Madrid

The life of Madrid the region centres on Madrid the city. It is a cosmopolitan capital with immigrants from a number of other countries – particularly Latin America.

Madrid is home to many cultural and artistic treasures. First among them is the Museo del Prado, the largest art gallery in the world. At the Museo Reina Sofia you’ll find Picasso’s Guernica, while the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is a treasure trove of art – all from a private collection. The Palacio Real is a sumptuous royal palace decorated in a wide range of styles.

As for modern Madrid, head to the Gran Via district for its shopping, to the Malasaña district for its energy and nightlife, or to Chueca for avant garde boutiques and fashion.

Just outside Madrid is the 16th century monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, which is a monumental work of Renaissance architecture with splendid gardens and the royal mausoleum.