It is a highly intriguing city with wonderful people. The paradox with Madrid is that quite often it is viewed as being second to Barcelona in terms of appeal. Given all that Barcelona has to offer and despite all this to write off the Madrid completely misses the point and at the end of the day it is Madrid that is at the centre of both the road and rail networks in Spain.

Yes the Catalans may praise Barcelona for the creativity and elegance of the city but to regard to Madrid is any less important purely because parts of it might need the old lick of paint is extremely superficial.

The ideal time to visit Madrid is in spring and autumn because Madrid has cold winters and hot summers due to its long distance from the sea and the altitude.

Madrid has a great many attractions of which a royal palace, many grand public squares, three internationally renowned art galleries, and a great many museums filled with the treasures of the long and glorious history of Spain.

Madrid as you see is very much a combination and manifestation of its historical past. Madrid and Spain have been conquered and re conquered down throughout history a great many times and one of the great influences in Madrid is that of the North African influence of the Moors. This is reflected in the area of La Latina.

This is an area of Madrid often overlooked by visitors and tourists alike but is rich in historical heritage and indeed during medieval times the Plaza la Paja was Madrid's main square.

The decline of the Moorish influence in Spain meant that this part of Madrid became known as a moreria otherwise known as an enclosed ghetto where Muslims live. Memories of a former age can still be found when you consider some off the place names such as Plaza de la Puerta de Moros and/or the historic architecture.Nowadays as in most cases things have changed and this part of Madrid becomes a party centre for the madrilenos, the people of Madrid later on in the day, every day.

Perhaps one of the most overriding aspects of Madrid would lie with the juxtaposition off the modern international capital city and the apparent ?down at heel? and slightly grubby appearance. I think I possibly agree with them.

North of the city you will find Masalena, a wonderful cobble stoned area stretching from the city centre.Wonderfully described as possibly being like ?the boyfriend or girlfriend you couldn't bring home to your mother? all human life in Madrid can be found here. With graffiti, posters and street art on virtually every conceivable surface Malasana has an anarchic feel and atmosphere that tells you ?this is the place to be at the right time of day?.

The Spanish know how to Party and these can sometimes last all day.

As in most capital cities that have this sort of history there is a lot more to Madrid that initially meets the eye. Dig slightly deeper, look underneath the stones and beyond the flaking paint and you will embark upon a love affair with a city that will last for many a year.