Madrid in Spain has always been a "must visit" on the European tours for many reasons and not just as it is the imposing capital of Spain plus its largest city. The fine architecture, arts and culture are well known, put these together with a great nightlife and it is easy to see why that weekend breaks have expanded massively in recent years alongside the growth of cheap budget flights from many European countries.

The famous Madrid museums and galleries are high on any trippers itinerary, with the most visited The Prado (or National Museum), the Thyssen Bornemisza (of Art), and the Reina Sofia (Art again) top of the list of the sixty or so spread throughout the city. It would almost seem that there is a museum dedicated to just about anything and not just the more usual arts, science and natural history galleries you would expect to see.

No tour to Madrid would be complete without a visit to the vast Aranjuez Royal Palace. Wandering round the city can be a real delight as you take in the wonderful architecture, plazas, statues, fountains and the lively shopping streets. Although the pace of life there is most certainly faster than more provincial Spain, the locals still find the time to sit outside a pavement restaurant or bar, with refreshments, delicious tapas or meal and watch the world stroll by.

You should select the season of the year when you visit with care as the temperature can vary to extremes, with very long hot summers and usually, extremely cold winter months. The heat is truly stifling in august when most of the local population seems to have the right idea by leaving Madrid for their weekend or holiday villas on the coast.

There is a massive and wide choice of hotels, apartments and accommodation where you can stay in Madrid, ranging from 1star (or maybe unrated) budget hostels, hotels and bed & breakfasts through to the premier quality five star hotels. Self catering apartments are more rare, but can still be found. You will certainly be able to find something to suit your own budget from one of the many specialist hotel booking sites available on the internet nowadays. You would do well to check more than one or two of these, as prices quoted for the same hotel can occasionally be heavily discounted by some operators.

Madrid restaurants are plentiful throughout the city, of every kind imaginable, but it should be remembered that the Spanish eat far later in the evening, than we do in the rest of Europe and the Britain. Correspondingly then the evening entertainment begins much later as well, with some clubs, bars and discos not even starting to get busy before midnight and running right through till dawn.

To find loads more advice and information about Madrid breaks please see Madrid