Madrid is one of Europe’s largest cities and certainly one of the liveliest, with bright blue skies and a vibrant culture. The compact city is located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula and has a population around three million. By day, visitors to Madrid can enjoy the many museums, monuments, and gardens throughout the city. Many attractions are within walking distance, and in between sights you can always find something to eat--in everything from a fine restaurant to a quaint café. The many restaurants in Madrid are sure to provide any visitor with delicious meals to suit your appetite. Choose from the numerous restaurants serving traditional cuisine or try a foreign delicacy. Whatever your tastes, you’re sure to find something to please.

The Plaza Mayor serves as the city center and is surrounded by impressive architecture. Madrid is the proud home to fine art galleries displaying Spanish art, as well as art from all over the world. There are numerous festivals throughout the year that celebrate Madrid’s culture. Start the new year in the Puerta del Sol and see if you can eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. Or visit Madrid during May to take part in the Fiestas de San Isidro to see true Madrid culture and even some traditional bullfighting.

The laid-back days contrast with the legendary high-energy nights. Residents of Madrid know how to party. They do it well, and they do it often. The endless bars, pubs, and clubs provide the backdrop for the dancing and socializing that lasts long into the early morning hours. Many of the bars and clubs are clustered together in different areas of the city, so bar-hopping with the crowd is a must.

If the bar scene isn’t your style, Madrid has many other nighttime activities. At least one classical concert, play, or dance performance is being performed in one of Madrid’s theatres on most nights. Or relax, sit back, and take in a movie in one of the cinemas.

No matter what your tastes or style, there is something for everyone in this city. Whether it’s the incredible architecture dating back centuries, the endless Spanish delicacies, or the exhilarating nightlife, there is always something to do and see in Madrid.