Day 1:

After arriving in Osaka by flight from Tokyo in the morning - some people prefer to take the bullet train, but I found the flights to be cheaper when I visited, I visited the following places:

• Kuromon Fish Market.

This bustling market is a feast for the eyes, offering an array of fresh seafood, local delicacies, and street food treats. It's the perfect place to grab lunch and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Don't be afraid to try something new – you won't (probably) regret it!

• Shinsaibashi-suji

After fueling up, it was time for some retail therapy. This sprawling shopping street is a shopaholic's paradise, packed with everything from high-end boutiques to quirky souvenir shops.

• Minami

As the afternoon rolled around, I ventured into Minami, a lively district in Namba. This area is known for its entertainment, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. It's a great place to wander around, people-watch, and get a feel for the local vibe.

• Dotonbori

As evening descended, I made my way to the dazzling Dotonbori. This iconic district is famous for its bright lights, giant billboards, and delicious street food. From the Glico Running Man to the towering crab, Dotonbori is a visual spectacle. I indulged in some takoyaki and okonomiyaki, soaking in the atmosphere.

• Club Ammona

The night culminated at a popular spot for dancing and drinks. It was a fantastic way to experience Osaka's nightlife and dance the night away. In addition, I had the strange experience of being in a club full of locals, all of whom seemed to know the same dances to the same songs - so at times it was like being the odd-one-out in the middle of a choreographed dance!

Day 2:

• Kuchu Teien Observatory

Also known as the Floating Garden Observatory. The panoramic views of the city skyline from this rooftop observatory are simply stunning. It's a must-visit for any photography enthusiast.

• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

This world-class aquarium is home to an incredible array of marine life, including majestic whale sharks. I spent hours exploring the underwater world.

• Tempozan Ferris Wheel

After the aquarium, right next door, I took a relaxing ride on the ferris wheel, enjoying breathtaking views of the harbor and city. It's a short but sweet experience that offers a unique perspective.

• Tsutenkaku Tower

Finally, this iconic tower offers another fantastic view of Osaka, and for the adventurous, there's even a slide! It's a fun and quirky way to end the day.

Day 3:

• Osaka Castle

A stunning landmark that played a crucial role in Japanese history. Exploring the castle grounds and learning about its fascinating past is a truly must-do when visiting Osaka (if only because everyone else does it).

• Osaka Castle Garden

This beautiful garden offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city and is the perfect place to relax and reflect. Additionally, it is, as the name might suggest, right next to Osaka castle.

I hope this itinerary inspires you to plan your own Osaka adventure! What are you most excited to see in Osaka?

After landing at MAD airport, you can easily take Line 8 until the "Nuevos Ministerios" station. From there you can take the metro C4 or C3b to station "Sol". The one-way trip should cost you less than 5 EUR.

From there I would recommend doing a rough circle of the following:

• Puerta del Sol: This square is considered the heart of Madrid and a great starting point for your tour. It's home to the iconic clock tower whose bells mark the new year for Spaniards and the "Kilometer Zero" stone, the symbolic center of Spain's road network. Maybe take a photo with the statue of the bear and the Madroño tree.
• Plaza Mayor: Just a short walk from Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor is a grand, enclosed square surrounded by beautiful 17th-century architecture. Historically a site for royal ceremonies, bullfights, and markets, today it's a lovely place to wander, and admire the statue of King Philip III in the center.
• San Miguel Market: The perfect stop for a quick lunch - indulge your senses at this vibrant food market. Sample a variety of Spanish delicacies, from tapas and Iberian ham to fresh seafood and local wines. It's the perfect place to experience the flavors of Madrid in a lively setting.
• Plaza de la Villa: This square, with its historic buildings and peaceful atmosphere, offers a glimpse into Madrid's past. Take a moment to appreciate the history and tranquility of this square.
• La Almudena Cathedral: This impressive cathedral, with its neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque styles, is a relatively modern addition to Madrid's skyline. Its grand interior features stained glass windows, intricate sculptures, and a beautiful dome.
• Palacio de Oriente: The Royal Palace of Madrid is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and one of the largest functioning royal palaces in Europe.
• Plaza de España: This large square is a popular meeting point and features a monument to Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote. Enjoy the views and the lively atmosphere of this central square.
• Paseo del Prado: This elegant boulevard, lined with trees and grand buildings, is home to some of Madrid's most famous museums, including the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Stroll along the Paseo del Prado to experience the city's cultural heart.
• Puerta de Alcalá: This iconic triumphal arch, once the main entrance to the city, is a symbol of Madrid. Admire its neoclassical architecture and its historical significance. It's a great photo opportunity and a landmark you won't want to miss.
• Plaza de Colón: This large square is a major transportation hub and features a monument to Christopher Columbus.

From station "Cibeles" you can then take bus 203 until the airport, or you could take metro 4 until "Mar de Cristal" and then switch to metro number 4 until the airport. Both options offer convenient ways to return to MAD airport.

Enjoy your Madrid layover!

Travelling from Malaga:

I took the bus from Malaga to Gibraltar which took about 3 hours. It cost me about EUR 20 each way, so about 40 total. The first point of confusion for me was:

• There is no station called "Gibraltar", rather you want to go to "La Línea de la Concepción".

Google Maps will show you a relatively accurate schedule (although it does warn you that they don't have the most accurate schedule for the route).

You can try to buy tickets online (https://malaga.avanzagrupo.com/en), however, it seems like the website has not been working for the past few months. If it still isn't, you can head to the central bus station in Malaga (https://maps.app.goo.gl/kaN8xiFGUeyH3fY69) around 30 minutes prior to the departure time of your planned bus.

• Rough Schedule: From Malaga to La Linea: 08:30, 11:30, 13:15, 14:30. From La Linea to Malaga: 07:45,11:45, 12:35,16:30, 20:00. (These may not be 100% accurate, I would recommend double checking on Google Maps or other blogs.)

At the counter they spoke enough English to sell me a one-way ticket to Gibraltar (I was told it is only possible to purchase a one-way ticket, you have to purchase the return at the counter at La Linea). They accepted card at the counter in Malaga. When I arrived in La Linea I immediately went to purchase a return ticket - they only accept cash there!

Overall, the bus was quite comfortable, and even relatively empty (I went on a Sunday at 8:30). The bus ride takes about 3 hours.

Travelling from Elsewhere:

You could fly to Gibraltar from the UK, drive a car, or take a bus from elsewhere in Spain or Portugal.

The most cost effective option is likely a bus - I would recommend just going to the central bus station in whatever city you're in and asking at the counter there (usually you'll find a bus leaving within a couple hours). Note: The station you want to head to is called "La Línea de la Concepción", from there it is a 5 minute walk to the Gibraltar border.

Crossing the Border:

• EU Citizen: ID Card
• Otherwise: Passport - if you have a Schengen visa, you won't have any problems entering Gibraltar.

From the "La Línea de la Concepción" bus stop, it is a 5 minute walk to the border, the line there is generally rather long, so I would recommend planning about an hour or more waiting in line - especially during rush hour (Monday through Saturday, 6am to 8:30am and 4pm to 8pm).

I crossed on a Sunday in the late morning and I waited about 30 minutes on the way into Gibraltar, and I would have had to wait 1 to 1.5 hours on my way back during the early evening (I didn't by joining the Spanish migrant workers queue and skipping most of the line - in my defence I had 5 minutes to make my bus and I didn't really intend on staying the night in Gibraltar).

Once you've crossed the border, you will need to take a bus that costs around EUR 3,50 to the center (they only accept cash, either EUR or GBP, and there doesn't seem to be an ATM directly at the border). I suppose you could also walk - especially if you'd like to cross the Airport's landing strip, but it is a 20-40 minute walk depending on whether there is an airplane landing (and there doesn't seem to be any cover in case of sun or rain - don't underestimate the sun, the airstrip is pure concrete, so it gets quite hot even on a rather mild day.)

One Day Itinerary:

1. Grand Casemates Square

This is the main square of the city, with a bunch of shops and restaurants. I didn't find it too interesting, but it is a good place to start especially since the bus from the border stops quite close to here and you can get a nice feeling for the English-Spanish mix of life by listening to the people around you. In addition, this is a nice place to buy a magnet or other such souvenir, if you're into collecting them.

2. Moorish Castle

It is about a 15 minute (up-hill) walk to this castle, and you can get some nice views of Gibraltar on your way up through some of the less touristy parts of the city. Once you've made the 15 minute walk, you'll come to a ticket booth where you'll need to pay EUR 25 per person to enter the entire natural reserve area (this includes tickets for all the attractions that follow). Just make sure not to lose the bracelet they give you (you'll need it to enter all the other attractions).

The castle itself is quite underwhelming - unless you're a history buff - however, it is a nice place to take a break before you begin the rest of the walk up the mountain with a great view of the city, ocean, and airstrip (plus there was a well-placed flag of Gibraltar to take pictures with a view and the flag).

3. WW2 and The Great Siege Tunnels

First, you can stop at the WW2 tunnels where they have you put on a helmet and enter a large complex of tunnels. These are quite nice to explore, especially with all the different plaques and mannequins explainning/demonstrating life in the tunnels.

Next you can head to The Great Siege Tunnels. On the way here, you can also stop at the "City Under Siege Exhibition", which I found quite interesting (not because of the history, but because of the goofy animatronics). Once you make it to the tunnels, they have some more interesting history and a couple of jump-scares.

It is also a nice place to prepare for the next part of your hike which will take about an hour.

4. Charles V Wall

This is the place to see the monkeys - if that's what you're after. After about an hour of walking, you'll get to this staircase from Old Queen's Road up to the Cable Car road. It is relatively steep - however, there are monkeys all over the place, and the view from the staircase is quite stunning.

5. Skywalk Gibraltar

This is not really a highlight, however, it is on the way to St. Michael's Cave, and you already paid for the entrance ticket, so why not. Plus you get a nice view of other side of the mountain, since during the hike you are always looking out across the same view.

6. St. Michael's Cave

This is the colorful cave that you see on all the pictures. On a summer day this is a great place to go, mainly due to the coolness of the cave air. In terms of the cave itself, I think it is a nice place to take pictures and to cool-off from your hike, however, I was not too impressed, as I had thought the colors were natural, but they're just projections onto the rocks. However, overall, it is worth a visit, and can be a nice place - especially if you temper your expectations a little.

7. Cable Car Station

Here, they have a nice restaurant (read - expensive), but if you're willing to spend a little, they have decent food and a great view. After your hearty meal (or not, depending on the budget), you can take the cable car back down the mountain.

You could also choose to hike back down, but in my opinion, for a day trip you might as well save your energy to explore a little more of the city rather than do the same hike back.

8. Europa Point

This is the southernmost point of Gibraltar, where you get some nice ocean views, I didn't manage to make it there due to time constraints, but apparently it's worth a visit.

In addition, I would spend some time wandering around the city to experience more of the odd combination of British architecture and accents in the south of Spain. Overall, I quite liked Gibraltar, but more for the nature than the history or city itself.

Enjoy your trip!