MADRID FACTS

The Madrid area has been settled since the Lower Paleolithic age, but it was not until 1561 that King

II made it the capital of his mighty empire. The historic old town, also known as "Madrid de los 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

Art and culture are central to Madrid life. The city has 73 museums that cover all fields of human knowledge. Of these, the most important are the Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest art galleries, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum with more than 800 paintings, sculptures and tapestries that go from the earliest Dutch masters to the most avant-garde trends, and the 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.

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. You can sample a wide variety of the finest Spanish and international cuisine or be enchanted by its bars and taverns. Excellent seafood; Iberian ham and sausages; assorted pickles; native dishes such as prawns in batter, Madrid-style tripe, or snails; smoked meats and fish; excellent cheese; cocktail stick snacks and casseroles; and all kinds of local wines make Madrid the tapas capital of Spain.

These are just some of Madrid's leisure alternatives, alongside tempting shopping in the most traditional establishments and world-famous outlets stocking the finest international brands.

Madrid's happening nightlife is another major attraction. Its pubs, bars, discos and flamenco clubs have a tremendous atmosphere, while by day there are traditional verbenas (open-air dances), popular festivals or the San Isidro bullfighting festival - rated as the world's most important.

MADRID NEIGHBORHOODS FOR TOURIST.

PLAZA MAYOR, OPERA & SOL, GRAN VIA

A visit to Madrid usually starts from the center, where crowds hustle and bustle around historical architecture from the Plaza Mayor to Royal Palace, shoppers try on fleeting fashion at dozens of shops, and cinema and theater goers have their pick of shows.

CHUECA & MALASAÑA

A couple classic sticky-floored bars in Malasaña remain from the era of the movida madrileña, and old time cafes are contrasted by funky shops. A short walk from the gritty hipster Malasaña finds visitors in Chueca, Madrid's gay neighborhood full of boutiques, expensive apartments, quaint squares, and a great nightlife scene.

ALONSO MARTÍNEZ & BILBAO

Alonso Martinez & Bilbao is yet another area where folks come out to enjoy its nightlife in the variety of tapas bars, cafes, and later night venues. Not to say the shops and residents here don't give it that neighborhood feel.

HUERTAS & SANTA ANA

The Barrio de las Letras teaches a lesson in Spanish literary history. Stroll from the Paseo del Prado to the Plaza Mayor on the pedestrian street Huertas, and look for references to Cervantes and other important literary figures throughout the cafe and restaurant lined streets and squares

LA LATINA & LAVAPIÉS

Twenty to thirty-somethings flock to La Latina to grab a drink or tapas. Elbows fly trying to get an outdoor cafe table here, but don't worry - there are more tables a short walk away in Lavapiés, the thriving immigrant quarter.

PLAZA DE ESPAÑA & CONDE DUQUE

The Plaza de España with its relaxing fountain and park benches marks the end of the busy Gran Vía. It's easy to while away the hours at nearby original version movie theaters, indoor/outdoor cafes, bars, and the Cuartel de Conde Duque cultural center

RETIRO, PASEO DEL PRADO & ATOCHA

This area makes a good base, with several apartments to choose from and the Atocha train station. Once settled in, take a stroll and breathe deeply along the tree lined Paseo del Prado and in the Retiro park, then ponder the Prado's classic paintings or the Reina Sofía's contemporary art