The capital of Spain, located in the heart of the peninsula and right in the center of de Castilian plain about 2000 ft. above sea level, has a population of over three millions. Madrid can trace its origins to the times of Arab Emir Mohamed I (852-886), who ordered the construction of a fortress on the left bank of the Manzanares River. 

It later became the subject of a dispute between the Christians and Arabs until it was conquered by Alfonso VI in the 11th century. At the end of the 17th century, a defensive wall was built for the protection of the new outlying areas, tracing the roads of Segovia, Toledo and Valencia. During the 18th century, under the reign of Carlos III, the great arteries of the city were designed, such as the Paseo de la Castellana, Paseo de Recoletos, Paseo del Prado and Paseo de las Acacias. 

At the beginning of the 19th century, Joseph Bonaparte undertook the reform of the Puerta del Sol and vicinity. The commercial street known as the Gran Vía was built as an east-west avenue at the start of the century. In the 1950’s the north-south boulevard called Paseo de la Castellana was extended and modern buildings were erected housing the major financial institutions. What remains today of the distant past are mainly the Baroque and neoclassical structures of the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) and others.There are more than 140 art galleries located mainly in the vicinity of the Calle Barquillo, and in the District of Salamanca along the streets of Serrano, Jorge Juan and Claudio Coello and near the Centro de Arte de Reina Sofia. In February the International Contemporary Apt Fair called ARCO is held in Madrid, which is the most important art exhibition of the year and is considered one of the three most important art fairs in the world. 

Antique Shops are located in various areas including the Rostro (Flea Market] and adjacent streets, as well as on and around the streets of Jorge Juan, Claudio Coello and Velazquez. On Calle Logasca an Antique Center can be found. 

Madrid is a melting pot for the cuisines from all over the peninsula. Gourmets sometimes argue whether Madrid cuisine exists or not, but the truth is that the capital of Spain has enriched its gastronomy with the contributions of the Andolusians, Galicians, Asturians and other immigrants who have settled here. In Madrid, as well as in the rest of Spain, the tapa (savory tidbits of a variety of dishes served as appetizers) is an old gastronomic tradition. 

Nightowls will find Madrid a paradise every night of the week. Visitors must keep in mind the late dining hours; restaurants do not even open until eight or nine o'clock. Many night establishments are open until the early morning hours.