The capital of Spain since 1562, Madrid is 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 six million. A cosmopolitan city, a business center, headquarters for the Public Administration, Government and Spanish Parliament. It is also the main residence of the Spanish Royal Family.

Distance between Madrid and main Spanish cities:  
Toledo: 71km, Segovia: 87km, Salamanca: 200km, Valencia: 352km, Granada: 423km, Córdoba: 394km, Sevilla: 462km, Barcelona: 621km

Madrid, Spain's capital, is a cosmopolitan city. Its position as a centre for economics, finance, administration and services combines the most modern infrastructure with an important cultural and artistic heritage, the legacy of centuries of fascinating history.  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.

Its old town is exemplary among major European cities, and blends harmoniously with the most modern and convenient of urban infrastructure. Madrid offers a broad range of accommodation and services along with the most advanced audiovisual and communication technology. All this, combined with the momentum of a society that is dynamic and open, and at the same time warm and welcoming, has turned this metropolis into one of the western world's great capitals

The Madrid area has been settled since the Lower Paleolithic age, but it was not until 1561 that King Philip II made it the capital of his mighty empire. The historic old town, also known as "Madrid de las Austrias" (referring to the Hapsburg empire) is a living example of the city's 16th and 17th century heyday, as is its impressive Plaza Mayor (square), which was opened in 1620 and remains one of Spain's most popular and typical spots.

Near to the Plaza Mayor is the so-called "aristocratic centre" of Madrid, home to the stunning Royal Palace, a 17th century monument that combines Baroque and Classical styles. Next to the palace you can find the Plaza de Oriente (square), the Opera House and the modern Almudena Cathedral, consecrated in 1993 by Pope John Paul II. This ensemble of monuments is completed by the Puerta del Sol, a square flanked by select shops, and the "Paseo del Arte", so called for its unique museums, palaces and gardens, not forgetting the unmistakable Bank of Spain building, the Palacio de las Telecomunicaciones (currently home to the Spanish Post Office) and the Cibeles and Neptuno fountains.

Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the sun, go for walks, go rowing or feed the squirrels in Madrid's large, impeccable parks and gardens. The Retiro Park, once playground of Spanish Monarchs, the Casa de Campo and the Juan Carlos I Park among others make Madrid one of Europe's greenest capitals. Madrid is also one of Europe's most attractive business centres. Its international airport receives more than one thousand flights weekly from all over the world and it has two main conference centres, as well as the modern Campo de las Naciones exhibition centre and a capacity to hold more than 80,000 people in other varied conference and meeting facilities.

If there is one thing, however, that characterizes Madrid, it is the deep, contagious passion for life reflected in its friendly, welcoming people. Madrid boasts concerts, exhibitions, ballets, select theatre productions, and the latest cinematographic releases. Madrid's happening nightlife is another major attraction. Is a lively metropolis with many pubs, cafés, discotheques and nightclubs open late into the night, where you could discover for example flamenco dancing.

The grand metropolis of Madrid can trace its origins to the times of Arab Emir Mohamed I (852-886), who ordered the construction of a fortress on the left bank of the Manzanares river. Later it became the subject of a dispute between the Christians and Arabs until it was conquered by Alonso VI in the 11th century. At the end of the 17th century, a defensive wall was built for the protection of the new outlying areas, tracing the roads of Segovia, Toledo and Valencia. During the 18th century, under the reign of Carlos III, were designed the great arteries of the city, such as the Paseo del Prado and Paseo las Acacias.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Joseph Bonaparte undertook the reform of the Puerta del Sol and vicinity. The commercial street known as the Gran Vía was built as an east-west avenue at the start of the century. In the 1950's the north-south boulevard called Paseo de la Castellana was extended and modern buildings were erected, housing the major financial institutions. Remainings of the distant past are mainly the Baroque and neoclassical strcutures of the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the Plaza Mayor (Main Square) and the Palacio Real (Royal Palace).

CULTURE & MUSEUMS

Madrid is one of the major capitals of the arts. Its galleries and museums are among the finest in the world. Its modern air harmoniously contrasts with its important old quarters and its cultural traditions. The city has 73 museums that cover all fields of human knowledge. Of these, the most important are on “Walk of the Art”: Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest art galleries, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum with more than 800 paintings, sculptures and tapestries that go from the earliest Dutch masters to the most avantguard trends, and Reina Sofía National Art Centre, which is dedicated to Spanish contemporary art, with works by Picasso, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí and Juan Gris among others. These three museums are located near the city centre, all within walking distance of one another, forming what is known as the 'golden triangle'.
Its great transportation network makes getting around to any place you wish easy and quick. Tradition and vanguard live together harmoniously, welcoming a dynamic and modern society. The Community of Madrid is a must if you want to get to know the Spanish culture.

GASTRONOMY

Since Philip II made Madrid the capital of Spain, numerous recipes and culinary influences from all the regions of the country have been incorporated into its cuisine, so that it is practically impossible to say which dishes are original and which are imported. Today Madrid offers a more Spanish than regional type of cooking.

Apart from the different stews (chicken stew, pork stew, stewed meatballs etc.) Madrid is known for its many variations of chicken and the popular "tortilla de patatas" (potato omelette). The city can also provide some more sophisticated dishes like "callos madrileos", which is tripe in a slightly spicy sauce, snails, Cocido Madrileño with chick-peas or lamb in many different variations. Ideally suited to this kind of meal are the young and aromatic wines of the region, Vinos de Madrid.
Although the town is located in the center of the country sea-food is a very important element of the Madrilenian cuisine. The seafood arrives fresh every morning to the capital and the fish market in Madrid is the second largest in the world. Among classic seafood dishes can be mentioned baked sea bream or sea bass. It has the second biggest fish market in the world (after Tokyo), and in shops as well as in many restaurants you will find a wide selection of fish of extraordinary quality.
In addition to these specialities, “tapas“ are a venerable gastronomic tradition. Served as appetizers with wine or beer, these savoury titbits (such as Serrano ham, tortilla de patata..) are a distinctive feature in many bars and restaurants throughout the city.

Taxi
Taxis can be hailed by simply waving your hand. They are also available by phone:
Radio Taxi: + 34 91 447 51 80 / + 34  91 405 55 00 /  + 34 91 445 90 08

Currency
The national currency is the euro.

Electricity
The electrical supply in most areas of spain is 220 v, 50 hz. Plug sockets are european continental standard (two rounded pins).

Relevant website with usefull information
www.munimadrid.es/
www.tourspain.es