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.