There are two giant Spanish sides - Real and Barca. It's a rivalry that is probably the fiercest in football - and it's a rivalry the cities continue off the football pitch too between Madrid and Barcelona.

Whereas Barcelona clearly has no time for Madrid, the Spanish capital gives the distinct impression of looking down its nose at its Catalan neighbour. Madrid is a wealthy, sophisticated city. It oozes style and class through its buildings  and its people.

Fancy a punt: The boating link in the middle of Madrid's major park.

On first impressions it can seem cold and aloof. But the more you discover it, the more you find and despite its place on the international stage it has a real spanish feel, with traditional tapas bars on ever corner.

Classic buildings line the wide tree lined avenues as you head into the city. It sees itself as more sophisticated than the rest of Spain, a city of finance, business, the classics and money.

At its heart is the Plaza Mayor. In years gone by the courtyard hosted bullfighting. Now its grand setting has made way to continental street cafes. It's the ultimate meeting point with street entertainers and artists ready to draw your portrait - if it takes your fancy.

All square : The Plaza Mayor in the heart of Madrid.

The grandest building in town is the Palacio Real, a magnificent palace home to hundreds of rooms which you can pay a  visit to.

It's an official residence of the King of Spain who doesn't live there but is a frequent host for ceremonial events.

There's been a royal home on the site for more than a thousand years but the modern palace dates a more modest 250 years.

Is the King in? The Palacio Real

It may look grand from the outside but it's even more oppulent seen from the  inside. Tour through rooms of stunning paintings and visit the Royal Armoury, with the highlight perhaps the Throne Room, decked out in the style of King Charles III.

Opening times: October to March, Monday to Saturday 9.30am-5pm, Sunday 9am-2pm. April to September Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 9am-3pm. Admission: 10 euros (6 concessions). Metro: Opera

If you know your art then the chances are you will have hard of Madrid's world famous art gallery, the Prado - part of the city's golden triangle of museums also including Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornomisza.

It houses thousands of art treasures including masterpieces of European art such as The Annunciation by Fra Angelico, Christ washing the Disciples' Feet by Tintoretto, The Descent from the Cross by Rogier van der Weyden, and The Three Graces by Rubens.

Centre of the art world: Prado

Where to go first is daunting so there are three routes which can show you the highlights - of 15, 30 and 50 works.

That could be an ideal option, particularly if you opt to go along after 6pm from Tuesday to Saturday and from 5pm on Sunday - that's when entry is free.

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday and bank holidays 9am-8pm. Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and January  6 9am-2pm. Entry fee: 6 euros although there is free entry for over 65s, EU students under 25, unemployed, disabled, teachers and official guides. Metro: Banco de España or Atocha

One definite highlight - and it's free - is a weekend walk in the park. Of a weekend, the people of Madrid flock to Parque del Beun Retiro, directly behind the Prado museum. It's a vast park but full of life at the weekends when there's street entertainers, stalls and more around the central boating lake. There's even a few cafes and bars well worth stopping at and watching the world go by. Hop off metro stop Retiro - alternatively it's a 30 minute walk from Sol.

Madrid doesn't have the number of attractions you may find in Barcelona and you could probably cover most of interest to you in a two or three day visit.

The soul of Madrid: Sol. Busy all day and most of the night.

But scratch the surface and you will be charmed by its friendliness, laid back feel - and of course, its football. A lot of the magic can be found in the districts you stumble upon.

The restaurants of the Cortes area to the east of Sol to name but one, a contrast to the more touristy and at times seedy parts of Gran Via. Late into the night, locals and tourists are wandering the streets - Madrid doesn't shut early.

Style on every corner: Madrid's charm is in the network of streets in its many districts

Then make the choice - Barcelona or Madrid?