The capital of Spain, located in the heart of the peninsula and right in the center of the Castillian plain 646 meters above sea level, has a population of over three million. A cosmopolitan city, a business center, headquarters for the Public Administration, Government, Spanish Parliament and the home of the Spanish Royal Family, Madrid also plays a major role in both the banking and industrial sectors. Most of its industry is located in the Southern fringe of the city, where important textile, food and metal working factories are clustered. Madrid is characterized by intense cultural and artistic activity and a very lively nightlife.

• Madrid Tourist Guide

• Madrid's world-famous tapas bars and exclusive shopping opportunities are not the only highlights of Spain's colourful capital, as the city also boasts a range of fabulous architecture and a thriving, pulsating nightlife. Fantastic museums, such as Museo de América, and a wealth of art galleries such as the world-famous, Museo del Prado, modern art extravaganza, Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, and the envy of the world, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, all add to the wonderful scene in the capital, as do the impressive grand squares, such as central Plaza Mayor and gardens, such as the exquisite Parque del Retiro. One of the largest palaces in Europe is located here, the spectacular Palacio Real, as well as El Escorial, a magnificent palace set against a backdrop of the Sierra de Guadarrama. The shopping opportunities in Madrid are not just limited to the wares of Europe's top designers, such as Adolfo Domínguez, there is also the famous El Rastro market, which is more than 400 years old. The city is also home to one of the top football teams in the world, Real Madrid, whose home stadium, the huge Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, is one of the city's most celebrated sights. Other sporting highlights of this energetic city are Estadio Vicente Calderón, where Real Madrid's arch-enemies Atlético de Madrid play, and the Pabellón Raimundo Sapporta, home of basketball pros Real Madrid, who share their namesakes' acheivement. The other major Madrid pastime is bullfighting, which mainly takes place in the Las Ventas stadium in the Plaza de Toros. Here up to 25 000 spectators come to take in this highly controversial sport. Although the city suffered tragic bombings in 2004 on its city trains, it has recovered admirably, and now hosts a city alive with culture, architecture and design. Major Madrid highlights also include fabulous performance art venues, such as Teatro Real, Teatro Monumental, and the stunning Casa de América; as well as a vibrant nightlife with popular clubs such as Joy Madrid and Villa Rosa always heaving. Madrid's famous dancing expertise, Flamenco is also popular amongst night revellers, with many clubs catering to this exclusively such as Casa PATAS and Las Carboneras. Architectural gems are Torre Picasso, the tallest building in the city, Metrópolis, the archetypal symbol of Madrid, the Palacio de Comunicaciones (General Post Office), which features a magnificent stained-glass roof, and the iconic Puerta de Europa (Gateway to Europe), Madrid's contemporary version of a triumphal arch of leaning towers of glass and metal. The famous Madrid Carnival is another highlight of this exuberant city, as is the unforgettable New Year's Eve party around the Puerta del Sol. One thing's for sure, your trip to Madrid is one you will never forget!