Spain’s capital, like its population, is relatively young. In medieval times, Madrid was just another village, but under several successive kings it transformed to a European capital. Today the country’s hub is the upbeat, vibrant home of more than 3 million people.
As the city grew, it made room for its newcomers with a sprawl of modern districts (of little interest to tourists) surrounding its fascinating, easy-to-navigate historic core. Today, Madrid feels orderly and welcoming. Massive urban-improvement projects—new parks, pedestrianized streets, and revamped transit—continue to transform the city.
