Madrid is Spain’s capital and most populous city; situated slightly to the north-east of the geographical centre of the Iberian peninsular. Although there have been settlements on the site since pre-historic times the origins of the modern city come from the 9th century, when Muhammad I ordered the construction of a small palace in the same place that is today occupied by the Palacio Real. Around this palace a small citadel, al-Mudaina, was built. The citadel was conquered in 1085 by the Christian King Alfonso VI of Castile, in his advance towards Toledo. The architecture of modern Madrid is dominated by the buildings erected over the centuries to house, serve and care for the spiritual needs of the royal court, who have resided in Madrid since the 16th century.

As Europe’s fourth largest metropolitan area, Madrid is a must-see for all those planning holidays involving the cultural highlights of Spain; cheap flights to Spain are available from companies such as Monarch from several UK destinations. 

Madrid’s rich past has merged with a colourful recent history to leave Madrid as one of the most vibrant, cosmopolitan and interesting cities to be found in Europe today. The summer heat in the Spanish central Castillian plateau (Meseta central), in which Madrid is located, can make visits at the height of summer rather uncomfortable, especially in comparison to the temperate climate to be found in the city in the spring and autumn months. The extremes of temperature to be found in the city are reflected in the lifestyles of the locals, who refer to themselves as Madrileños.  The heat of the day means that throughout summer the milder nights are the time when the city comes to life. Most bars in Madrid are open until 3am and many clubs do not close their doors until 7am. The variety of nightlife in Madrid is also impressive, with areas such as Malasaña offering pubs and bars mainly playing alternative, rock and punk music; whereas the La Latina region is the place to go for tapas and younger people in stylishly chic bars. 

Any trip to Madrid must include a visit to the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), an enormous palace, with scorching plains of concrete around it and the Real Armorial (Royal Armory), a two-story collection of medieval weapons and armor. The Royal Palace is considered to be one of the most emblematic and beautiful buildings in Madrid. The façades of the palace measure 130 meters long and 33 meters high with 870 windows and 240 balconies opening on to the facades and courtyard. It has a surface area of 100,000 square meters with 44 stairways and more than 30 principal rooms. Further sights to consider include the Puerta del Sol, El Retiro and the Gran Vía. All of these sights are accessible via the city’s convenient and clean metro system, unlocking Southern Europe’s largest city to any enthusiastic sightseer.