THE FACTS ABOUT MADRID

Spain Madrid

The capital of Spain, the seat of government and the official residence of the Spanish royal family, Madrid cannot be missed. Despite its modern infrastructure, it is still as aesthetically stunning as any of the less developed Spanish cities. The Royal Palace literally sparkles - and if you follow a visit with an afternoon of wandering through the turtle-filled, perfectly manicured Retiro Park, you'll have a deliciously romantic day. Art lovers will find themselves in heaven; Goya, Velázquez, Picasso and Dalí adorn the walls of the city's art triangle, which is made up of the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen galleries. Recently added to this is the new Caixaforum Gallery on Paseo del Prado. An epicentre of culinary craft, art, culture, and design, Madrid is very much Spain's royal city. WHERE TO STAY If money is no object, the Ritz offers the most sensational views of the park, but if you're vacationing on a more modest budget, you can't go wrong with the quaint and very comfortable rooms of the Vincci Soho Hotel. Calle Prado 18, Madrid (00 34 911 414 100; www.vinccihoteles.com). WHERE TO EAT Covered in Michelin stars and located in the very swanky Salamanca area of Madrid, Zalacain is a formal and highly respected restaurant - something of a Spanish institution. Calle Alvarez de Baena 4, Madrid (00 34 915 614 840; www.restaurantezalacain.com). WHERE TO DRINK More Miami than Madrid, the Penthouse Bar and Terrace of the ME Melia Hotel on picturesque Plaza Santa Ana offers the best views - and the best Caipirinhas - in town. Plaza de Santa Ana 14, Madrid (00 34 915 220 307; www.solmelia.com). FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MADRID IN OUR CITY DESTINATION GUIDE