Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Malaga, and Seville: city break destinations

Madrid is a city that you’ll want to experience intensely. A visit to a museum on the Art Walk is a must, with exhibitions of masters, such as Goya and Velázquez. And we strongly recommend a stroll around the liveliest areas. Take note: Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium, the trendy Chueca district, the Gran Vía with its theatres and shops, the historic Madrid de los Austrias (Madrid of the Habsburgs), parks like Madrid Río, and the Retiro Park for a romantic walk (declared a World Heritage Site, adjacent to the Paseo del Prado), the exclusive Salamanca district, or the La Latina neighbourhood, a popular place for tapas. There is also a lot of buzz around the gourmet food markets, such as the Mercado de San Miguel.A different Madrid experience? Here are two for you. A unique view from the many roof terrace restaurants and cool bars where you can sit and watch the sunset. For example, the roof terraces of the Círculo de Bellas Artes or Palacio Cibeles. Another is a tour of the alternative cultural spaces like the Matadero or La Casa Encendida. And end each day with another thing Madrid is famous for: its amazing, non-stop nightlife.

Bilbao is in northern Spain, in the heart of the Basque Country. It became famous around the world for the spectacular Guggenheim Museum. Inside you can see modern art, but what really grabs the attention are the amazing titanium panels and large-scale spider sculpture outside. You can see some very interesting exhibitions here and in other museums, such as the Fine Arts Museum.These modern designs combine surprisingly well with the city’s historic centre, where you can stroll from bar to bar sampling delicious tapas or pinchos accompanied by the local wine, Txakolí. And on the subject of food, head for La Ribera Market, where you can buy ingredients and get them cooked on the spot.In the evening, there is a great atmosphere in outdoor bars and terraces, such as the top floor of La Alhóndiga. And to see Bilbao from a different angle, take a trip on the river Nervión on board a tourist boat. We recommend taking a look at our tips for “Two days in Bilbao”.

Seville is the capital of Andalusia, famous for its monuments and the culture of flamenco. Any visit should include the Alcázar, the Cathedral and the Giralda. The first two are World Heritage sites, and the last is one of the city’s emblems, towering over the River Guadalquivir. If you’d like to see everything in a more picturesque fashion, we recommend a tour in a horse-drawn carriage, or a boat trip on the river.You’ll want to take a photo in the Plaza de España or in the María Luisa Park, Try going out for tapas in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood or go to a flamenco show in a tablao to experience its real popular culture. And if you have a little more time, why not take in some culture at places like the Fine Arts Museum, or the avant-garde architecture of the Metropol Parasol.In the evening, try any of the many pavement cafés and restaurants, including roof terraces with views of the Cathedral or the river Guadalquivir.