Madrid's Plaza Mayor at night.

Madrid was Spain's coolest city long before Posh and Becks showed up. A frenetic city with a legendary nightlife that induces 4am traffic jams, Madrid is at its best when it is drinking, eating, shopping and partying.

It may not boast any world-famous monuments, but with its ornate cathedrals, stately government buildings, manicured parks, royal palace and sumptuous city squares spilling over with alfresco diners, Madrid arguably rivals Paris as Europe's most romantic capital city.

Culturally, its three big art museums - the Thyssen-Bornemisza, the Reina Sofia and the Prado - have collections that certainly give the Louvre a run for its masterpieces.