Things to Do in Madrid

Madrid is Europe's highest capital city, sitting 646 metres above sea level on the Meseta Central plateau.

The city's iconic bear statue eating madroño berries (on the coat of arms) dates back to medieval times when bears roamed the nearby sierra forests.

Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art—the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums—holds one of the world's finest collections of European paintings within walking distance.

The Spanish royal family still uses the Palacio Real as an official residence; it's the largest functioning palace in Europe by floor area.

Madrid's famous late-night culture stems partly from the city's geography: sunset occurs around 21:30 in summer, pushing dinner and socialising much later than northern Europe.

Retiro Park, Madrid's 125-hectare central green space, was originally part of a 17th-century royal retreat and now welcomes 10 million visitors annually.