However, Spain has far more to offer than sand and sea. The country is home to some of Europe’s finest cities, from Barcelona in the north east to Seville in the south west. Arguably the best of them all though is the capital and Spain’s largest city, Madrid.
With a population of well over three million people, Madrid is a lively, bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis and is the European Union’s third most populous municipality after London and Berlin. When you consider that over six million people visit Madrid every year, you may wonder how well the city copes with such a major influx of tourists. But luckily, there are many hotels in Madrid to suit all budgets, from small city centre boutique hotels and apartments, to hostels and large five-star hotels. All accommodation requirements are catered for in this vast city, so all you are really left to worry about is which area you would like to stay in.
El Madrid de los Austrias is the name for the old centre and is a great starting point when searching for Madrid hotels, as its ideal location makes it easy to travel to all the main sights.
The city also boasts many top-class museums such as the Prado and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, which houses works by Dali, Miro and the great Picasso. A third museum – the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum – features more modern art and, along with the other two museums, completes the Golden Triangle of Art in the centre of Spain.
The underground transport system is fantastic too, meaning that most of the best value hotels Madrid has to offer are only a short commute from the city’s best attractions. However, as with any of the world’s major cities, Madrid is busy throughout the year, so if you have any particular requirements in terms of budget or location you are always best booking well in advance.