Madrid Photos -- National Geographic's Ultimate City Guides

Flamenco Dancers
Photograph by Guido Cozzi/Atlantide
Flamenco dancers twirl and stomp at the Jardines del Buen Retiro, a 350-acre (141-hectare) park not far from the Prado Museum.
An Intimate Moment
Photograph by Massimo Borchi/Atlantide/Corbis
Couples find an intimate setting for drinks and conversation at the Viva Madrid Bar.
The Old Atocha Rail Terminal
Photograph by Krista Rossow
The old Atocha rail terminal building was converted into a concourse with shops and eateries, with trains served by a new terminal nearby.
La Taurina Restaurant
Photograph by Luis Castaneda/TIPS Images
Mounted bull heads and ceramic tiles lend atmosphere to La Taurina restaurant, just off the busy Puerta del Sol square in Madrid.
Plaza de Espana
Photograph by Guido Cozzi/Atlantide/Corbis
Madrid's Plaza de Espana offers needed open space in a forest of skyscrapers. In the center is a monument to Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote.
Book Fair
Photograph by Ullstein Goettlicher/Caro/Peter Arnold
A gentleman browses the wares at a bookshop in the Madrid Book Fair, which usually takes place the last week of May and the first of June.
Plaza de Toros de las Ventas
Photograph by Luis Castaneda/TIPS Images
The 24,000-seat Plaza de Toros de las Ventas in Madrid is Spain’s most famous bullfighting ring.
The Old City
Photograph by Massimo Borchi/Atlantide/Corbis
The terrace of the ME Madrid (formerly the Tryp Reina Victoria) offers a lovely overview of the old city of Madrid.
The Plaza Mayor
Photograph by Guido Cozzi/Atlantide
A ceremony to welcome a new ambassador brings horses and riders to the Plaza Mayor, which has hosted cultural events in Madrid since the 16th century.
Gran Vía
Photograph by Guido Cozzi/Atlantide/Corbis
Madrid’s Gran Vía buzzes with activity 24/7, fronting shops from high-end to gritty and hotels for all budgets. Along the Vía you’ll also find grand cinemas that host Spain’s red carpet film premieres.