Our guide on the best places to visit in SPain for your next trip.
Spain offers a wide variety of experiences, from beach resorts and historic cities to vibrant festivals and world-renowned cuisine. Enjoy your travels through this diverse and culturally rich country!
Here’s a travel guide to some of the best places to visit in Spain, with recommendations on what to do and what to eat in each destination.
Read here best things to know before visiting Spain, Planning an Itinerary in Spain: 3 Days Madrid Itinerary and 4 Days Barcelona Itinerary
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Travel Tips for Spain
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Language: Spanish is spoken nationwide, but regional languages like Catalan, Basque, and Galician are also present in certain areas.
Getting Around: Spain has an extensive train network, including high-speed trains (AVE) that connect major cities quickly.
Best Places to Visit In Spain
1. Barcelona
Sagrada Familia: Visit Gaudí’s masterpiece, an architectural wonder still under construction.
Park Güell: Wander through this whimsical park adorned with colorful mosaics and unique architecture.
Las Ramblas: Stroll along this famous boulevard filled with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Barceloneta Beach: Relax on the beach or enjoy tapas at the seaside cafes.
What to Eat:
Paella: Try seafood paella by the coast, though it originates from Valencia.
Tapas: Sample popular tapas like patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce) and pan con tomate (bread with tomato).
Crema Catalana: A Catalan dessert similar to crème brûlée, with a caramelized sugar topping.
2. Madrid
Prado Museum: Admire works by Goya, Velázquez, and other Spanish masters.
Royal Palace: Tour the luxurious rooms of Spain’s largest royal residence.
Retiro Park: Enjoy boating on the lake, visiting the Crystal Palace, and relaxing in this large park.
Gran Vía: Explore Madrid’s main shopping street, known for its architecture and theaters.
What to Eat:
Churros con Chocolate: Crispy fried dough served with thick hot chocolate for dipping.
Cocido Madrileño: A hearty chickpea and meat stew, traditionally served in multiple courses.
Bocadillo de Calamares: A fried calamari sandwich, a beloved local snack.
3. Seville
Alcázar of Seville: Visit this stunning Moorish palace, known for its intricate tilework and lush gardens.
Seville Cathedral: Explore one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world and climb La Giralda tower.
Plaza de España: Walk around this grand plaza, famous for its tile-covered bridges and picturesque canal.
Flamenco Show: Experience traditional flamenco dance in one of Seville’s historic venues.
What to Eat:
Tapas: Seville is known for its tapas culture; try dishes like jamón ibérico (cured ham) and gazpacho (cold tomato soup).
Rabo de Toro: A slow-cooked oxtail stew, rich in flavor.
Torrijas: A Spanish-style French toast typically enjoyed during Easter.
4. Granada
What to Do:
Alhambra: Explore this magnificent palace complex with its Islamic art, intricate mosaics, and Generalife Gardens.
Albaicín: Wander through the historic Moorish quarter with narrow streets and scenic viewpoints.
Mirador de San Nicolás: Enjoy one of the best views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada mountains.
Hammam Al Ándalus: Relax in an Arabic bathhouse, inspired by the city’s Moorish heritage.
What to Eat:
Free Tapas with Drinks: Granada is one of the few places in Spain where bars often offer free tapas with drinks.
Piononos: A small sponge cake with custard, originating from the town of Santa Fe near Granada.
Berenjenas con Miel: Fried eggplant with honey, a popular Andalusian dish.
5. Valencia
City of Arts and Sciences: Visit this modern architectural complex with an opera house, science museum, and aquarium.
Valencia Cathedral and El Micalet: Climb the cathedral’s tower for views over the city.
Mercado Central: Explore one of Europe’s oldest markets, known for its fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies.
Las Fallas Festival (March): Experience this unique festival with impressive sculptures, fireworks, and street parties.
What to Eat:
Paella Valenciana: Authentic paella with rabbit, chicken, and green beans.
Horchata with Fartons: A refreshing drink made from tiger nuts, served with sweet breadsticks.
Arroz al Horno: A baked rice dish with pork, tomatoes, and garbanzo beans.
6. Bilbao
Guggenheim Museum: Discover contemporary art in this iconic Frank Gehry-designed building.
Casco Viejo (Old Town): Walk through Bilbao’s historic quarter, known for its charming squares and shops.
Plaza Nueva: Enjoy pintxos (Basque tapas) in this lively square filled with bars and restaurants.
Zubizuri Bridge: Walk across this unique footbridge designed by Santiago Calatrava.
What to Eat:
Pintxos: Try these small, artfully arranged snacks served on bread, similar to tapas.
Bacalao a la Vizcaína: Salted cod cooked in a sauce of red peppers, tomatoes, and onions.
Txakoli: A slightly sparkling Basque white wine, often enjoyed with pintxos.
7. San Sebastián
What to Do:
La Concha Beach: Relax on one of Europe’s most beautiful urban beaches.
Monte Igueldo: Take the funicular to the top for panoramic views of the bay.
Parte Vieja (Old Town): Explore the historic quarter, known for its vibrant pintxo bars.
San Telmo Museum: Discover Basque history, art, and culture in this well-curated museum.
What to Eat:
Pintxos: San Sebastián is famous for its pintxos bars; try a variety, especially seafood-based ones.
Txangurro: A Basque crab dish, often served stuffed in its shell.
Basque Cheesecake: A creamy, caramelized cheesecake that’s rich and decadent.
8. Córdoba
What to Do:
Mezquita-Catedral: Visit this iconic mosque-cathedral with its stunning arches and intricate Islamic art.
Jewish Quarter: Wander the narrow streets, visit the historic synagogue, and enjoy charming patios.
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: Tour this medieval palace and its beautiful gardens.
Patios Festival (May): Experience the famous Courtyard Festival, where locals decorate patios with flowers.
What to Eat:
Salmorejo: A creamy tomato soup similar to gazpacho, topped with ham and egg.
Flamenquín: Fried rolls of ham and pork, often served with fries.
Berenjenas con Miel: Fried eggplant drizzled with honey, a sweet and savory combination.
9. Ronda
What to Do:
Puente Nuevo: Marvel at this bridge that spans the El Tajo Gorge, offering breathtaking views.
Bullring of Ronda: Visit one of Spain’s oldest bullrings, known for its history and architecture.
Old Town (La Ciudad): Explore the cobbled streets and historic buildings of Ronda’s old town.
Mirador de Ronda: Capture stunning views of the countryside from this viewpoint.
What to Eat:
Rabo de Toro: A traditional oxtail stew, slow-cooked with vegetables and wine.
Chorizo al Vino: Chorizo sausage cooked in red wine, a flavorful Andalusian dish.
Yemas del Tajo: Sweet pastries made with egg yolk and sugar, a local treat.
10. Mallorca (Balearic Islands)
What to Do:
Palma Cathedral (La Seu): Visit this impressive Gothic cathedral in Palma de Mallorca.
Coves del Drach: Explore these famous caves, featuring an underground lake.
Cap de Formentor: Take a scenic drive to this rugged headland with stunning ocean views.
Valldemossa: Visit this charming village and the Royal Charterhouse, a former monastery.
What to Eat:
Ensaimada: A sweet, spiral-shaped pastry, dusted with powdered sugar.
Sobrasada: A cured pork sausage, spreadable and often served with bread.
Tumbet: A vegetable dish similar to ratatouille, with layers of eggplant, potatoes, and bell peppers.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.