As the capital of Spain for the last 400 years, Madrid is a lively, bustling, thriving city, famous for all-night fiestas, stirring bullfights and vital cultural attractions.  The streets of Madrid are always hopping--with sightseers taking in historic landmarks, or partygoers darting in and out of noisy cafés.  Tourists often stroll through the old center of the city (Madrid de los Austrias) or along the tree-lined Paseo del Prado.  Highlights include the Palacio Real, a shrine to Rococo extravagance, and the Plaza Mayor, where heretics were once burned at the stake.

The city boasts several museums, such as the Prado, one of the world’s finest, and the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, which features work by Picasso, Dali and Miro. Each May, the San Isidro festival kicks off two weeks of the best bullfighting in Spain.

Madrid’s Museo del Prado is one of the most prized museums in the world.  First opened to the public in 1819, it houses all of the finest works collected by the Royal Family.  The highlights of the exhibit are the priceless Spanish masterpieces by Goya, Velzaquez and El Greco.

Madrid is known for its large public squares, called plazas. The two most popular are perhaps Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa.  The former is beautifully preserved and has historical significance as the former public market and forum commissioned by Phillip II. The Plaza de la Villa boasts several interesting buildings, including the Casa de la Villa, which was originally designed to be a prison but later became the Town Hall in 1787.

One of Madrid’s most popular attractions is the baroque Palacio Real (Royal Palace). Although construction began under Philip V, Carlos III was actually the first king to reside in the Palace.  It was to remain the primary royal residence until King Alfonso XIII was exiled in 1931.

Madrid has numerous parks, none more inviting or captivating than Parque del Retiro (which means retreat).  The park originally served as a sort of playground for the royal family. In the 1770’s, it became a public park.  Today, young and old alike still flock to the Retiro’s gardens, lakes, pavilions and play areas.

Spain is known for bullfighting.  The sport has long been celebrated as a romantic, if brutal, spectacle in which daring matadors take on the strongest, most ornery bulls.  Each year, beginning on May 15, the city of Madrid begins two weeks of unparalleled bullfighting at San Isidoro.  Of course, just as popular as the bullfighting is the all-night partying that accompanies the festival.

Caution: watch those summer crowds.  Spain is one of the most visited countries in Europe.  As the lively capital, Madrid is one of the main reasons for such a healthy tourist industry.  The summer months, particularly June and July, tend to get somewhat crowded.  Prices for airfare and accommodations also tend to escalate during those months.

In addition to the Museo del Prado, Spain is blessed with many fine museums.  To expand your cultural horizons (and avoid the potentially long lines at the Prado) check out the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, the Museo Sorolla, and the superb Centro de Arte Reina Sofia.  The latter is a former hospital and features the work of Picasso, Dali, and Miro.