Low season or perfect season? When the pace abates, the queues disappear and the streets return only to those who live in them, cities finally reveal their authentic side.
In autumn and winter, Madrid and Barcelona acquire a discreet charm, more intimate and friendly. A perfect invitation to enjoy every glimpse, every flavour, every detail. No rush, no crowds.
Madrid: the city with a wintry soul
Madrid is all made of energy and tradition, but it’s during autumn and winter that the place shows its most genuine side. Golden lights illuminate the historic buildings, while the aroma of roast chestnuts fills the streets and the warm cafés maintain the capital’s typical feel.
It’s the ideal time to calmly visit the El Prado Museum, to stroll through Parque del Retiro without the crowds and lose your bearings in the neighbourhood markets, where the Spaniards return to the places that are often occupied by tourists in the warmer months. When it comes to gastronomy, Madrid winters call for intense favours: traditional tapas, hot chocolate with churros and a good glass of red wine in one of the many cosy bars. Between museums, theatres and illuminated squares, Madrid out of season is an exercise in the pure harmony between movement and pausing.
For those wanting to stay in the heart of the city, the Pestana CR7 Gran Vía, a hotel in Madrid with a panoramic view, is the ideal starting point. The rooftop has one of the most beautiful views of Gran Vía and boasts two terraces – Morsi and Inverse – ideal to see the sunset gilding the domes and avenues.
Nearby, in the historic centre, the Pestana Collection Plaza Mayor provides a more intimate experience. The hotel with spa and pool at Plaza Mayor combines the architectural charm of the building with its contemporary comfort. After a day of sightseeing and discovery, what better than relaxing in the spa or enjoying a dip in the indoor pool?
Barcelona: the discreet shine of a Mediterranean city
Barcelona is lively during any season, but in low season it reveals its more authentic side, more breathable and perhaps even more beautiful. With fewer tourists, it’s possible to contemplate Gaudí’s architecture, walk along the La Rambla with space to look around you and discover the true spirit of neighbourhoods like Gràcia, El Born and Barceloneta.
The city’s mild climate invites visitors to explore on foot or bicycle. The Sagrada Familia acquires greater impact when you can contemplate the marvel in silence, Parque Güell unveils new colours in winter and the seaside cafés are refuges for locals once again. It’s the ideal time to rediscover the local side of a city that, far from the heat of summer, opens up and shows all its Mediterranean authenticity.
Staying at the Pestana Arena Barcelona, a 4-star hotel in downtown Barcelona, is the right choice to take advantage of that out-of-season charm. Located near to Plaça d’Espanya and Parc de Montjuïc, it combines modern comfort and a strategic location perfect for exploring, both for the centre, cultural areas and the city’s green spaces. After a day of enjoying Barcelona, the hotel bar is ideal for relaxing with tapas and Spanish wines.
