Madrid, located on the River Manzanares, is the capital city of
Spain as well as the largest Municipality in Spain. It is one of Spain's most populated municipalities, and also the third-largest city in the European Union. Madrid is home to elegance and magnificence, as seen through its beautiful boulevards, beautifully manicured park lawns, and expansive planted gardens. Visitors visit and relax in parks like Buen Retiro, among many others. Madrid is also famous for its rich European artwork exhibitions displayed in the Prado Museum, featuring top artists including Goya, Velasquez, among other artwork masters in Spain.
The Plaza Mayor, lined with portico, remains the heart of the old Hapsburg Madrid. It is near the ever flamboyant Royal Palace and Armory, where ancient weapons are stored away. La Movida, a transformation in the art world, took deep root in Madrid in the 1970s, and the result was a triangle formed by the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum (location of "Guernica" of Picasso), and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. The Puerta del Sol in Central Square is home to the Bear statue and the Strawberry Tree, which are part of the coat of arms of Madrid. The Museo Arqueologico Nacional makes another tourist attraction site as it is home to an extensive collection of artwork and historical artifacts.
El Rastro market, usually held on Sundays, happens within the ancient La Latina locality and is home to restaurants, bars, theatres, and lounges for a vibrant nightlife. The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium hosts the main soccer club of Madrid, Real Madrid, and spectators from far and wide are welcome to watch.
Madrid can be visited anytime during the year, but the peak of the tourist season is between
April and
October when the weather is a little warmer. In
August, it gets too hot, and many businesses may remain closed, and people keep off the streets. For two weeks in
May, the San Isidro Festival is held amid colorful street parties, organized parades, and bullfights for entertainment. On specific dates in
June and
July, Madrid celebrates the Madrid Pride Week with all forms of entertainment.
On New Year's Eve, Madrid holds festivities and celebrations in the Puerta del Sol square to celebrate the occasion commonly referred to as Nochevieja.