Madrid

Spain

"Royal Palaces, Grand Boulevards & Late-Night Tapas"

Madrid is a walkable capital built around grand squares rather than a single old quarter. The Royal Palace overlooks the formal Sabatini Gardens, the Prado and Reina Sofía hold centuries of art within a few blocks, and Gran Vía and Retiro Park fill the afternoons. Evenings start late: vermouth, tapas, and a table that does not turn until midnight. It is an easy base for Toledo or Segovia by train and a natural first or last stop on a Spain itinerary.

Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Reina Sofía, Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, Toledo day trip

March–May & September–November

Book palace and Prado timed tickets; dinner before 8:30 p.m. is early by local standards

Not a cruise port. Best as a 3-night city stay with a Toledo day trip. Watch for pickpockets around Sol and the Prado.