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Madrid is the capital city of Spain. The largest city in Spain with a population over 3 million. A city of culture, art and nightlife.
Madrid eGuide details the very best Madrid accommodation, provides an Madrid restaurant guide, details Madrid attractions and Madrid tours. Madrid official eGuide is the primary source for Madrid tourism information for Madrid. For complete Madrid Information please use the navigation on the left of this page, the Madrid site map or the quick links below.
Madrid is the capital of Spain, located in the center of the Iberian peninsula in the Castilian plain. Because Madrid is a landlocked city, it has a very dry climate, and summers can see temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Madrid is a truly “Spanish” city with a strong cultural identity and rich traditions. Home of flamenco dancing and bullfighting, Madrid keeps its history alive while playing an important role within modern Europe.
A stroll through the city center reveals the several “faces” of Madrid in its variety of architectural styles: Bourbon, Neo-Classical, Francoesque, Baroque, Art Deco, and Modernist, to name a few. The Plaza Mayor, at the heart of Old Madrid, is especially grand with its ornate balconies, dormer windows, and intricate frescoes that grace the facades of the surrounding buildings. In the past, Madrid's most famous square has hosted pageants, bullfights, and even public executions. Today, the Plaza Mayor is home to outdoor cafés, tapas bars, and shops.
Madrid has one of Europe's most sophisticated and active art scenes. For such a relatively small city, it has an impressive number of museums and galleries. The Prado is Madrid's most celebrated museum, containing the world's largest collection of Spanish art, including the works of Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. The Reina Sofía showcases modern art by Picasso, Dalí, and other famous 20 th century artists.
A visit to Madrid is as much a feast for the taste buds as it is a feast for the eyes. Spain is known for its many flavors, and Madrid has no shortage of restaurants, taverns, and café-bars where visitors can sample its representative dishes. Tapas is a Spanish tradition and an important part of everyday life. Spaniards tend to go from one tapas bar to another, sampling a different dish at each establishment while enjoying the company of friends and family. Traditional tapas dishes include cured meats, grilled prawns, anchovies, stuffed peppers, potatoes, and manchego cheese, among others. Classic desserts include churros (fried dough sticks coated in sugar) dipped in hot chocolate and buñuelos (choux pastry stuffed with cream or chocolate). Typical beverages include rioja red wine and cava (Spain's version of champagne) as well as sherry, sangria, and a variety of Spanish beers.
Madrid is well-known for its nightlife, and the city is populated by a number of lively bars and nightclubs. Madrileños rarely eat dinner before 9:00 in the evening, and the party can last well into the wee hours of the morning.
Madrid can be navigated by bus, tram, or taxi and is also connected with a metro system. Visitors can travel by train to the nearby towns and villages, such as Segovia and Toleda.
The team at Madrid eGuide very much hope that you enjoy your Madrid holidays and have a wonderful time in Madrid.
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