Madrid is the capital and largest city in Spain. The city is located in the heart of Spain on the river Manzanares. Because its location, the history, the political and financial headquarters Madrid is seen as the most important city of Spain. With a population of 3.2 million people Madrid is the third most populated city in the European Union after London and Berlin.
Madrid is a large, chaotic and variety city. Its impossible to give a good definition without seeing it yourself. By fact from year to date Madrid is known as one of the few European cities with a extensive nightlife. In fact its one of the only European cities where bars, nightclubs and discotheques are opened and full from Thursday night till Wednesday morning. While Madrid possesses a modern infrastructure and look, it still has a lot of historic buildings and national parks left to be seen.
One of the most famous historic sight seeings is the Palacio Real (the Royal Palace). Other landmarks include; the Teatro Real (Royal theater) which is a restored 1850 Opera House, the Buen Retiro park, National Library containing Spain’s historical archives, an archeaological museum of international reputation and three art museums; Museo del Prado, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza which hosts one of the finest art collections worldwide.
Travelers to Madrid need a valid passport and visa. American citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. In Madrid you don’t have to worry about transportation, its large and fair priced (a day pass costs €4.00 according to the latest measurement) underground metro network has 12 lines running across the city. The best time of the year to visit is spring, especially in the months April and May.
