Based on the former Spanish Royal Collection, the Museo del Prado is Spain's foremost national art museum, which displays European art from the 12th to the early 20th centuries. Here you'll find a sizeable collection of works by Spanish luminaries like Velásquez and Goya, as well as Titian, Ruebens, El Greco and Bosch – among a great many others.

Originally an abattoir, the eye-catching building of Matadero Madrid now houses the city's most vibrant cultural centre. It hosts exhibitions, immersive experiences, art installations and much more – just the thing if you want to experience the city's alternative side. Visit at the weekend to catch the artisan food market.

A trip to the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza makes a great counterpart to Madrid's other two big galleries, the Prado and Reina Sofía museums. Here you'll find works from the extensive private collection of the Thyssen-Bornemisza family, spanning multiple genres and centuries, from the Old Masters to American Expressionism and everything in between.

Stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin, for boutique shopping by day and buzzing bars and restaurants by night.

Wander through Montmartre and make the climb up to the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Be sure to linger over the spectacular view at the top; at sunset, you'll get the best light as the sun dips below the city skyline.

Visit the shop of Patrick Roger, the famous Parisian chocolatier, who takes the art of chocolate to another level. Marvel at his sculptural creations and taste some of France’s most unusually flavoured and exquisitely crafted chocolate.