Spain’s capital is a vibrant, sophisticated city that offers plenty to see and do. Here are a few highlights offered on our guided tours of Madrid:

· Stroll through Madrid’s many plazas. Scattered throughout Madrid, these busy—and often historic—squares are chock-full of shops, cafes, restaurants, and busy Madrileños going about their daily lives.

· Visit the Prado Museum. Art aficionados on Madrid trips aren’t the only ones who will appreciate this famous museum’s collection. Works by Goya, Raphael, and other masters that are housed here are sure to impress any traveler who visits.

· Take in a flamenco show. This sultry style of dance originated in southern Spain, but Madrid is home to several historic flamenco tablaos where visitors can take in an authentic performance.

Find more ideas in our guide to spending 48 hours in Madrid.

Travelers planning trips to Madrid in spring and fall will enjoy comfortably mild and warm temperatures. If hot weather is more your speed, visit Madrid in the height of summer—especially July or August. Note, though, that many locals leave the city in August, so if you visit Madrid then, it might feel a little bit quiet.

The top places to see on our Madrid tours include:

· The Royal Palace. Although Spain’s royal family no longer lives here, the palace is still considered their official residence. Inside it are more than 3,000 rooms!

· The Temple of Debod. Egypt’s government donated this temple to Spain in an effort to preserve it from floods that occurred after the construction of Egypt’s Aswan Dam. It dates back to the 2nd century BC and stands near Madrid’s Royal Palace.

· Retiro Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to ornate fountains, statues of Spanish luminaries, and a lake where visitors can paddle around in borrowed boats.

Read about staffer Rebecca’s visit to Madrid’s Mercado de San Miguel.

Signature foods to try on our Madrid tours include:

· Tapas. These small plates are meant for sharing and can include anything from olives and cheese, to calamari and croquettes.

· Chocolate con churros. Order this sweet treat and you’ll get a small cup of thick, rich hot chocolate and a side of cinnamon- and sugar-sprinkled fried-dough sticks. (Dunking is practically mandatory.)

· Tortilla de patatas. Translation: potato omelet. Depending on your preference, order yours plain, or with ingredients such as onions and peppers.

Here are a few things we recommend bringing along when you travel to Madrid:
** ·** Comfortable walking shoes. Most Madrid tours involve a lot of walking between museums, plazas, and other important sites.
· Light layers. The sun in Spain can be warm, but a light layer can come in handy when visiting air-conditioned museums, galleries, and other attractions. (On the other hand, pack warm layers if you plan to travel to Madrid in the winter!)
· Sun protection. This might seem like a no-brainer for those traveling on Madrid tours in the summertime, but the sun can be strong all year long, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and SPF no matter when you visit Madrid.