Madrid's Paseo del Prado connects Spain's three best-known museums—the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza. This year there will be even more reason to walk it: notably, architect Jean Nouvel's fantastic extension of the Reina Sofía, which looks like a gigantic red metallic mushroom. Nearby, art is an attraction at the new, ultramodern Hotel Urban, too; it features archaeological Egyptian pieces throughout the property. DETAILS Doubles from $190; Carrera de San Jerónimo 34; 011-34-91-787-7770.

Published February 2005