Andrew C.
Yelp
I love listings of cities on Yelp. This is where you can add random photos while there :) Happy to have found this one on Yelp!
Alcalá de Henares is where Miguel de Cervantes (the author of Don Quixote de La Mancha) was born. The city celebrates his birthday every year (October, 9) and organizes an annual Cervantes festival.
The city is also known for its old university and many beautiful historical buildings.
Quite crowded (Saturday evening in December), I expected it to be less busy. But not touristy at all.
If you are only after "Top 10 Madrid - then stay in Madrid the capital. If you want to see what is around definetely visit Alcalá!
Warning - you won't be able to eat in the evening until 8-9 pm. This is the time when kitchens open and cooks come to work. Plan accordingly.
Alcalá is best accessed by car, just some 30 minutes drive from the capital. There's a train from Madrid too.