The capital of Spain, located in the heart of the peninsula and right in the centre of the Castillian plain 646 meters above sea level,it has a population of over three million. A cosmopolitan city, a business centre, headquarters for the Public Administration, Government, Spanish Parliament and the home of the Spanish Royal Family, Madrid also plays a major role in both the banking and industrial sectors. Madrid is characterized by intense cultural and artistic activity and a very lively nightlife.

The grand metropolis of Madrid can trace its origins 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. Later it became the subject of a dispute between the Christians and Arabs until it was conquered by Alonso VI in the 11th century. At the end of the 17th century, a defensive wall was built for the protection of the new outlying areas, tracing the roads of Segovia, Toledo and Valencia. During the 18th century, under the reign of Carlos III, were designed the great arteries of the city, such as the Paseo del Prado and Paseo las Acacias.

Watch flamenco - Madrid is a stage for some of the best flamenco dancers in the world. Visit a flamenco restaurant for the perfect night-out.
See a bullfight -The best bullfighters show off their skills in Spain's capital.
Watch Real Madrid play - The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium plays host to one of the best football teams in the world.
Take an open-topped bus tour - See the most important sights and monuments in under 2 hours, enabling you to choose which to visit later.
Try some tapas - The quintessential and ubiquitous Spanish food.
Take a ride on Madrid's cable car -The Teleférico gives visitors wonderful panoramic views of many of the capital's best sights & attractions.
Visit some musems - The Prado - Europe's premier art museum. The Reina Sofia - see Picasso's 'Woman in Blue'.