Madrid - a guide to the key sites and monuments

Spain's capital has enjoyed a serious boom as a city break destination on the last decade. The proliferation of cheap flights has made more and more European cities accessible to weekend travellers. Often overshadowed by the Catalan capital, Barcelona, Madrid is now showing what it has to offer and, more importantly, sharing it with foreign visitors. "Los Austrias" is as good a place as any to start; the oldest part of the city and still bearing the stamp of the Hapsburg dynasty that had such a dominating influence on Madrid until 1700. The "Plaza Mayor" is the focal point of the area; built by Phillip III between 1617 and 1619, it's an elegant square with a rich and varied history. This is where the great festivals and celebrations of imperial Madrid took place. Visitors these days won't see quite so much excitement but the square hosts a coin and stamp collectors market on Sundays and hosts live bands and performers during festivals. Expect to pay through the nose in the caf