One Week in Spain
Western Park
Park · Casa de Campo
"Sunset Spot Parque de Oueste is a shady park toward the north of the city. The park is known for its rose gardens, as well as being home to the Temple of Debod, a gift for the Egyptian state in 1968. The overlook of the park offers beautiful views of the Royal Palace and the larger Casa Del Campo. It's an ideal spot to split a bottle of wine with friends and watch the sunset after a long day of exploring Madrid ."
El Retiro Park
Park · Jeronimos
"Don't miss Parque del Retiro—a stunning area complete with a lake, playgrounds, gardens, and fountains. It's the perfect public space where anyone can enjoy the day by taking a walk, playing a game, going on a boat ride, or exploring to your heart's content."
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Art museum · Embajadores
"Art reflects life at Reina Sophia Life reflects art? The Reina Sofia museum in Madrid is home to Picasso's famous Guernica, and many works by other Spanish artists, including Miro and Dali. A fabulous place to discover the art, artists, and ideas of the 20th century. By Sherry Hardage"
Toledo
Toledo
"Toledo's Roman Circus The history of Toledo dates back to Roman occupation circa 192 BC. The ruins of the Roman circus are still visible just outside the walls of the city. Roman occupation was followed by Visigoth rule, Muslim rule, and finally the Reconquest of Toledo in 1085 AD. Toledo was the capital of the Spanish empire until the mid 1500s when the royal court moved to Madrid . Plan to visit the Alcazar, which sits atop the town, and the two remaining synagogues; the Sinagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca is especially beautiful. Only three synagogues remain in Spain from before the expulsion of the Jews in the 16th century, two are in Toledo and the third is in Córdoba. The Bullfighting Museum is also an interesting stop but a bit gruesome. A world heritage site, Toledo is definitely worth a visit when in Spain."
Toledo
Toledo
"Toledo's Roman Circus The history of Toledo dates back to Roman occupation circa 192 BC. The ruins of the Roman circus are still visible just outside the walls of the city. Roman occupation was followed by Visigoth rule, Muslim rule, and finally the Reconquest of Toledo in 1085 AD. Toledo was the capital of the Spanish empire until the mid 1500s when the royal court moved to Madrid . Plan to visit the Alcazar, which sits atop the town, and the two remaining synagogues; the Sinagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca is especially beautiful. Only three synagogues remain in Spain from before the expulsion of the Jews in the 16th century, two are in Toledo and the third is in Córdoba. The Bullfighting Museum is also an interesting stop but a bit gruesome. A world heritage site, Toledo is definitely worth a visit when in Spain."
Aqueduct of Segovia
Historical place · Segovia
"Spend the Day the Segovian Way The ancient city of Segovia is charming in every sense of the word. Wooden and stone houses line impossibly narrow winding streets, up the hills to the heart of the Roman Aqueduct. On your quest to see the Alcázar of Segovia and its spatial grounds, make sure you don't miss the adventure of scaling the tower. The cochinillo (roasted suckling pig) in Segovia is said to be the best in the world, and many travelers make a trip for this reason alone. Restaurant Jose Maria is the long-standing favorite, and with good reason, though I hear nothing but rave reviews of Mesón De Cándido. Wherever you decide to dine, leave plenty of time for strolling and window shopping in the center of Segovia; artisan stores are easy to find but hard to leave. Photo by Brian Hammonds/Flickr ."
Patio de Banderas
Tourist attraction · Santa Cruz
"Eleven centuries into its existence, the elegant and sophisticated Alcázar is testament to the idea that good design transcends time. The palace, still the residence of the royal family when in Seville, invites wandering. You'll find peaceful walled gardens enclosed by arches, rooms with intricately plastered and tiled walls and, beneath the gardens, the dramatically vaulted cistern, Baños de Doña María de Padilla. The palaces, pools, patios and gardens have been used as locations for Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia ."
Alhambra
Tourist attraction · Alhambra
"The Gorgeously Groomed Generalife Gardens A visit to Granada, Spain isn't complete without a stop at the Alhambra. The Moorish architecture, robust gardens, and stunning views of Granada combine to make a truly memorable experience. Start your day with a tour of the Generalife Gardens. Take it slow to fully enjoy the blooming flowers and stunning water features at every turn. Make sure to pre-book your tickets to the Alhambra or you may miss out on a visit to the breathtaking Nasrid Palace portion. Tickets are easily purchased through the official Ticketmaster site, where you are able to schedule a morning or afternoon time slot. If you are unable to secure a ticket to The Nasrid Palace you can still purchase a pass to the Generalife Gardens and Alcazaba Fortress, and it's well worth the time and money. By Aubrey Dunnuck"
Cabildo Metropolitano de la Catedral de Granada
Cathedral · Albaicín
"Granada's Cathedral Granada's Cathedral of the Incarnation is a lovely must. The cost for entrance is 4 euros, and the structure is striking from within. It was meant to be the royal mausoleum (before Phillip II of Spain decided that the El Escorial, outside of Madrid , was a better fit). There are endless alcoves and rooms to explore in the cathedral, and the Chapel of the Trinity has a beautiful retablo with paintings by Alonso Cano, Jesepe de Ribera, and El Greco,"