The Prado Museum: One of the great attractions of this museum - apart from the 8.600 paintings on display - is the fact that so many people can enjoy a visit for nothing. Every Sunday is a free entry day for everyone. On other days free entry is afforded to senior citizens, anyone under 18, the unemployed and students under 25. Normal entry fee is a reasonable €6. Possibly the best known painting on display is Las Meninas by Velázquez, pictured here. Velázquez not only provided the Prado with his own works, but his keen eye and sensibility was also responsible for bringing much of the museum's fine collection of Italian masters to Spain.

The Plaza Mayor: Madrid's main square and very popular tourist attraction was built in 1619 during the reign of King Felipe III. You can see a statue of him astride a horse in the center of the square. Main attractions here are people watching and eating a bocadillo de calamares. That is a crispy Spanish roll filled with deep fried squid rings. Tradition says you should help it down with a glass of cider. Many prefer beer or a glass of red wine.

The Ritz Hotel: This has to be THE place to stay in Madrid with all the luxury and super service anyone could need. It opened its door in 1910 and has been the top place to stay ever since. Right next door to the Prado, this is one place that truly earns its five stars. Expect to pay €500 a night. If you can’t afford that, stop by on a Sunday and indulge yourself in their Sunday brunch.  

Hotel Intercontinental Madrid: Luxury in a great location, this 307-room hotel is in the heart of the Spanish capital on the Paseo de la Castellana and within walking distance of some of the city’s best sights and shopping. It has old world charm coupled with modern conveniences. The hotel has won awards as a business hotel but its rooms and facilities are equally good for the discerning leisure traveler. The more expensive rooms on the Executive Floor offer business additional benefits such a free breakfast, use of the business center and cocktails and snacks in the evening.

The VillaMadrid Hotel: This is a relatively new 123-room property on the north side of Madrid offering luxury in a good location where leisure travelers can get excellent value at weekend when the hotel’s business clients stay at home. Look for rates under €75 for a weekend night when touring the Spanish capital is at its quietest. Located on the extended Paseo de la Castellana with good access to the Madrid expressway system making the drive easy to either Madrid’s Barajas International Airport or the center of the city.

Petit Palace Puerta del Sol: This is a well-priced property with a superb location close to the Puerta del Sol, in the very heart of Madrid’s historic and commercial centre. Its mix of rooms makes it ideal for families on holiday or the executive who prefers to stay in a small hotel. The Petit Palace Puerta del Sol hotel was opened in 2004 in a renovated six storey building that dates back to 1855. Many of the city’s most popular sightseeing spots, including the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum, are within easy walking distance. There is also a tourist bus that leaves a few meters away from the hotel to see others sights and monuments in the city.