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.