Dogwood blossoms, Botanical Gardens, Madrid, Spain. For a breath of fresh air, and a break from all that incredible fine art, Madrid's Real Jardín Botánico (Botanical Gardens) are ideally located between the Prado Museum and the Atocha Station (Plaza de Murillo, 2).

Take the metro to the Atocha station, or walk from Puerta del Sol down Carrera de San Jeronimo.

There is a modest 1.50 euro entrance fee.