One of the world's great cities, Madrid is a fascinating and lively place. With its location in the geographical center of Spain, it draws inspiration from the whole country. Here it is possible to dance until dawn at any one of hundreds of clubs, gaze at world class artwork, and stroll through gorgeous, centuries old parks.

Three major museums anchor the city's status as a world cultural center. The largest and most important is the Museo del Prado, which focuses on Spanish, Italian, and Flemish art in the period from the 15th to the 19th century. Also extraordinary are the Reina Sofia, Madrid's modern art museum, and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, whose entire collection was once the private preserve of its namesake family.

If you have seen one church or famous European painting too many and wish to enjoy a quiet stroll, you are in luck. The Real Jardin Botanico, conveniently located next to the Museo del Prado, is a lovingly crafted oasis of green and brilliant color. The city's best known park is el Parque del Retiro, a huge site with important statues and a lake in the middle, which you can ride on in rented rowing boats.

Dining and Shopping in Madrid

Justly famous for its food, two specialties, paella and jamon, should not be missed. Similar to prosciuto but far more succulent, jamon comes in two main varieties--iberico, the highest quality, and serrano, a slightly lower quality meat cured with different techniques. For shopping, head to El Rastro (open every Sunday), the world's biggest flea market and an unforgettable display of the kind of atomistic capitalism that would make Adam Smith proud.