Madrid is Spain's vibrant capital and largest city, a metropolis of world-class art museums, grand boulevards, lively plazas, and an electric nightlife that never sleeps. As the Autonomous Community of Madrid, the region combines the cosmopolitan energy of the city with green sierra mountains, historic royal towns, and charming villages within easy reach.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Toledo swords and knives (genuine craft items; buy from authorised shops, not street vendors)
Osborne bull replicas — Spain's iconic black bull silhouette
Jamón ibérico de bellota — top-quality cured ham; vacuum-sealed for travel at airport shops
Spanish olive oil — look for DO (denominación de origen) labels
Lladró porcelain figurines (Calle Serrano flagship store)
La Mancha saffron (azafrán) — buy from Mercado de Maravillas or specialist shops
Spanish fan (abanico) — quality handmade ones from La Especial Artesanía, Calle de la Paz 6
Books on Spanish art — Museo del Prado's bookshop has exclusive publications
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.