Madrid is the capital city of Spain and it’s home to over 3 million inhabitants. It is located in the centre of Spain in the heart of Peninsula 646 metres above sea level. Madrid is Europe’s third largest city (after London & Berlin). Due to it’s economic output, market size, standard of living, Madrid is considered to be the major financial centre of Spain. Madrid hosts majority of the Spanish companies head offices, as well as the headquarters of the three of the world’s 100 largest companies. As the capital city of Spain it is a political centre for Spanish parliament, Government and home of Spanish Monarchy. Madrid plays a major role in the banking and industrial sectors. Most of the industries like textile, food and metal factories are located in the southern part of Spain.
Following the restoration of democracy in 1975 and Spain's integration into the European Union, Madrid has played an increasing role in European finances, marking the city as one of the most important European metropolises.
Madrid is a city of great cultural and political importance and possesses a modern infrastructure. The city has managed to preserve the look and feel of many of it’s historic monuments with a wide culture offering remarkable collection of museums – The Prado, The Thyssen, The Reina Sofia and more, some amazing art galleries, parks, modern theatres, Flamenco venues, Bullfights etc.
Madrid offers Europe’s craziest nightlife, you will find people hopping from tapas bars to nightclubs wondering around until 6am. If you prefer to have a quiet night then you will find every kind of restaurant and cosy bars imaginable. If you are a sports fanatic then plan ahead to see the best football team of the 20th century, “Real Madrid” in action at the Bernabeu Stadium. For ladies there are over 54,000 shops ranging from Spanish Boutiques to all major designer brands.
The best time to visit Madrid is in the spring between March-May and autumn between September and October. The city has a fresh feel to it and it’s not too busy with tourists. If you love to party the Spanish way then visit during the month of May for Madrid’s biggest Fiesta’s. You will need to plan ahead as it’s not easy to find accommodation at this time of the year.
You can walk the centre of Madrid in almost 45mins. Metro is the easiest way to travel in Madrid, as the roads are full of traffic jams. Metro trains run daily from 06am-1.30am between 2-15 minutes intervals; there are also buses (autobuses) taxis and suburban train (cercanias). The Tourist Travel Pass is the most useful, convenient and economical way of travelling around Madrid. Pass holders are entitled to use all public transport services in the region, with unlimited use within a valid time period. The Tourist travel pass can be purchased from The Transport Consortium Offices, certain Tobacco shops, and Newspaper Kiosks, and points of interest for tourism.