Madrid

Madrid, located at the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, has been Spain’s capital since 1562. It is also the country’s largest city covering 376 square miles or 606 square kilometres. It has over 5 million inhabitants in the metro area, and more than 3 million in the city centre.   The city of Madrid is known for two things: first, having well-stocked art galleries and museums, which contains many renowned artworks that a day would not suffice to admire and see them all; second, having the most vibrant nightlife in all of Spain, which seemed to have grown in popularity among avid travellers.   Any visit to the country’s capital should always include the Prado. The world-famous museum houses a gargantuan collection of masterpieces, such as the works of Goya, Botticelli, Bosch, and Velasquez. And it would be foolish to ignore even for those who are not art enthusiasts. Then, there’s also hte Reina Sofia National Museum and Art Center, which houses the nation’s anthology of modern art – including those of Pablo Picasso.   Visiting museums and going out to party are not the only Madrid activities one can do. Almost everything in the city is a form of art, including its architectural structures. Ply the Gran Via (also nicknamed The Spanish Broadway) and one will run into a number of Madrid attractions, such as the Metropolis Building with its Winged Goddess Victory statue of top of its domed roof.   Tourists will also run into many of Madrid’s restaurants and bars that keep the locals busy after work hours at the Gran Via. But aside from the city’s main avenue, the Plaza Mayor, Chueca, and Puerta del Sol boasts some of the trendiest placed to party the night away.   One of the must-do activities in Madrid is to watch a Flamenco dance. The famous, sensual dance of the Spanish gypsies is a sight to see. Or, for the more daring adventurer, watching a bullfight might just be the thing to keep the adrenalin pumping.   And after an exhausting day of sightseeing, tourists will be glad to know that Madrid hotels are just as