This short break guide about Madrid, Spain will help you to make the most of your trip. Lists of what’s on in Madrid and recommended hotels will save you time when planning your city break.

Madrid, Spain has been occupied since pre-historic times. Situated along the Manzanares River, the capital city of Spain has a notable standard of living, is considered the financial capital of the Iberian Peninsula and plays home to three of the world’s 100 largest Fortune 500 companies; Santander Central Hispano Group, Telefonica and Repsol YPF. This most ancient city is still thoroughly modern with its innovative architecture, including its “bent” building skyscrapers called Puerto de Europa, and infatuation with the nightlife; where most of the youth go out all night and only stop to shower and head to work the next morning. If you are looking for a spirited and festive atmosphere, a perfect blend of old world and new school, Madrid is the place to be.

Our mini-guide to what’s on in Madrid lists the top 10 events and attractions in 2008. If you take your short break in Madrid, Spain when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Madrid.

1. Royal Palace of Madrid: The Royal Palace is the certified residence of the King of Spain, although the current ruling family does not technically live on the grounds. Its ancient heritage dates all the way back to a 10^th century fortress, called Mayrit, and features stunning rooms, such as a Royal Armoury, that have been decorated by celebrated artists like Velazquez, Caravaggio and Goya. The Royal Palace is open in October – March from 9:30am – 5:00pm and in April – September from 9:00am – 6:00pm; closed Sunday’s and holidays. http://www.patrimonionacional.es

2. Teatro Real, The Royal Theater: Known to locals as The Real, the Royal Theater is renowned as an opera house with some of the world’s finest stage and acoustic sets in the realms of ballet, opera and concerto; making it one of the best places on earth to see any of these performance pieces. The interior also houses a stunning design plan, including a metal sculpture by famed surreal artist Salvador Dali. The Real is open to the public via its museum and daily tours. General visiting hours are open on weekdays 10:30am – 1:00pm and until 1:30pm on weekends; no Tuesday’s. Performance hours vary. http://www.teatro-real.com/

3. Parque del Buen Retiro: The Parque del Buen Retiro was the original site of the royal palace. Several buildings of the destroyed palace still remain on the 350 acre park grounds along with beautiful fountains, astounding monuments, soaring statues and delicate gardens. Around the manmade lake, there are puppet shows, street performers and fortune tellers that are all quite amusing for adults and children. Rowboats can also be rented for a leisurely cruise around the large lake. The park is a favorite amongst tourists and locals alike and is almost always fluttering with activity, no matter what time of day or night it is. The park is open year round with no set hours, although from May through October, every Sunday at noon, Banda Sinfonica de Madrid gives free concerts in the park. Some other must see events include the Madrid Book Fair (Feria del Libro), held three weeks in May, where park goers can purchase books to read out on the sunny lawns and the beloved Madrid Christmas Wish Tree, a spiraling hollow cone that is filled with balloons that are released into the sky with New Year’s wishes and resolutions attached on January 6, open through December from 10:00am – 9:00pm.

4. Fiesta de San Isidro: Born in 1070, San Isidro is the patron saint of farmers and Madrid and for 10 days each May the city comes alive with festivities and parties celebrating the legendary man. During the fête Latin beats and flamenco dancers fill every street corner, a small jazz festival reigns at Colegio San Evangelista, locals spill tales of folklore at San Isidro fests past in their traditional garb of tweed, cloth caps and chulpas (skirts), restaurants provide the finest delicacies and traditional eats that they can muster and thousands flood the streets to eat, drink and be merry. Bullfighting rings also open during the San Isidro fest with daily bullfights at Las Ventas. The annual Ceramics Fair and Book Fair correlate with the festivals dates for those who want to shop til they drop. As for those truly celebrating for religious reasons, there is also a fountain that spouts holy water. Plaza Mayor, Plaza de las Vistillas, Plaza de las Comendadoras, Plaza de Felipe II, Parque del Retiro and the Centro Cultural de la Villa are the places where the most activity abounds during the merriment. Most events are free of charge. http://www.congregacionsanisidro.org/fiesta.htm

5. National Archaeological Museum of Spain: One of the most celebrated in the world, the National Archaeological Museum of Spain houses rare collections from several eras including pre-historic, Celtic, Iberian, Greek/Roman antiquites and medieval. The museum is open from Tuesday – Saturday from 9:30am – 8:30pm; Sunday 9:30pm – 2:30pm. http://www.man.es/

6. Real Madrid Club de Futbol: The Real Madrid is a professional Spanish football team. Founded in 1902, it remains one of the most successful football clubs in the world; having won nearly 30 titles in its first century of play. But be prepared – football crowds can get rough, rowdy and inebriated; the perfect mix for a fighting good time! Hours vary to game times. http://www.realmadrid.com/portada_eng.htm

7. Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas: Located in Madrid’s Salamanca district, Las Ventas is one of the world’s most highly regarded bullfighting rings. The bullfighting calendar commences each year during the San Isidro festival with daily bullfights. After the festival, bullfights run through October each Sunday and two special bullfighting dates to look out for are August 15 and October 12. There is also a bullfighting museum, Museo Taurino, which takes a look at the lengthy and passionate history of the sport, famous fighters and the ever evolving style of dress. The museum also holds works of art by infamous Spanish painters such as Vasquez Diaz and Roberto Domingo. The museum’s hours are 9:30 – 2:30pm on weekdays and 10:00am – 1:00pm on Sunday’s. Las Ventas also plays host to a variety of musical events including MTV Day, held each June, featuring many current Spanish rock and pop stars performing live concerts. http://www.las-ventas.com/

8. Puerta de Europa: One of the most notable features of Madrid’s skyline is the recently erected twin office buildings entitled Puerta de Europa. These unique structures are the first bent buildings in Madrid and incline at an angle of 15 degrees! Puerta de Europa holds many exhibitions as well as offices.

9. The City That Never Sleeps: The nightlife culture in Madrid heightened during the mid 80s when youth started gathering around the Plaza del Dos de Mayo in a movement called la movida. Today many of Madrid’s neighborhoods are popular for all types of nightlife; Bilbao, Tribunal, Alonso Martinez, Moncloas, Puerta del Sol, Huertas and Chueca. With nearly 90 options to choose from including performance and film theaters, bar and pubs, gay and lesbian bars and enough club, dance and music locations to make ones head spin, there is certainly something for everyone to enjoy in the wee hours of the morning in Madrid. http://www.turismomadrid.es/

10. Madrid Summer Festivals: Madrid is known for its spirited festivals. In the summertime the city plays host to many that pay homage to patron saints including San Antonio de la Florida (June 13), Virgen del Carmen (July 16-25), Virgen de la Paloma (August 6 – 15), San Cayetano (August 7) and San Lorenzo (August 10). During these special times, streets are decorated to the nines, Mardilenos often dress to impress in traditional Chulapo garb while they dance to Latin beats in the streets, restaurants and neighborhoods alike combine to provide delicious food for all and all involved drink and dance until they are dizzy!

Hotel review website TripAdvisor allows travelers to thoroughly assess Madrid hotels that they have visited. The unbiased evaluations really help to find the best hotels and avoid the worst. The top 10 Madrid hotels recommended by review are:

1. Hotel Room Mate Alicia

2. Hotel Preciados

3. Catalonia Las Cortes

4. Hostel Barrera

5. Room Mate Mario

6. Hotel de las Letras

7. Senator Gran Via

8. Hotel Plaza Mayor

9. Best Western Atlantico

10. Hotel Room Mate Laura