Introduction
The capital city and epicentre of everything Spanish, Madrid is a city that never sleeps. There are many facets of Madrid, not being is a long history to boast off and it is not even bothered about this. They have made up for the lack of history with lots of museums that showcase the best European art scene. But, more than that Madrid is a party city, a place where no one seems to sleep before dawn. In fact, many people consider Madrid not one but two cities, one in day and another in the night and perhaps you will have enough time to enjoy both.

What to do
Regular sightseeing is a passé in Madrid if you are not an avid art lover. Historians weep over lack of historical architecture in Madrid, but they don't think that Madrid's refreshing environment, passionating nightlife, day trips to some fascinating places like Toledo and Segovia more than compensates for that. Don't forget to savour the world famous Spanish delicacies in some of the finest restaurants in Europe.

City at a Glance

Latitude 40º26N Longitude 3º42W Area 607 Sq Km Population 3,084,673 (city); 4,947,555 (metropolitan area) Language Spanish Religion Christianity Telephone Code 091

History
Unlike, most other European capitals, the foundation of Madrid was made by a Muslim, Emir Mohammed I (852-886). He ordered to construct a fortress to be built on the left bank of Manzanares River at the centre of Iberian Peninsula and named it "Magerit". Fights between Christians and Muslims continued over the control of the region until Alphonso VI comprehensively defeated the Muslims in 1085. The settlement remained in obscurity till 1561, when son and successor of Carlos, Fellipe II appointed Madrid as the seat of Royal Court of Habsburg Spain. By 1656, Madrid had a population of 150,000, but except the court it remained the filthiest city of Europe. The Habsburg Empire came to an end in 1700 and with that ill repute of Madrid. The history of Madrid always remained the usual story of wars, fights, dictatorships, and little development that too with the help of foreign money. The situation reached its pinnacle in 1936, with the dictatorship of Franco and Spain ushered in the decades of underdevelopment, poverty, and repression. Franco died in 1975 and new rule of Juan Carlos saw the transition from the dictatorship to democracy and poverty to progress.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
From June to September, Madrid is hit by extreme summer temperature while winter months are bitter with February being the coldest. Spring from March to May and October are the best months to be in Madrid when the city is fresh and not many tourists are headed towards it.

Attractions
Museo del Prado
Second most important art museum in Europe after the Louvre is perhaps still known to the general traveller. It is pity, as 7,000 works hanging on the walls of this museum contains some of the masterpieces by Angelico, El Greco, José de Ribera, Rubens, and the Spanish master Velázquez. Even if you are staying in Madrid for one day, spend at least three hours at this museum and appreciate the great paintings such as Annucniation, Adoration of the Shepherds, The Martyrdom of St. Philip, Three Graces, and Las Meninas (The ladies-in-Waiting).

Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Packed with works of 20th century great painters of Spain like Picasso, Miró, Dalí, and Gris, this modern art gallery of Madrid should be on essentials list. The best of the pack is Guernica of Picasso, an eloquent and massive black and white commentary on horrors of war.

Palacio Real (Royal Palace)
The construction of this 2000-room palace began in 1734 outfitted in barouque and rococo styles. Not all the rooms are open to the public viewing though the royal family is not staying in the palace anymore. Main attractions are Porcelain Room, Throne Room, Dining Room, Hall Columns, and Pharmacy. Museo de las Carruajes (Carriage Museum) has some interesting carriages on display before the advent of big sophisticated cars were invented.

Thyssen Bornemisza Museum
This is the newest art museum in Madrid situated directly across the road from Prado. This is a unique museum that contains works of Ghirlandaio, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, Memling, Rembrandt, El Greco, Goya, Monet, Manet, Picasso, Hopper, Mondrian, de Kooning, Degas, Dürer, Velázquez, and Dalí.

Museo de América (Museum of the Americas)
The conquest of New World bring with it a lot of prosperity and some of those treasures were in the form of Native American artefacts, parchments, inscriptions, jewellery, textiles and many prehistoric items. The museum houses all of these, making it perhaps the most remarkable collection of Native American objects.

Museo Lázaro Galdiano
Set up in a 19th century mansion by Senor Lázaro Galdiano the museum houses objects of decorative and fine arts. There are royal daggers and swords, pocket watches, medieval armour, Roman bronzes, and crystal and enamels from Limoges. Paintings by Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, El Greco, and Ribera can also be seen.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Entire city go crazy during carnivale in February/March, Fiesta de la Comunidad de Madrid in May, and Fiesta de San Isidro also in May. June and July are the months when the city celebrates most of the holidays and many establishments would be closed during this time. The bullfighting at Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas, largest bullfighting ring in the world is an image that can never be erased.

PLACES NEARBY
The day trips from Madrid are perhaps more sane thing to do than to just moving around aimlessly here.

Toledo
Toledo, the former capital of Spain and home of great painter El Greco can be reached within one and a half hour by train or bus from Madrid. Main attractions here are Cathedral, Iglesia de Santo Tomé, Museo de Santa Cruz, Sínagoga de Santa María La Blanca, Sínagoga del Tránsito, and Alcázar.

El Escorial
Buses and trains take around one hour Madrid to reach El Escorial famous for its late 16th-century monastery/fortress of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Other attractions are Royal Pantheon, New Museu, and Mesón la Cueva.

Segovia
What Madrid loses in terms of history has been made up by Segovia situated at two-hours ride by bus or train from the city. Main attractions are Roman aqueduct, cathedral, Alcázar, and El Bernardino.

SHOPPING
If you are looking for carpets then it is probably one of the best places in Turkey. In the old town you can shop for fruits, antiques, souvenirs, and other artefacts. Besides the city is coming up with a number of upmarket malls some of which are already there offering some good bargains in comparison to European markets.

After Hours
Madrid has the most explosive nightlife in entire Europe and for the locals it is a crime to sleep before dawn. The city abounds with tascas, dance halls, cafes, theatres, movie halls, music halls, nightclubs. The local populace is so passionate about their night life that they are famous as gatos (cats) in Spain. One drink maximum a night is religiously followed at most of the places which are centred mainly around Chueca, Huertas, and and Malsana Districts.

WHERE TO STAY
Hand-painted tiles, ceramics, and porcelain, handmade sweaters, and rugs mark the authority of Spanish Craftsperson who are still giving hours to create some very beautiful artefacts. Spain produces some of the finest leather items in the world and exploring the markets in Madrid should not be a bad idea. The Salamanca District is the usual shopping area of the city with Calle de Preciados being the exclusive shopping centre. For antiques, to to shops around Calle Ribera de Curtidores.

WHERE TO EAT
Basque is the most innovative and Spanish of cooking style. In the restaurants of Madrid you can taste cuisine from all the regions of Spain including local Madrilenos and Castillian cuisine. Paella, roasted meats, and chorizo are some of the most famous dishes that you can savour in the restaurants here.

TRAVEL INFORMATION
Air Travel Resources
Barajas International Airport is situated at a distance of around 13 km northeast of the city centre and connected to almost all the major destinations in Europe and North America. Regular buses would shuttle you to the city centre from the airport.

Land and Water
Trains and buses are available to many places in the neighbouring countries like France and Portugal. Chamartín is the main station that has services to the east of Spain and the French border. Overland journies to Madrid are arduous take too much of time and costs almost the same as the flights.

Local Transport
The underground railway in Madrid has 11 lines with major junctures at Puerta del Sol, Alonso Martinez, Opera, and Avienda de America. This is the best transport system in Madrid to move you around. Buses are efficient and provide straightforward service touching most of the major points. You can also use taxis, your own car, or hire pedal around to have a glimpse of the city.

TRAVEL RESOURCES
Tourist Office
Oficina Municipal de Turismo (City Tourist Office)
Plaza Mayor 3, 28012 Madrid
Tel: (91) 588 1636
Fax: (91) 366 5477

Airlines
American Airlines
C/Pedro Teixeira 8, 5°
Tel: 91 597 20 68/900 10 05 56

TWA
Plaza de Colón 2, 2ª
Tel: 91 310 30 94

Aer Lingus
Edificio España, Gran Vía 88, 10ª
Tel: 91 541 41 16

British Airways
C/Pinar 7
Tel: 902 11 13 33

Iberia
C/Velázquez 130
Tel: 91 587 75 92/reservations 902 400 500/information line 917 229 600

Medical Care
Ciudad Sanitaria La Paz, Paseo de la Castellana 263 (tel: (91) 358 2831
Clínico San Carlos, Plaza de Cristo Rey (tel: (91) 330 3748),
and General Gregorio Marañón, Calle Esquerdo 46 (tel: (91) 586 8000),

Bank and Money Exchange
American Express
Plaza de las Cortés, 2
Tel: 91/322-5500

American Express
Calle Francisco Gervás, 10
Tel: 91/572-0320