Madrid is the largest city in Spain and the capital, it also the third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin. The city is located in the river Manzanares right in they center of the country. Madrid is also the political center of the Spain. The current mayor has been in office since 2003; Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon is also from the center right People’s Party. Madrid is really the center of Spain, because it is the capital it is the culturally and politically important. Due to the economic output, standard of living and market size Madrid is considered a major financial center of the Iberian Peninsula. Madrid often hosts the head offices of the vast majority of the major Spanish companies. It is also the headquarters of three of the world’s 100 largest businesses; Telefonica, Repsol-YPE, and Endesa.
Madrid is also well known for its fun and exciting nightlife and night clubs. The youth are known to spend their weekends parting all night long and only going home to get ready for work. In past years the more popular things for the youth to do is get together in a small group and just hang out and drink at the park or even in the streets. Yet for the last few years it has been illegal for people to just drink in the streets. So they just find an excluded area so that they don’t get caught just hanging out and drinking. The neighborhoods of Bilbao, Tribunal, Alonso Martinez or Moncloa are the most popular places for the youth to just hang out and spend some time with their friends. Chueca, the gay district has recently become a big hot spot in Madrid’s nightlife, not only for gay people but also for straight people looking for fun in the crowded clubs.
Madrid is a melting pot for food all over the peninsula. Cooks sometimes argue whether Madrid’s cuisine exists or not. However the truth is that the capital of Spain is enriched cuisine that is mixed with things from Andalusian, Gailians and Asturain or even other immigrants that settled in Madrid. Their sweet treats are things like torrijas which is a type of French toast. The torrijas are a typical springtime treat and are very popular treat for Holy Week. Other dessert like food is barquillos which is a rolled wafer, bartolillos con crema, a type of pie with custard. There is even the buñuelos which is a fritter filled with custard and whipped cream. Madrid is a very cultured place that has an exciting nightlife and lovely wide range of food. Madrid being the capital of Spain is a great place to visit with all history.