Past, present, and future converge in the Catalan capital – a place steeped in centuries of history but with a palpably youthful spirit. From the Roman ruins and maze-like medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter to the wonderfully whimsical architecture of Antoni Gaudí, and the Modernist masterpieces of the Picasso Museum and Fundació Joan Miró, there are treasures old and new at every turn. The city's dining scene is an attraction unto itself: keep it low key with plates of paella and jugs of sangria by the seafront, snack on jamón ibérico and fried seafood in the street markets, or indulge in Michelin-starred tasting menus.

You would be hard pressed to find a city with a more significant naval heritage than Portsmouth. The world's oldest dry dock, it is home to some of history's most storied ships, including Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, HMS Victory; Henry VII's Tudor warship, Mary Rose; and the world's first iron hulled armored ship, HMS Warrior. The city also has impressive cultural and entertainment credentials. It is the birthplace of author Charles Dickens and comedian Peter Sellers and has served as a shooting location for a variety of films, including the James Bond installment, Tomorrow Never Dies. For all its high-level associations, Portsmouth remains a wonderfully low-key destination. Enjoy a pass along the cobbled streets of the shopping district or step aboard a high-speed elevator of the Spinnaker Tower, the sail-inspired observation tower that rises 560 feet above the port to showcase magnificent views.