Spain’s capital city Madrid offers a captivating mix of the traditional and modern with its intriguing historical sites, world-class art galleries, buzzing nightlife, gourmet food and sensational shopping. Located in the heart of Spain, Madrid is also the country’s centre for politics, economy and culture.

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Madrid Santa Maria la Real

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Madrid Temple of Debod

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Madrid Townhall

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Madrid Almudena Cathedral

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Madrid Puerta del Sol

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Madrid Royal Palace

Description

One of the highlights of this city is the impressive Royal Palace, a magnificent rococo palace which was once home to the Kings of Spain from Carlos III to Alfonso XIII and is now open to the public, with over 2,000 spectacularly sumptuous rooms to explore and discover. Madrid is pure joy for art lovers. ‘The Golden Triangle of Art’ located on the Paseo del Prado is home to three leading art museums; the Prado Museum, which contains masterpieces from the 12th -19th centuries, the Reina Sofia Museum which has an important collection of art from the likes of Picasso, Dalí and Miró and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

To regain a sense of peace in the midst of city life, visit the Retiro Park which was once a Palace garden and has a boating lake and fountains. Take a stroll through the park or take a seat at one of the several cafes and sit and watch the world go by.

Madrid’s nightlife is legendary – this truly is a city that never sleeps! Places don’t tend to get going until at least 11pm and many stay open until dawn. Much of the nightlife takes place in tapas bars but there are many alternatives to suit every taste and budget. The shopping in Madrid is great fun and the market El Rastro which is held every Sunday morning is a wonderful place to snap up a bargain.