No Spanish city gets under your skin like Madrid. Larger than Paris and Rome, this modern metropolis is constantly buzzing with activity and there are so many things to see and do.

The world-class Prado Museum displays more than 5000 paintings created during the Golden Age of Spain, and the 18th century grandiose Royal Palace is considered the Spanish version of Versailles. The Buen Retiro Park (“Parque del Retiro”) is an oasis of peace in the heart of Madrid.

The Plaza Mayor continues to be an important gathering place in Madrid. The expansive cobblestone square is a pedestrian area, surrounded by outdoor cafés and atmospheric restaurants shaded by its arcades. Strolling here or sitting in its cafés is one of the most popular things to do in Madrid at night. Madrileños love going out on the town, and the paseo por la noche (evening stroll) is a cherished ritual.

Art and culture play a key role in Madrid's cultural life. The capital has over 60 museums which cover every field of human knowledge. For those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, at the Buen Retiro Park it is possible to enjoy the sunshine, stroll, row on its lakes or feed the squirrels, in one of the greenest capitals in Europe.