Madrid is the capital of Spain and has a population of about three million people.

A great city for a weekend break, culturally it rivals other top European cities.

Real Madrid is another top attraction with visitors from all over Europe decend on the Bernabeu stadium to watch a match.

Cheap flights, cheap holidays and weekend breaks are available all year round from many UK and European airports.

Region - Madrid.
Country - Spain.
Capital City - Madrid.
Language - Spanish, English widely spoken.
Religion - Roman Catholic.
Visas - Valid UK passport.
Currency - Euro, about €1.45 = £1.
Credit Cards - Widely Accepted.
Time Difference - GMT +1 hour.
Flight Time UK - About 2 hours 30 mins.
Madrid Airport - MAD.
Distance from Madrid Airport - 8 miles.
Taxi Fare from Madrid Airport - About €15-€20 (£10.34-£13.79).

Driving in Spain - On the right. EU compliant three-part pink document or international driving licence required.
Electricity in Spain - 220v 50Hz, adapter required.
Spain International Dialing Code - 00 34.
Madrid Public Phones - International booths accept coins and phonecards, as well as credit cards.
Madrid Mobile Phones - All major networks.

Spain Emergency Numbers - 112 (police, fire and ambulance).
Madrid Health Risks - None.
Madrid Safety & Security - Motorists, particularly those towing caravans, should be aware of highway pirates, who target foreign registered vehicles in service areas and subsequently stop them on the hard shoulder of motorways.

Shop Opening Times in Madrid - Banks open 09.00-14.00 Mon-Fri, 09.00-13.00 Sat (except summer). Shops open 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00. Department stores and commercial centres 10.00-21.00. Office hours are 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00. .

Public Holidays in Madrid - 2005: Jan 1, 6, March 25, May 1, Aug 15, Oct 12, Nov 1, Dec 6, 8, 25.

Madrid Accommodation - Accommodation is registered and inspected by regional authorities, but results in variations nationwide. Hotels are classified from one to five-star, hostels/pensions are classified one to three-star. Other accommodation includes apartment-hotels, hotel-residencies, motels, self-catering, campsites, family guest houses, country villas, health spas and monasteries. There is a network of paradors, which are often converted palaces and mansions.

Food in Spain - Each region has its specialities, although a stew in various guises is to be found everywhere, together with a general use of olive oil, garlic, Mediterranean vegetables, fish on the coasts, game and sausage.

Tipping in Madrid - Service and tax are usually included in hotel bills, but tip chambermaids, porters and waiters. Restaurants often include service, so a gratuity is discretionary, normally 10%-15%. Taxi drivers expect 10%-15%.

Madrid Standard of Living - Bottle of beer (330ml) - €1 (70p), mineral water (1L) - €0.90 (62p) and three course meal with drinks - €12 (£8.25).

Madrid Climate - Madrid has Mediterranean weather with hot dry summers but cold winters where it is well away from the coast. July and August are very hot. The weather from April to June and September to October is very pleasant, warm sunny weather. Winters are quite cold so bring a jumper and make sure your accommodation is heated.

Madrid Position - Lat: 40 27N, Long: 003 33W, Elevation: 582m.

Tourist Information on Madrid
For more information on Madrid go to www.aboutmadrid.com

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort has been made to give accurate and up-to-date information, no liability is accepted for any injury, loss or damage in respect of any information supplied.

To apply for a passport go to the Passport Service, for the latest Government advice and information on visas go to The Foreign Office

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