Madrid

Madrid outpaces #1 Barcelona in museum prestige with the Prado Museum, hosting over 9,000 artworks from Goya and Velázquez. Retiro Park spans 125 hectares, offering a lush urban retreat, while its legendary nightlife thrives until 6 am. The Prado's collection is 50% larger than the typical European national gallery, cementing Madrid as a cultural powerhouse. The city's vibrancy extends beyond art, with royal palaces and modern tapas bars that rival Seville's historical charm. At 667 meters above sea level, Madrid is the highest capital in Europe, providing crisp air and sweeping views.