Five experiences that will make you fall in love with Spain

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Europe

It's well-known that Madrid and Barcelona are world-class cities at the cutting edge of art, food and nightlife. With so many enchanting cities and towns, you could spend weeks in this passionate country. But sometimes planning a trip can be overwhelming. To that end, CGTN has selected five must-do experiences for you to weigh your options and fall in love in this passionate country.

Madrid: Feel the best nightlife

Walking around Madrid would be a fabulous opportunity to embrace yourselves into the atmosphere of art and culture the Spanish capital can offer. From medieval mansions and royal palaces to the fantastic contemporary architecture, Madrid provides a glorious backdrop to city life.

A visitor stands in front of Madrid's Royal Palace. /CGTN Photo

Madrid's Royal Palace, an iconic tourist attraction in the city, was built in the 18th century and it takes visitors on a journey through the history of Spain. Although it's now no longer the royal family's home in Spain, it continues to be their official residence. Visitors could get audio guides at the ticket center in a bid to better learn the history of Spain's royal family.

Venta El Buscon bar in Madrid, Spain. /VCG Photo

In addition to its great art scene, Madrid's nightlife is legendary. This city might have more bars than any other city on the earth. With options to choose from a variety of cocktail bars and nightclubs - where snacks come free with a glass of beer or sherry wine, in some bars - you're bound to have some sleepless nights.

In downtown Madrid, you may easily see many Chinese restaurants. Try ending the perfect night with a beer at Hero Hot-Pot, one of the most popular and authentic Chinese hot-pot brands from southwestern Chongqing Municipality.

Hero Hot-Pot, most popular and authentic Chinese Chongqing hot-pot in Madrid. /CGTN Photo

As the capital of Spain, Madrid has an excellent public transportation system that connects virtually all the destinations for any visitor, including the airport. In addition, taxis are abundant and offer a reliable and relatively inexpensive way for travelers to get around.

A Madrid city tour bus. /CGTN Photo

Barcelona: Explore architect Gaudí's masterpieces

Barcelona is an enchanting coastal city with endless culture, fabled architecture and a world-class drinking and dining scene. There are many tourist attractions in Barcelona, and the most popular one is Sagrada Família.

Sagrada Família in Barcelona has gained its worldwide fame as an architectural treasure. It's the dreamlike masterpiece of the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and has drawn millions of travelers every year though it's still under construction. In 2005, it was listed as the World Heritage by UNESCO.

Sagrada Família at dusk. /VCG Photo

The best time to visit Sagrada Família is in the early morning or late evenings as the sun shines brightly through the stained-glass windows on the walls, making the church reflected with many colors. Also, during these times, you might have less wait as there are not so crowded with travelers.

Tips: Remember to book a ticket in advance so that you could get inside look at the vaults and rainbow stained glass.

The interior of Sagrada Família. /VCG Photo

After visiting the Segrade Famillia, you could head over to the nearby Casa Milà by a 20-minute walk. Commonly known as La Pedrera, Casa Mila is another masterpiece of Gaudi and also belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage site. This cave-like appearance of the building has made it one of the ideal places to take photos.

Modernism architectural building, La Pedrera (Casa Mila) designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi. /VCG Photo

Valencia: Integration of the past and the present

Lying on Spain's southeastern coast, Valencia is the third largest city in Spain. Famed for its landmark, the City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia has gracefully integrated the city's past and the present.

Apart from the modern design of the iconic City of Arts and Sciences, more than 2000 years of history has also left the mark in this important historical city.

City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia. /CGTN Photo

A visit to Old Town's Plaza de la Virgen is a must-see site for travelers. Turia Fountain lies at the heart of this square, which has drawn many travelers to take stunning photos.

In addition, there are many bars and cafes in the plaza where you could grab something to drink at any hour of the day and soak up the atmosphere. Wandering around Valencia's old town is simply a pleasure to throw away your daily trouble.

A visitor wanders around the street of Valencia's Old Town. /CGTN Photo

A couple takes selfies at Turia Fountain. /CGTN Photo

Travelers soak up the atmosphere in Plaza de la Virgen. /CGTN Photo

There are many bars and cafes in Valencia. /CGTN Photo

Serranos Towers are the most tangible remains of the ancient walled city of Valencia. /CGTN Photo

Savor traditional cuisine: Sherry wine + Paella

Only a few things can beat Sherry as a pre-meal aperitif. Sherry wine, also known as "Jerez," is a serious drink with centuries of tradition and history, which originated in the country of Spain.

Sherry wine in Spain. /VCG Photo

When you travel to Spain, Paella is the must-eat dish for diners from around the world. Nothing is better than pairing a glass of sherry wine with Paella.

Tips: We suggest you taste the authentic Paella in Spain's third-largest city Valencia as Paella originates from there. It contains different combinations of meat, such as sausage, chicken and snails.

Traditional Paella dish from Spain. /VCG Photo

Flamenco Dance: A feast to the eyes, a banquet for the mind

If you have enough time for your stay in Spain, then Seville is one of the must-visit places for travelers. As Spain's fourth largest city, it might not be as famous as cities like Madrid and Barcelona, but it has more to offer and has been marked as the hidden gems of Spain. With the unique culture and architectures, Seville has been named the best city to travel in 2018 by Lonely Planet.

People at Plaza de Espana, Seville, Spain. /CGTN Photo

Seville is the jump-off point for other fantastic destinations across Andalucía. Before you leave this city, don't forget to watch a Flamenco dance show at El Patio Sevillano. There is no doubt that Flamenco is the most famous style of dance and music in Spain.

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Originated in the Spanish region of Andalucía in the 18th century and is closely linked to gypsy culture presented during that time, Flamenco is dubbed Spain's quintessence. In 2010, UNESCO declared Flamenco as one of the masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Tips: You could book the Flamenco dance show at FlamencoTickets.com as no booking fees are required and all payments are encrypted with SSL technology.

(Top image by Yu Peng)

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