The Palacio Real de Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish royal family in the city, is Europe's largest royal palace, boasting a whopping surface area of 135,000 square metres and a staggering 3,418 rooms. This architectural marvel is not only visually stunning, but also features spectacular outdoor gardens and exquisite frescoes, furnishings, and paintings within its walls. Originally constructed in 1764 as a replacement for the Alcázar castle, which had been destroyed by fire three decades earlier, this magnificent edifice is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Madrid. Nearly the entire palace is open to the public, including the Armoury and Pharmacy.

Plaza Mayor, the main square of Madrid, boasts a fascinating history that dates back to the late 16th century when it was named Plaza del Arrabal, hosting the city’s most popular market. Today, it is a top tourist attraction with a lot to offer. One of the highlights of the plaza is the equestrian statue of King Philip III, located in the centre. Sculpted by Giambologna and finished by Pietro Tacca in 1616, it originally stood at the entrance to Casa de Campo Park before Queen Isabella II had it moved to the Plaza Mayor in 1848. The plaza's most striking building is the Casa de la Panadería, the first to be established in 1590, which was initially the most important bakery in Madrid. Today, it houses the Plaza Mayor Tourist Information Centre and the Tienda Casa de la Panadería, a shop selling souvenirs of Madrid made by local artisans. Another popular spot is El Arco de Cuchilleros, the most famous of the nine entrances to Plaza Mayor. Plaza Mayor is also an excellent place to enjoy a coffee or grab a bite, people-watch, and soak up the city’s rich history. Throughout the year, there are various events, including the drum parade at Easter, outdoor concerts, and the Christmas market in December, so be sure to check the calendar when you're visiting.

This 12th century fortress keeps watch over the port and the Old Town of A Coruña. Today it houses a Museo Arqueoloxico e Historico (The Historical and Archaeological Museum) with an array of ancient Egyptian, Roman, Visigoth and contemporary pieces.

Liulichang, whose name means 'Glazed Tile Factory', started as a hub for Beijing’s literati and artisans and remains a centre for traditional arts and culture. The 750-metre street is full of shops selling Chinese paintings, calligraphy brushes, ink stones, antiques, and rare books — perfect for collectors or anyone curious about traditional crafts. Restored and expanded in the late 1980s, it’s a good place to wander slowly, soak up the old-school atmosphere, and maybe pick up a souvenir that feels genuinely local.