Madrid, the capital of Spain, is situated on a high plateau at the centre of the country on the river Manzanares. With a population of over 3 million people, Madrid is a cosmopolitan city and an important financial and business centre as well as the focal point of the administration, the Government, the Spanish Parliament and the home of the Royal Family. Madrid is a city with an intense artistic and cultural activity with 15 main museums and several art galleries and private collections. Famous museums such as the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen Bornemisza can take a few days to visit in depth. Madrid is a 24 hour city with an intense nightlife, dinner is never served before 10 at night and the people continue socializing until the early hours of the morning either in clubs or late night cafés. The people from Madrid seem to need only a few hours sleep per night, it is probably thanks to the long afternoon siestas.
The best time to visit Madrid is in spring and autumn when the climate is warm but not torrid and the city is not overcrowded with tourists. At the end of May, the Festival of San Isidro is one of the Spanish capital’s most spectacular events including music, operas, bullfights, and all night dancing.
The Victory Arch, Palacio Real, Puerta del Sol and Plaza de las Clibeles are all interesting sites as is the Retiro Park near the Prado museum, which is one of the nicest parks in Madrid.
Friendly people, good food, sunshine and a lively atmosphere make Madrid a popular destination with tourists.