Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, as well as the capital of the autonomous community of the same name (Comunidad de Madrid). Madrid is located just northeast of the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula, in the middle of the Spanish central Castillian plateau (Meseta central), at an average altitude of 650m. The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million with a metro area population of almost 6.5 million.

Madrid is best known for its great cultural and artistic heritage, a good example of which is the El Prado museum. Madrid also boasts some of the liveliest nightlife in the world. Nearly all of the most famous tourist areas are located in the center of the city including Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real, and Plaza de Colon. The major streets in Madrid include the Gran Via, Alcala Street, and Paseo de la Castellana. The climate of Madrid is continental; mainly dry and quite extreme at times. Madrid sees perpetual sunshine and a characteristically hot and dry summer, and a fairly cold winter with frequent frosts during the night and the occasional snowfall. Spring and autumn are mild with the most rainfall concentrated in these seasons. Spring and autumn are definitely the best times to visit, especially the months from September to November.

Madrid is also the centre of the Spanish railway network, with international, inter-city, high speed and regional services. The Renfe national railway company runs all these rail services, as well as the local lines. The airport is just 13 kilometres outside the city centre. Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport is Spain's busiest airport, and one of Europe's top five. It is also the main European hub for flights to Latin America.

Tourist Attractions in Madrid:

• Palacio Real
• Plaza Mayor
• Prado Museum
• Retiro Park
• Gran Via
• Puerta del Sol
• Plaza de Cibeles
• Temple of Debod
• Mercado de San Miguel
• Museo Reina Sofia

Universities in Madrid:

• Complutense University of Madrid
• Autonomous University of Madrid
• Technical University of Madrid
• King Juan Carlos University
• University of Salamanca
• IE University
• Alcala University
• Nebrija University
• CEU San Pablo University
• Camilo Jose Cela University