Madrid Overview

In 1561, King Felipe II made Madrid the capital of what would become the world's biggest empire. Located in the center of the country, Spain's pulsing heart never stands still. Part of this dynamism is due to the city's cultural diversity. Madrileños and tourists alike frequent the thousands of restaurants, bars, and clubs packed throughout each of the city's diverse neighborhoods. As an international melting pot, Madrid is a place where you can walk into almost any venue and meet someone from the opposite corner of the world. By day, Madrid has two of the best art museums in the world: Museo del Prado and Museo Nacional Reina Sofia, the national museum of modern art. Some other must-sees are the Palacio Real, a vast 18th-century royal palace, and the Catedral de la Almuena.

Don't let all this culture talk make you think Madrid is all museums all the time. On the contrary, Madrid is filled with fun-loving people who love to lounge, eat great food, drink, and dance. Take a break from touring in gorgeous Parque del Retiro, the former retreat of the kings. To see Madrid's quirky side, head to the indie Malasaña neighborhood for one-of-a-kind cafes and bars, or check out Chueca, Madrid's vivacious gay district. Adopt the madrileño lifestyle and take an afternoon siesta to gather energy for after the sun sets, when Madrid's true character comes to life. Dine at 10pm with the locals or better yet, go (tapas) barhopping along Calle de las Huertas or any of the streets near Plaza Santa Ana..Consider yourself warned—big discos don't really get going until 2am or later, and partygoers stay out until the user-friendly metro opens at 6am, stumbling back home in a sea of commuters as the sun rises.

The Neighborhoods Of Madrid

Bordered by the beautiful Palacio Real in the west and the relaxing Parque del Retiro in the east, El Centro, the heart of Madrid, and it encompasses the city's most famous historical sites and modern ...more

Practical Information

Tourist Offices:Start off at the Madrid Tourism Centre in Plaza Mayor (☎ 91 588 16 36 www.esmadrid.com), where you can get city and transit maps as well as suggestions for activities, ...more