Don’t say you haven’t got time! These are ideas for people with just a few days to get away. Take advantage of direct flights from many international airports to these cities and really get to know Spain. Here are some of their most tempting attractions.
MADRID
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 Renoir and Sorolla. And we strongly recommend a stroll around the liveliest areas. For example, Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium, the trendy Chueca district, the Gran Vía with its theatres and shops, the historic Madrid de los Austrias, parks like Madrid Río and the Retiro, 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. For example, the roof terraces of the Círculo de Bellas Artes or Palacio Cibeles. Or perhaps a tour of alternative cultural hotspots. And end each day with another thing Madrid is famous for: its amazing, non-stop nightlife.
BARCELONA
Barcelona is the place for a Mediterranean getaway. A few days by the sea, enjoying great food and a welcoming climate, combined with unique things to do and see. Here are a few: The architecture of Gaudi, with examples like Park Güell, the Sagrada Familia or Casa Batlló. Want more? Parks, markets, and areas to explore on foot, such as Montjüic, the Boquería market, the Ramblas, the hip Born district, the medieval Gothic quarter, the delightful seafront or the Art Nouveau masterpieces of Passeig de Gràcia. The city also offers nearly five kilometres of beaches.Barcelona offers other interesting options – visiting the Picasso Museum, enjoying the dazzling football of FC Barcelona, taking a boat trip around the bay, or discovering its alternative cultural spaces.
And to round off the day, the city is full of pavement cafés and restaurants, and cool bars and clubs for nights out dancing or enjoying a cocktail with friends.
BILBAO
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”.
MÁLAGA
Malaga is in Andalusia, on the southern coast known as the Costa del Sol. It’s a seaside town, full of light, and lovely to walk around. It is also remarkably rich in art and culture. It has outposts of the prestigious Centre Pompidou and the St Petersburg Russian Museum Collection, but above all, it is the birthplace of Picasso, where you can visit his Museum House and the Picasso Museum. The Carmen Thyssen Museum, the Cathedral, the Roman Theatre and Gibralfaro Castle are also great places to visit.
Try some of the most-loved local experiences: sardine skewers or the tiny fried fish “pescaíto”, its sweet dessert wines, the fantastic beaches, or an evening out with tapas after a stroll around Calle Larios, Plaza de la Merced, and the old town. A couple more tips: if you’re an early riser, how would you like to see the sun rise over the sea? If you’re a night owl, go dancing in the old quarter, or spend a relaxing evening around La Malagueta beach or Paseo de Sancha.
SEVILLE
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 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 visit a museum such as the Fine Arts, 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.
Fuente: Turismo de España
