Madrid and barcelona
Spain

Madrid

Madrid, cheerful and vibrant at all hours, is famous for being an open city with all kinds of people from anywhere in the world. In addition to its famous museums, busy streets dotted with all kinds of shops, restaurants with world cuisine or unbeatable nightlife, Madrid will surprise you with its charming, tranquil historic spots, with traditional and family-run century-old bars where friends meet up for a drink, all kinds of neighbourhoods, and cultural centres that offer an alternative type of tourism.

Madrid has an authenticity that is hard to match. It is welcoming and diverse. Madrid is, without a doubt, one of Europe’s most interesting cities. Anyone in search of culture will find some of the most important museums in the world, such as the Prado, Reina Sofía or Thyssen. But we must not forget smaller options, full of charm, such as the Sorolla Museum or cultural centres like the Matadero or Conde Duque, which are continuously offering innovative exhibitions, concerts, guided tours, etc.

Walking around Madrid means coming across iconic spots such as the stunning Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor with 400 years of history, the buzzing Puerta del Sol, the famous Gran Vía full of shops, or the four tallest towers in Spain. Each neighbourhood offers a different experience: La Latina is ideal for tapas, Las Letras has the perfect combination of literature and fine dining… But Madrid also means relaxing in enormous green spaces such as the Retiro Park (which together with the Paseo del Prado boulevard have been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List), and other lesser-known but equally charming parks like El Capricho.

When it comes time to eat Madrid has two facets, both equally delicious. On the one hand, traditional bars where you can discover the old-fashioned, unpretentious atmosphere known as ‘castizo’, and why tapas are so much fun. On the other hand, avant-garde restaurants such as DiverXO and traditional markets converted into new gourmet spaces like San Miguel, which have become true temples of gastronomy. In Madrid, any time is a good time to enjoy a lively, urban atmosphere.

Fashionistas will find all options: luxury shops on the Golden Mile, vintage establishments in areas such as Fuencarral, new designer markets like the Mercado de Motores, and craft workshops and bookshops over 100 years old.

At dusk, some of the city’s viewpoints will surprise you with unique sunsets, at the Temple of Debod or the rooftop bar of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, for example. And at the end of the day... nightlife in Madrid is legendary with live music, all kinds of ambiences, music until the sun comes up... Madrid has its own beauty. Madrid stimulates and inspires. Madrid is an experience.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a city with a wide range of original leisure options that encourage you to visit time and time again. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and famous for Gaudí and other Art Nouveau architecture, Barcelona is one of Europe’s trendiest cities. It’s a hub of new trends in the world of culture, fashion and cuisine. It combines the creativity of its artists and designers with respect and care for local traditions. The charm and slower pace of the old town, the avant-garde vibe of more modern neighbourhoods, and the fast pace of one of the world’s most visited cities coexist in Barcelona.

Barcelona is a showcase for the latest developments in fashion. Strolling around its streets you can discover a world of options for a day of shopping. From glamour and major brands in iconic stores set in emblematic buildings, such as the Paseo de Gracia or Avinguda Diagonal, to alternative and innovative design in areas such as the Born district.

Barcelona is also brimming with traditional shops and you can visit century-old stores and ateliers that will surprise you with their attention to detail. The Mediterranean character and streets full of ambience also set the trend in Barcelona. The possibilities are almost endless, ranging from popular options such as a stroll down Las Ramblas or traditional markets such as La Boquería, to relaxing moments on the city beaches or the many pavement cafés in the old town.

Barcelona draws visitors to its famous sights, like the Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. But they can also discover a city full of pleasant surprises on each trip. A walk along the seafront, evenings on a rooftop terrace with views over the city skyline, spacious parks such as Parc de Montjüic or Ciutadella, the marina, Olympic village, and everything to do with FC Barcelona; a range of options for new experiences on each visit.

Culinary options are also varied, with world renowned haute cuisine restaurants, traditional Catalan dishes, food markets, and establishments that take you around the world with their flavours... The city’s cultural agenda also includes major art centres, like the Picasso Museum, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, and CaixaForum; a wide range of festivals and one of Spain’s leading opera houses, Gran Teatre del Liceu.

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