Madrid has been a social hub for centuries. It has an enormous variety of culture, leisure and entertainment to please every one of the millions of people who visit every year.

Madrid is a cosmopolitan city, with a vibrant night life. This modern atmosphere provides a harmonious contrast to its important old quarter and its cultural traditions.

A broad transport network provides ease of travel to anywhere, and Madrid has an excellent and exclusive network of hotels. The traditional and the avant-garde live side by side, and open their doors to a dynamic, modern society. Seeing Madrid is a rite of passage for those interested in getting to know Spanish culture.

- Unmissable visit: The historic centre of the capital, also known as Madrid de los Austrias, and the spectacular Plaza Mayor were opened in 1620 and are living examples of the city's burgeoning elegance during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Close to the Plaza Mayor is the so-called centro aristocrático  where the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) shimmers as a 17th Century colossal construction; a mixture of baroque and classical styles. Next to it is the Plaza de Oriente, the opera house and the modern Catedral de la Almudena, consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993. The Puerta del Sol, surrounded by a varied and exclusive commercial area and the Paseo del Arte - thus named because of its unparalleled museums, palaces and gardens – round off the historical sightseeing itinerary. In these areas the buildings of Banco de España, the Palacio de las Telecomunicaciones and the Cibeles and Neptuno fountains all shine with their own light.  More Factoids