SPAIN MADRID I BARCELONA I SEVILLE Back to Europe

MADRID

MADRID: What to See: Museo del Prado Get your brain working! Pause from the local bars and head over to the Museo del Prado for the best of Spanish Art. Those interested in Velázquez, Goya and El Greco will have a great time. Don’t forget to see the Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía collections and check out Picasso's most notable masterpiece, Guernica. Palacio Real This Italian colossus of 2800 rooms was created by Fellipe V after the destruction of the Alcázar. About 50 rooms are open to visitors. Make sure you look at the Farmacia Real; it's literally medicine jars for miles and the Armería Real, a collection of Habsburg weapons.

*My friends and I outside of the Prado

What to Do: P A R T Y. Madrid is where people head to the club at 4am (It’s those dang siestas I tell you!) There are bars, shops and cafes on every corner. So just browse the city and ask the locals (Yes, practice your Spanish) which bars/clubs they recommend. Also, there are many American college students studying in Madrid. So don't be afraid to use them as references. My personal recommendation is to visit the club El Capital. Don't be surprised if you spot Brooke Burke inside filming an episode of WILD ON...MADRID.

*"El Capital is the spot!"

How to Get There:
Madrid is Spain's biggest international airport. Therefore, there will not be any problems getting there. There are generally deals from airlines such as Ryan Air, British Airways and Spain's own airline Iberia. Also, use of internet search engines such as Expedia.com is very helpful in booking flights.

If you are traveling within Spain capitalize on the efficient bus and train system. The AVE, a fast speed train gets you from Cordoba to Madrid in less than 2 hours for around 35 Euros.

Where to Stay: In my experience, Spain's hostels are usually a good price and a comfortable stay. Just don’t forget to bring your shower shoes! Here are some youth hostals you might want to check out. Remember some hostals require a Passport for check-in.

Albergue Juvenil Santa Cruz de Marcenado
C/Santa Cruz de Marcenado 28, Malasaña & Conde Duque, 28015 (91 547 45 32/fax 91 548 11 96). Metro Argüelles/bus 2, 21, 44, 133, C.
If traveling on a weekend or a Puente make sure to call first. This hostal is modern and quite and great for students.

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BARCELONA

They say if you visit one city in Spain it should be Barcelona. So here you go...

What to See: Museu Picasso
The Museu Picasso is Barcelona's most visited museum. The museum has many works from Picasso’s early years, especially the Blue Period. So if you want to see something other than the inside of a store or café stop in here.

Barri Gòtic
This barri has many medieval Gothic buildings just a few blocks away from La Rambla. Most of the buildings are from the 14th and 15th century. Also, don’t forget to check out the Catedral, one of Spain's greatest Gothic buildings. Before you leave spend some money in Plaça de Sant Jaume, a square with a busy market and a venue for dancing of the sardana..

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What to Do: Aside from trying a tortilla bocadillo at the local café and trying to figure out the metro. Why not take a bike tour of the city. This way you can navigate the city above ground and get some exercise. La Rambla Head over to La Rambla where you will find a tree-lined street filled with street theater, statues, mimes and a lot of people trying to sell you things. Palau de la Virreina Want to see another mansion?. The Palau de la Virreina is an 18th-century rococo that is sure to be impressive. Mercat de la Boqueria Please, please, please spend more money at the Mercat de la Boqueria. Purchase some Spanish Pop ( David Bisbal anyone?) purses, jewelry and many more things you can give as gifts when you return home.

..Well aren't we lucky. We were on our way to dinner when we ran into Oxford's row team (yup, Cambridge's rival). These guys were tall, handsome very nice and spoke English! We ate, they drank and then we partied the night away. Coincedently, before we met 'the boys' we were deciding between Britain and France as our next trip. Any guess where we chose? Nah!

How to Get There: Like Madrid, Barcelona is a major airport hub. There are flights going in and out of the city with various prices. Just make sure to do your research on the internet and you might want to poke your head into a travel office and see some of their price quotes.

Where to Stay: Alberg Mare de Déu de Montserrat Passeig de la Mare de Déu del Coll 41-51, Horta (93 210 51 51/fax 93 210 07 98/www.tujuca.com). Metro Vallcarca/25, 28, 87, N4 bus. Open Hostel 8am-midnight daily (ring for entry after hours). Reception 8am-3pm, 4.30-11pm daily. Rates €13 under-25s; €16.30 over-25s. Credit MC,V. This 183-bed hostel is a walk from the center of town but very close to a metro station. . IYHF cards are required

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SEVILLE

One of the most beautiful cities in Spain. It is the essence of Southern Spain culture with its flamenco, weather and vibrant people. Don’t forget to look up some of your fellow EAP classmates because this is home of one of the study centers. What to See/What to Do: Parque de María Luisa & Plaza de España Parque de María Luisa is a beautiful maze of paths, flowers, fountains, shaded lawns and trees. Make sure you bring your student identification card if you want to get in free. When you have seen enough flowers, head over to Plaza de España. It is a tourist spot because of its beauty and as a great resting spot for your feet. Walk, Walk, Walk You might want to skip the museums in Sevilla and spend most of your time outside and on foot. Just walk around and get lost. Wonder into the smallest shop, buy some postcards for your jealous friends and make sure to see a Flamenco show. After one day in Sevilla, it is easy to fall in love with Spain.

How to Get There:

Sevilla might be a little expensive to access if you are coming outside of Spain. Although there is an airport, it is not a major hub, thereby shifting the discount tickets to other cities. If you are traveling from within Spain hop on the train or a bus. For those traveling within Andalucia, take the Andalucia Express ir y vuelta for only 12euros.

Where to Stay:

Sevilla has many hostals at a decent price. Once again, if you will be traveling on a weekend, call ahead to reserve your room. Sevilla is a pretty popular destiation. Below is a hostal with a must during Spain's intense heat: FAN!

Hostal Lis
C. Escarpín, 10 (954 21 30 88), on an alley near Pl. Encarnación. Nice-sized rooms with traditional Spanish tile. Owner is currently adding TV and A/C to all rooms. Free Internet service, laundry, full baths, and a rooftop terrace. All rooms have fans. Singles with shower €21; doubles with bath €42; triples with bath €63. MC/V.

Hostal La Gloria
C. San Eloy, 58, 2nd fl. (954 22 26 73), at the end of a lively shopping street. Faded white rooms. Singles €18; doubles €30, with bath €36; limited triples available. Semana Santa and Feria €36/€60/€76.

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