Choose from 459 Fun Things to Do in Spain
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Municipal Museum (Museo del Patrimonio Municipal)
A modern exterior with a historic art collection tucked inside, the Municipal Museum of Malaga houses works of art spanning the 15th to the 20th century. Its exhibits present centuries of the city’s history, from the Reconquista to the present day. Over 4,000 pieces in every medium from painting and sculpture to books and graphic art tell the region’s heritage and the city’s story. Famous artists on display include Picasso and Carlos Haes, among others.
Visiting the museum allows for a greater context as to how the city developed as well as insight into present day. Of particular interest is the collection from the 15th to the 18th centuries, during which Malaga transformed from a Moorish to a Spanish city. Local and contemporary art is also well represented, if it’s preferable to see works that are a bit more current. The building’s exterior architecture is also renowned and worth a look. The museum is included in many city walking and art-focused tours.
Practical Info
The museum can be found in Plaza Trujillos, at the east end of the Paseo del Parque. Several city bus lines will take you there, and the nearest parking is at Plaza de la Marina. It is open daily except for Mondays, the exhibits have no admission cost but are better understood with the explanation of an accompanying guide.
Address: Paseo Reding, 1, 29016, Spain
Hours: 10AM–2PM, 5–8PM (closed Mondays)
From $ 46
Museu del Modernisme Catala
This small museum is the only one dedicated to displaying Catalan modernisme art. It was converted from a textile factory in 2010, and exhibits some of the finest pieces of art nouveau furniture constructed in Catalunya. Most of the collection comes from two antique dealers, who have added their private collection to be shared with the public. There are over 350 works of art across several mediums, with premier modernista artists like Ramón Casas, Joan Busquets, and of course, Antoni Gaudi. A range of everything from paintings and sculptures to decorative arts and furniture can be found. The museum has become a bit of a cultural center for the city, unique to showcasing this very specific type of art created right in Catalunya.
The museum is housed in a modernista building designed by architect Enric Sagnier, with original floors kept intact. Don’t miss Gaudi’s couch designed in the shape of lips, or the exquisite stained glass on the first floor.
Practical Info
The museum is located at Carrer de Balmes 48, with hours Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. The nearest metro station is Passeig de Gracia, and the entrance fee is 10 euro.
Address: Carrer de Balmes 48, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 8 pm, Sundays 10 am - 2 pm
Admission: 10 euro
From $ 12
Museo Julio Romero de Torres
Located in an old hospital, you will find one of Córdoba's most famous museums, Museo Julio Romero de Torres, which features the art of its namesake, one of Spain's most revered painters.
Essentially a portrait artist, Córdoba native Julio Romero de Torres was born in 1874 into a world surrounded by art, thanks to his father, an impressionist artist and also the founder and director of the Fine Arts Museum. During his career, Torres studied and worked in Madrid, traveled around Europe and to Argentina, and was influenced largely by impressionism and realism. Ultimately, he became known for his symbolist style, with many of his pieces featuring sensual images of Cordoban women.
The museum, which was dedicated to his memory after his death by his family, contains six salons, and is home to the largest collection of Torres' work. Beyond his own pieces, the galleries also house the art of other famous baroque, renaissance and contemporary painters, such as Francisco de Zurburán, Valdés Leal and Alejo Fernández.
Among the museum's rooms, you can view famous pieces like Torres' Marta and Maria, The Portrait of Love and The Poem of Cordoba, and many others. Various personal effects are also on display, such as Torres' paintbrushes, palettes and even his guitar.
Address: Plaza del Potro, 1, 14002, Cordoba, Spain
Hours: Tues: 2:30-8:30pm; Weds-Sat: 9am-8:30pm; Sun/Holidays: 2:30pm
Admission: Adults: €8; Child: €4
From $ 181
Museo Carmen Thyssen
Though the majority of the Thyssen- Bornemisza family collection resides in their namesake museum in Madrid, Carmen Cervera (formally Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza), an avid art collector, decided to open her own galleries in Malaga. Situated in its galleries is perhaps the finest visual representation of Andalucian art, featuring noted artists ranging from Sorolla to Zuburán and Ezquerra, and spanning the 13th to 20th centuries.
The museum, which opened in 2011, is partially located in a 16th-century baroque palace—el Palacio de Villalón—a site worth seeing in its own right. In fact, the palace and its art aren’t even the most historic items here: when undergoing construction for the museum, Roman ruins were discovered below.
It is in the building’s old chapel where you’ll find the “Old Masters” collection, a display of works by the collection’s most prized artists. The palace portion of the museum is also home to a picturesque colonnaded courtyard, a quintessential architectural element found in southern Spain.
Other collections – including Romantic landscape and Costumbrismo, Précieux and Naturalist, and Fin-de-siécle – reside in the adjoining building, which was constructed specifically for the museum. Meanwhile, various rotating exhibitions go on display too.
Practical Info
The museum is centrally located in the city’s historic quarter. Note that it is closed on Mondays, and that visits to temporary exhibitions are not included in the ticket price.
Address: Calle Compañía, 10, Malaga, Spain
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-8pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 7
Old Town (Parte Vieja)
Lying between El Muelle harbor and the River Urumea, San Sebastian’s Old Town has its origins in medieval times although it was largely rebuilt following the large-scale destruction of the city by fire in 1813.
By day the Old Town is a maze of charismatic alleys and clusters of townhouses hosting the city’s chaotic daily Pescadería (fish market). The Municipal Museum San Telmo, the fine Gothic church of St Vincente and the Baroque basilica of Santa María del Coro are also found here, and much of the incessant action centers around the dynamic Plaza de la Constitución. This arcaded and balconied square was once a bullring and by night it buzzes with laughter and chatter from the numerous crowded bars and restaurants; this is the best place to sample pintxos, the famous Basque-country tapas of bite-size snacks on bread with typical toppings including peppers, tortilla, garlic prawns or cod.
Practical Info
San Sebastian’s Old Town is always accessible, and its restaurants and bars stay open late into the night.
Address: San Sebastian, Spain
From $ 32
National Art Museum of Catalonia
Housed in the neo-baroque National Palace (Palau Nacional), the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya) occupies a spectacular location, atop a hill in Montjüic. Inside is one of Catalonia’s largest museum collections: 260,000 works of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque art.
The Basics
The majestic palace of the National Art Museum of Catalonia towers over Barcelona from its perch above Plaça Espanya and the Montjüic Fountain. The building is an attraction in its own right and many sightseeing tours of the city stop there. Visitors can choose between a single admission ticket to the museum or a museum pass that grants skip-the-line entry to six Barcelona museums, including the Picasso Museum and Joan Miró Foundation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is a must-see for art lovers and architecture buffs.
- Book your entrance ticket ahead of time to skip the line at the ticket office and spend more time enjoying the collection.
- Most of the museum spaces are wheelchair-accessible, and wheelchairs are available to rent from the cloakroom.
- Free Wi-Fi is available on both floors of the museum.
How to Get There
There are several ways to get to the hilltop museum. Ride the funicular from Parallel metro station, or take the Barcelona metro to Plaça Espanya (Line 1 or 3) and walk up the hill to the museum entrance. The Barcelona hop-on hop-off bus stops at the museum as well.
When to Get There
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday year-round, though hours vary from season to season. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month, when the museum can get rather crowded. Plan to visit first thing in the morning on a weekday for the best experience.
Famous Landmarks in La Ribera
The extensive museum collection can be overwhelming, so it’s a good idea to pick out a few highlights you’d like to see before you arrive. Visitor favorites often include the collection of Modernista design pieces by Antoni Gaudí, Zurbarán’s Immaculate Conception, and works by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and Rubens.
Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuc, Barcelona 08038, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Murcia Cathedral (Catedral de Murcia)
To see and experience Murcia’s cathedral is a true feast for the eyes and senses. Its exterior is a vision of Baroque and Renaissance styles, with a bell tower that literally towers 95 meters over the city. The soaring structure houses 25 bells, each with their own name, and which have, in times past, together served to warn of various events from floods to wars and celebrations.
Built starting in 1394 on the site of a former mosque, the church is a mish-mash of styles given that its growth continued until the 18th century. Its Gothic interior is no less impressive than the exterior, featuring 23 different chapels — the most notable of them is Los Velez with its magnificent, star-shaped vaulted ceiling. The cathedral is also home to a museum, where you can discover a range of religious artifacts, as well as spy the excavated remains of the former mosque.
Practical Info
The cathedral is centrally located in Murcia’s old town. Take advantage of your visit here by grabbing a bite to eat at one of the square’s outdoor restaurant terraces as you enjoy views of the church’s flamboyant façade. Note that Murcia is a short trip away from the neighboring coastal city of Cartagena, making both easy and rewarding stops while in the region.
Address: Plaza Cardenal Belluga s/n, Murcia 30001, Spain
Hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
From $ 191
Oasys Mini Hollywood
Just because you’re in Spain doesn’t mean that your experience need be limited to all things Spanish: Oasys Mini Hollywood transports its visitors straight to the good old Wild West. Originally just a movie set – used for films such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly — the cowboy-style town is now a theme park, complete with daily mock shoot-outs, a can-can performance at the saloon, and much more.
Indeed, the park goes beyond just the Wild West fun, and also offers a proper zoo, which boasts more than 800 animals of 200 different species that range from lions to giraffes, tigers and iguanas. A trip to the zoo can also include a very kid-friendly parrot show as well. Meanwhile, if the Spanish temperatures at Oasys get too warm, take advantage of the park’s water zone and its two pools. Finally, if you get hungry, plan to fuel-up at the park’s well-priced buffet.
Practical Info
The park’s hours change regularly depending on time of year and time of week (for example, during winter, it’s only open on weekends), so be sure to verify hours prior to your visit. Also note that the zoo is situated at the top of a steep hill, so you may wish to skip this attraction if this kind of walking poses a challenge.
Address: Carretera Nacional 340a, Km. 464, Tabernas, Almeria 04200, Spain
Hours: 10:00 a.m.-6 p.m. or later, depending on the day and time of year. Open weekends only between October and mid-March.
Admission: Adults: €22.50; kids: €12.50
From $ 54
Oasis Park Fuerteventura
Oasis Park Fuerteventura comprises the island’s only zoological park, a place where visitors can observe some 3,000 animals representing 250 species, including large Savannah animals, such as hippos, elephants, and giraffe. Zookeepers demonstrate natural behaviors of sea lions, parrots, and birds of prey during live shows.
The Basics
Oasis Park is divided among some four animal exhibits and four large reserves. A free Ecotour tram makes a 45-minute loop around the park, with several pickup and drop-off points along the way. Visitors can choose between a basic entrance ticket (with or without round-trip transportation) or upgrade to an admission ticket including one of the park’s interactive animal experiences.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Oasis Park is a must-visit for animal lovers and families traveling with kids.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a lot of walking.
- The entire park is wheelchair accessible, and electric mobility scooters are available for rent.
How to Get There
If you don’t have a car, the park offers free shuttle service with pickup at major hotels around the island in areas such as Caleta de Fuste, Costa Calma, Jandia, Corralejo, Esquinzo, Tarajalejo, and Las Playitas.
When to Get There
The park is open daily throughout the year, including major holidays. To best enjoy the outdoor habitats and shows when the weather is a bit cooler, plan to visit between April and June or in October.
Dining Inside Oasis Park Fuerteventura
While enjoying a full day at the park, don’t forget to fill up hungry stomachs during your visit. The Sea Lion Restaurant sits in the middle of the African savannah area, while El Patio Majorero affords excellent views of the Botanical Garden from an outdoor terrace. The Oasis Restaurant sits near the park’s entrance. All three serve typical Canary Islands dishes with an emphasis on meat, seafood, and salads.
Address: Carretera Gral de Jandia,s/n, Fuerteventura, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 41
Museo Picasso Malaga
Museo Picasso Malaga, situated in the city of the master’s birth, showcases a collection of more than 200 pieces donated to the museum by Picasso’s family. While the Blue and Rose periods are missing, the collection highlights the artist’s personal side, with works he painted for his family or kept for himself.
The Basics
As one of Malaga’s best museums, Museo Picasso features on many sightseeing tours of the city, including guided day trips from Marbella. Those with a special interest in Pablo Picasso can opt for a private guided tour of the museum, which often includes a stop at the artist’s birthplace (Casa Natal), church, and school. Picasso’s first known painting is on display at the nearby Municipal Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is a must-see for art lovers and history buffs.
- Bring along a light jacket as the exhibition rooms are kept quite cool.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, and staff are available to help at the wheelchair access point.
- Photography and cellphone usage are both prohibited inside the exhibition rooms of the museum.
How to Get There
The Museo Picasso Malaga sits in the city’s historic center near the Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre. It’s easily accessible on foot, but you can also take the public bus to stops at either Paseo del Parque (Ayuntamiento) or Plaza de la Merced.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily throughout the year, with extended hours during July and August. If you’re visiting during the summer tourist season, plan to arrive first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Architecture and Archaeology
Palacio de Buenavista, the 16th-century building that houses the collection, features a mixture of Mudéjar and Renaissance elements. It was built atop the remains of what was believed to be a Nasrid Palace, where archaeological remains from Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish eras have been uncovered. Some of these remains are now a part of the museum’s permanent collection.
Address: Palacio de Buenavista c/ San Agustín, Málaga 8 29015, Spain
Hours: Open Tues - Thur 10am - 8pm; Fri and Sat 10am - 9pm; Sun and public holidays 10am - 8pm; Closed Mon.
Admission: Varies
From $ 9
Music Museum (Museu de la Musica)
Music lover or not, you’re bound to walk away singing a satisfied tune after visiting this museum. Barcelona’s Museu de la Musica sets out to take visitors on an educational and sweet-sounding tour through the evolution of music across culture and time — and all via its on-display collection of some 500 instruments.
While exploring the museum’s exhibits, you’ll have the chance to check out one of the world’s most important collections of classic guitars, and even play some tunes yourself on various instruments via an interactive gallery. The experience is all the more rich given the themed itineraries, including one for the general public, another for youngsters, and others that are more specialized.
Practical Info
The Music Museum is located not far from the Torre Agbar, which isn’t located in the main tourist center. A bit of a trek by foot, the journey can easily be made by various forms of public transport. Note that the museum is free on Sundays after 3pm, and on the first Sunday of every month. It is closed on Mondays.
Address: L'Auditori, Carrer de Lepant, 150, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain 08013, Spain
Hours: Tues-Sat and holidays 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-8pm
Admission: General: €5; Reduced: €3.50; Under 16: Free
From $ 52
Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)
A soaring, shimmering glass and concrete edifice in the Raval, Barcelona’s Museum of Contemporary Art was designed by US architect Richard Meier and completed in 1995, spearheading the once-tatty district’s revival. Its matt-white interior is flooded with natural light and creates the perfect backdrop for the museum’s 5,000 paintings, sculptures, images and conceptual pieces, which are shown in ever-changing temporary exhibitions running for between three and six months. Featuring avant-garde artists from the latter half of the 20th century, the collection is rich in international names such as Paul Klee, Dieter Roth and Jean-Michel Basquiat – among many others – but specializes in the works of celebrated Catalan artists including Antoni Tàpies, Miquel Barcelò, Susana Solano and Pere Jaume. The museum also has a library, a well-stocked bookshop and café as well as Saturday morning workshops for families visiting with young kids. The vast piazza leading to MACBA’s entrance is a popular meeting place for Barcelona residents and skateboarders congregate daily around the museum’s sleek ramp.
Practical Info
Plaça dels Angels 1. Open Mon, Wed–Fri 11am–7.30pm; Sat 10am–9pm; Sun 10am–3pm. Admission adults €10, seniors & students €6.5; under 14 free. Metro to Plaça de Catalunya or Universitat.
Address: Plaça dels Angels 1, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Varies by day
Admission: Adults: €10: Seniors/Students: €6.5; under 14 free
From $ 9
Museo de la Naturaleza y El Hombre (Nature and Man Museum)
One of Tenerife’s leading museums, located in the capital of Santa Cruz, the Museo de la Naturaleza y El Hombre (Nature and Man Museum) is a fascinating addition to the itinerary for those interested in the unique geological and anthropological history of the Canary Islands. This is the place to learn about the formation of the islands’ rugged landscape and how they were reshaped through a series of ancient volcanic eruptions, as well as discovering their distinctive native flora and learning about modern-day conservation efforts.
The museum’s top attraction is an exhibit devoted to the life and culture of the Guanche, the aboriginal people who inhabited Tenerife before it was taken over by European conquerors. Of particular interest were the peculiar funeral rituals undertaken by the Guanche and there is a sizable collection of Guanche mummies and skulls on display, preserved by an ancient process of soaking the bodies in pine resin and salt and leaving them to dry in the sun. A wealth of additional archeological finds are also on display, including primitive ceramics, fossils, a megalodon shark tooth and items belonging to the Guanche Kings.
The museum’s top attraction is an exhibit devoted to the life and culture of the Guanche, the aboriginal people who inhabited Tenerife before it was taken over by European conquerors. Of particular interest were the peculiar funeral rituals undertaken by the Guanche and there is a sizable collection of Guanche mummies and skulls on display, preserved by an ancient process of soaking the bodies in pine resin and salt and leaving them to dry in the sun. A wealth of additional archeological finds are also on display, including primitive ceramics, fossils, a megalodon shark tooth and items belonging to the Guanche Kings.
Address: Calle Fuente Morales, Santa Cruz de Tenerife 38003, Spain
Hours: Tue-Sat: 9am-8pm; Sun-Mon and Holidays: 10am-5pm
Admission: General: €5; Student/Senior: €2.50
From $ 25
Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao
You may think that the Guggenheim has satiated your appetite for art, but Bilbao has another museum up its sleeve: The Museo de Bellas Artes, or the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.
Founded in 1908, the Fine Arts Museum that you see today didn't come into being until 1945, when it merged with the Modern Art Museum, moving to its current location in the corner of Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. Home to more than 10,000 works, the museum is the perfect compliment to the Guggenheim: The Fine Arts Museum is intimate and traditional, focused primarily on local artists, while the Guggenheim is grand, abstract and largely features international pieces.
Indeed, among the Museo de Bellas Arte's galleries, you will find a more conventional museum collection (compared to the Guggenheim), ranging from paintings to sculptures, engravings, drawings and more. The bulk of these were amassed when the two original museums merged, and then via acquisitions and donations over the years, especially from local artists. And while the majority of the collection features Spanish and Basque artwork, you'll also come across Flemish and other international pieces as well.
Founded in 1908, the Fine Arts Museum that you see today didn't come into being until 1945, when it merged with the Modern Art Museum, moving to its current location in the corner of Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. Home to more than 10,000 works, the museum is the perfect compliment to the Guggenheim: The Fine Arts Museum is intimate and traditional, focused primarily on local artists, while the Guggenheim is grand, abstract and largely features international pieces.
Indeed, among the Museo de Bellas Arte's galleries, you will find a more conventional museum collection (compared to the Guggenheim), ranging from paintings to sculptures, engravings, drawings and more. The bulk of these were amassed when the two original museums merged, and then via acquisitions and donations over the years, especially from local artists. And while the majority of the collection features Spanish and Basque artwork, you'll also come across Flemish and other international pieces as well.
Practical Info
The Fine Arts Museum is open every day of the week from 10am to 8pm, except on Mondays, when it is closed. Admission is 6 euros, however you can enter for free on Wednesdays.
Address: Museo Plaza, 2, Bilbao 48009, Spain
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-8pm, Closed Mondays, Dec 25, Jan 1 and 6.
Admission: Adult: 6€; Student/Under 25/Senior: 4.50€
From $ 103
Museum of Public Art
Madrid is full of beautiful museums with both classic and modern art on display, but the outdoor Museum of Public Art showcases another side of the Spanish art scene. The open-air museum, uniquely situated under a bridge in the middle of the city, features 17 pieces of abstract sculpture by (until now) undiscovered artists. It is a public space used both for recreation and for the discovery of unique local art. Two generations of Spanish avant-garde artists are represented, from Joan Miró, Julio González, and Alberto Sánchez in the 1920s and '30s to the pre-Civil War artists such as Eduardo Chillida.
Groundbreaking art blends seamlessly into the existing structure of the city and is accessible to anyone and everyone, which makes this unique museum particularly notable. Aside from the sculptures, be sure to check out the murals, gardens, and waterfall that make up this beautiful outdoor space.
Practical Info
The museum can be found at Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid, at the overpass joining Juan Bravo and Eduardo Dato streets. It is free of charge and open all hours of the day.
Address: Paseo de la Castellana, 40, Madrid 28046, Spain
From $ 51
Mundo Aborigen
Mundo Aborigen is a reconstruction of an ancient Canarian village inhabited by the Guanches (the orginal population of the Canaries).
Located in a scenic area overlooking the Barranco de Fataga, the island’s biggest gorge, Mundo Aborigen recreates the lives of the Guanches through life-size figures depicted in various scenes of domestic life.
Following a trail through the park, visitors learn about the guanches culture and religion as well as their everyday activities such as growing crops, tending to animals and taking part in rituals.
Mundo Aborigen is between San Fernando (Maspalomas) and Fataga and is best reached by car or taxi from Maspalomas on highway GC-60.
It's located just before the lookout (mirador), which has stunning views over the beautiful valley of Fataga.
Address: Macizo de Amurga, Spain
Hours: Open daily
From $ 12
Oller del Mas
There are numerous options for wine tasting trips from Barcelona but few offer such a unique backdrop as Oller del Mas, a 10th century castle set in a scenic 1000-acre estate. A popular detour for those visiting the Benedictine Santa Maria de Montserrat abbey on the nearby Montserrat mountain, Oller del Mas offers an atmospheric setting for a wine tasting session, effortlessly combining Catalonian culture, history and gastronomy.
Whether you stop by for a quick tasting session, take a half-day tour of the winery or couple your wines with a leisurely lunch of traditional cuisine, there’s something to please every type of wine lover at Oller del Mas. Those with a real enthusiasm for wine can learn the secrets winemaking from harvest to glass, strolling around the picturesque vineyards, the production plants and the wine cellars, and witnessing the winery’s popular Bernat Oller and Arnau Oller wines being produced.
Of course, tasting the wines is the focal point of the experience and the winery offers a varied selection of regional wines to sample, with the winemakers on hand to explain the significance of each glass. If you’ve got time, there’s no reason to end the visit there – the surrounding vineyards make an idyllic spot for a post-lunch walk and there’s even a public golf course on site.
Whether you stop by for a quick tasting session, take a half-day tour of the winery or couple your wines with a leisurely lunch of traditional cuisine, there’s something to please every type of wine lover at Oller del Mas. Those with a real enthusiasm for wine can learn the secrets winemaking from harvest to glass, strolling around the picturesque vineyards, the production plants and the wine cellars, and witnessing the winery’s popular Bernat Oller and Arnau Oller wines being produced.
Of course, tasting the wines is the focal point of the experience and the winery offers a varied selection of regional wines to sample, with the winemakers on hand to explain the significance of each glass. If you’ve got time, there’s no reason to end the visit there – the surrounding vineyards make an idyllic spot for a post-lunch walk and there’s even a public golf course on site.
Address: Ctra. de Igualada, Km 3,4, Barcelona, Manresa 08240, Spain
Admission: Contact the winery for details
From $ 78
Murcia Royal Casino (Real Casino de Murcia)
Murcia’s Royal Casino is an extravagant architectural relic from the late 19th century, and features quite an eclectic mixture of design styles — from Modernist to Neonazari — that together are nothing short of dazzling. Located in the city’s old quarter, and just steps away from the main cathedral, the casino is a must-do stop on any Murcia itinerary.
Though a private social club, the recently restored building is open for tourist visits and events. While there, you can explore its many rooms and halls, including the Arabic patio, noted for its iron and glass dome; the lavish dance hall complete with paintings, gilt detailing, and giant, sparkling chandeliers; and the main gallery, a covered passageway illuminated by light that pours in from the windowed ceiling. More rooms and opulent corners abound, from the luxurious ladies’ room to the glamorous, wooden-shelved library.
Practical Info
The Murcia Royal Casino is located in the city’s old quarter and just steps away from the main cathedral. Murcia itself is the capital of the province, and easily reachable from coastal hotspot Cartagena.
Address: C/ Trapería, 18, Murcia 30001, Spain
Hours: The casino is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: General: €5 (includes audio guide); reduced: €3
From $ 191
Museum of Royal Feluccas
Spain has always been known for its naval history and accomplishments, from military to exploration. The Royal Museum of Feluccas showcases several large barges used by the royal family to navigate the Tagus River. The ships utilized by Spanish royalty, ornately decorated royal feluccas, can be seen just outside of the Spanish capital at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aranjuez. Visitors can view the boats of Charles IV, Ferdinand VII and Elizabeth II, as well as a beautiful gondola that once belonged to King Philip V.
The long, narrow boats are gloriously detailed and were used in ports and on rivers. Most date back to the 17th century. There are also small historic items and old photographs of the era, marking a fascinating glimpse back in time. Be sure to explore the expansive royal gardens that surround the museum.
Practical Info
The museum is located at the Palacio Real in Aranjuez, which is a 28 mile journey from Madrid. Walk through the Jardin del Principe to get there. It is open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) from 10 am to 5:15 pm. Admission is €3,40.
Address: Plaza de Parejas, s/n, Aranjuez, Madrid 28300, Spain
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-5:15pm
Admission: €3,40
From $ 67
National Museum of Decorative Arts
With more than 60 rooms on five floors of a historic palace, the National Museum of Decorative Arts houses some of the finest furniture, decorative arts, glassware and ceramics in Spain. Elaborate tapestries, carvings, and figurines from primarily the 16th and 17th centuries are featured throughout. Its noteworthy 18th-century kitchen features more than 1,500 tiles depicting local life at the time. Though the majority of the objects are Spanish, there is some Asian art from China and Japan as well.
It is a great place to get a sense of the changes in everyday objects and design over time, with objects dating as early as the 14th century. Though much of the collection is Baroque in style, you can also find modernist pieces from the Art Nouveau movement. Chests of drawers, rugs, cabinets, and desks are seen as important works of art that reflect their period in history. A stroll though the elegant museum displays and you’re sure to share that sentiment.
Practical Info
The National Museum of Decorative Arts overlooks the Parque del Retiro. To get there take the metro L2 to Banco de España y Retiro, or the Cercanías train to Recoletos. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 3 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm and costs €3 to enter.
Address: Calle Montalbán, 12, Madrid 28014, Spain
Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30am-3pm and Sun 10am-3pm
Admission: €3
From $ 62