The capital and largest city (population 2,976,064) in Spain, located northeast of Toledo. Madrid, commonly overshadowed by Barcelona as the top tourist destination in Spain, is a highly desirable city nevertheless, with stunning architecture, squares and museums. Madrid bridges the future with the past as it underground railway (The Metro) efficiently scoots its visitors around the city to visit the sights, and its locals to and from work.

Plaza Mayor: Built between 1617 and 1619, and restored in 1790 after a fire, it's in a part of the city known as “Old Madrid”. Once the symbolic center of city, this plaza has hosted everything from royal marriages to executions and bull fights.

Museo del Prado: One of the world's most important museums since it opened in 1819. Displays large collection of drawings (5,000), prints (2,000), coins and medals (1,000) and almost 2,000 additional pieces of artwork.

Palacio Real: 2,800 room palace built in the early 18th century on the site of a 9th century fortress. The purchase of a tour also includes includes admission to the Royal Library and Royal Armory, both top sites to behold in their own right.

Plaza Colon: Named for the explorer Christopher Columbus, contains grandesque fountains including Fuente de la Cibeles and Fuente de Neptuno.

Plaza de la Villa: A great area to immerse yourself in the old architecture and get a feel for what medieval Madrid was like.

The capital with the highest altitude in Europe, Madrid is hot in the summer and cold in the winter (average temperatures in the 40's °F ), with mild springs and autumns. The best time to travel there is in late September/early October and April/May when the weather is perfect and the travel crowds are smaller.