Holidays in Madrid

An introduction to Madrid

Culture vultures, night owls and people who just can't say no to good food and fantastic shopping. Holidays to Madrid hit the spot whichever flock you fly with.

Travel to Madrid and you're heading into the heart of Spain in more ways than one. Slap bang in the middle of the country, the Spanish capital sums up all that's great about modern day Spain. Think aristocratic palaces beside avant garde art galleries, label-laden boutiques next to weird and wonderful flea markets and achingly cool drinking dens rubbing shoulders with traditional tapas bars. Madrid holidays are all about mixing it up.

Whether you've splashed out or bagged yourself a bargain, holidays to Madrid stand head and shoulders above your average city break. Take the art galleries for example. The Prado, the Thyssen- Bornemisza, the Reina Sofia – their collections of medieval masterpieces and post-post-modern paintings leave galleries across the globe green with envy.

It's not just the art that's premier league. The beautiful Palacio Real boasts more rooms than any other palace in Europe. Shopaholics can spend weeks hopping between the Gran Via's department stores, Salamanca's seriously fashionable streets and the quirky stores off the pretty Plaza Mayor. And when it comes to chilling out, just head to the El Retiro Park and put your feet up.

Siestas are essential on breaks in Madrid – because this city saves its best for after sunset. With literally thousands of restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from, Madrid's nightlife starts at midnight and goes on until midday. So head to the La Latina barrio and get set for some serious fun, Madrid style.

Find the cheapest late deals to Madrid leaving in the next six weeks.