's fabulous comic masterpiece Cosi Fan Tutte is also on the bill during March (teatro-real.com).

April 2013
During April don't miss the chance to experience the vibrant colours of the spring flowers, particularly the thousands of dahlias in the Madrid botanical gardens next to the Prado Museum. End your visit with a walk through the large greenhouse (2 Plaza de Murillo, tel: 914 203 017, rjb.csic.es).

March 2013
Take a stroll on the kilometre-long pedestrian streets starting from the Prado Museum, passing along Calle Huertas, through Plaza Mayor and ending at the Royal Palace, as you discover history, architecture, shops and restaurants along the way.

March 2013
Jump on the high-speed AVE train at Atocha station and 30 minutes later you can be strolling the medieval streets of Toledo. Take time to visit the cathedral and castle, before enjoying lunch and spectacular views at the Parador restaurant (1 Plaza Palacio).

February 2013
Jump on a high-speed AVE train and in just 2.5 hours you can be at the beach in Valencia. Treat youself to a paella, have a swim, lie on the sand and enjoy the sights before returning to Madrid on the last AVE service.