One cannot help but notice the green blotch on a map of Madrid. Parque Del Retiro is more than a nature walk. In fact, many visitors return several times during their stay for the ever-changing offerings of street performers, boating, skating, and puppet shows.

The city offers many interesting museums, with the world-famous Prado National Museum leading the way with massive collections of Goya and Velázquez.

The historical quarters teem with interesting sights and structures. Columns, arches, churches, fountains, even an Egyptian Temple await discovery.

Long lunches will be a necessity, as the tremendous number of sights can quickly wear out even the hardiest traveler. Fortunately, to relax is to be Spanish. People sleep in late. Shops open and close on their own accord. Hundreds of restaurants, cafes and bars line these streets, which are ironically void of drunks. Lunch is more than a meal; it often becomes an all-day activity.

Madrid by day is a cultural city. But the fun doesn't end with the sunset. It is nearly impossible to describe Madrid's unending list of evening activities. But since Madrid is generally open to 4AM, visitors will have plenty of time to explore the various bars, open-air cafes, smoky jazz dens, and sweaty nightclubs.