Madrid

The Art Walk gathers the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza within a single kilometre: few cities in the world concentrate so much universal painting. A step away, El Retiro park invites you to row on its lake, while the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor complete the classic itinerary. But Madrid is best enjoyed at street level: the buzz of Sol and Gran Vía, the bookshops of Huertas, the Sunday flea market and the neighbourhoods of Malasaña, Chueca and La Latina, where tapas-hopping is a religion.

From cocido madrileño to cutting-edge cuisine, the capital is also a gastronomic feast, with markets like San Miguel and Vallehermoso. And its location makes it the perfect base for day trips to Toledo, Segovia or El Escorial, all under an hour away.