19 Best Places To Visit In Spain

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

Whether you're a Spanish native or you're planning a vacation in Spain, there are plenty of things to see and do. Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe and includes 17 autonomous regions. It's a country with a rich history and is known for its architecture, cuisine, and culture. So if you're planning to visit Spain, here is a list of the best places to visit in Spain so you don’t miss out.

1. Barcelona

Whether you're visiting Barcelona, one of the more beautiful destinations in the world for the first time or the tenth time, you'll always find a number of things to do in Barcelona. The city is home to a large number of museums and cultural attractions, and there's also a wealth of historic buildings to explore.

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Barcelona is the Gothic Quarter. In this area you'll find several Roman sites. The Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia is the center of the Gothic Quarter. Surrounding the cathedral is a web of cobblestone streets and passageways.

One of the many awe-inspiring structures is the Picasso Museum. This museum is home to several works of art by Picasso. You'll also find a number of temporary exhibitions and it's also a great spot for taking pictures.

Another museum is the Fundacio Joan Miro. It's located in the Parc de Montjuic and the building features a number of bright, spacious galleries. It's also home to a permanent collection of works by Miro.

The Botanical Garden of Barcelona is a lesser-known touristical spot. This 14-hectare garden features over 1500 species of plants but is only open on weekdays.

The Maritime Museum is another great place to visit as it's home to a number of exhibits, including a maritime heritage study. It's also a great place to relax and enjoy a coffee or lunch.

Another must-see building in Barcelona is the opera house. It's been the city centre of culture for several centuries. If you want to see the opera, you'll find tickets to be reasonably priced.

The Basílica de la Sagrada Família finds its home in the northern part of the city, dominating its surroundings with its 18 spindly towers rising high above all the other buildings. The church was designed by Anton Gaudi in 1883 but is still not finished up until today,completion is expected by 2026.

The shopping center in Barcelona's can be found on La Rambla, a wide tree-shaded avenue that divides the Old Town into two parts. La Rambla stretches from the Plaça de Catalunya, where the beautiful Romanesque 12th-century Convent of Santa Anna stands, all the way down to the port.This avenue features expansive pedestrian sidewalks, lined with shops, outdoor cafés, and restaurants, making it one of the most popular hangouts in the city.

2. Madrid

Whether you're visiting Madrid, the capital and largest city of Spain for the first time or you're a regular visitor, you will find that there are many things to do in Madrid. While it's best known for its historical monuments and museums, there are also many hidden gems to explore.

The Prado Museum is one of the best museums in Madrid. The museum has a huge collection of priceless masterpieces including the famous triptych of The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch, or you can also explore the museum's archival archive of over 10,000 botanical drawings.

The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum is also worth a visit. It has over a thousand works of art from the 13th century to the 20th century with a collection focusing on life in the Mediterranean from ancient history to the 19th century. It also hosts artist talks and children's events.

Make sure to also stop by the Arco de la Independencia while in Madrid. This large roundabout in the center of the Plaza de la Independencia is similar to the triumphal arches in Roman times. The Arco was built in 1778 and has undergone five restorations.

If you're a history buff The Museo Arqueological Nacional has a vast collection of artifacts from ancient Greece and Spain. It also has a crypt and beautiful stained glass windows.

3. Valencia

Located along the Mediterranean coastline, Valencia, Spain is a coastal city that offers its visitors a wealth of Valencia activities to choose from if you want to get away. In addition to its amazing Valencia beaches, the city is home to a variety of cultural and architectural landmarks. It is also a shopping destination, with a wide variety of malls and high street shops.

Valencia is known for its street art, a popular art form that is exhibited in the city's streets. One of the most famous street artists in Valencia is Escif, whose art is displayed throughout the city.

One of the most notable landmarks in Valencia is the Gothic Cathedral. It features a delicate vaulting and intricate artwork. It is always open for a prayer and is home to the Holy Chalice, a goblet said to have been used by Jesus Christ at his last supper.

Don't miss out on The Silk Exchange, another iconic building located in the city's Old Town. It was built in 1492, and is a symbol of Valencia as a city of importance. In addition to the building, visitors can find an exhibit that explains the history of the silk trade.

If you like parks, Turia Park is a great place to stroll and enjoy the natural scenery. It is home to Valencia's Museum of Natural Sciences and it offers a range of activities, including bicycle rentals.

4. Seville

Whether you're a history buff or just love to wander, you'll find no shortage of must see tourist attractions in Seville, Spain. This southern Spanish city offers visitors a rich history and a nostalgic atmosphere, and was once the center of trade and conquest in the New World.

The Alcazar of Seville is one of the best museums to explore in Seville. This palace was built in the early Middle Ages, but was later converted to Gothic style by the Muslim Moors. The palace is now home to a number of museums. It's also known for its lush gardens and melting pot of architectural styles.

One of the best locations in Seville and well worth a visit is La Giralda bell tower. This tower was originally built as a minaret for a mosque, and was later used as an observation deck with panoramic views of the city.

If you're looking for a fun activity in Seville, you can't go wrong with a horse drawn carriage tour. These tours will take you through the city's narrow, winding streets, passing the General Archive of the Indies and hidden parts of the city.

If you like to go shopping or have a nice meal in Seville, the place to be is the Plaza de Espana. This wide, semi-circle is home to a number of the best Seville restaurants and shops. The area is also home to an intricate mosaic floor and a beautiful marble fountain.

5. Cordoba

Whether you are looking for a quick visit to Cordoba, or are planning to stay longer, there are plenty of places to explore in Cordoba. The city has a history that dates back thousands of years, and it is full of intriguing courtyards and other structures. Cordoba is also known for its long, hot summer nights, you can spend hours enjoying a drink at one of the many tapas bars in the city.

One of the most intriguing places to go is the Mezquita-Catedral. This Islamic building was originally a Roman temple. It has been restored after the discovery of inscriptions, and there are five themed rooms in the building. Here you can see how Spanish Jews lived here during the Islamic period.

Another important stop in Cordoba is the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs. This palace was built in the late 1300s and features 12 patios with fountains. It also contains fantastic collections of tapestries and books, so allow at least three hours for your visit.

There are also many courtyards and beautiful patios in Cordoba that are full of plants, including one near the Mosque called The Cordoba Botanical Gardens, which is a great place to see and relax.

6. Granada

Granada, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, is a city in Spain that offers visitors a wide variety of stuff to do. It is known for its walled gardens and beautiful architecture that draws around two million visitors each year. One of the best ways to get around Granada is to take a guided tour. Many of the tours will start at the Cartuja Monastery and include the Alcazaba, Sacromonte Abbey and other worthwhile locations.

The Alhambra is the most popular venue in Granada. It is a palatial residence and a royal retreat that has a wealth of history, besides being the most visited monument in all of Spain.

The city also features a variety of rich cultural locations, including the Cartuja Monastery, the Royal Hospital and the Basilica of San Juan de Dios. It is also home to the Sacromonte Abbey, one of the most significant Christian monuments in Granada which was built on the site of Saint Caecillius, a first century martyr.

If you are more into sports, the Sierra Nevada National Park has numerous hiking paths, and a ski area is within a half hour drive.

The city also features a variety of shops, restaurants and tapas bars. It is a great way to try some of the local cuisine. The Alcaiceria market is also an interesting place to explore. It was once a large Moorish silk and spice market. The storefronts are filled with geometric patterns that are popular in Islamic art.

7. San Sebastian

Located in northern Spain, San Sebastian is a beautiful seaside city. In fact, it is nicknamed "the Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea."

Besides the surf and beach sand, it is also home to many excellent restaurants. There are several Michelin star restaurants, making it a destination for gastronomy enthusiasts.

One of the most popular places in San Sebastian is the Palacio de Miramar, which was once the summer residence of Queen Isabella II. This stately home is now a great place to relax and enjoy the view.

You can also take a trip to the San Telmo Museum, which is located at the foot of Mount Urgull. This museum has a nice collection of exhibits about the history of the Basque Country. And if you like shopping, you can visit the San Sebastian Market, which dates back to 1870. This market is a great place to buy local produce.

The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, is another impressive building. This church was built in the late 19th century and has many statues and reliefs, including one of the world's largest organs.

You can find several great pintxos bars in San Sebastian, including the Borda Berri, where you can try a pintxo, this is a traditional Spanish snack made from a stale bread roll, usually topped with txuleta or tomato salad.

8. Cadiz

Located in southern Spain, Cadiz is a culturally rich city with a long history, and was once ruled by the Phoenicians and Romans.

One of the most impressive building you will find here is the Cadiz Cathedral. Built in the 18th century, this is a neoclassical construction with a 52-meter-high dome which has classical patterns reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome.

Other famous sights include the Santa Catalina Fortress, which is the oldest military structure in Cadiz. You can take a free tour of the fortress daily between 09:00 and 13:00. There is also a museum, which features exhibits about the history of the city, Greek and Roman artifacts, and works by Rogier van der Weyden, Murillo, and Alonso, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 9pm.

Another must-see in Cadiz is the Oratorio de la Santa Cueva. This was constructed in the city's golden age. It has a large upper chapel with beautiful stained glass windows and Goya paintings.

The park in Cadiz is a nice place to relax. It is a green space filled with classic buildings and immaculate trees, and home to a bird-filled lake, a waterfall, and a picturesque grotto.

9. Bilbao

Located in the northern region of Spain in the bay of Biscay, Bilbao is an exciting city that offers visitors plenty to keep you busy. Whether you're looking to explore the historic quarter or try some pintxos, there are a variety of attractions to check out. In addition, you can also enjoy the cosmopolitan nightlife that the city has to offer.

The historic quarter, also known as the Seven Streets, is home to many of Bilbao's iconic historical monuments. This area of the city is pedestrianized, so it's a pleasant place to wander around. The street markets are open on Sundays and there are many bars and restaurants to enjoy.

The Cathedral of Bilbao was built in the 14th century and combines Renaissance and gothic elements. Above the main entrance, you'll find scallop shells, which are a popular reference point for those following the Camino de Santiago.

If you are into history, make sure to visit the Fine Arts Museum. The museum houses more than 10,000 works of art, from ancient art to modern art. It also offers educational talks and craft workshop activities.

The Bilbao Opera House is a great venue to watch live music. You can also check out the Guggenheim Museum, which is an arts and culture museum where you'll find a variety of exhibitions, including contemporary art and Basque art.

10. Merida

Known for its exceptional traditional cuisine and unique landmarks, Merida, capital of the Province of Badajoz, and capital of the autonomous community of Extremadura, located in the western-central part of Spain, offers visitors a great deal to see. The city has many historical monuments that date back to Roman times. The most notable among them is the Templo de Diana, a temple that was built in the first century.

Other attractions include the Basilica of Santa Eulalia, which is home to a fourth-century basilica. This building exhibits Romanesque architecture and features a number of chapels. A 20-minute audio/video show offers an overview of the local culture.

A visit to Merida would not be complete without a trip to the Teatro Romano, the city's oldest and best-preserved Roman theater. You can enjoy several cultural events at the theater, right under the stars. The theater is open to the public year-round.

11. Salamanca

Located in northwestern Spain, Salamanca is one of the most important cultural centers of Spain. It was named as European Capital of Culture in 2002. The city is also a center of higher learning.

Salamanca's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its main square is considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in all of Spain. The city's streets are lined with historic buildings that are all made of Villamayor stone, which makes its buildings glow brightly as the sun sets.

The Old Cathedral of Salamanca was built in Romanesque style in the 12th century and was later joined by the New Cathedral. The interior decor of the Old one is full of fascinating artwork with tombs that are beautifully sculpted. The New one was built in the 1700s and features many renaissance paintings.

Salamanca has one of the most impressive universities in the world. The University of Salamanca was founded in 1218, and was reconstructed after a devastating earthquake in 1755. The main campus is located close to the Convento de San Esteban.

Salamanca's oldest buildings are located in a row known as the Patio de las Escuelas. The buildings are topped with a large stained glass front and stunning plateresque designs.

The city's square is lined with carved medallions that feature figures from the city's history, and is home to many restaurants and shops, while being surrounded by Spanish arcades. Here you will also find a royal pavilion by Alberto de Churriguera.

12. Toledo

Located in central Spain in the Castilla-La Mancha region, Toledo deserves to be on the list of the best places. Its medieval old town, full of pedestrian streets, is a place where you can easily enjoy the city's beauty from the many panoramic views.

Aside from its stunning architecture, Toledo is also home to a number of museums, all showcasing the city's art and crafts. You can view works by famous Spanish artists at the Museo del Greco, which is located in Toledo's Jewish Quarter.

The Toledo Cathedral is one of the city's main landmarks. This church is also known as Catedral Primada ranks among the top 10 cathedrals in Spain. The church has a magnificent interior, including a chapel that houses exceptional paintings by Raphael and Rubens. There are also portraits of Toledo Cardinals, gold reliefs and large oil paintings. Its Sacristy is also impressive.

During the Middle Ages, Toledo was a thriving Jewish community. In the 15th century, the Jewish quarter became a church. The Jewish community still lives in Toledo, and you can see some of the city's Jewish history at the El Transito Synagogue. Its interior is an interesting mixture of Mudejar and Christian architecture.

You can also spend some time at Toledo's Alcazar. It's built on top of a hill and offers a magnificent view of the city and the Tagus River. It is one of the few free things to do in Toledo. You can see some of the building's magnificent architecture while you enjoy a cup of tea in the local cafe.

13. Segovia

Among the most beautiful places to visit in Segovia, Spain, the Aqueducto de Segovia is one of the oldest Roman civil engineering structures in Spain. This 2,000-year-old water channel was built to bring water to Segovia and was completed in the first and second century AD. However, the aqueduct has stood the test of time and is still active today.

Another must-see is the Cathedral of Segovia. This Gothic church has intricate details and beautiful stained glass windows. There are also chapels with fine art works on the inside and outside.A great way to see the church is on a walking tour. You can take a self-guided tour or hire a guide.

Also make a stop by the Casa de los Picos. Its unique facade of 617 granite pyramids creates the illusion of armor. This building is also the home of the School of Applied Arts and Crafts.

The Alcazar of Segovia is another popular tourist attraction. This 11th century castle has high walls and soaring towers. You can take tours of the entire castle. It has a moat with a drawbridge, and there are also two busts of Sirens.

Another UNESCO World Heritage site is the Muralla de Segovia. These medieval city walls were built in the 11th century. They surround Segovia and were used for defensive purposes, they are now free to exploresp.

14. Pamplona

Located in the Navarre province, Pamplona has a lot to offer. The city is home to Gothic-style churches and landmarks. In addition, it is one of the major stops along the Camino de Santiago.

Pamplona's plaza mayor, Plaza del Castillo, is a large open-air space that is perfect for people watching, and is surrounded by restaurants and bars. It also contains a cathedral and you can also watch street performances in this area while having a drink on one of the many terraces.

Pamplona's Cathedral, is one of the major landmarks in the city. It is constructed from the Roman ruins of a 12th-century Romanesque church. TheIts construction begun in the year 1390 and finished in 1527. It incorporates various architectural styles and features sculptures of King Sancho the Great. The church also houses religious artifacts, including a thirteenth-century Gospel book, Lignum Crucis, sacred art paintings, and a French reliquary of the Holy Sepulcher.

Another major landmark in Pamplona is the Ayuntamiento, which is located in the Old Town. It is an architectural masterpiece located near the Plaza de Toros. You can also explore the Pamplona Palace, which is now an administrative center.

15. Almeria

Located in the south of Spain, Andalusian Almeria is a beautiful city that is full of attractions. Its old traditions, warm climate and beautiful beaches are perfect for tourists. Here are a few locations to check out in Almeria.

Like many of the city's, Almeria's central market is a popular square to shop for high quality items at affordable prices. You can also find great food and drinks at the many restaurants along La Rambla de Almeria.

One of Almeria's main landmarks is its castle. The fortress was built in 1147 after the first Christian conquest of Almeria. The Castle offers fantastic views of the city and has beautiful gardens.

Alos take some time to visit the Museum of Almeria, which has a collection of artefacts from the Roman and Iberian era, or the Basilica Virgen del Mar, which is home to the image of the Virgin of the Sea.

The Almera Caves, which has 2,375 hectares of rock formations is one of the best places in Spain to see cave pearls and coral. The caves are also considered a Special Area for Bird Protection.

If you want to learn about Spain's culture, spend some time at the University of Almeria. It offers a great seaside view and has a great cycling path.

16. Ibiza

Ibiza is a small Balearic Island located off the coast of Spain and is known for its vibrant nightlife, culture, and beaches. It has become one of the most popular vacation destinations among tourists from all over the world. With its iconic white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and stunning sunsets, it’s easy to see why Ibiza continues to be a desirable destination.

The island has things to explore in Ibiza for every traveler—whether you’re looking for a luxurious beach holiday or some wild nights out at world-renowned Ibiza nightclubs. The beaches in Ibiza are well-maintained with plenty of facilities such as restaurants, bars and water sports activities like parasailing or jet skiing.

The history of Ibiza can be explored at numerous sites throughout the island including Sa Caleta Phoenician Settlement and Puig des Molins Necropolis-- two of the most visited historical attractions in Ibiza. For those who are interested in art and culture, there are several museums on the island such as Museo Puget, which houses a collection of artwork by local artists; or Es San Juan Museum which exhibits archaeological artifacts found in the area.

There are also regular boat trips available to explore the smaller islands nearby.

17. Mallorca

Mallorca is an island located off the eastern coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea and forms part of the Balearic Islands archipelago. It has become a popular tourist destination due to its warm climate, stunning beaches, gorgeous landscape and vibrant nightlife. With many historical sites, such as Palma Cathedral and Bellver Castle, Mallorca is truly a cultural paradise to explore.

The island’s capital city of Palma de Mallorca is home to a variety of activities for visitors. Here you can find excellent Mallorcan restaurants serving traditional Spanish cuisine alongside modern interpretations of local dishes like paella. The cafes offer delicious tapas while art galleries showcase works by local artists. Furthermore, there are plenty of opportunities for shopping along with countless Majorca night clubs and bars providing entertainment throughout the evening hours.

18. Tenerife

Tenerife is an extraordinary destination for travelers looking for a taste of the Mediterranean. It is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands and a haven for those who love to bask in the sun. Its capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, offers great shopping, entertainment, and Tenerife cultural attractions. Tourists can enjoy some of the best beaches in Spain, as well as scenic mountain hikes and lush green valleys.

The wildlife on Tenerife is also quite unique – its mountainous untouched forests are filled with exotic birds while its waters hold a rich variety of sea life. Those interested in history can visit many ancient sites like La Laguna city which dates back to pre-Hispanic times or explore La Orotava Valley’s traditional villages still home to old customs and traditions from centuries ago.

19. Gran Canaria