Nestled in the mountains of central Spain, Madrid is a lively place full of historic buildings, palaces, art galleries, restaurants,bars and museums. It has been Spain’s capital for the past 400 years, and as a major financial centre it is home to the head offices of most of Spanish large companies.

1.) Walk along the Prado

Running through the centre of Madrid is the Paseo del Prado, a wide, tree-lined avenue where locals and visitors stroll, meet friends, and watch the world go by.

2.) Visit museums and galleries

Along the the Paseo del Prado you can find many museums and galleries, including the Prado Museum (el Museo del Prado), which contains a huge collection of paintings, sculptures and other works of art dating back to the 12th century from Spain and others parts of Europe. Within a short walk of the Prado Museum you can find two other famous museums, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Queen Sofia Museum (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía). These three museums make up the “Golden Triangle of Art”.

3.) Go to a concert or other musical performance

There are quite a few orchestras and other musical groups in Madrid who perform regularly. The Spanish National Orchestra, for example, plays at the National Auditorium of Music every Friday and at weekends.

4.) Visit the plazas

There are a number of plazas in Madrid that are well worth a visit if you’re interested in archecture, including the Plaza Major in the centre of the city, the Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun), and the Plaza de Cibeles.

5.) Visit the Royal Palace

Madrid’s Royal Palace (Palacio Real) is the Spanish King’s official residence, although the King and Royal family actually life in the Palacio de la Zarzuela in the outskirts of the city. The palace is partially open to the public when not being used for official occasions.

6.) Go to the theatre

The Teatro de la Zarzuela stages traditional Spanish musical theatre performances, as well as operettas and recitals.

7.) Go to the Opera

The main opera house in Madrid is the Teatro Real (Royal Theatre) where you can see opera, ballet and recitals.

8.) Go clubbing

Madrid has a lively nightlife with numerous night clubs where you can dance into the early hours of the morning.

9.) Go to a bullfight

Bullfights are held every day from mid-March to mid-June and on Sundays and public holidays from June to October.

10.) Go to a football match

Madrid is home to four football teams, including the world-famous Real Madrid, so if football’s your thing, be sure to visit to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, or one of the other local football stadiums.