Madrid Uncovered: The Spanish Capital Shines this Spring
Madrid, the city of dynamism in Spain, offers an enthralling mix of tradition and contemporary delights. The city offers diverse attractions for everyone, such as world-famous museums, old quarters, vibrant marketplaces, and lively tapas restaurants.
Begin your trip by stopping by the world-renowned Prado Museum, where an extensive collection of paintings by various European masters is on exhibit. Inside this world-class building, visitors may view paintings by El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya, artwork representative of multiple time periods. The sublime architecture and carefully planned rooms of the building only contribute to the visit, making it a necessary stop for any art lover.
Enter the noble world of the Royal Palace, official residence of Spanish royalty. Take a stroll through its magnificent rooms, marvel at the sumptuous décor, and do not miss visiting the Royal Armoury, an interesting collection of historical weapons. The palace is an excellent source of insights into Spanish monarchical history and way of life.
One may flee the city's hectic pace in Retiro Park, Madrid's version of New York City's Central Park. The urban haven offers an ideal atmosphere for an afternoon stroll, boat trip on the pond, or quiet afternoon under the trees. The Crystal Palace, with an innovative glass structure, adds to the peace in the park by injecting an aura of wonder.
The lively atmosphere of Puerta del Sol, Madrid's thriving city center, is quite evident. The activity in the plaza is perpetual, and the atmosphere is lively, giving visitors a view of the symbolic clock, Kilometer Zero, and an uninterrupted parade of passers-by. The place is a perfect venue to feel the city's atmosphere and, if possible, to watch street performers.
The picturesque old world ambiance of Plaza Mayor is typified by the handsome building structureswith balconies. The charming plaza is an excellent place to watch passers-by while having Spanish food in any of their countless restaurants. The monolithic structure and lively atmosphere of plaza make it a point of interest for visitors and local inhabitants.
Investigate the lesser-known routes and unveil Madrid's hidden gems. The Sorolla Museum, including both the artwork and living space of artist Joaquín Sorolla, offers an intimate view of his life and artwork. In addition, the Sorolla Museum gives insights into his professional and personal life.
Discover tranquility in El Parque de El Capricho, a charming park on Madrid's outskirts. Its gardens, stately palace, and fanciful architecture make the park an oasis of peace. The park's historical and natural beauty makes it a hidden jewel.
The vibrant multiculturalism in Lavapiés features a range of restaurants with international flavor, street life, and an energizing multicultural atmosphere. The mixed population, in combination with the bohemian culture in the neighborhood offers a global feel in a small part of the city.
Immerse yourself in Mercado de San Miguel's sensual delights, an old-time food market filled to the brim with Spanish delights. From seafood to craft cheesemongering and divine desserts, the market is a veritable foodie's paradise. The colorful ambiance and picturesque wrought-iron-laced architecture only heighten its allure.
Take time to visit and marvel at Temple of Debod, an Egyptian temple given to Spain. These Spanish riches embodied in such an asset are truly noteworthy, and most of all, at sunset, where colors in water reverberate, giving rise to an atmosphere which enriches the surrounding scene. The fusion of monument and landscape makes for a perfect way to take in Madrid.
-Aj Moutra
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World's most beautiful castles
What is it about castles that fascinates so many people around the globe? A lot of the allure derives from the history and human drama that played out within the walls, as well as the astonishing architecture that features on so many castles. But they're also romantic and somewhat mystical, places that spark our imagination and conjure visions of long-ago knights in shining armor and powerful warrior queens. 'Because they combine two functions, they are far more interesting than fortresses or palaces,' says Marc Morris, author of 'Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain.' 'What makes a castle a castle is that it combines the functions of defense and dwelling — it's a fortification and a stately home rolled into one. Creating a building which is both comfortable and defensible is difficult. The ingenious ways in which castle-designers reconciled this balance is always intriguing.' Although we normally associate castles with European history, it's actually an architectural form found around the world — in nations as varied as Japan and India, Morocco and Mexico. Many are now hubs of living history where modern visitors can watch jousting and other ancient combat forms, listen to medieval music or watch artisans demonstrate the arts, crafts and everyday skills of a thousand years ago. They also make great backdrops for outdoor concerts, films, theater and military performances, or for the on-location filming of movies and television shows. 'With a castle you get not only the stories of sieges, but also stories of the domestic lives of the rich and famous,' says Morris. 'Castles are places were plots were hatched, marriages were consummated, murders carried out, royal babies born, and so on. With castles, you are never short of fascinating things to talk about.' Read on to find out more about 21 of the world's most beautiful castles, fortified homes that are both a feast for the eyes and a time trip back to the bygone age during which they were created. Located about 30 minutes by bullet train west of Osaka and Kobe, Himeji rises above the Inland Sea and is considered the epitome of the Japanese feudal castle. Both a Japanese national treasure and World Heritage Site, the elegant whitewashed structure is also called 'White Heron Castle' because of its resemblance to a great bird taking flight. Completed in the early 17th century, Himeji offers daily guided tours in Japanese and English. This classic medieval castle towers above the island of Rhodes in the Aegean Sea. Originally built as a Byzantine citadel, it was reworked into its present Gothic form by the crusading Knights of St John when Rhodes served as the headquarters of their grand master. During the brief Italian occupation of the Dodecanese Islands, Benito Mussolini used the castle as a holiday home. Its permanent archeological exhibitions feature relics from ancient Greece and the early Christian period. Even though many people consider this Bavarian masterpiece the epitome of a German castle, it's a relatively new creation, erected in the late 1800s at the behest of King Ludwig II. The Bavarian monarch instructed his architects to design something that would reflect both the operas of Richard Wagner and the romantic ideals of the Middle Ages — as much a fantasy as Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, but with the snowcapped Alps as a backdrop and the Bavarian plains spread out beneath. Neuschwanstein is also a cinema darling, having appeared in numerous flicks over the years including 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' and 'The Great Escape.' One of the most striking castles in all of Europe, the Alcázar rides a narrow, rocky promontory overlooking the plains of Old Castile in central Spain. Although it started life as a Roman fort, the structure evolved over hundreds of years into a prototypical medieval castle with a deep moat, drawbridge, round guard towers and a robust keep, as well as lavishly decorated royal chambers. Segovia Castle is most renowned as the home of Queen Isabella and powerful Phillip II before the royal court was moved to Madrid. Another offspring of the Romantic movement that swept 19th-century Europe, Pena crowns a hilltop near Sintra, Portugal. Commissioned by King Ferdinand II on the site of a ruined monastery dedicated to the Virgin of Pena, the castle is a flamboyant blend of various historic styles including Gothic, Moorish and Renaissance details. The castle's vivid red-and-yellow color pattern — and its flashy clock tower — endow Pena with a much more playful air than the somber castles found elsewhere in Europe. Erected in the early 17th century by the Mughal ruler of Rajasthan, the Amber Fortress crowns a hilltop near Jaipur, its stout walls reflected in the waters of Maota Lake. The palace complex inside the walls revolves around courtyards flanked by exquisite examples of Rajput architecture like the Maharaja's Apartments, Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure) and Diwan-i-Am (Royal Audience Hall). Although it was once fashionable to ride an elephant up the steep entrance road, visitors are now advised to walk or take a 4x4 taxi. This massive mudbrick structure on the edge of the Sahara has starred in more than a dozen movies and television shows including 'Game of Thrones,' 'Gladiator' and 'The Man Who Would Be King.' The complex features a fortified lower town along the Asif Ounila River — where people still reside — and a partially ruined hilltop citadel. Berber-style guest houses provide accommodation for visitors to a ksar originally built in the 17th century as an overnight stop for caravans traveling between Marrakech and the Sudan. Founded in the waning years of the Viking Age, Kalmar Castle traces its roots to a 12th-century defensive tower overlooking the Kalmar Strait on the Baltic Sea. Four centuries later, King Gustav and his sons transformed Kalmar into a splendid royal residence that (with the help of renovation) looks much the same today as it did in 1592. In addition to exhibitions, children's activities and guided tours, Scandinavia's best-preserved Renaissance castle also features special events like an exhibition of ancient Egyptian artefacts, which is open until November 2025. Guarding the entrance to San Juan Bay, this 16th-century Spanish citadel is one of the most impressive structures in the Caribbean. Protected by a moat (with a drawbridge), stone battlements and rugged sea cliffs, the castle has repelled numerous attacks including several assaults by French pirates and a 1595 strike by Sir Francis Drake. However, it surrendered to US forces after a fierce naval bombardment during the Spanish-American War. Since 1962, El Morro and nearby Castillo San Cristóbal (the largest fort constructed by the Spanish in the western hemisphere) have been part of the San Juan National Historic Site. The grassy 'field of fire' in front of the castle is now immensely popular for picnics and kite flying. Although it's officially called a palace, Istanbul's sprawling Topkapi compound bears all the features of a classic castle: defensible site, fortified walls, powerful gateways and a royal residence occupied by the Ottoman sultans from the late 15th century when it was originally constructed until the 1850s. Converted into a museum when the Ottoman Empire dissolved after World War I, the Topkapi offers extensive gardens, wall-top walks overlooking the Bosphorus, the Ottoman Imperial Harem where the ruler's concubines resided and the Imperial Treasury with its famous emerald-encrusted golden dagger — stolen and eventually retrieved in the 1964 heist movie 'Topkapi.' Perched on an ancient volcanic outcrop at the end of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle is considered the 'most besieged place' in Britain with at least 26 major attacks during its 1,100-year lifespan. From Mary Queen of Scots to Oliver Cromwell and Sir Walter Raleigh, many famous Britons are indelibly linked the ancient edifice. Britain's oldest crown jewels (the Honours of Scotland) are safeguarded inside a castle that also provides an incredibly fitting venue for the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Music concerts, living history events and weapons demonstrations are among the many events staged throughout the year inside the walls. And bygone military mascots are buried in the castle's Dog Cemetery. Despite its diminutive size, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is well-endowed with castles — more than 50 are spread across an area smaller than London's metro area. The most spectacular of these is Schloss Vianden, poised high above the Our River in northern Luxembourg. Built on the site of an ancient Roman fortress that protected the empire from barbarian invasion, the castle was constructed between the 11th and 14th centuries. Blending aspects of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance design, it remained in royal hands until 1977 when the Grand Duke bequeathed it to the state. Vianden's biggest annual bash is an August medieval festival with dueling knights, troubadours, jugglers and artisans. The Kremlin in Moscow may be better known, but it can't hold a candle to the one in Novgorod when it comes to medieval ambiance. Located 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of St. Petersburg, Novgorod was the seat of a powerful Russian republic from the 11th to 15th century when it was finally overshadowed by Moscow. That power was concentrated inside the detinets or kremlin with its sturdy walls and heavily fortified towers. Among its landmarks today are the Cathedral of the Holy Wisdom with its silver domes, the Novgorod Museum and the Millennium of Russia monument. There's no better example of the transition from the fortified castles of the medieval era to palatial homes of the Renaissance than this enormous chateau in the Loire Valley. Commissioned as a 'hunting lodge' by King François I in the early 16th century, the massive structure (440 rooms) took 28 years to construct. While it's moat, corner towers and keep are purely decorative, the 500-year-old castle has nevertheless protected some real treasures, not least the a magnificent double helix staircase said to have been inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. One of the finest examples of Chinese castle architecture is Shuri, a hilltop fortress and palace complex on the island of Okinawa in Japan. As the royal court of the independent Ryukyu Kingdom for more than 450 years — when the islands were heavily influenced by nearby China — Shuri developed a warren of imperial living quarters, audience halls, religious shrines and an extravagant throne room reminiscent of the Forbidden City in Beijing. The compound was heavily restored after World War II, when Shuri served as the local headquarters for the Imperial Japanese Army. The castle's present-day activities range from a morning gate-opening ritual called Ukejo and multilingual audio tours of the grounds to daily dance performances and nighttime illumination. England has far larger castles (Windsor) and others that are more steeped in history (Tower of London). But none boasts that textbook form of Bodiam Castle in East Sussex. Erected in 1385 as the bastion of a former royal knight, it's the epitome of a medieval castle – thick crenelated walls supported by nine stubby towers, arrayed around a square central courtyard and reached via a wooden walkway (a drawbridge in olden days) across a wide moat. Among its many visitor summer activities are archery sessions, dressing up in medieval costumes, afternoon tea with cakes and scones and guided tours. And just seven miles away is where the landmark Battle of Hastings played out in 1066. The only royal castle in the Americas hovers high above Mexico City. Erected in the late 1700s as a summer house for the viceroy of New Spain, the castle has played many roles since then, including the palace of Emperor Maximillian and an 1847 battle between Mexican troops and invading Americans that features in the 'Marine Corps Hymn' ('From the Halls of Montezuma …'). Nowadays Chapultepec is home to Mexico's National Museum of History. The royal quarters — including the precious Malachite Room and Maximillian's flamboyant bedroom — are included in castle tours. What makes this Slovenian castle so special is its astounding location — Predjama is arrayed across a cave mouth beneath a natural rock arch on the side of a sheer cliff. The lofty setting made it virtually impregnable when it was constructed in the 13th century. Attackers laid siege to Predjama on numerous occasions, but a secret passageway (that still exists today) allowed the defenders to come and go at will. Located 62 kilometers (38 miles) from Ljubljana, the castle and its park-like grounds host the Erasmus Knight's Tournament, a medieval festival and jousting competition staged every July. This island bastion overlooking the Bay of Naples is the oldest castle on our list, tracing its roots to the 5th century BC when Greeks colonized the region. From Roman legionnaires to Napoleon's troops, many armies have occupied Aragonese over the years. The castle now belongs to the family of an Italian lawyer who purchased the fortified island in 1912 and began restoration of its battlements, churches, convents, crypts and gardens. In addition to views that stretch all the way across the bay to Mount Vesuvius, Aragonese Castle boasts outdoor cafes, a bookshop, art exhibits and outdoor movies. Prague's imposing citadel is also one of the few castles anywhere in the world that still boasts real political power — the official residence of the president of the Czech Republic. Among the other landmarks inside its spacious confines are St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, 10 gardens and a row of 16th-century cottages called the Golden Lane that once housed the castle guards. Guided tours, offered during daylight and evening hours, last around three hours. Reportedly damaged during Syria's recently ended civil war, Krak des Chevaliers remains one of the world's great castles — and the only one on our list that has experienced 21st-century conflict. Created in the 12th century by the Knights of St. John, the celebrated Krak is considered the epitome of a crusader castle in the Middle East and one of the greatest statements of medieval military architecture. The structure features two mighty walls separated by a moat on a steep hillside between Homs and the Mediterranean Sea. It's hoped that the end to the fighting in Syria will enable restoration and repair work. This article was first published in 2019. It was updated and republished in June 2025
Miami Herald
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Map Shows China's Visa-Free ‘Circle of Friends'
China has expanded its visa-free entry policy to more countries, allowing citizens from an additional four nations to visit for up to 30 days without a permit. This brings the total number of visa-exempt countries to 47, with another 16 qualifying for 10-day exemptions, as shown on the Newsweek map below. Inbound tourism to China is rebounding, with 132 million international visits recorded last year-97 percent of 2019 levels, according to government data. The momentum has carried into 2025, with 35 million arrivals in the first quarter, a nearly 20 percent year-over-year increase, said China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Total international visitor spending last year was up to 93.5 percent of pre-pandemic levels, accounting for 0.5 percent of China's GDP-nearly $100 billion-according to the country's commerce authorities. China's growing visa-exemptions list shows the country is determined to foster an open global economy, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters last week. Observers say the visa exemptions will also ease business and technical exchanges in sectors such as renewable energy. Amid an intensifying trade war and geopolitical rivalry with the United States, China will see a strategic benefit in opening up to the rest of the world at a time when the West is trying to shut it out. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry by email with a request for comment. Beijing on Monday announced the start of visa-free travel for passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain on a one-year trial basis. China has in recent years ramped up political and economic engagement with the Middle East, capitalizing on the U.S.'s declining influence and framing itself as a stable alternative following decades of U.S. military intervention. Liu Zhongmin, a professor from the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Chinese state-run Global Times newspaper that the exemptions were a major step toward deepening people-to-people exchanges with the region. With the announcement, all six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council-a regional bloc that also includes Qatar and the United Arab Emirates-now enjoy some form of visa-free travel to China. The move brings China's visa-free "circle of friends" to 47 countries, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Russia are permitted 10-day visa-free transits as well as access to two dozen provinces and regions-provided they show proof of onward travel upon entry, according to the policy. The expansion follows China's decision in December to implement visa exemptions for travelers from nine countries, including Japan and eight European states. Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, told reporters last month: "China has given visa-free status to all Gulf Cooperation Council countries. We welcome more friends from GCC countries to visit China anytime." Julia Simpson, president of the World Travel and Tourism Council, said in an April press release: "Recent moves, such as refund-upon-purchase for international visitors and the expansion of visa-free access to international visitors show a smart, outward-looking strategy. "This is long-term thinking in action, focused on competitiveness, experience, and re-establishing China's position as a global travel and tourism leader." A forecast by the London-based World Travel and Tourism Council said China would continue its tourism comeback this year, estimating the industry would add $1.9 trillion to the world's second-largest economy, support more than 83 million jobs and creating an additional 1.3 million. By contrast, the U.S. economy could be in for a $12.5 billion-or 22.45 percent-tourism hit, the council warned last month, as vacationers look elsewhere amid reports of increased detainments at airports, which the Trump administration has defended as necessary for immigration control and national security. "While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the 'closed' sign," Simpson wrote. The International Trade Administration did not immediately respond to Newsweek's written request for comment out of hours. Related Articles Satellite Photo Shows US Aircraft Carrier in Pacific Rivalry With ChinaDonald Trump Says China 'Not Easy' As Trade Talks Kick OffUS Detains Chinese Scientist for 'Smuggling' Biological Material From WuhanChina Challenges US Sea Power With Two Aircraft Carriers in West Pacific 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Time Business News
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Your Rights to Flight Delays and Cancellation Compensation Explained
Have questions or need support? Call AirlineHelp at 800-594-4991 (OTA). We'll walk you through your options and help you claim what's rightfully yours. Flight delays and cancellations are more common than travelers expect. Whether it's weather, technical issues, or staffing shortages, disruptions can throw off your entire plan. But here's the good news: if your flight is delayed or canceled, you might be entitled to compensation. Understanding the process, your rights, and the steps to claim compensation can save you both time and money. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know in 2025. Flight compensation refers to the refund, reimbursement, or compensation that airlines offer when your scheduled flight is disrupted. This could be a delay, a last-minute cancellation, or even being denied boarding. Tip: Always keep your travel documents, boarding pass, and emails handy. You'll need them if you file a compensation claim. You may be eligible if your flight arrives at its final destination 3 hours or more late and the reason is within the airline's control. This could include: Mechanical issues Airline staffing problems Overbooking Delays caused by bad weather or airport strikes are usually considered out of the airline's control and are not covered. If your flight was canceled less than 14 days before departure, and the airline didn't provide an alternative that arrives around the same time, you may be owed compensation. Cancellations due to technical faults, crew issues, or scheduling errors often qualify for compensation. The key is proving the delay or cancellation was the airline's responsibility. Need help? Airline Help is here for you! Call us at 800-594-4991 (OTA), and let our team find the best solution for you! The compensation amount depends on the flight distance and the delay duration. Here's a general breakdown: Flight Distance Delay Time Possible Compensation Less than 1500 km 3+ hours Up to $250 1500 – 3500 km 3+ hours Up to $400 Over 3500 km 4+ hours Up to $600 Note: These are estimates. Compensation may vary based on country laws, airline policies, and ticket type. Sometimes, airlines offer vouchers or travel credits instead of cash. You're not required to accept them. You have the right to choose the cash compensation if eligible. Tip: Always ask if accepting a voucher will void your right to further claims. Every airline has a policy, but some rules come from government regulations. If you're flying within the U.S., or from the U.S. to other countries, you'll be subject to U.S. Department of Transportation rules. European and Canadian flights may follow their respective local laws. Tip: Research the air passenger rights based on where you're flying. Boarding pass Flight booking confirmation Any communication from the airline about the delay or cancellation Photos of departure boards or messages Documentation helps back your claim. Reach out to the airline directly. Use their website's customer service or compensation form. Provide all the relevant details, including your flight number, travel date, and reason for the delay or cancellation. Airlines usually respond within a few weeks. Some may take longer. If they reject your claim and you believe it's valid, you can escalate it. Not every traveler wants to deal with forms and follow-ups. That's where a third-party service provider like AirlineHelp comes in. Facing issues? Don't stress. AirlineHelp can help you handle it. Call 800-594-4991 (OTA) today! Lack of documentation – Always keep your flight and communication history. – Always keep your flight and communication history. Flight was delayed due to 'extraordinary circumstances' – This includes weather and airport shutdowns. You can ask the airline for a written explanation. – This includes weather and airport shutdowns. You can ask the airline for a written explanation. You accepted a voucher – Be cautious about what you accept. If a delayed flight caused you to miss your connecting flight, you may be eligible for additional compensation, especially if both flights were booked under the same reservation. Tip: Always book connecting flights under one itinerary. This gives you stronger protection. It varies by airline and country, but most allow claims within 1 to 3 years of the travel date. Don't wait too long—file as soon as possible. As a third-party service provider, AirlineHelp can guide you through every step—especially if: The airline is unresponsive You're not sure if you qualify You need support gathering documents You want the fastest and easiest solution We've helped thousands of travelers like you navigate this process. Whether you're unsure or overwhelmed, we're here to help. ✔ Flight arrived 3+ hours late or was canceled within 14 days✔ Delay was airline's fault✔ You have booking and delay records✔ You didn't accept a voucher (or still want to claim cash) ✔ You're filing within the time limit
