Madrid
Madrid, Spain's central capital, is a city of elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks such as the Buen Retiro. Itâs renowned for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museumâs works by Goya, VelĂĄzquez and other Spanish masters. The heart of old Hapsburg Madrid is the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, and nearby is the baroque Royal Palace and Armory, displaying historic weaponry.
Where to Stay
URSO Hotel & Spa
@alexandriaugarte
Set in an early 20th-century palace, this upscale hotel is a 3-minute walk from the Tribunal metro stop and 2 km from the Prado museum.
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Points of Interest
Catedral de la Almudena
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Baroque Catholic cathedral known for its colorful chapels, plus a Romanesque crypt & museum.
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Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great
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Imposing neoclassical church with vast frescoed dome & chapel painted by Goya, plus guided tours.
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Royal Palace of Madrid
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18th-century, ridge-top palace for state occasions, plus tours with rooms full of art and antiques.
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Bank of Spain
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Landmark building with impressive exterior, plus interiors & art collection viewable by appointment.
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Museo Nacional del Prado
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Art museum with Velazquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces in vast 12th- to 19th-century collection. Great museum where they have the earliest known study copy of the Mona Lisa. It's really cool to see because it's uncrowded and you can get much closer to it unlike the Mona Lisa at the Louvre. What really makes it stunning though is it has been restored so the colors and detail and bright and clear.
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Sabatini Garden
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Neoclassical garden of the Royal Palace, with 3 terraces, fountains, statues & outdoor events.
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El Retiro Park
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Expansive, 19th-century park with boating lake & rose garden, plus numerous fountains & statues.
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Photo Spots
Great Pond of El Retiro
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Central pond in El Retiro Park with a colonnaded monument, popular for rental rowboats & canoes.
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Palacio de Cristal
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Venue for art exhibitions organized by Reina SofĂa Museum, modeled on London's Crystal Palace.
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Plaza de España
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Leafy square surrounded by imposing buildings, with stone & bronze statue of Cervantes on horseback.
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Shopping & Souvenirs
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Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores
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El Rastro Flea Market Sundays and Holidays
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Tours & Entertainment
Tablao Flamenco Torres Bermejas
@alexandriaugarte
Circa-1960 venue decorated with Arabic tiles, for live flamenco shows & fixed-price dinners.
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Bars & Nightlife
Kapital
@alexandriaugarte
Opulent, 7-story nightclub with multiple bars & a rooftop, for live music, karaoke & dance parties.
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Rosi La Loca
@alexandriaugarte
$ Maximalist, multicolored venue serving cocktails & tapas, plus Spanish dishes like paellas.
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Azotea del CĂrculo
@alexandriaugarte
$$$ Upscale restaurant for innovative Spanish cuisine & cocktails, known for its roof terrace views.
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Sweets & Treats
ChocolaterĂa San GinĂ©s
@alexandriaugarte
Founded in 1894, this cafe is known for its chocolate with churros.
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Mimiâs CrĂȘperie
@alexandriaugarte
Sweet & savory crepes, plus pancakes, waffles & coffee in a compact, colorful setup.
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Cafes
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La Mallorquina
@alexandriaugarte
$ Cream cakes, violet sweets & other traditional Madrid confections in a landmark cafe from 1894.
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Restaurants & Eateries
San Miguel Market
@alexandriaugarte
Circa-1916 covered market offering local food, delicacies & events in an elegant ambiance.
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Takos Al Pastor
@alexandriaugarte
$ Meat-filled tortillas & other Mexican fare served with margaritas & beer at a late-night hot spot.
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TAKOMAMA
@alexandriaugarte
$ Trendy restaurant offering traditional Mexican cuisine, including tacos & nachos.
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Casa Toni
@alexandriaugarte
$ Laid-back, counter-serve spot for seafood & offal tapas, with tiles & photo-covered walls.
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Zenith Brunch & Cocktails - Madrid
@alexandriaugarte
$$ Chill, brick-lined space offering all-day brunch, plus cocktails, coffee & superfood lattes.
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Mad Mad Vegan
@alexandriaugarte
$$ Chill, brick-lined space offering all-day brunch, plus cocktails, coffee & superfood lattes.
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QUISPE RESTAURANTE
@alexandriaugarte
$$ Peruvian cuisine & a variety of pisco cocktails prepared in a lively, contemporary setting.
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Bel Mondo
@alexandriaugarte
$$ Bright, whimsical eatery offering classic Italian provisions, a robust wine list & terrace seating.
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Running Sushi in Osaka
@alexandriaugarte
$$ Sushi, sashimi & other Japanese fare served via conveyor belt in a laid-back, colorful dining space.
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Barrutia Y El Nueve
@alexandriaugarte
$$ Intimate, comfy space offering traditional, homestyle recipes & a take-out option.
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Entre Santos Madrid
@alexandriaugarte
$$ Cheery tavern serving up tapas, eclectic entrees & creative cocktails in a warm atmosphere.
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Yatai Market
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$$ Teriyaki, ramen & other Asian eats in an industrial-chic food hall with a cocktail bar.
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Salvador Bachiller - Gran VĂa
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$$ Live entertainers, lively atmosphere, and creative cocktails.
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Bloom
@alexandriaugarte
$$$ Romantic, flower-filled restaurant specializing in creative cocktails & eclectic international fare.
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Restaurante Casa Benigna
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$$$ Classic Spanish dishes & generous portions of paella in a snug space with eclectic decor.
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Amazonico Restaurant
@alexandriaugarte
$$$$ Asian, Mediterranean & Brazilian cuisines meet in an Amazon-themed space with live jazz.
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Restaurante Ten Con Ten
@alexandriaugarte
$$$$ Trendy cocktail bar-cum-restaurant serving popular Spanish dishes & modern takes on tapas plates.
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Alcala de Henares
Alcala de Henares
@alexandriaugarte
AlcalĂĄ de Henares is a city in central Spain, northeast of Madrid. Itâs known for the University of AlcalĂĄ, which occupies 16th-century buildings in the old town. These include the Paraninfo, a hall with an intricately patterned Mudejar ceiling, where the King of Spain presents the annual Cervantes literary prize. Nearby, the Cervantes Birthplace Museum is the former home of the celebrated author of âDon Quixote.â
In October they host a Don Quixote festival that gives renaissance faire.
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Barcelona
Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spainâs Catalonia region, is known for its art and architecture. The fantastical Sagrada FamĂlia church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni GaudĂ dot the city. Museu Picasso and FundaciĂł Joan MirĂł feature modern art by their namesakes. City history museum MUHBA, includes several Roman archaeological sites.
Where to Stay
Almanac Barcelona
@alexandriaugarte
Near shops and dining on a tree-lined street, this stylish hotel with an art deco vibe is a 3-minute walk from Passeig de GrĂ cia metro station. It's 7 minutes on foot from Casa BatllĂł, a Gaudi-designed apartment block and museum.
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Points of Interest
La Sagrada Familia
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Antoni GaudĂ's renowned unfinished church, started in the 1880s, with museum and city views.
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Cathedral of Barcelona
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Imposing Gothic cathedral with geese-filled cloisters, offering guided tours & city-wide views.
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Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
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14th-century, Gothic-style church with soaring columns & 3 naves, plus grand stained glass windows.
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Montserrat
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Sweeping views are the highlight from this mountain peak, which also features trails & a monastery.
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Abbey of Montserrat
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Mountain monastery with a vast basilica, iconic virgin sculpture & a museum with world renowned art.
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MontjuĂŻc Castle
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17th-century hilltop fortress & former prison, housing a military museum with impressive city views.
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Casa Vicens GaudĂ
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Grand 4-floor house, designed by Antoni Gaudi, with Moorish influences & a protruding corner tower.
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Casa MilĂ
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Gaudi's Catalan art nouveau period building with quarrylike facade, hosting exhibitions & concerts.
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Casa BatllĂł
@alexandriaugarte
Fantastical, curving dragon-roofed apartment block, now a museum, created by architect Antoni Gaudi.
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Palau de la MĂșsica Catalana
@alexandriaugarte
Art nouveau concert hall known for its ornate facade & opulent auditorium with a stained-glass dome.
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Spotify Camp Nou
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Home ground for famous Barcelona football club, with regular matches plus stadium tours and museum.
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Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
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Palatial, hilltop museum for 11th- to 20th-century Catalan art plus important Romanesque collection.
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MontjuĂŻc National Palace
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Expansive neo-Baroque palace constructed in 1929, housing the National Art Museum of Catalonia.
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Picasso Museum
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Medieval mansions housing extensive collection of influential Spanish cubist's works & masterpieces.
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Barcelona Erotic Museum
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Exhibits on erotica from ancient times to today, including Kama Sutra, erotic art & sexual records.
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Museu Frederic MarĂšs
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Medieval sculpture collection of Frederic MarĂšs & other displays in palace with tranquil courtyard.
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Park GĂŒell
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Mosaic-covered buildings, steps & sculptures in verdant park with Gaudi museum & panoramic views. Book ahead of time as they usually sell out for the day.
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Ciutadella Park
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Park created in late 1800s, with zoo, boating lake, ornate museums and lush walking trails.
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Parc del Laberint d'Horta
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Neoclassical park with a cypress tree maze, a terraced pavilion, water features and a picnic area.
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Plaça de Catalunya
@alexandriaugarte
Central, tree-lined, sculpture-filled square lined with shops & cafes, used for special events.
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Photo Spots
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Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona
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Classical archway built as the main entrance to the Universal Exhibition hosted by the city in 1888.
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Magic Fountain of MontjuĂŻc
@alexandriaugarte
Huge circular fountain renowned for its scheduled shows of water & light choreographed to music.
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MUHBA TurĂł de la Rovira
@alexandriaugarte
Panoramic views of Barcelona from Spanish Civil War bunkers where anti-aircraft guns were installed.
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Vista de sagrada familia des del llac
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Great place to view and take pictures with La Sagrada Familia
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Shopping & Souvenirs
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Tours & Entertainment
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TelefĂšric de MontjuĂŻc (Barcelona Cable Car)
@alexandriaugarte
Cable car from Parc de MontjuĂŻc to Castell de MontjuĂŻc, offering panoramic city views.
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Bars & Nightlife
La Terrrazza
@alexandriaugarte
Long-running, open-air dance club in a 16th-century farmhouse, hosting electronica nights. buy tickets online
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Sala Apolo
@alexandriaugarte
Sprawling, split-level concert venue with 2 bars, weekly DJ parties, musical performances & events.
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Gatsby Barcelona
@alexandriaugarte
Cocktails & modern Spanish cuisine at a chic, Roaring Twenties-inspired lounge with cabaret shows.
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Dow Jones Bar
@alexandriaugarte
Quirky bar serving cocktails & pizza, with fluctuating prices based on supply & demand.
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Orient Express Cocktail Bar
@alexandriaugarte
Offbeat establishment providing cocktails amid Orient Expressâthemed surroundings.
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Bar Marsella
@alexandriaugarte
Popular for absinthe, this time-worn watering hole was once frequented by Picasso & Hemingway.
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Berimbau
@alexandriaugarte
Festive haunt serving caipirinhas, mojitos & other Brazilian cocktails since 1976.
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La Caseta del Migdia
@alexandriaugarte
Bar bites & beer served in a simple, open-air space with sunset views, live music & DJ sets.
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Antic Teatre
@alexandriaugarte
Local productions staged in an intimate performing arts venue with a lively, sizable garden.
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RoofTop Ohla Barcelona
@alexandriaugarte
Eighth-floor rooftop terrace with a bar & pool overlooking the sea & cathedral at a boutique hotel.
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Sweets & Treats
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Be Chocolat Born
@alexandriaugarte
Upscale, pint-sized shop offering a wide selection of artisanal chocolates, drinks & gift boxes.
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Cafes
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Sabio Infante Brunch and coffee
@alexandriaugarte
Laid-back cafe serving brunch, specialty coffees & craft beers amid eclectic surroundings.
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Europa CafĂš
@alexandriaugarte
Stylish modern venue with a terrace, for gourmet bagels, salads & pancakes from breakfast onward.
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Restaurants & Eateries
Mercado de La Boqueria
@alexandriaugarte
Famous indoor public market with meat, produce, cheese & an array of other food in a bustling space.
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Jerusalem Barcelona
@alexandriaugarte
$ Understated restaurant with a terrace offering Middle Eastern specialties & wines, plus hookahs.
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FAT SCHMUCK
@alexandriaugarte
$ Trendy restaurant for classic American grub with an Asian twist, plus creative cocktails & a patio.
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OMA BistrĂł
@alexandriaugarte
$$ Mismatched chairs & bare brick walls in an airy cafe known for its brunches, plus burgers & wraps.
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Brunch & Cake
@alexandriaugarte
$$ Breakfast burritos, açai bowls & avo toast, plus baked treats, in a bright space with outdoor seats.
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El Nacional Barcelona
@alexandriaugarte
$$ Grilled meats, Spanish seafood & tapas in dedicated spaces in a vast, high-ceilinged space.
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Restaurant Tierra
@alexandriaugarte
International tapas & wine offered in a chic, airy kitchen with warm lighting & vaulted ceilings.
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Cerveseria Catalana
@alexandriaugarte
$$ Traditional tapas are served at this vibrant hangout with bar seating & shaded sidewalk tables.
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Terrassa MartĂnez
@alexandriaugarte
Paella, wine & tapas with market ingredients, served on an enclosed terrace with views of the city.
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My Fucking Restaurant
@alexandriaugarte
$$ Innovative Mediterranean tapas & cocktails featured in a bright, modern hideaway with a chill vibe.
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Antigua
@alexandriaugarte
$$$ Upscale restaurant with a brick-walled dining room serving refined meat & seafood dishes, plus wine.
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Restaurant Gala
@alexandriaugarte
$$$ Unique dining hub with 5 themed areas & outdoor seating offering a global-inspired menu & wine.
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La Selva
@alexandriaugarte
$$$ Sophisticated restaurant with a jungle theme offering dry-aged steaks, seafood & wine.
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Restaurant Abat Cisneros
@alexandriaugarte
$$ Relaxed rooms, some with mountain views, in a former 1500s monastery offering a restaurant & a bar.
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Blanes
Blanes is a town and municipality in the comarca of Selva in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. During Roman rule it was named Blanda or Blandae. It is known as the "Gateway to the Costa Brava". Its coast is part of the Costa Brava, which stretches from Blanes to the French border. The township is 18.29 kmÂČ.
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JardĂ BotĂ nic Marimurtra
@alexandriaugarte
Serene botanical garden featuring exotic plants from around the globe & picturesque sea views.
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Cala Sa Forcanera
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Swimming & snorkeling in a rocky bay backed by sandstone cliffs & accessed by boat, kayak or canoe.
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Voltant pel Mar - Caiac a Blanes, Lloret de Mar i Costa Brava
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Kayak Tours
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Bilbao
Bilbao, an industrial port city in northern Spain, is surrounded by green mountains. Itâs the de facto capital of Basque Country, with a skyscraper-filled downtown. Itâs famed for the Frank Gehryâdesigned Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which sparked revitalization when it opened in 1997. The museum houses prominent modern and contemporary works, but itâs the curvy, titanium-clad building that receives the most attention.
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Seville
Seville is the capital and largest city of the Spanish autonomous community of Andalusia and the province of Seville. It is situated on the lower reaches of the River Guadalquivir, in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula.
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MĂĄlaga
Malaga is a city full of historic spots, like the Alcazaba, one of the largest Arab fortresses in Andalusia, or Gibralfaro Castle, which offers the best views over the whole city. At the foot of the castle there is a Roman theatre and an old town to stroll around.
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Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is over 200 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline in the Alicante province, on the southeastern coast of Spain. It extends from the town of DĂ©nia in the north, beyond which lies the Costa de Valencia, to Pilar de la Horadada in the south, beyond which lies the Costa CĂĄlida.
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