Madrid, capital of Spain since 1561, is a cosmopolitan city that combines the most modern infrastructures and its status as an economic, financial, administrative and service centre with immense cultural and artistic heritage, a legacy of centuries of fascinating history.
Located in the geographical centre of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid retains one of the most important historic centres among the major European cities, which blends harmoniously with the most modern and comfortable infrastructures, a complete range of accommodation services and the most advanced technology in audiovisual and communication media.
Madrid is a dynamic open city, cheerful and welcoming, where art, culture, leisure and gastronomy occupy a prominent place.
The capital has more than 60 museums that cover all human knowledge. We recommend El Prado Museum, one of the most important art galleries of the world; the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum; the Reina Sofía National Art Centre, dedicated to contemporary Spanish art, with works by Picasso, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí and Juan Gris, among others.
The historic centre, also known as "Madrid de los Austrias" and the impressive Plaza Mayor, inaugurated in 1620 and one of the most popular and typical corners of Spain, are living proof of the splendour during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Near the Plaza Mayor is the so-called "aristocratic centre" where the Royal Palace dazzles, next to it, the Plaza de Oriente, the Opera House and the Almudena Cathedral. The Puerta del Sol surrounded by a commercial area and the "Paseo del Arte", named for its incomparable museums, palaces and gardens, complete this monumental complex.
Madrid is considered one of the greenest capitals in Europe due to its extensive and well-tended parks and gardens such as the Retiro Park, the Casa de Campo, the Juan Carlos I Park, the Sabatini Gardens or the Campo del Moro.
The importance of its international airport, where more than a thousand flights arrive from around the world every week, its two Congress Halls, the modern fairground of Feria de Madrid and more than 80,000 places in other meeting centres make Madrid one of the most attractive business centres in Europe.
But if there is something that characterizes Madrid, which our friends and exhibitors can enjoy, is that in Madrid there is a contagious passion for life. It is reflected in the friendly character of its people. Concerts, exhibitions, ballets, a select theatrical billboard, tasting a wide sample of the best Spanish and international gastronomy, savouring the charm of its bars and taverns, are some of Madrid's leisure alternatives, as well as a tempting commercial offer and shopping in traditional stores or in the most outstanding establishments of the first international brands.The lively night-life of Madrid is also an important attraction of the capital of Spain for the variety and good atmosphere of its bars, pubs and flamenco clubs for the evenings, as well as traditional festivals, street markets and many other attractions.
