Madrid City

Madrid is a compact, walkable capital where the Art Triangle (Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen), the Royal Palace and the Malasaña neighborhood fit into 3 days without rushing. April-June is best, ahead of the dry Castilian summer heat, which can top 35°C in July-August. Prices are among the lowest of Western Europe's major capitals, especially for tapas and transport. What sets it apart is its nightlife: locals go out for dinner at 10pm and bars stay open until sunrise, a rhythm that surprises visitors from northern Europe.