Madrid

Ever-evolving Madrid just keeps getting better and better

Madrid is on a roll. Never a city to let the grass grow under its feet, Spain’s capital is experiencing unprecedented change. Recently, the mayor launched a program aimed at transforming the capital into a world-class cosmopolitan center. Though the completion was originally timed to coincide with Madrid's expected selection as venue for the 2012 Olympics, the city's disbelief at being beaten for the honor by London was quickly forgotten (maudlin introspection isn’t part of the feisty Madrileño temperament).

The cultural mix of the 5-million-plus population is also changing radically, with an influx of immigrants from South America and Eastern Europe, a great change from the homogeneous Madrid of a few years back when foreign residents totaled barely 1%. Ecological changes abound, too. Madrid is now officially one of Europe’s "greenest" cities, with verdant areas springing up every year thanks to an ecologically aware town hall. In a sense, though, the Spanish capital hasn't changed at all: It has always been an awesome blend of tradition and dynamism, drawing travelers from the world over.

© 2009, Wiley Publishing, Inc.