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Madrid is the capital of Spain and the largest city in the Iberian peninsula. It is also the third most populous city in the European Union after Paris and London. Its effect on and politics, as well as its major cultural influence, has ranked Madrid one of the major global cities of the world. Madrid is also the largest city in Spain, as well as in the province and the autonomous community of the same name.

It is located on the river Manzanares in the center of the country, between the autonomous communities of Castilla-León and Castilla-La Mancha. Due to its economic output, standard of living, and market size, Madrid is considered one of the major financial centers of the Iberian Peninsula, together with Barcelona and Lisbon. As the capital city of Spain, seat of government, and residence of the Spanish monarch, Madrid is also the political center of Spain. As the capital of Spain, Madrid is a city of great cultural and political importance.

While Madrid possesses a modern infrastructure, it has preserved the look and feel of many of its historic neighborhoods and streets. Its landmarks include the huge Royal Palace of Madrid; the Teatro Real (Royal theatre) its restored 1850 Opera House, ; the Buen Retiro park, founded in 1631; the imposing 19th-century National Library building (founded in 1712) containing some of Spain‘s historical archives; an archaeological museum of international reputation and superb art museums like: Prado Museum, which hosts one of the finest art collections in the world, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, a museum of modern art, and the Thyssen - Bornemisza Museum, housed in the renovated Villahermosa Palace. The residents of Madrid are called Madrileños.

The modern Madrid ranks as one of the most important cities in Europe. Madrid is a leading southern European city and the most important link between the European Union and Latin America. The modern metropolis is home to over three million people. As expected with any major European capital city, each district (or barrio in Spanish) has its own feel. Madrid is one of Spain‘s most popular destinations, and its well known for the quantity of cultural related attractions and monuments that the city has embraced. Madrid is also noted for its nightlife and night clubs. On weekends, Madrilenian youth are famous for dancing all night long, stopping off only for having some chocolate y churros at dawn, go home, take a shower, shave, and go to work. It is also popular the practice of meeting in parks or streets with friends and drinking alcohol together (that is called ‘botellón‘, from ‘botella‘, bottle), but from a few years back drinking in the street is sanctioned with a fine and now young madrileños drink together all around the city instead of in some well known places.

Some of the most popular night destinations include the neighbourhoods of: Bilbao, Tribunal, Alonso Martinez or Moncloa, apart from Puerta del Sol area (including Opera and Gran Via, both adjacent to the popular square) and Huertas (barrio de Las Letras), destinations which are also filled with tourists day and night. The gay district of Chueca has also become a hot spot in the Madrilenian night life, not only for gay people but also for straights looking for fun in their crowded clubs and popular discotheques.

Madrid hosts the largest Plaza de Toros (bullfighting ring) in Spain, Las Ventas, inaugurated in 1931, and where bullfighting seasons are considered the most important in the world. It has the capacity for an audience of almost 25,000. Madrid‘s bullfighting season begins in March and ends in October. There are bullfights everyday during the festivities of San Isidro (Madrid‘s patron saint) from the middle of March to the middle of June, and every Sunday or holiday the rest of the season. The style of the plaza is Neomudéjar. Nowadays, it also hosts music concerts and other events outside of the bullfighting season.

GO THERE FOR

The Food - Madrid is a melting pot for cuisine from across the Spanish peninsula, in fact some gourmets even argue whether native Madrid cuisine even exists because of its hybrid roots. The truth is that the capital of Spain has enriched its dishes with unique contributions from the Andalusians, Galicians and Asturians who have settled in the city. Make sure you ‘ir de tapeo’ (go out for tapas) during your stay at one of the hundreds of bars scattered throughout the streets of Madrid.

Historical Interest - The Madrid of today can trace its origins back to the times of Arab Emir Mohamed I (852-886), who ordered the construction of a fortress on the left bank of the Manzanares river.Reminders of the city’s distant past are still visible today thanks to the Baroque and neoclassical architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries including the stunning Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real. 

Art and Culture - Madrid is home to some of the most unique collections of art in the world, some of which you will find in the impressive Museo Nacional Del Prado displaying works from the 12th Century through to the 19th. Madrid also features some of the best flamenco clubs in all of Spain, making it the perfect place to witness a performance of this dramatic Spanish tradition.

DON’T MISS

A legendary flamenco venue where some of the world's greatest flamenco musicians and dancers have performed. A true taste of this passionate and fiery side to Spanish culture.

This private collection was acquired throughout the 20th century by the different Barons of Thyssen and has only been accessible to the public since 1992. The collection is renowned in the art world as it contains works from some of history’s greatest masters from Hans Holbein the younger to Monet and even Lichtenstein.

Guided City Tours

The Madrid Tourist Board has put together a number of guided tours, enabling tourists to experience the many diverse sides of the city. Depending on your personal interests, you can choose between a traditional sightseeing tour, or tours with a particular historical, architectural or culinary theme. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the many facets of this uniquely cultural city. 

BASICS

Visas: Spain is part of the border-free travel zone known as the Schengen Area. US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Israeli citizens are among those who may enter Spain as tourists without a visa and stay up to 90 days. EU passport holders can come and go as they please.

GETTING AROUND

At the Airport…

Transfer between terminals: Moving walkways connect the airport's four terminals and a free transfer bus is available for passengers changing flights and terminals.

Getting to the city: The airport bus connects to the Plaza de Colon, departing from the arrivals level of each terminal every 15 minutes, day and night. Several car hire companies are represented at the airport. Madrid Barajas Airport is about a half-hour drive from the centre of Madrid.

Trains on the Spanish Railway Network (RENFE) do not run to the Madrid-Barajas Airport but long-distance, AVE and suburban train stations are accessible using the Underground. Trains run daily, linking to the city and stations connected to the main rail network. The airport is served by regular EMT and Intercity buses, as well as the Metro system and local taxis.

Car rental: Avis, Hertz, National and Europcar.

Airport Taxis: There are official taxi stands outside each terminal. Visitors are advised to use these rather than unofficial taxis. Journey time to the city centre is around half an hour.

Around Town…

Madrid Metro: The Madrid Metro is a cheap and flexible way to move quickly through the city. Open daily from 0600 to 0200.

Madrid Bus: Madrid has an excellent network of bus routes; the buses are cheap and provide a great way to get around the city when it’s not too hot. Some routes are 24hrs a day.

Madrid Taxi: Use registered taxis which must display fares as well as surcharges to avoid falling victim to extortionate fares.

WHEN TO GO

The ideal time to visit Madrid is in the early summer (May-June) when the temperatures are still rising and have yet to peak (average May high 21.4˚C/70.5˚F, average June high 26.9˚C/80.4˚F) and the city is buzzing. The heat isn't as stifling as in July and August. 

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