Madrid

Capital of Spain and the third-largest city of the EU, Madrid is a city that never fails to astonish. Madrid is as much defined by its art and architecture as it is by its passion for football. This is the home of the legendary Real Madrid and the Bernabéu Stadium, a place of pilgrimage for fans of the sport. Away from the exuberance of the football field, Madrid's museums showcase the works of masters like Dali, Picasso, Miro, Velázquez and Goya alongside their Italian and Flemish counterparts in reverence of the city's long-standing penchant for the fine arts. Madrid's art scene is anchored by the Museo del Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, while its architectural heritage is evident across the city. Madrid may have no singular icon, but amid its Medieval mansions, Baroque shrines, royal palaces and halls, you are sure to find inspiration. This is a city that knows how to live life to the fullest and its vibrant nightlife and culinary scene are a testament to this. Its restaurants offer a sampling of regional specialties from across Spain, as well as global cuisines and scrumptious contemporary confections, while its nightlife is energetic. Ideally balanced between the traditional and the contemporary, Madrid is the heart of Spain.