How to experience much-loved Mediterranean cities like a local

Bustling Barcelona is packed with bars, beaches and attractions jostling for your attention. Time Out writer María José Gómez picks out three unmissable favourites.

Sant Just i Pastor is a unique church in Barcelona, known for its interesting features such as a pregnant Virgin Mary statue. It's located in a charming area, where an unmissable new restaurant, La Sosenga, has recently opened, serving contemporary twists on traditional Catalan cuisine in a cosy space. 

The best stretch of beach in Barcelona is right next to the Hotel W. Make the most of your visit to Barceloneta by enjoying a classic vermouth at Bar Electricitat, indulging in a paella at Can Ros, and sipping a drink at one of the city's most picturesque bars, Absenta.

The beautiful Sant Antoni Market is located at the centre of one of the city's ‘superblocks’ – a new urban planning initiative to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists for a more peaceful urban experience. The surrounding Sant Antoni neighbourhood offers a plethora of options for dining and snacking, but we recommend checking out Bar Calders. Located in a small passage with a bookstore at the end, this bar is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy some tasty food and drinks.

Want more time in Barcelona? No worries: selected P&O Cruises holidays include overnight stays in Barcelona, so you can stay out as long as you like!

This elegant Spanish city of Seville is a short distance away from the glittering port of Cádiz. Make the most of your visit with these tips on authentic food, drink and historical experiences from Time Out writer Anna Kaminski. 

Across the street from the Alcázar, this sixteenth century former merchants’ exchange is home to the archives of the Spanish Empire, known as the Archivo General de las Indias. Head up the grand pink-and-black marble staircase to the beautiful vaulted galleries upstairs to check out temporary exhibitions of priceless documents, including the diary of Christopher Columbus.

Sit surrounded by the enormous clay tinajas (jugs) at Casa Morales – the atmospheric Sevillian bar run by the Morales family since 1850, and choose between salchicha al vino blanco (sausage braised in white wine), charcuterie platters and other tapas. Alternatively, join locals at the front section of the bar for a standup glass of house vermouth.  

Frequented by dedicated regulars and often standing room only, Taberna Álvaro Peregil is a tiny, rustic bar in Barrio Santa Cruz, filled with Seville memorabilia. It’s been serving locals vino de naranja (white wine macerated with orange peel) since 1904. Peruse the extensive selection of Andalusian wines if vino de naranja doesn’t float your boat.

Hop off your ship at Livorno and make your way to breathtaking Florence. Time Out writer Silvia Marchetti reveals her three favourite non-touristy places.

The traditional food of Florence and its surrounding Tuscan towns has been renowned for centuries – and one of the best places to try it is Osteria dell’Agnolo. Located in an ancient building, it is one of the oldest restaurants in the world, running since 1580. Indulge in iconic local dishes such as huge Chianina beef steaks, savoury tripe, lampredotto cow stomach and handmade pici pasta and ribollita soup. It’s a culinary throwback, and it’s all delicious. 

Villa Bardini’s secret gardens and stunning belvedere with unique views of Florence are great to escape the crowds and relax. Dating back to the Renaissance, the lavish villa belonged to wealthy families who used it as a ‘relaxation retreat’ for parties and social events. Look out for colourful exotic plants in the gardens. 

Did you know that Renaissance Florence was the European hub of perfume? The Medici family developed and exported fragrances which were exported across Europe. L'Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is a historical pharmacy and beauty store founded in 1612 by monks. It has frescoed vaulted ceilings and gorgeous Baroque-style décor. Grab niche artisan perfumes and body-care products once used by queens and lords. 

There’s a lot more to this Tuscan city than its famous tower. Live as the locals do with Silvia Marchetti’s top tips.

Sightseeing in Pisa is so much better when you’re enjoying great gelato. De’ Coltelli is ranked among Italy’s top gourmet gelaterias: here, flavours are seasonal and only fresh products are used. Be bold and choose a unique flavour made with ingredients like goat ricotta cheese cream, local premium pine nuts and delicate honey from beach beehives. Our tip: try the melon ice-cream with chilli and chocolate.

Caffè dell’Ussero at sumptuous Palazzo Agostini is where intellectuals, artists and ‘enlightened’ activists gathered in the 1700s. There’s a dreamy, artsy vibe reflected in the elegant wooden tables, mirrors and frescoed walls. Have a sip of the past: the strong espresso, ristretto and cappuccino have not changed at all in the past three centuries.

Want to escape the city? The Botanical Garden and Museum is the perfect place to go, with a spellbinding bamboo forest offering coolness in summer. Stroll across two hectares of park dotted with plants from across the world and keep an eye out for the 300-year-old magnificent magnolia.

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