Centuries of patronage by the Spanish royals provide Madrid with an astonishingly rich artistic pedigree. The city’s museums are full of Spanish masterpieces by the country’s greats, like Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Goya and Velázquez. The Museo Nacional del Prado, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reine Sofía, and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza are three that should most definitely not be missed.
Since its creation, Plaza Mayor has witnessed everything from royal coronations to executions. Now the grand arcaded square in the centre of the city plays host to locals and tourists who want a leisurely experience of Madrid life.