The Spanish capital is a city of elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks such as the Buen Retiro. Few cities boast as impressive an artistic pedigree. Masterpieces by Spanish painters such as Picasso, Dalí and Miró adorn the walls of the city’s world-class galleries. Three in particular are giants – the Museo del Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Madrid is also very attractive to students and professionals who are looking for a job.
As a nightlife destination, Madrid may have more bars than any other city on earth – a collection of cocktail bars and nightclubs that combine a touch of glamour with non-stop dancing. Football teams Real Madrid and Átletico Madrid dominate the sports scene, but basketball also has a place at the top table.
A host of centrally located universities only add to Madrid’s status as a must-see destination suited to short- and long-term stays.
