Madrid
Spain's capital pairs the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen on a single boulevard (the Paseo del Arte, UNESCO-listed) with the largest urban park in any European capital — Casa de Campo, six times the size of Hyde Park. The Madrid 360 plan has restricted central traffic to residents and zero-emission vehicles, and the metro covers virtually every neighbourhood. Stay in Chueca, Malasaña or the regenerated Salesas quarter for the best certified boutique cluster.
Highlights: Prado, Reina Sofía & Thyssen · Retiro Park & Crystal Palace · Royal Palace · Mercado de San Miguel