Madrid is a modern metropolis full of energy and cultural attractions that gives visitors a taste of real Spain. Wide avenues are congested, but lovely parks help to break up the urban sprawl. Madrid lacks the traditional charm of Andalusia or the beauty of Barcelona, but it is a social hub with a vibrant café culture and a thriving nightlife. The city is alive with activity all the time, and there are so many things to see and do that visitors will be spoilt for choice. The world-class Prado Museum houses an endless collection of masterpieces from Spain's Golden Age, and the 18th-century Royal Palace rivals France's Château de Versailles. Visitors should make a point of visiting Madrid in the evening, when the city comes alive. Madrileos enjoy going out, and the paseo por la noche (evening stroll) is a popular pastime. If at all possible, avoid visiting during the summer when the heat is unbearable. Travelers who plan ahead visit Madrid in the spring or autumn to take advantage of the milder weather. Madrid, Spain's capital, is home to a diverse collection of historical monuments and art museums, as well as beautiful gardens and public plazas. Capital: Madrid International Airport: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) Population: 6.8 million Currency: The euro Time: UTC+1 Driving side: Right Main Electricity: 230 V Official Language: Spanish Religion: Catholic
The Prado Museum is a truly world-class museum with a collection of over 8,000 paintings and 700 sculptures. In the heart of Madrid, the Buen Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro) is a haven of peace. This opulent palace is the Spanish equivalent of Versailles, a royal court built to dazzle. During the reign of Philip III, the elegant Plaza Mayor was built as a center of commerce and municipal life, as well as the site of ceremonial events such as the proclamation of a new king and the canonization of saints. The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofa, founded by Queen Sofia in 1986, is Madrid's avant-garde center for contemporary art.
