5 Days. 4* MADRID - Catalonia Atocha (BB)

Madrid has a rhythm all its own: The dry air of the Castilian plain crackles with its cosmopolitan crowds. If the illuminated shop windows along the Gran Vía, and the unyielding elegance of Paseo de la Castellana are overwhelming, retreat to Old Madrid. Its maze of side streets south of Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol are what make the real Madrid. Spend half a day in the Prado Museum, then sit to rest on the steps leading down to the lake in lush Retiro Park. The city begins to come alive as soon as the sun sets. Madrid claims to have the highest number of bars per person of any European city. Madrid is bustling with cultural events all year round. After a concert, play or film, you can choose from literally hundreds of tapas bars and an endless array of nightspots. Madrid successfully blends its cosmopolitan sophistication with its most treasured local traditions, the result is fascinating to explore.