Madrid Hotels

Attractions

Notable museums and the incomparable nightlife are Madrid's strong points. Walk along the Museum Mile and you will find the famous 213-year old Museo del Prado housing Renaissance masterpieces from famed Spanish and European artists. Afterwards stroll on to Museo Thyssen-Bornemiza containing more than 800 sculptures, paintings and tapestries including those of Renoir and Van Eyck. Madrid also boasts more modern collections of Dali, Picasso and Miro housed in Reina Sofia National Art Centre museum, the last of the three must-visit museums in the city.

A cluster of medieval alleys in the centre of city are what remains of old Habsburg Madrid named so because of the Austrian monarchs who built it. Its most central spot, Plaza Mayor, used to be an execution ground for heretics, but now it is lined with al fresco cafes where you can unwind after a good day's exploration.

If you've had your fill of art history in Madrid, then head to the Plaza de Toros to witness bullfighting at its best. You can also watch flamenco performances as Madrid is home to the best flamenco dancers! But for a more adernaline-pumped activity, sports fans would want to catch a match in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium and cheer on for the home team, Real Madrid. The humidity can be very hot during summer and biting cold at winter so it's best to take on Madrid during spring.

Events

The city goes on extreme party mode during Carnevale (February/March), the Fiesta de la Comunidad de Madrid (2 May) and Fiestas de San Isidro (15 May). Bullfighting season kicks off in February, and there are small local fights throughout summer and spring. The main event on the calendar is the mid-May feria, the four weeks of bloodletting that are part of the festival of San Isidro.

Climate

• Winter (December to March) 2-16°C; generally cold but usually dry with some occasional snow

• Spring (March to May) 5-20°C; cool nights and warm long days

• Summer (June to August) 15-32°C; weather is pleasant but temperatures tend to touch on 40s towards the end of summer

• Fall (September to November) 5-25°C; best time to visit but be sure to carry an umbrella to protect yourself from rain