The Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park and Gran Vía are all must-sees.
Salamanca for luxury shopping, Lavapiés for bohemian culture, and La Latina for tapas.
Retiro Park is ideal for picnics, jogging and canoeing. Madrid Río is also popular for cycling.
The Madrid Zoo Aquarium and the Parque de Atracciones are good choices for families.
The Fiesta de San Isidro in May is the city's biggest annual event.