Just about everyone who comes to Spain spends at least a few days in Madrid.  I have very fond memories of Madrid and my many friends there.  The residents of Madrid are known for their exuberant conversation and rapid-fire way of talking.  They are always friendly, always polite.

I have stayed in stayed in six hotels in Madrid.  My general recommendation is the Wellington, but the Liabeny may be right for some people on a budget.  Madrid Hotels

Madrid is a great restaurant town, especially if you like fish.  Promise me, though, no matter what, that you will go to my bullfight bar,  Bar Andalú, in Plaza Mayor, #26. Madrid Restaurants

Art is what comes to mind for most tourists in Madrid.  Allow considerable time to visit the Prado.  If time is short, focus on Bosch's "Garden of Earthly Delights" and the Goya rooms.  Must-see galleries also include Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (Picasso's Guernica) and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.

Be sure to visit the historic and beautiful Plaza Mayor.

We recently discovered that the newly-renovated Plaza Santa Ana is a quiet place where families are able to sip a drink at an outdoor cafe without a lot of traffic to destroy the mood.