Aranjuez, Spain

Despite its royal heritage and UNESCO-listed gardens, Aranjuez is no fairytale. The population of 63,040 faces a heavy bureaucratic burden, with the city divided into numerous administrative districts. Summers are hot and dry, while winters can be chilly. Aranjuez's industrial roots provide some employment, but the economy remains heavily reliant on tourism - a sector hit hard by the 2008 recession. This is a practical, workmanlike city, best suited for those drawn to its historic sights and willing to navigate its complexities.