Madrid, Spain seems to have slipped under the radar when it comes to European capitals, as it is frequently bypassed for locations such as Paris, London and Rome. However, many travelers find Madrid’s lively and laid-back culture completely irresistible, and are drawn to the city’s historic art galleries, vivacious music and nightclub scenes, and charming restaurants and tapas bars.

While Madrid has flourished into a modern city, it has also made a concerted effort to preserve preserved its 451-year history. Today, the area’s history is narrated through its many notable buildings, galleries and museums, making Madrid a popular destination for art lovers and culture vultures. Among the must-see attractions in the city are the Museo Nacional del Prado, the Centro de Arte de Reina Sofia, the Royal Palace and Royal Armory and Museo de Arte Thyssen-Bornemisza.

The city’s culture and history is also perpetuated in its love for the controversial sport of bullfighting. Since Spain’s first official bullfight, or corrida de toros took place in A.D. 711, the activity has been an integral part of the nation’s culture. However, what makes Madrid the center of the sport is the fact that if a matador has not proven himself at the city’s Plaza de Toros Monumental de las Ventas, the largest bullring in Spain, then he cannot be recognized as one of the nation’s top matadors. Therefore, for better of worse, bullfighting in Spain tends to start in the spirited center of Madrid.

Despite its flourishing intellectual scene, Madrid does not exclusively cater to history buffs and art aficionados. The area is also known around the world for its nightlife, as many cafés, dance halls and clubs are open until dawn every night of the week. Thanks to Madrid’s restless spirit, many travelers find that no matter the hour, there is always something to eat, see and do in the nation’s capital.

Of course, Madrid’s energetic culture would not be complete without flamenco dancing. As the city is known as the world’s capital of flamenco, tapas bars, dance halls and theaters come alive with this rhythmic dance practically every night, with the energy it brings to the floor highlighting Madrid’s lust for life.

After an exuberant Saturday night, the city wakes up early on Sunday mornings for what is regarded as one of the best and most unique flea markets in all of Europe – El Rastro Market. This famous outdoor shopping center got its name from the Spanish word for “stain,” as the vendors who sold their meat here in the 17th and 18th centuries often left bloodstains from their products in the street. Today, however, visitors are not likely to see fresh meat, but will instead find merchants selling T-shirts and small tchotchkes.

Still, one of the many things that draws travelers to Madrid is its people. The Spaniards from this city have an insatiable quench for life and are perhaps more welcoming to tourists than locals from any other European city. Of course, this is probably because few Spaniards who live in Madrid are actually from the area, but as the old saying goes, “If you’re in Madrid, you are from Madrid.”

For more information, contact the Madrid Visitors & Convention Bureau.