Welcome To the essential-madrid guide to Hotels, guest houses and attractions in Madrid

Make the most of your time in Madrid, use the information provided on this web site by clicking on the links above to plan your visit.

As Spain’s capital and its largest city it’s surprising that Madrid is sometimes overshadowed as a tourist destination by Barcelona and Spain’s sunny beach resorts. Its importance in Europe however cannot be underestimated. Madrid hosts the head offices of the vast majority of major Spanish corporations, as well as the headquarters of three of the world's largest companies. As the capital city of Spain, the official seat of government, and residence of the Monarchy, Madrid is also Spain’s political centre.


Madrid is a city of tremendous cultural significance. Visitors to the city are often enticed by the city’s world-class art galleries and museums, epitomised by the three largest museums that form Madrid’s ‘Golden Triangle’. Between the Prado, the Thyssen-Bournemisza and the Reina-Sofia museums Madrid holds masterpieces by many of Europe’s most celebrated artists of the last eight centuries; an artistic legacy from one of the most important global empires ever to have been assembled. As well as awe-inspiring palaces and famous art galleries Madrid is home to hidden treasures, stored in idiosyncratic museums, tiny churches and smaller repositories for art.


Madrid is growing. In 2005 the visionary mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón launched a programme intended to transform the capital. Developments include improved public transport networks and the expansion of new districts. The city’s flagship museums have also undergone programmes of expansion. In addition Madrid has been nominated as one of the greenest cities in Europe thanks to its verdant parks and the ecological awareness of its administration. Old Madrid is still there. The beautiful architecture, the traditional bistros and old-fashioned tapas bars still abound. But now Madrid also offers a lively nightlife and contemporary restaurants. With so much to offer most visitors to Madrid leave inspired by the capital’s infectious gusto for art, music, and gastronomic indulgence.

Contact: +44(0)118 971 4700