SPAIN

Madrid (Capital)

Madrid, Spain’s central capital, is a city of elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks such as the Buen Retiro. It’s renowned for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters. The heart of old Hapsburg Madrid is the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, and nearby is the baroque Royal Palace and Armory, displaying historic weaponry.

Basilica of the Sagrada Familia

Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain

The Basílica de la Sagrada Família, also known as the Sagrada Família, is a large unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica in the Eixample district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Designed by the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, his work on the building is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Prado National Museum

Address: Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain

The Prado has one of the largest art collections in the world and is best known for its diverse assortment of works by Velasquez, Goya and El Greco.

The Alhambra

Address: Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain

The Alhambra was so called because of its reddish walls (in Arabic, («qa’lat al-Hamra’» means Red Castle). It is located on top of the hill al-Sabika, on the left bank of the river Darro, to the west of the city of Granada and in front of the neighbourhoods of the Albaicin and of the Alcazaba.

Gothic Quarter

Location: Ciutat Vella district, Barcelona

This majestic district lies in the oldest part of Barcelona. Its architecture really catches one’s eye, while its labyrinthine street plan offers exotic experiences for a pedestrian. Some of its buildings date back to the Roman era, but most of the notable ones are medieval. The heart of the nightlife it’s the Plaça Reial square with its clubs. Other landmarks are the Temple of Augustus and The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia.

Royal Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcázar de Sevilla)

Address: Patio de Banderas, s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain

Sights across the entire Spanish south have been shaped by centuries of Moorish and Catholic influence, and in few places is this more evident and captivating than at the Royal Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcázar de Sevilla). This UNESCO World Heritage Sites sprawling complex is made up of several features; the most picturesque is arguably the Patio de las Doncellas, with its tranquil ponds that reflect the intricate mudéjar plasterwork for which the palace is especially noted.

Royal Palace of Madrid

Address: Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain

This magnificent castle is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, but it is only used for state ceremonies. With a 135,000 m2 floor area and containing 3,148 rooms, it is the largest palace in Europe and has plenty of space to explore. The palace is well-known for its gorgeous art collection, containing works from artists like Caravaggio and de Goya. Another important collection is housed by the Royal Armoury of Madrid, where it is the world’s only complete Stradivarius string quintet. Guided tours are available.