Grand buildings, vast plazas, celebrated museums and superb public gardens, this stately capital city has plenty to offer any visitor. The rich culture of central Spain is reflected in the top sights which include the Palacio Real, the largest royal palace in Western Europe, and the Prado, one of the world’s most celebrated art museums.

Take a walk through the historic Plaza de la Villa, containing the medieval Torre de los Lujanes, the cosmopolitan square of Puerta del Sol and along the celebrated shopping street, Gran Via. And don’t miss the lovely Plaza Mayor either. As well as sightseeing, Madrid is the perfect destination for sampling some of the country’s best tapas. Football fans can watch Real Madrid play at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium while families can head to the boating lake at Retiro Park to cool off on the water. Don’t leave without trying “churros”, crispy sticks of fried dough traditionally dipped into a cup of deliciously thick, hot chocolate.