One of my favourite European capital cities, Madrid is a must for art aficionados, foodies and museum lovers. This is my mini guide to the Spanish capital.
Madrid travel guide
Reykjavik: The Perlan Institute and other museums
Whether you love a spot of art, history, nature or culture, you're bound to find a museum for you in Reykjavik.
Loire Valley: The château and gardens at Chaumont-sur-Loire
Possibly my favourite château in the Loire. It may not have the architecural flourishes of Chenonceau or Chambord, but it's a delightfully charming affair surrounded by acres of stunning gardens.
London: Discovering the unique charms of Dennis Severs’s House and the Barbican estate
From a Brutalist architectural gem to a theatrical ode to a fictional Huguenot family, these are some of London's more unusual sights.
Penang: Searching for street art in George Town
George Town is renowned for its street art, with more than 100 murals adorning its walls. I set off on a brief stroll in search of its most famous artworks.
Kuala Lumpur: Perdana Botanical Garden, Islamic Arts Museum and the Traders Hotel SkyBar
Exploring tranquil gardens, uncovering Islamic art and sipping cocktails in a swish bar with a view: my last hours in Kuala Lumpur.
Madrid: Museo Lázaro Galdiano and the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
A visit to two excellent art museums – the wonderfully intimate Museo Lázaro Galdiano in Madrid's Salamanca district and the world-class Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Madrid: Parque del Retiro, Real Jardín Botánico and the Prado museum
Madrid's central Jerónimos district is home to a trio of top sights – the elegant Parque del Retiro, the tranquil Real Jardín Botánico and the world-class Prado museum.
Madrid
Sophisticated, elegant and walkable, the Spanish capital may lack a big, showstopping attraction. But it more than makes up for it with world-class museums, breathtaking palaces and outstanding food.
Krakow: Old Town
Centred around Rynek Glówny (Kraków's Main Market Square), the city's Old Town boasts grand architecture, striking churches and fabulous museums.
London: Holbein at the Tudor Court at The Queen’s Gallery
This fascinating and comprehensive exhibition charts artist Hans Holbein the Younger's journey to become one of Henry VIII's official court painters and his lasting influence on royal portrait painters.
London: Tokyo Diner, Hunterian Museum and Lincoln’s Inn Fields
An impromptu trip to the English capital, taking in an authentic Japanese restaurant, an anatomy museum, some street art and one of the four Inns of court.
Little Old World 