17 Best Cities in Spain To Visit Right Now

Whether or not you could have 10 days in Spain or need to go sluggish and regular full immersion, there are a great deal of locations to go to. Various and dynamic, every metropolis has its personal tempo of life, its personal traditions, and fiestas.

Now we have been fortunate sufficient to spend so much of time in Spain and take into account ourselves considerably specialists in terms of touring across the nation. There are such a lot of causes to like Spain, however one of many issues we love most is its variety. Whether or not you need to discover the colourful neighborhoods of Madrid, dive into the structure of the cultural capital of Barcelona, or chill out on the unimaginable seashores of Mallorca, this nation has you lined.

On this article, we’re going to cowl the “standard” locations but additionally a few of our favourite cities that we might like to return to time and again.

1. Madrid

Madrid is considered one of Spain’s most fascinating cities, the place the previous and current coexist. Because the Spanish capital, Madrid provides you a glimpse into Spain’s cultural evolution and Spanish historical past, with the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor protecting town’s structure and heritage intact. La Latina and different neighborhoods will let you see the totally different kinds which have formed town over the centuries, from baroque to up to date, alongside the Gran Vía.

Artwork lovers will discover Madrid’s cultural wealth in its museums, the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza, the place you’ll be able to see works by Spanish artists like Velázquez, Goya, and Picasso. Town’s love of artwork goes past these museums, with theaters, galleries, and road performances all over the place for all tastes. This cultural variety in artwork makes Madrid a singular vacation spot for individuals who love each traditional and trendy.

Madrid’s meals tradition is an enormous a part of its attraction. Markets like Mercado de San Miguel are the proper place to attempt the totally different regional cuisines of Spain, with stalls providing conventional tapas to trendy variations of traditional dishes. Because the solar units, town comes alive, with cafes, bars, and golf equipment that maintain town going till the morning. Belief us, experiencing Madrid’s nightlife is to get nearer to the Spanish lifestyle, so you’ll get pleasure from it and gained’t need to go away.

2. Barcelona

Our first impression of Barcelona was magic. We fell in love with this metropolis at first sight. Barcelona is the capital of the province of Catalunya and is positioned on the Mediterranean coast of Spain.

In every single place we appeared on this metropolis was a feast for our eyes. Colours and structure surrounded us and begged to be explored. As we wandered by means of the hilly, winding streets, we discovered that Barcelona is residence to FC Barcelona. 1000’s of soccer followers go to the well-known Camp Nou stadium to look at Barça play, however we opted for a unique tour of the stadium. The perfect a part of the tour was operating round on the sphere and having fun with the beautiful views of town from the higher deck.

Barcelona can also be recognized for its nightlife, with bars and golf equipment that play music till the wee hours of the morning. In the event you’re seeking to social gathering, that is town for you! However, amidst all of the nightlife, Gaudí’s structure is ready to be admired.

We visited La Sagrada Familia, probably the most well-known landmark in Barcelona, and splurged on fast-track tickets so we might beat the warmth and revel in this superb basilica earlier than the solar bought too excessive. We wandered by means of the detailed and exquisite inside, gazing up on the beautiful home windows and hovering ceilings. What an inspiration to see such magnificence in and out. In the event you’re brief on time, we suggest buying a Hop on Hop off bus tour ticket. It is a nice strategy to see the principle sights in Barcelona at your individual tempo. We used our hop on hop off bus tickets to discover Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter, and Barceloneta Seaside. Every of those sights provided beautiful views of town.

We liked each second of our time in Barcelona and loved exploring the hilly streets and wandering round this lovely metropolis.

3. Seville

Seville is the third largest metropolis in Spain and the capital of Andalusia. It’s referred to as the birthplace of flamenco dancing, and we needed to expertise it ourselves. We headed to the Triana neighborhood, the place flamenco dance and music are woven into on a regular basis life.

We wandered the colourful streets and got here throughout a small tablao the place we stopped for lunch and a present. The older lady who sang had a robust voice, and the youthful lady’s footwork was unimaginable. We watched in awe because the dancers informed tales with their legs and arms.

After lunch, we walked to the Alcázar Fort advanced. It was constructed by the Moorish Almohad dynasty and is a masterpiece of mudéjar structure. The advanced is big and consists of the palace, gardens and a cathedral.

From there, we walked to Seville’s Gothic cathedral, the most important Gothic church on this planet. The tower, El Girnal, was constructed by Moorish architects and affords beautiful views of town. The cathedral was constructed on the ruins of a Moorish mosque, and most of the stones have been reused. It’s a powerful construction and a must-see when visiting Seville. Then it was on to the Plaza de España.

Within the night, make sure that to hit up one of many many conventional tapas bars earlier than heading out for dinner. You gained’t remorse visiting this metropolis in southern Spain.

4. Bilbao

Situated within the north of Spain within the lovely Basque Nation, Bilbao is a metropolis the place custom meets modernity. Well-known for its structure, Bilbao has the Guggenheim Museum, one of the vital spectacular landmarks on this planet, a contemporary masterpiece that’s the metropolis itself. The titanium and futuristic design is mesmerizing, attracting artwork lovers and structure followers from everywhere in the world.

However Bilbao’s structure doesn’t cease on the Guggenheim. The Bilbao Cathedral is a must-see, with its Gothic towers and complex element. The outdated city is a pleasure to get misplaced in, with slender streets giving strategy to full of life squares and hidden treasures round each nook.

Bilbao can also be cultural. Town has many museums, galleries, and landmarks, every one revealing a unique aspect of town’s previous and current. Positive Arts Museum, Maritime Museum, and extra are to not be missed.

After which, in fact, there’s the meals. Bilbao is known for its Basque delicacies, and pintxos (these little snacks) are a should. Get pleasure from them with a glass of native wine for an additional bonus. Seafood lovers are in for a deal with, with town’s coastal location, which suggests the freshest seafood round.

5. Valencia

Situated on the gorgeous Mediterranean coast, Valencia is an enthralling metropolis that is stuffed with Spanish tradition and artistry. With its worldwide airport, Valencia is an ideal gateway to different European locations in addition to the remainder of Spain.

Referred to as the Metropolis of Arts and Sciences, Valencia options trendy structure that’s not like anyplace else in Spain. The oceanarium and planetarium are simply two of the futuristic buildings which might be positive to fascinate children. The interactive museum is a good way to spend the day, with one thing for everybody to get pleasure from. Valencia additionally affords family-friendly sights, together with a theme park, making it a fantastic vacation spot for households.

However, in truth, Valencia is all concerning the seaside. Town has a number of seashores which might be good for absorbing the solar. Whereas summer season is the height vacationer season, the climate in autumn continues to be heat and ideal for the seaside. Valencia is a type of cities the place you’ll be able to simply wander the seaside or discover the cultural sights. With its lovely structure and scrumptious delicacies, Valencia is a metropolis that celebrates life.

6. Granada

Granada is a sleepy metropolis that charms the soul. It’s the proper vacation spot for vacationers who want to decelerate and benefit from the easy issues in life. The views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains are second to none.

Granada is an ideal vacation spot for a day journey from the coast. Mountaineering on the light slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains is unquestionably a must-do. We liked the views of the encircling space, and the hikes weren’t too tough both.

After a day of exploring the mountains, returning to town for a siesta is critical. Waking up within the afternoon and strolling by means of the slender streets of the Albaicín neighborhood is the proper strategy to spend the afternoon, then it’s time for a chilly beer and tapas to kick off the night.

The Booga Membership is the place the events are in Granada. Reside music filters by means of the streets each evening. Or, you would come across a cave restaurant that includes dwell Flamenco. As a result of why not?

Visiting the Alhambra Complex is a must-do in Granada. The Generalife Gardens are pure magic. The Alcazaba, the final remaining fortress of the Islamic period, is spectacular. Don’t miss it.

7. Salamanca

Salamanca is a gem tucked away within the coronary heart of Spain. This charming metropolis is an ideal mix of historical past, beautiful structure, and vibrant vitality. Salamanca is residence to considered one of Europe’s oldest universities, the College of Salamanca, which has been illuminating minds since 1218. The golden sandstone buildings, particularly the beautiful Plaza Mayor and the detailed college façades, are breathtaking. All the metropolis is a phenomenal murals, and wandering the streets is a should. Salamanca is an ideal instance of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque kinds all meshing collectively seamlessly.

However Salamanca isn’t all about historical past. Town has a fantastic cultural vibe due to its younger college inhabitants. There are many cafes, bars, and festivals to maintain anybody younger at coronary heart glad. The principle Plaza Mayor is crammed with tasty tapas, eating places, and bars and is a hub of exercise. We stumbled upon a conventional castanuelo (a Salamanca competition) whereas we have been there, and it was superb. Town is stuffed with life and vitality, and the persons are very conventional. It’s a fantastic mix of outdated and new.

Town can also be very walkable. The New and Previous Cathedrals, the Roman Bridge, and the picturesque Casa de las Conchas are all shut to one another and to the principle plaza. We didn’t want a automotive in Salamanca, and it’s positively a metropolis that’s finest explored on foot. With its good location, wealthy tradition, and beautiful views, Salamanca ought to be on the high of your checklist of locations to go to in Spain.

8. Toledo

Whereas large cities like Barcelona and Madrid get all the eye, little cities like Toledo are the true treasures of Spain. Perched on a hill, Toledo overlooks the flat plains of Castilla-La Mancha, rural Spain.

This walled metropolis is stuffed with historical past and tradition, with Arab, Jewish, and Christian influences evident in its monuments and statues. Toledo is stuffed with surprises and positively deserves a go to.

Two of Toledo’s most well-known gates are the gorgeous Sol Gate and the Moorish Bisagra Gate. The Sol Gate is positioned within the outdated quarter and is near the bustling Plaza de Zocodover. In the event you would quite escape the massive metropolis then discover it then Toledo is a good begin.

9. Malaga

Málaga is considered one of Spain’s finest cities due to its coastal attraction, historical past, and modernity. Located on the Costa del Sol, it has beautiful Mediterranean views and a few of the finest seashores within the nation. The gentle year-round local weather means you’ll be able to get pleasure from out of doors actions, from sunbathing to water sports activities.

Town additionally has a wealthy historical past relationship again to its Phoenician settlement days. Landmarks just like the Alcazaba a properly preserved Moorish fortress and the Roman Theatre showcase its cultural variety. Málaga can also be the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and you may go to his life and work on the Picasso Museum.

Fashionable Málaga provides to its historic attraction with a meals and artwork scene. Muelle Uno, the revamped port space, has stylish outlets and eating places, and the outdated city has conventional tapas, bars, and bustling markets. Plus, it’s a heat welcome and quick access to different Andalusian hotspots. Málaga has all of it.

Moreover, the Spanish islands, such because the Canary Islands, supply scenic shorelines and journey alternatives, making them one other prime coastal vacation spot.

10. Córdoba

Córdoba is considered one of Spain’s high cities for its unimaginable historic and architectural heritage. On the coronary heart of town is the Mezquita, a former mosque turned cathedral well-known for its forest of arches and columns. Wander by means of the outdated city, and also you’ll discover slender streets with whitewashed homes and flower-filled patios, a glimpse into the Moorish previous.

This Spanish metropolis can also be well-known for its cultural festivals. The Patio Pageant in spring reveals off the patios of Córdoba, which the locals enhance with flowers. Flamenco and native meals add to the social gathering environment; it’s a good time to go to.

You may stroll round Córdoba; it’s sufficiently small to get to know its attraction. The Roman Bridge and the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs are inside strolling distance. It has historical past, tradition, and environment, a must-see in Southern Spain.

11. Girona

Tucked away in northern Spain, Girona is an enthralling metropolis steeped in historical past and tradition. Winding your means by means of its slender streets is a should, because the medieval structure is a testomony to its wealthy previous. Girona Cathedral dominates the skyline, whereas the outdated metropolis partitions and Arab wards whisper secrets and techniques from years passed by.

The Jewish Quarter is considered one of Europe’s finest preserved and is unquestionably price a stroll. The historical past on this metropolis is palpable and provides to Girona’s attraction.

The town of Girona isn’t solely fairly, nevertheless it’s additionally cultural. Town comes alive throughout festivals, and its meals scene is to not be missed. The flower competition, Temps de Flors, is a spotlight, and it’s lovely to walk by means of the streets and admire the decorations. After which there may be the meals. Girona is residence to one of many world’s finest eating places, El Celler de Can Roca. This three-Michelin-starred gem is a should for meals lovers. The sister’s wine cellar is unimaginable, and the chef’s expertise is obvious in each scrumptious dish. In the event you’re searching for a extra laid-back meal, attempt 2 Michelin-starred La Trencada, a phenomenal trendy restaurant with a concentrate on native produce, or Els Moats, a comfortable restaurant well-known for its pancakes. Girona is a gem and positively price a go to.

Girona is a good base from which to discover the native space. The beautiful Costa Brava is only a brief drive away, and its lovely seashores and coastal cities are good for enjoyable within the solar. The transportation community can also be actually good, making it straightforward to make day journeys to close by cities and websites like Barcelona and Figueres.

12. Cuenca

Perched within the war-torn area of Castile, Cuenca is a metropolis of dramatic magnificence and wealthy historical past. Maybe its most well-known landmark, the Casas Colgadas, or Hanging Homes, seem like hanging off the aspect of the cliff as they stretch out over the Huécar River gorge. The country, picket balconies creak within the wind, and it’s straightforward to think about the women of the home, shawls wrapped tightly round their heads, peering out on the breathtaking view under.

The homes are medieval and spectacular, and it’s not arduous to think about the lives of the individuals who lived in them. Girls washing dishes within the slender home windows, youngsters enjoying within the steep, creaky staircases, and {couples} dancing within the small, stone rooms.

Nevertheless it’s not the buildings that make Cuenca particular; it’s the dramatic location. Town is located between the winding Júcar and Huécar rivers, and the surroundings is dramatic and exquisite. For a panoramic view of town, cross the San Pablo Bridge, an iron lattice bridge that was inbuilt 1969 to interchange the unique, a rickety suspension bridge.

13. Alicante

Throughout that very same highway journey by means of central Spain the place we noticed the Colgadas, we stopped on the seaside metropolis of Alicante.

Full of strolling streets and markets, scrumptious eating places and nightlife, it was a tremendous Spanish trip. Castillo de Santa Bárbara is probably the most outstanding website to see when visiting this energetic metropolis.

14. Pamplona

Dwelling to the San Fermin Pageant, Pamplona is known for operating the bulls, however there are many issues to do in addition to collaborating within the controversial competition.

There are magnificent metropolis partitions relationship again to Roman occasions, in addition to the beautiful strolling streets and meals scenes; it’s an unimaginable metropolis park, and the Plaza del Castillo makes it a worthwhile cease in your route into Basque nation.

It’s also a significant cease on the Camino de Santiago. That pilgrimage is excessive on our checklist of must-do issues! Do you know that Santiago de Compostela is the ultimate cease on the Camino?

15. San Sebastian

Situated only a brief drive from Pamplona is the beautiful coastal metropolis of San Sebastian. After the San Fermin Pageant, we took a break at San Sebastián to eat a variety of Pinchos.

Situated on the ocean, this metropolis within the Basque Nation is thought for its meals. It additionally has an unimaginable seaside.

16. Marbella

Situated on Spain’s sun-drenched coast, Marbella is a treasure of a vacation spot that seamlessly blends historical past and trendy luxurious. Wandering by means of the white-washed homes and cobblestone streets of the charming Previous City is like stepping again in time. The slender alleys and conventional Andalusian structure are quintessential Marbella, and quaint outlets and welcoming cafes are ready to be found round each nook.

However Marbella isn’t a city caught previously; it’s a vibrant coastal vacation spot. The Golden Mile, which connects Marbella to Puerto Banús, is residence to luxurious resorts, world-class eating places, and unique seaside golf equipment. This full of life space is ideal for these looking for a mixture of rest and pleasure, with glowing seashores and full of life nightlife.

The seashores alongside the Golden Mile are a few of the prettiest within the space, with shiny blue waters and golden sand. And when the solar goes down, the social gathering actually will get began, with bars and golf equipment staying open till the early hours of the morning.

17. Tossa De Mar

Tossa De Mar is a phenomenal metropolis in Costa Brava with a medieval fort overlooking the ocean and metropolis. There’s a medieval village that’s lovely, and you may stroll by means of the cobblestone streets. There’s additionally a incredible seaside.

Costa Brava is among the most lovely areas in Spain, and a good way to see it’s on the water. If you wish to style Costa Brava however don’t have time to go to Girona, guide a kayak and snorkeling tour.

Getting Round Spain

Travel in Spain may be very straightforward. All the main cities and cities are linked by rail, and even most of the smaller villages are too. You may journey cheaply and simply all through Spain by prepare alone.

What’s extra, it’s doable to guide your prepare tickets on-line earlier than you even go away residence.

Automotive leases in Spain

• Vacationers who want to discover as a lot of Spain as they presumably can might need to rent a automotive during their keep. Now we have a complete video devoted to How To Rent a Car in Spain.
• If you’re over the age of 21 and have a driver’s license, then hiring a automotive is hassle-free and might work out cheaper than prepare journey in the long term.
• In the event you select to rent a automotive, it could actually simply be organized for the hiring firm to deliver your automotive to the airport to satisfy you so you’ll be able to hit the bottom operating…or, quite, drive!
• Keep in mind to verify whether or not your automotive wants diesel or petrol, or else you’ll have a nightmare in your palms!
• Click on right here to look all of the automotive rental companies and get the perfect value to your trip in Spain.

Bus Journey in Spain

Bus journey can also be a fantastic possibility in Spain. For instance, a bus from Madrid to Granada takes simply 4 brief hours and runs two or thrice each day, extra regularly within the excessive season.

Buses are low cost and cheerful, and they’re a pleasant strategy to see the Spanish countryside sprawling away from outdoors your window. Relaxation assured, buses in Spain do take breaks for meals and bathroom stops. No must strategically dehydrate to your lengthy journey right here!

Spain is a vivid and welcoming place crammed with passionate and caring people who find themselves solely too glad to accommodate vacationers and vacationers.

Studying somewhat of the language can take you a very long time, and even when you make errors, Spanish individuals all the time admire the trouble.