MADRID, SPAIN

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Madrid

Spaniards will tell you that while the rest of the world lives to work, they work to live. Nowhere is that more evident than in the capital, where the free-spirited Madrileños (Madrid’s denizens) provide the main attraction for visitors. The unrivaled number of bars, cafés, discos, restaurants, and live music venues, combined with the locals' enthusiasm for enjoying themselves, make this the place to come for fun. Although Madrid may not have as many historical sites as Paris, Rome, or even Barcelona, you'll still find plenty of intellectual stimulation at some of the best museums in Europe like the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen Bornemizsa.

Sol

The heart of it all! You should start your tour of the city at the lively Puerta del Sol. Expect to find wonderful 19th Century buildings, shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, and crowds at this busy central intersection. From here, head up Calle Mayor to Plaza de la Villa and the old historic district. Or you can take Calle Arenal and visit the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) and the Teatro Real (Royal... more