The Spanish DREAM

Sublime food and art scenes, gorgeous green spaces and an abundance of outdoor pools make Madrid a must-visit

- LYDIA SWINSCOE

Why go?

Less touristy than its east-coast neighbour Barcelona, Madrid is the place to come for a seriously authentic Spanish experience. It’s here you’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants alongside brilliant cheap eateries, rooftop city vistas, stunning parks and some of the best galleries the country has to offer, including Museo Reina-Sofía, which houses Picasso’s Guernica among many of his other works, as well as delights from Dalí and Miró. Summers are scorchingly hot so it’s best to visit from September to December or during springtime, but with an abundance of top-class hotels, most at reasonable prices, you won’t have trouble finding somewhere luxurious to stay whenever you visit.

Things to do and see

Unlike Barcelona, Madrid of course doesn’t have a beach, but what Spain’s capital lacks in sand and sea, it more than makes up for with stunning outdoor pools – the perfect place to spend a sunny day with a picnic. Most require a pre-booked slot these days thanks to COVID-19, but it’s easy enough to sort on the city council website (madrid.es).