Welcome to Madrid, one of Europe's grand old cities and the political, geographic and cultural heart of Spain. The capital is a wonderful destination for first-time or seasoned travellers to Spain. Whether you are in Madrid for leisure, business, or indeed study, Madrid has everything you are looking for.

Cosmopolitan capitals and their denizens are said to give a sterile or false impression of their countries but Madrid is different. You will immediately feel, not just know, that you are in Spain. The capital of Spain generously offers not only manifestations of its idiosyncratic culture but also of traditions associated primarily to other regions such as flamenco and bullfighting. You can experience a meaningful glimpse of all of Spain right here with us in Madrid, and your visit to the city may leave you with a longing to discover the country's other regions…

Rather than the abundant outstanding architecture, it is probably the peoples lively outlook that will initially charm you as you arrive. A bit like New York…

Those who have come to study Spanish or who are merely interested in the language will find that a fairly neutral and easily understandable version of Spanish is spoken here. As for those wanting to go out or delve in the culture, Madrid is, along with Barcelona, the place in Spain to find the greatest variety of music, theatre, art, cuisine, and sophisticated night-life venues.

In these pages we will endeavour to include all the relevant information you will need when travelling to our fabulous city. On the practical front we will guide you in your selections of hotels, holiday apartments, car rentals, restaurants, cinemas, museums, shopping, theatres, bars, nightclubs, concerts, weather, transportation timetables, and more. And to learn about our city before you even get here, don’t forget to check our historical and other editorial sections, where we are continually adding photographic and textual content on the city.