The Literary Quarter, in downtown Madrid, harks back to when the capital was home to the great Spanish Golden Age literature writers, and you can still see reminders of them in its streets and squares. The quarter's commercial activity also boasts an artistic flavour, with a wide variety of book shops and art galleries. The area's gastronomy also relies on the contrast between traditional and modern, combining tapas with restaurants and cafés where you can pause for a while. The nightlife here is another of its strong points, appealing to all styles, ages and tastes.