Elegant mansions, designer boutiques, upmarket restaurants and exclusive hotels are the norm, though there are some more affordable attractions here too.

The stunning archaeological museum, the hidden jewel of the Museo Sorrolla and the eccentric collection of businessman José Lázaro Galdiano are amongst the cultural treats, as is the Auditorio Nacional de Música, home to the National Orchestra.

But the most famous landmark of all is Real Madrid's mammoth Santiago Bernabéu Stadium which has recently undergone a €900 million refurbishment.