Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, is a city rich in culture known for its world-class art museums, lively plazas, traditional tapas, and passionate flamenco. It blends historic charm with modern energy, offering visitors an authentic taste of Spanish life and heritage. Located at the exact geographic center of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid is the primary gateway to Spain. Its central location makes it the perfect "base camp," with high-speed trains (AVE) that can whisk travelers to Barcelona, Seville, or Valencia in under three hours. In Madrid, "late" is a relative term. Lunch typically starts at 2:00 PM, and dinner rarely begins before 9:00 PM. The streets remain alive well past midnight with locals (Madrileños) enjoying the city's legendary social scene. Madrid is consistently ranked as one of the safest capital cities in Europe. It is famous for its "inclusive" vibe; there is a local saying: "If you are in Madrid, you are from Madrid." It’s a city that makes tourists feel like locals within 24 hours.
Get to know the heart of Madrid beyond the postcard views and discover fun and fascinating facts
According to the Guinness World Records, Madrid is home to Sobrino de Botín, which has been in continuous operation since 1725. The restaurant still uses its original wood-fired oven to roast its signature suckling pig.
The Palacio Real de Madrid is significantly larger. With over 3,400 rooms covering 135,000 square meters, it is the largest functioning royal palace in Western Europe.
Madrid boasts one of the highest concentrations of masterpieces on the planet. Within a single square kilometer, travelers can visit the Prado, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums.
The Temple of Debod, dating back to the 2nd century BC, stands right in the heart of Madrid. It was a gift from Egypt to Spain in 1968 as a thank-you for help in saving the Abu Simbel temples.
Unwind with colors, drinks, and creativity in the heart of Madrid. At our Paint & Sip activity, you don’t need to be an artist to have a masterpiece moment.