Why Madrid?
Madrid doesn’t mind a bit if Barcelona commandeers Spain’s party-city reputation and it’s happy to let you think all it has is art and culture. Because while the tourists are trouping round the big-ticket sights, the locals are having a ball in the barrios. Spain’s capital might not wear its wild old time on its sleeve but it doesn’t mind a bit if you want to come play. Just be prepared for lots of late nights, loud music and Madrileños en-masse looking effortlessly wonderful.