The Royal Palace, built in the 18th century, contains many works of art and lavish tapestries. The Prado Museum (closed on Saturdays) has one of the world’s most famous art collections whilst the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia houses Picasso’s ‘Guernica’. The Museum of Archaeology houses many unique and rare objects that reflect the history of the Iberian peninsula; there is a replica of the Altamira Caves and regular visiting and temporary exhibitions. On the university site at Moncloa is a museum devoted to the Spanish Americas, and a Museum of Modern Art. For those interested in the political and social history of Spain, the Army and Navy Museums and the Museum of Decorative Arts (all near the Retiro Park) are recommended. (Most museums close on Mondays.) The 17th century cathedral of San Isidro el Real is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The Plaza de Toros, the largest bull ring in Spain, is a great tourist attraction. The Retiro Park has extensive gardens and is a popular meeting place, particularly on Sunday mornings.

Some way from the city, the Valle de los Caidos, which commemorates the Spanish Civil War, is well worth a visit. Other interesting sights near the city are the royal monastery of El Escorial and the former royal summer palace at Aranjuez.

The city is famous for its nightlife. Lack of sleep is a common complaint amongst expatriates.

Details of bus and train services, and other information about Madrid and the surrounding area, are available from Tourist Information Offices (also in the Plaza Mayor). A guide to what is on in the city, where to eat, opening hours etc is the weekly Guia del ocio - la semana de Madrid available from bookstalls.

Madrid has an extremely efficient metro; trains (resembling underground trams) run every few minutes throughout the day and provide a cheap and quick method of travel during the winter months; however, when the weather is warm (March to October inclusive) travel by metro can be very hot and uncomfortable, and is not recommended. Taxis are plentiful except between the hours of 13.00 and 15.00 but driving in the city can be very slow and frustrating.