Foreign groups from around the world join locals to wow the crowds from October 15th to November 18th in venues around the city, so book your cheap hotel in Madrid early.

Out of a total of 30 acts last year, British actors put on Happy Days and French artistes made waves with comedy Le Misanthrope.

Bullfighting is out as the season ends in October, but traditional Spanish cuisine is in inside the city's seemingly endless stream of bars and restaurants.

There are enough boutiques to give the most-seasoned shopaholics a run for their money and plenty of opportunities to go downtown to old-fashioned markets that will eek more out of your Euro.

Get to the capital earlier on November 9th for the Virgen de la Almundena festivities centred around the church of the same name consecrated by Alfonso VI in the 11th century, now known as the Catedral de la Almundena.

A new church was started for the city's patron saint in the 16th century but only finished in 1993 when it was consecrated by Pope John Paul II.

Madrid is also known for its football teams. A trip to the capital would not be complete without a visit to the home of Real Madrid, Santiago Bernabeu.

The stadium is the site of plans for new ministries, skyscrapers, an opera house and park, some of which are expected to be finished this year.