Madrid is arguably one of the most vibrant capitals cities in Europe and April might be the best time to visit Spain as the spring weather is pleasant and you avoid the summer crowds.

The capital is renowned for having the highest number of sunny days per year and its vast cultural and artistic treasures. Moreover, Madrid is the best place to get a true taste of the Spanish tradition and temperament. Its long history has been successfully combined with modern life. It has gained the reputation for being Europe’s "city that never sleeps" and it attracts people from all corners of the world. You would expect people in such a big and happening city to be impersonal and closed, but Madrilenians are famous for their friendliness and warmth. Madrid is a city in which friends are made within a minute of conversation and every moment of life is enjoyed to the full.

Whether you enjoy shopping or sightseeing, culture and art or sports and nightlife, Madrid is an unavoidable point on the map of Europe. With its huge selection of foreign and domestic brands and very affordable prices, Madrid is a haven for shoppers and spring fashion selections. From chic boutiques to inexpensive, yet quality shops, Madrid has it all when it comes to fashion. But good shopping is just a drop in the ocean of attractions that Madrid has to offer.

Tour local cultural spots and museums

It is impossible to write about Madrid without mentioning some of its major monuments, such as the Plaza Mayor and the Prado Museum. Plaza Mayor is considered by many to be the most beautiful square in Madrid. Located in the very heart of the old city center, in the old days the square witnessed many trials and murders carried out by the Inquisition, bull fights and theater performances. The square gives off a feeling of intimacy, despite its central location and countless little streets that lead to it. A little further down from the square lies the artistic quarter that is teeming with museums. It is known as the Golden Triangle of Art and among other wonderful museums, it boasts the Prado Museum, which is by far the most popular museum in Madrid, hosting an incredible collection of Spanish art from the 12th to the 19th century. You should also make it a point to visit the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum. The latter boasts Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, among other gems of art.

Despite Madrid’s size and urban character, the city is replete with parks, which sometimes gives you a feeling of being in nature, rather than in one of Europe’s biggest cities. If you have time on your April vacation, make sure to visit Madrid’s largest park, Retiro. Formerly the site of a royal palace, the Retiro Park is a perfect getaway from the urban sprawl. A youth cultural center is also located inside the park and it is very popular with young Madrilenians. Jugglers, street performers and musicians amuse the crowds who gather to relish in Madrid’s splendid Spring weather.

Spanish Nightlife in Madrid

A visit to Madrid, Spain would be incomplete without flamenco, the opera and tapas. Nightlife in Madrid begins around 10 pm, when people gather in tapas bars and restaurants. After eating delicious appetizers, Madrilenians move on to clubs and discotheques. Vacationing in Madrid never means staying in just one place all night. It rather consists in hopping from one bar or club to the next in search of a good vibe that gets better and better as you get deeper into the nights. If you are not a great fan of nightclubs and bars, then consider attending a flamenco concert or opera after a savory meal in a Madrid restaurant serving traditional Spanish cuisine.

We cannot speak about Madrid and Spain and avoid mentioning bullfights. Although these are not to everyone’s taste and public opinion in Spain is split regarding their role in animal cruelty, we cannot deny the fact that bullfighting is an important part of Spanish history and national identity. If you are a person who enjoys this sort of thing, then rest assured that the best bull fights in the world take place in Madrid.

Madrid and Spain has something for everyone when looking for a Spring Vacation and it is highly likely that you will fall hopelessly in love with the city and country that will be pulling at you to keep coming back. The huge number of British expatriates who have moved to Spain over the last decade means that more and more Spanish people are mastering the English language, so communication will not be a problem. Although we recommend April as the best time to visit Spain, any time of the year is a great time to experience Madrid and Spain while they await you with open arms under a cloudless sky.