Madrid is the capital and largest city in Spain with a population of roughly 3.3 million (2009) within its administrative limits on a land area of 698 km². It is the third-most populous municipality in the European Union after London and Berlin. The history of the modern city dates back to the 9th century.

Madrid is a major centre for international business and commerce. It is one of Europe's largest financial centres and the largest in Spain. Madrid is also the most touristic city of Spain, the fourth-most touristic of the continent, among the 12 greenest European cities in 2010.

The Palacio Real, the Palace of the Royal Family, takes second place on the list of most visited sights in Madrid, but the undeniable number one attraction is still a visit to the three museums centred around Paseo del Prado.