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In the spring of 2023, I kicked off a solo backpacking trip across Europe — traveling entirely by train once I landed. My only flights were into London Heathrow and out of Budapest a few weeks later. Everything in between was up to me. It was thrilling, a little daunting, and exactly the kind of challenge I wanted.

Arriving early in the morning, I had the entire day ahead of me before checking into a hostel near St Pancras Station. I jumped right into the essentials: wandering the halls of the British Museum, strolling past Parliament, and standing in the crowds outside Buckingham Palace. The city was still dressed in banners and flags from the recent Coronation of King Charles III, giving everything a celebratory shine.

While staying in Pamplona, I took a quick weekend trip north to the coast to visit San Sebastián — a place I knew surprisingly little about at the time, despite its reputation as one of Spain’s premier seaside destinations.

The weather didn’t exactly cooperate. Overcast skies and light rain lingered throughout my visit, softening the coastline in a moody, quiet way. Even still, the beauty of the city was undeniable: pristine beaches, grand belle-époque architecture, and scenic promenades curving along the water.

In July of 2022, I spent the better part of two weeks in Pamplona — just as the city prepared for its most famous (or infamous) celebration: San Fermín, the Running of the Bulls. Although I wasn’t staying for the festival itself (along with its skyrocketing prices and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds), watching workers put up the wooden barricades and seeing the whole city buzz with anticipation was its own special experience.

Madrid in the summer can be busy, bright, overwhelming, and beautiful — all under the hot Spanish sun. My time in the city was filled with sangria, long walks, and an endless list of sights. At moments, Madrid felt like a Spanish version of New York: crowded, bustling, full of life. At others, the rich history and culture of Spain shined through in unmistakable ways.

Because most of my travel was by train, I spent a lot of time around Atocha Station. Many of the photos from this trip come from Parque del Retiro, a stunning urban oasis in the heart of the city. I’m a big fan of city parks — Fairmount Park in Philadelphia is home, and Central Park in NYC is a close second — but Retiro was something special. Fountains, flowers, statues, winding paths, lakes, and gardens made it a perfect place to explore.