Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a city marked by its cosmopolitanism and rich cultural and artistic heritage: the legacy of a tradition dating back thousands of years.

One of the city’s main attractions is the old town, which is a perfect blend of the classical and modern. Landmarks such as the main square, the Plaza Mayor, located in the Austrias district, packed with narrow streets and old churches, Cava Baja (one of the most popular areas in Madrid’s old town, where some of its most typical inns, bars and restaurants are located), the Plaza de la Villa, the Convento de la Encarnación and the Convento de las Reales Descalzas, the Palacio Real, the royal palace which is a blend of the classical and the baroque, the Plaza de Oriente, the Teatro de la Ópera and the Catedral de la Almudena are some of Madrid’s best-known tourist attractions.

La Latina, Lavapiés, Huertas, Chueca and Chamberí are some of the diverse neighbourhoods that reflect the authentic personality of Madrid.

The Puerta del Sol, in the centre of the city’s shopping district and the “Art Triangle” – comprising the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza (a showcase for over 800 paintings, sculptures and tapestries), the Museo del Prado and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (devoted to contemporary Spanish art, with works by Joan Miró, Picasso and Salvador Dalí) –, complete this monumental ensemble which also includes outstanding buildings such as the Banco de España, the Palacio de las Telecomunicaciones and the Cibeles and Neptune fountains.

The Biblioteca Nacional, the Museo Arqueológico Nacional, the Museo de las Ciencias Naturales, the Azca Centre and the Kio Towers are located near and along the Paseo de la Castellana, one of the city’s most famous thoroughfares.

Madrid’s Gran Vía is another of the capital’s landmark avenues, located near the Plaza de la Moncloa, the Plaza de España, the Temple of Debod and the Plaza de Callao, where the Calle Preciados and Calle Carmen converge.

Madrid is also overflowing with parks and gardens such as the Retiro, the Casa de Campo and the Parque Juan Carlos I, which make it possible for locals and visitors alike to enjoy pleasant strolls on light-filled days.

The Spanish capital offers a wide array of services and attractions. There’s always something to do. You can go to a concert or an opera at venues such as the Auditorio Nacional de Música or the Teatro Real; choose a play from one of the many theatres such as the Teatro Albéniz, the Teatro Calderón, the Teatro Lope de Vega and the Teatro del Círculo de Bellas Artes, which offer a wide-ranging and varied selection of performances. Madrid also hosts the main film premieres and is also the perfect place to enjoy exhibitions, ballets, restaurants – where you can sample the finest food from Spain and around the world – bars and inns. In addition to these leisure alternatives, the city offers a complete shopping experience and you can make purchases at the traditional shops or the most prestigious boutiques of the leading world brands.

Nightlife is another of the city’s attractions and there are a wide variety of bars and discotheques which can be combined with traditional street parties and popular festivals.