How to Visit the Sagrada Familia – Discover Gaudí’s Iconic Masterpiece in Barcelona
Visiting Barcelona without seeing the Sagrada Familia is like going to Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower. This monumental basilica, designed by the Catalan genius Antoni Gaudí, is not just the city’s most iconic architectural symbol—it’s also one of the most fascinating buildings in the entire world. Walking through its light-filled interior, with colorful stained…
The Royal Alcázar of Seville: History, Secrets, and How to Plan Your Dream Visit
The Beating Heart of Seville You Must Conquer Imagine walking through halls that have witnessed the passing of kings and caliphs. Envision gardens where the water whispers legends and history can be felt in every single tile. This is not a fairy tale; this is the Royal Alcázar of Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage site…
How to Use the Madrid Metro Like a Local
Madrid Metro Hours The Madrid Metro operates from 6:05 AM to 2:00 AM. The last trains depart at 1:33 AM from the terminals of each line. This means the last train passes between 1:33 AM and 2:00 AM, depending on the station and line. Transportation Cards in Madrid To use the Madrid Metro, you’ll need…
11 Essential Rome Monuments to Start Your Adventure: A Beginner’s Guide to the Colosseum, Vatican Museums & More
Rome is much more than a city; it’s a time machine. It is as if the city of millennia ago were immersed in the present city. Some of its charms are visible to the naked eye. Others are hidden, waiting for the attentive eye to discover them. Without a doubt, the more you search in…
Versailles Palace Guide 2025: Exploring the French Opulence of Louis XIV’s Absolute Monarchy
Did you know that the Palace of Versailles wasn’t just a residence, but the chessboard from which Louis XIV’s absolutism was built? The “Sun King” understood that French majesty and opulence were not a whim or mere luxury, but crucial political tools that would grant him power and authority. Every mirror, every piece of gilding,…
The Ultimate Louvre Guide: Curated Tips for a Perfect, Skip-the-Line and Smooth Visit
Get ready to explore one of the world’s most acclaimed museums! If you’re planning your next adventure to the City of Light, you know that the majestic Louvre Museum is a must-see. With its iconic works and stunning architecture, it’s home to some of humanity’s most famous paintings, such as the Mona Lisa, the Winged…
Essential Eiffel Tower Tips: Your Ultimate Guide Decoded
Hello, travel lover! If your next destination is the City of Light, we assure you a magical experience awaits. Paris is one of those cities that captures the heart, and at the center of its charm lies the majestic Eiffel Tower, an icon that has captivated millions of people. However, for your visit to be…
Tips to Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid
Hey there, traveler! Planning a trip to Madrid? Then you absolutely can’t miss the Prado Museum. Nestled in the heart of the city, this museum boasts an impressive collection of classical art, primarily featuring Spanish and European masters. As one of Spain’s most visited museums, the Prado’s renowned collection offers a unique experience, transporting you…
5 Tips to Visit the Colosseum in Rome
Visit the Colosseum in Rome: tips and deals to have a good experience The Colosseum in Rome is one of those monuments that we all have had in our checklist since we were kids. This milestone of civilization has stood its ground for two thousand years, impressing first the population of ancient Rome, now visitors…
How to Visit the Sagrada Familia – Discover Gaudí’s Iconic Masterpiece in Barcelona
Visiting Barcelona without seeing the Sagrada Familia is like going to Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower. This monumental basilica, designed by the Catalan genius Antoni Gaudí, is not just the city’s most iconic architectural symbol—it’s also one of the most fascinating buildings in the entire world. Walking through its light-filled interior, with colorful stained…
When Will the Sagrada Familia Be Finished? The ‘Cherry on Top’ Arrives in 2026
If you have ever visited Barcelona, or if you dream of doing so soon, there is one silhouette that dominates the horizon and captures the sighs of every traveler: the Sagrada Familia. This is no ordinary church; nothing truly prepares you for its majesty. Standing before it can be, quite simply, overwhelming. It is more…
Seville Cathedral: A Journey from Great Mosque to the World’s Largest Gothic Masterpiece
Are you ready for a journey that defies reason and time? As you gaze upon the Seville Cathedral, you’ll feel like you are standing before the monumental echo of a city that was once the great capital of Muslim Spain, Al-Andalus. After the Reconquista, it transformed into Spain’s gateway to the Americas, cementing its role…
Discover Madrid de los Austrias – A Journey Through Spain’s Habsburg Legacy
Madrid de los Austrias: Discover the Old Town of Spain’s Capital The origin of the Habsburg dynasty dates back to the 11th century in the region of Switzerland (then Austria), but it was from the 15th century onwards that they established themselves as one of Europe’s most powerful royal houses. The Habsburgs came to rule…
Discover the Magical Music Box of Barcelona – The Palau de la Música Catalana
Have you heard about the music box? It’s a mechanical instrument that plays music through an internal mechanism. Well, Barcelona has its own magical box waiting to be discovered. This spectacular modernist building holds a wealth of history, art, and music inside that captivates every visitor. If you’re curious to uncover its hidden secrets,…
Seville in Spring: The Best Time to Experience Andalusian Culture and Authentic Flamenco
Land of flamenco and timeless traditions! Welcome to Seville in Spring: The Best Time to Experience Andalusian Culture and Authentic Flamenco! When spring blooms in Seville, the whole city comes to life. The streets fill with orange blossom, sunlight kisses the colorful facades, and Andalusian joy floats in the air. What better moment to dive…
Rome’s Pantheon: Temple of All the Gods
Origin of Agrippa’s Pantheon The Pantheon in Rome was originally commissioned by Marcus Agrippa in 27 BCE. After suffering damage from several fires, it was later rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian around 125 CE, who chose to preserve the original inscription on the facade: “M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT”, in honor of its original builder. This new version of the…
The Mona Lisa Theft: From Florence to the Louvre, Immortality, and the ‘Other Gioconda’
Have you ever wondered how a Renaissance portrait ended up becoming the most famous work of art in the world? The story of the Mona Lisa, or La Gioconda, is an epic five-hundred-year adventure fueled by its creator’s obsession. Leonardo da Vinci simply couldn’t part with it, carrying it with him across Italy all the…
Rome Between Michelangelo’s Heaven and the New Pope
Hello from Rome! The Eternal City became the center of global attention in 2025 with the recent celebration of the election of the new Pope. This historic and spiritual event transformed the city, attracting thousands of visitors eager to experience a unique moment of renewal. Come and discover Rome Between Michelangelo’s Heaven and the New…
Best Day Trips from Barcelona: 3 Must-See Excursions and Tours to Fall in Love with Catalonia
Hello, travel lovers and fans of unforgettable experiences. We know you’ve heard of Gaudi’s wonderful modernist legacy, the famous Las Ramblas promenade, and the charm of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona’s old town. Still, Barcelona and Catalonia have much more to be explored. Just a few kilometers away, a universe of landscapes, culture, and history…
Magical Paris: Discover Must-See Sights and Experience the City with The Touring Pandas
Hello, travelers and lovers of unforgettable experiences! If you dream of strolling along the banks of the Seine, discovering the best places for photos, climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower, getting lost in world-renowned museums, or simply feeling the magic of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, you have come…
Trastevere, Rome: Discover the Bohemian Heart of the Eternal City
Hello, Rome lovers! If there’s a corner in the Eternal City that beats with its own rhythm, it’s undoubtedly Trastevere. A neighborhood that seems suspended in time, where pastel-colored facades, ivy-covered balconies, and cobblestone streets invite you to get lost and feel the authentic Roman essence. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a bohemian…
Jubilee 2025: A Unique Rome
What better time to visit Rome than in 2025? Since 1300, every 25 years the Great Jubilee has been celebrated. This Catholic event, which runs throughout the year, has a historic significance of restoring the right relationship with God, others, and creation. The theme of Jubilee 2025, “Pilgrims of Hope,” declared by Pope Francis, is…
Tips to Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid
Hey there, traveler! Planning a trip to Madrid? Then you absolutely can’t miss the Prado Museum. Nestled in the heart of the city, this museum boasts an impressive collection of classical art, primarily featuring Spanish and European masters. As one of Spain’s most visited museums, the Prado’s renowned collection offers a unique experience, transporting you…
Best Internet Data Plan to Travel
Welcome to The Touring Pandas blog! If you reached this post, it is probably because you’re facing a common pain point we all find when we travel: expensive roaming fees. Whether you’re a compulsive reviewer, traveling workaholic or helpless influencer, today we share a tip to make your online life easier thanks to the best…
Madrid Hop-on Hop-off Bus: Options and Our Top Pick
Read about the available options to ride a Madrid hop-on hop-off bus In the last few years, tourist buses (also known as hop-on, hop-off buses) have seen a surge in popularity and have become part of every major destination’s tourist landscape. Such a boom is easy to explain, as these buses are usually a convenient…