Madrid

About

Madrid is the capital and most populous city of Spain. It had a population of over 3.4 million in the city proper in 2025, and a metropolitan area population of approximately 6.8 million. Madrid is the second-largest city in the European Union (EU), after Berlin, and its metropolitan area is the second-largest in the EU, after Paris. The municipality covers an area of 605.77 square kilometres (233.89 sq mi). Madrid lies on the River Manzanares in the central part of the Iberian Peninsula at about 660 metres (2,170 ft) above mean sea level. The capital city of both Spain and the surrounding autonomous community of Madrid, it is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.

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Why visit

Visit Madrid for museums, court architecture, theater, literature, and the social life of streets and plazas. The Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen-Bornemisza, Royal Palace, Teatro Real, Ateneo, Retiro, and the bookshops around central Madrid make the city more than a gateway to Spain. It rewards a rhythm of morning museums, late lunches, evening walks, and performances. For cultural travelers, Madrid is especially useful for understanding the relationship between monarchy, painting, modern politics, and everyday public life.

When to avoid

Avoid Madrid in a plan that ignores heat, meal times, and museum pacing. July and August can be punishing in the afternoon, and many visitors underestimate how late the city eats and performs. Do not try to compress the three major art museums into one day. Choose one large museum at a time, reserve key exhibitions or Teatro Real tickets early, and use the hottest hours for interiors, rest, or shaded parks.