Leipzig Opera House, one of Europe's oldest, dating back to 1693, stands prominently on Augustusplatz. Home to the prestigious Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, it presents a rich programme of opera, ballet, and musicals, highlighting its enduring cultural legacy.

Just outside the Connewitz quarter of Leipzig, you'll discover beautiful woods and green spaces that serve as a habitat for a variety of animals. Wild pigs are a big attraction, but the area is also home to owls, deer, geese, ducks, bison, moose and foxes. If you're fortunate, you might even spot a raccoon or a lynx. In addition to its wildlife, this area is a fantastic place for hiking or cycling.

El Retiro, an iconic park in Madrid, was once reserved exclusively for Spanish royalty, but it became accessible to the public in the late 19th century. Covering 350 acres, it is one of the largest parks in the city and is often referred to as "the lungs of Madrid" due to its vast green spaces. It's a popular spot for leisure, sports, and outdoor activities, with wide avenues and flat terrain perfect for running, cycling, and skating. Visitors can also rent rowboats to paddle around the Estanque or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride. The park is home to several architectural and historical features, including the Velázquez Palace and the Crystal Palace, as well as remarkable sculptures and fountains, such as the statue of the Fallen Angel, the only sculpture in the world to represent the devil (Lucifer). The park also boasts a Puppet Theater, which offers a unique program every weekend and is one of a kind in Europe.

Madrid's three major art galleries are all within a short walk of each other, and together they make up a magnificent display illuminating the history of Western art. Each one of the galleries is so large that seeing everything in one day seems an impossible task. Luckily, your ticket is valid for a year, and you are free to dip in and out of each museum as much as you please.