Madrid

Madrid, Spain's capital, is best explored around its historic centre and iconic avenues. The Royal Palace and the nearby Royal Collections Gallery are well worth a visit, as is the Prado Museum, which offers free entry during certain late-afternoon hours, making it accessible even for those less keen on art. Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Gran Vía set the pace for city strolls, while the La Latina district and San Miguel Market are ideal for sampling tapas and local produce. Football fans head to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, and the Las Ventas bullring still hosts bullfights, sometimes paired with a flamenco performance. Retiro Park provides a large green space in the heart of the city, complemented for families by the Warner Bros theme park on the outskirts. For a meal, El Museo del Jamón restaurant remains a simple, typical spot to try Spanish cured meats. Madrid is easily explored on foot, taking in monuments, terraces and rooftop bars with views across the city.