 | Madrid Today The location of Madrid is at the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula at the crossroads between Europe, America and Africa. The city boosts of superb air routes leading to the major cities of the world. The city of Madrid enjoys the privilege of being the capital city of Spain since 1562, hence attracts a huge tourist population. The stable economic and political scenario has established the city as one of the fast progressing, major cities of the world. The cultural flavor of Madrid is equally appealing. Madrid as described today offe |
 | Madrid Back then The history of Madrid dates back to the 9th century A.D. with mostly Muslims conquering the peninsula. A location was chosen by the Arabs to settle here that has Royal Palace standing there now. The city with its abundance of natural springs was earlier nicknamed as 'Mayrit' or 'Magerit', meaning 'place of many springs' by the Arabs. The Christians took over the city during 11th and 16th century and the town came under the management of Christians, however the city largely benefited by developments made by Muslims. |
 | The Gran Melia Fenix Hotel A five star hotel, it offers 215 guest rooms featuring 19th century English style decor. Established |  | Hotel Melia Castilla Located in close proximity to boulevard Paseo de la Castellana, other landmarks within easy reach in |
 | Hotel Ritz Built almost 9 decades back in 1910, it touches shoulders with Prado and Thyssen museums. This hotel |  | Hotel Husa Princesa Established in 1976, the hotel was earlier named as Hotel Princesa Plaza and was later named as Hote |
 | Hotel Opera Madrid Recently renovated, the hotel is located ideally at the core of Madrid amidst 'the Austrias', the pr |  | Hotel Best Western Atlantico The history of the hotel dates back to 1921 and even today portrays the 17th and 18th century tradit |
 | ABC Serrano One of the most upmarket malls in Madrid, housed within the old ABC newspaper premises. |  | Salamanca District The Salamanca district located in the northeast center of Madrid features exclusive shops of h |
 | Madrid Majadahonda Market A market for everyone and everything. Moderately priced, it offers a variety of items to suit many p |  | Mercado Puerta de Toledo With its vast collection of 14 shops, one finds here a plethora of collectable items, one of the fi |
 | El Corte Ingles Considered the main chain of departmental stores, one may find a large assortment of Spanish handicr |  | Galeria de Arte del Lubre It is housed in a mid 19th century building shopping area and stocks plenty of souvenir and antique |
 | Festival de Otono, major performing arts festival in Madrid The autumn season's biggest cultural show is put up with theatre, dance and musical performances att |  | Madrid en Danza (Madrid Dance Festival) April is a month of dance and music in Madrid. Featuring assorted events including the Interna |
 | Jueves Santo (Good Thursday) and Viernes Santo (Good Friday) A week long religious celebration with processions taken out each night by men dressed in long hoode |  | La Candaleria (feast of the candles) All over Madrid, parades, feasts and festivities mark this religious anniversary of the day when Jes |
 | Christmas Like any other place, Madrid comes alive on this day. Plaza Mayor becomes the central attraction for |  | Romeria de la Virgen de Gracia. Termed as a religious pilgrimage, it is about carrying the statue of Virgin Mary to a sanctuary plac |
 | Tse Yang The most exclusive and luxurious Chinese restaurant in Madrid, it is located in Hotel Villamagna. Yo |  | Oam Thong Restaurant Rated as one of the best Asian restaurants in Madrid, this is the place to go if you are one for aut |
 | Horcher This restaurant has over the years become a specialist in serving central European dishes to the upp |  | El Corral de la Moreria The oldest Flamenco restaurant, it was inaugurated in 1957. Visitors have a choice of choosing a var |
 | Cafetech Restaurant This bistro specialises in tasty snacks ranging from homemade pastries and cakes to French toast to |  | Jockey Restaurant This restaurant has catered to the elite not only of Spain but some of the most important visitors t |
 | Fast Facts Location: Madrid region, central Spain. Dialing code: +34(country-Spain) 91 (area code) Emergency numbers Rapid emergency number: 112. Ambulance: 061 Fire: 080 National Police: 091 Population 3,155,359 Languages Spanish Basque Gallegan Catalan Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October). Average January temperatures: 5°C (42°F) Average July temperatures: 24°C (76°F) Annual rainfall: 439mm (17 inches). |
