1. Retiro, because all other parks pale in comparison.
2. No one does sangria better than Madrid.
3. Or tinto de verano, sangria's lovely Spanish cousin.
4. Nothing will ever equal the "cheap eats" Cien Montaditos serves up.
5. And El Tigre will reset your bar standards.
6. Tapas, which allow you to eat five separate, delicious dinners in one sitting.
7. PAELLA.
8. Madrileños know how to incorporate Manchego cheese into every meal.
9. Churros con chocolate. Period.
10. Spanish coffee is far and away the most superior of coffees.
11. You never wait more than three minutes for a train.
12. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium puts all other stadiums to shame.
13. And not just because Cristiano Ronaldo's gorgeous face is plastered everywhere.
14. The shopping in Sol is unparalleled.
15. The Almudena Cathedral's architecture will take your breath away, whether you're religious or not.
16. There's nowhere else in the world where you can cool off in the Museo del Prado.
17. Or in the Reina Sofia.
18. Or lounge in the shade and take in the splendor of the Royal Palace of Madrid.
