Located in the middle of the Iberian peninsula, Madrid is Spain's administrative, economic and cultural capital. The city has a cosmopolitan flavor, blending vitality with a cultural heritage that dates back to the 9th Century BC.

Highlights of note include the medieval village, the Austrias quarter, Baroque buildings from the 17th Century and the 18th Century Royal Palace. The Prado Museum, the Thyssen Gallery and the Reina Sofía Museum are home to some of the world's most important art collections. Lively outdoor cafes, restaurants and "tapas" bars are a constant source of fun and excitement, you can also go shopping at Madrid's fashinable boutiques.