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.

Dubai may be famous for the glitz and glamour of its sky-high towers, but the heart of the city is the creek. This saltwater estuary was where the Bani Yas tribe first settled, and its waters supported the city’s early economy through pearl diving and fishing. Today, the area blends history with culture: you’ll find museums, heritage retail spaces, and the winding alleyways of the gold, spice, and textile souks. A ride on a traditional abra across the water is a must, offering a simple yet memorable way to see the creek from the water.

The neoclassical-style former palace of the Marquis of Matallana, erected in 1776, is home to a captivating assembly of 19th-century artworks, furnishings, and decorative objects that capture the essence of Madrid's cultural, political, and everyday life of that era. Its collection provides a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of wealthy individuals during that period. The exhibition includes pieces by renowned artists such as Goya, Esquivel, Madrazo, Alenza, and the Bécquer brothers. In addition, you can marvel at ceramics from Sargadelos and Sèvres, exquisite jewellery crafted from ebonite, lava, and human hair, a selection of porcelain dolls, as well as several pianos and pieces of imperial and Isabelline furniture. The Magnolia Garden, styled after the French gardens of the 18th century, is one of the most enchanting parts of this exceptional museum.

Dating back to 1810, when it was a private residence, the Museo de Artes Decorativas is the oldest building in Parque Vidal. The exhibits consist of crystals, statues and other decorative items spread throughout the beautiful home's interior.