25 Best Places to Visit in Spain

1. Barcelona

Barcelona isn’t just a city—it’s a symphony of imagination, flavor, and beachy breezes. It’s where architectural fantasy meets Mediterranean ease, and where getting lost in narrow Gothic alleys feels like an adventure, not a detour. Gaudí’s presence is everywhere: from the melting-drip shapes of Casa Batlló to the gravity-defying towers of the Sagrada Familia. The city feels alive with creativity, whether you’re marveling at mosaics in Park Güell or people-watching at Plaça Reial.

But beyond the art and architecture, Barcelona thrives on rhythm. This city wakes up late, eats even later, and dances till sunrise. Afternoons are best spent lounging at Barceloneta Beach or exploring the boutique shops and cafés in El Born. As the sun sets, rooftops start buzzing, and tapas bars fill with locals and travelers alike—sharing stories, sardines, and sangria under the stars.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and early fall (September–October) when the weather is sunny but the crowds haven’t peaked.

What to Try: Don’t skip “pa amb tomàquet” (bread with tomato) and a glass of vermouth at a local bodega.

For Couples: Sunset at Bunkers del Carmel with panoramic views.

For Solo Travelers: Wander the Gothic Quarter and lose track of time in quirky bookshops.

Instagram Spot: Casa Batlló’s kaleidoscopic facade.

Nearby Treat: A day trip to Montserrat for hiking and spiritual vibes.

2. Madrid

Madrid doesn’t just do culture—it devours it. This city is bold and brimming with soul, where every square tells a story and every night ends in laughter (and probably churros). The grand boulevards echo royal history, but it’s the little bars tucked away in Lavapiés or the open-air terrazas in La Latina that steal your heart. Stroll through Retiro Park, visit the glass palace, and then pop into a neighborhood taberna that’s been pouring cañas since your grandparents were kids.

While Barcelona might dazzle with its beachy cool, Madrid offers depth. This is a place where you start your day admiring Velázquez, have lunch at a traditional mercado, siesta your way through the heat, and rally for a tapas crawl that turns into a flamenco show. And the energy? It’s contagious. Madrid doesn’t ask for your attention—it earns it.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for outdoor tapas and lively plazas.

What to Try: A classic churros con chocolate combo at San Ginés.

For Night Owls: Madrid’s nightlife is a marathon, not a sprint—Malasaña and Chueca are your playgrounds.

For Art Lovers: The Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza form the holy art trinity.

Instagram Spot: The rooftop of Círculo de Bellas Artes at sunset.

Nearby Treat: El Escorial, a royal palace and monastery just a short train ride away.

3. Seville

Seville is where Spain turns the drama up to eleven—and we mean that in the best way possible. Flamenco isn’t just performed here, it’s lived. Every twirl, clap, and note echoes through the orange-tree-lined streets like a heartbeat. The city is soaked in history, with layers of Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture whispering secrets from centuries past. The Alcázar palace, with its mosaic-covered halls and royal gardens, will make you feel like royalty—even if you’re just here for the gram.

But Seville isn’t frozen in time. It’s vibrant, warm, and made for meandering. Locals sip wine in shaded plazas, guitars strum softly from street corners, and the smell of jasmine fills the air at dusk. The pace is slower, yes, but intentionally so. Because here, life is savored—bite by bite, note by note, sunset by glowing sunset.

Best Time to Visit: Spring, especially during Feria de Abril for peak local festivity.

What to Try: Salmorejo and jamón ibérico with a cold cerveza in a tiled bar.

For Romantics: A horse-drawn carriage through Plaza de España.

For History Buffs: The Alcázar is a real-life Game of Thrones set (literally).

Instagram Spot: Metropol Parasol (aka the “Mushrooms”).

Nearby Treat: Córdoba and its stunning Mezquita are just an hour away by train.

4. Granada

Granada is where fairytales grow legs, throw on some flamenco shoes, and dance at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. The Alhambra, an ancient Moorish fortress-palace, rises above the city like a crown of intricately carved stone and lush gardens. Inside, it’s pure enchantment—calligraphy on the walls, tinkling fountains, and courtyards that whisper centuries of stories. At sunset, the view from Mirador de San Nicolás is so stunning, even the locals stop and stare.

Yet Granada isn’t just about its royal past. The Albaicín quarter is a maze of whitewashed houses and cobblestone alleys that feel almost North African. You can still hear echoes of its Moorish soul in the call of flamenco singers and the scent of mint tea drifting from teahouses. Tapas are famously free here—yes, really—making every drink a mini meal and every night a movable feast.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall for mild temperatures and blooming gardens.

What to Try: Piononos (sweet pastries) and free tapas with your drink!

For Romantics: A nighttime visit to the Alhambra under the stars.

For History Buffs: Walk the ancient streets of the Albaicín and Sacromonte caves.

Instagram Spot: Mirador de San Nicolás at golden hour.

Nearby Treat: Take a bus up to Sierra Nevada for snow or hiking.

5. Valencia

Valencia is Spain’s sun-kissed curveball—a city that wears its contradictions beautifully. It’s both medieval and futuristic, with a historic center packed with Gothic architecture and a City of Arts and Sciences that looks straight out of Star Wars. You can admire a 13th-century cathedral, then kayak past the ultra-modern opera house—all in the same afternoon. And unlike other cities, Valencia has something Madrid and Seville can only dream of: an endless golden beach just a tram ride away.

Foodies, welcome home. This is the birthplace of paella, and locals will fight (politely) to make sure you know the right way to eat it. Hint: it’s with chicken and rabbit, not seafood, and never at night. Valencia’s laid-back vibe makes it perfect for cycling through Turia Park, sipping horchata, and stretching out under a palm tree without a care in the world.

Best Time to Visit: March during Las Fallas festival or early summer for beach days.

What to Try: Traditional paella Valenciana and a chilled glass of horchata.

For Beach Lovers: Malvarrosa Beach is just minutes from the city.

For Science Fans: Visit the otherworldly Oceanogràfic and Hemisfèric.

Instagram Spot: The tiled arches of the Mercado Central.

Nearby Treat: Albufera Natural Park for rice paddies and boat rides.

6. Bilbao

Bilbao might once have been an industrial underdog, but now it’s a slick, modern phoenix risen from iron and smoke. Anchored by the jaw-dropping Guggenheim Museum—part spaceship, part titanium flower—Bilbao has become a magnet for design lovers and cultural travelers. The museum alone could keep you busy for hours, especially with its massive outdoor sculptures and reflective pools.

Yet beyond the glimmer, the Basque soul of the city thrives in the Casco Viejo (Old Town), where pintxos bars line the narrow streets and locals argue (passionately) over whose grandmother makes the best bacalao. This is a city where every bite feels curated and every building has a story to tell.

Best Time to Visit: May to September for outdoor dining and green hills.

What to Try: Pintxos (Basque tapas) and txakoli (sparkling white wine).

For Architecture Lovers: Guggenheim Museum and Zubizuri footbridge.

For Culture Buffs: Euskal Museoa and Basque cultural centers.

Instagram Spot: Puppy, the giant flower-covered dog in front of the Guggenheim.

Nearby Treat: Day trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (aka Dragonstone from Game of Thrones).

7. San Sebastián (Donostia)

San Sebastián isn’t just pretty—it’s absurdly, infuriatingly, unfairly pretty. Nestled between lush green hills and a crescent-shaped bay with soft golden sand, this Basque beauty is the stuff of travel brochures. But the real star here is the food. With more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere else on Earth, San Sebastián is heaven for your tastebuds.

You can nibble on delicate pintxos in the Old Town or indulge in a 20-course tasting menu that feels like a spiritual journey. Afterward, walk it off with a beachside stroll along La Concha or hike up Monte Urgull for sweeping views and a little history to balance the gluttony.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early autumn for perfect weather and fewer crowds.

What to Try: Anchovy pintxos, beef cheeks, and burnt Basque cheesecake.

For Foodies: Book early for a Michelin-starred experience.

For Beachgoers: Playa de la Concha is legendary.

Instagram Spot: The Peine del Viento sculptures on the coast.

Nearby Treat: Chill coastal villages like Getaria and Hondarribia.

8. Toledo

Toledo is where the past is permanently on display, and somehow, the Wi-Fi still works. This ancient hilltop city is like a pop-up book of Spanish history, with layers of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim culture stacked together in winding streets and old stone walls. You don’t just visit Toledo—you step inside a time machine powered by cathedrals and swords.

The views from the surrounding hills are postcard-perfect, especially at sunset. Toledo is compact but bursting with charm, ideal for day trips or a peaceful overnight escape. Don’t leave without trying mazapán, and yes, the swords here are still handmade, just in case you need to fight a dragon on your way out.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for cool weather and golden light.

What to Try: Mazapán (almond sweets) and partridge stew.

For History Lovers: The Cathedral, El Greco Museum, and Synagogue of El Tránsito.

For Shoppers: Sword workshops and traditional crafts.

Instagram Spot: Mirador del Valle at sunset.

Nearby Treat: Consuegra’s windmills—very Don Quixote.

9. Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the emotional finale to the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, but even if you haven’t hiked across Europe to get here, the city will welcome you like a long-lost cousin. Its cathedral is one of Spain’s most iconic, filled with golden altars and pilgrims crying tears of joy. The medieval old town is pure magic—moss-covered stone buildings, arched arcades, and the constant clatter of scallop-shell necklaces bouncing on backpacks.

But Santiago isn’t just for spiritual seekers. It’s alive with student energy, Galician cuisine, and Atlantic winds. The seafood is out of this world—razor clams, octopus, barnacles (yes, really). And the weather? Moody and misty, like it’s got a secret to tell.

Best Time to Visit: Spring or early autumn, before the rains get ambitious.

What to Try: Pulpo a la gallega (octopus) and Albariño wine.

For Pilgrims: Attend the swinging of the massive Botafumeiro in the cathedral.

For Foodies: Mercado de Abastos for local eats.

Instagram Spot: Cathedral square from above (climb the museum tower).

Nearby Treat: Finisterre—“the end of the world.”

10. Córdoba

Córdoba is a city that wears its history like a velvet robe—ornate, ancient, and surprisingly comfortable. At its heart is the Mezquita, a former mosque-turned-cathedral with endless red-and-white arches that make you feel like you’ve entered another dimension. Around it winds the old Jewish quarter, filled with flower-drenched patios and tiny tapas joints serving up Andalusian charm by the plateful.

Come in May, and you’ll witness the Patio Festival, where locals literally open their homes so you can admire their perfectly decorated courtyards. It’s community spirit at its most photogenic. And if you’re lucky, you might stumble into an impromptu guitar session echoing off the cobblestones.

Best Time to Visit: May for the Patio Festival, or October for cooler temps.

What to Try: Salmorejo (thicker cousin of gazpacho) and flamenquín.

For Architecture Fans: The Mezquita is a masterpiece of world heritage.

For Romantics: Wandering the flower-lined Calleja de las Flores.

Instagram Spot: The inside of the Mezquita—trust us.

Nearby Treat: Medina Azahara, ancient ruins just outside town.

11. Málaga

Málaga is Picasso’s birthplace, and just like his art, this city is full of surprises. Once overshadowed by its glitzier Costa del Sol neighbors, Málaga has emerged as a cultural powerhouse with a fresh coat of cool. Think urban street art, hip museums, and a booming food scene, all wrapped up with a seaside breeze.

It also makes a fantastic base for exploring southern Spain, but don’t rush through. Take time to sip cocktails on rooftop bars, dip into the sea after a stroll through the old town, and visit Gibralfaro Castle for epic views. Málaga is sunshine with depth.

Best Time to Visit: March–June or September–November for beach and culture balance.

What to Try: Espeto de sardinas (sardines on skewers grilled on the beach).

For Art Lovers: Picasso Museum and CAC Málaga for modern vibes.

For Beach Days: Playa de la Malagueta is city-central.

Instagram Spot: Alcazaba fortress at sunset.

Nearby Treat: Day trip to the whitewashed village of Mijas.

12. Zaragoza

Zaragoza doesn’t always make the front page, but those in the know adore its balance of history, beauty, and under-the-radar cool. The Basilica del Pilar, standing gracefully along the Ebro River, is reason enough to visit—it looks like it was made to be reflected in water. Inside? Stunning frescoes by Goya himself.

But this isn’t just a city of the past. The tapas scene is thriving, street art adds splashes of color, and locals are wonderfully down-to-earth. It’s a place to slow down, drink good wine, and wonder why more tourists haven’t caught on yet.

Best Time to Visit: October for the Fiestas del Pilar or spring for milder weather.

What to Try: Ternasco (roast lamb) and local wines from Cariñena.

For Architecture Fans: Roman ruins meet Baroque brilliance.

For Local Flavor: Tapas on El Tubo street.

Instagram Spot: Basilica del Pilar reflected in the river.

Nearby Treat: Monasterio de Piedra, a waterfall-filled park.

13. Ronda

Ronda will take your breath away—literally, if you look down from the edge of its gorge. The town is split by El Tajo, a deep canyon spanned by the Puente Nuevo bridge that looks like something from a fantasy novel. It’s dramatic, romantic, and more photogenic than most Instagram filters.

But Ronda isn’t just about the views. It’s steeped in bullfighting history, surrounded by vineyards, and filled with quaint cafés that tempt you to linger. Walk the cliff paths, explore ancient Arab baths, and toast your view with a glass of local wine.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early autumn for comfortable strolls.

What to Try: Rabo de toro (oxtail stew) and local Serranía wines.

For View Seekers: Puente Nuevo is a must.

For Romance: Sunset over the gorge with wine in hand.

Instagram Spot: The dramatic cliffs from below the bridge.

Nearby Treat: Grazalema Natural Park for hiking and villages.

14. Salamanca

Salamanca is academic, architectural, and absolutely glowing—literally. Its golden sandstone buildings light up in the sun like a scene from a Renaissance painting. Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, the city buzzes with student energy and scholarly pride.

The Plaza Mayor is one of Spain’s best—grand yet welcoming—and evenings here are for drinks, laughter, and people-watching. By day, lose yourself among ancient libraries, cloisters, and one of the few cathedrals where you can find a tiny astronaut carved into the façade. Yes, really.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for golden light and café lounging.

What to Try: Hornazo (meat pie) and jamón from nearby Guijuelo.

For Bookworms: Biblioteca General Histórica and old university halls.

For Architecture Buffs: Roman bridge and cathedrals.

Instagram Spot: Plaza Mayor at night.

Nearby Treat: La Alberca, a charming mountain village.

15. Segovia

Segovia might be small, but it packs a Roman aqueduct, a Disney-like castle, and the world’s fluffiest roast pig into one unforgettable experience. The aqueduct alone is an architectural wonder—no mortar, just engineering magic that’s lasted over 2,000 years.

Then there’s the Alcázar, the turreted castle that allegedly inspired Cinderella’s. And don’t forget the cochinillo—whole roasted suckling pig with crackling skin and tender meat that’ll make your diet cry. This is fairy-tale Spain, served with gravy.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for fewer tourists and dramatic skies.

What to Try: Cochinillo (roast suckling pig) and ponche Segoviano (almond cake).

For Architecture Fans: Aqueduct, cathedral, and Alcázar.

For History Nerds: Roman ruins and Gothic beauty in one stroll.

Instagram Spot: View of the Alcázar from the mirador.

Nearby Treat: Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso.

16. Pamplona

Pamplona is famous for one thing: the Running of the Bulls. But there’s more to this city than adrenaline and horned chaos. Outside of the San Fermín festival, Pamplona reveals itself as a graceful old city, with leafy parks, grand cathedrals, and a charming old quarter where you’re far more likely to be chased by a pintxos platter than a bull.

Hemingway fell in love with it, and you just might too. There’s something timeless about sipping wine in Plaza del Castillo, watching locals stroll past in white and red. And the food? The Navarre region is a culinary gem hiding in plain sight.

Best Time to Visit: July for San Fermín (if you’re brave) or spring for a peaceful escape.

What to Try: Chistorra sausage and pacharán liqueur.

For Thrill-Seekers: The infamous encierro (bull run) route.

For Writers & Dreamers: Follow Hemingway’s footsteps through town.

Instagram Spot: Plaza del Castillo at sunset.

Nearby Treat: Olite Castle—straight out of medieval fantasy.

17. Girona

Girona is a medieval marvel that feels both majestic and mysteriously undiscovered. Its massive city walls, ancient Jewish quarter, and Game of Thrones filming spots are just the beginning. Cross its Eiffel-designed iron bridge, and you’ll find yourself in a colorful dreamscape of hanging houses over the River Onyar.

It’s less hectic than Barcelona, but every bit as beautiful. You can walk along the old walls for panoramic views, dive into Catalan cuisine, and still be on the beach 30 minutes later. Girona is small but mighty—a history-packed hideaway.

Best Time to Visit: May for the flower festival or fall for cool weather and fewer tourists.

What to Try: Xuixo (sugar-dusted cream pastry) and Catalan sausage.

For History Fans: Explore the Jewish quarter and Arab Baths.

For GoT Nerds: The Cathedral steps = Great Sept of Baelor.

Instagram Spot: River Onyar houses and bridges.

Nearby Treat: Costa Brava’s beaches and coves.

18. Burgos

Burgos is Gothic with a capital G—its cathedral is so enormous and ornate it could convert even the most architecture-averse traveler into a spire-loving disciple. As the historic capital of Castile, it has a deep medieval soul, a love for tradition, and a heavy hand with red wine.

Yet despite its stately roots, Burgos is also green and peaceful, with riverside promenades and an easy-going rhythm. It’s ideal for travelers who love history with a side of slow travel and excellent food.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall for warm days and cultural festivals.

What to Try: Morcilla (blood sausage) and Ribera del Duero wine.

For Architecture Buffs: Burgos Cathedral is a UNESCO dream.

For Pilgrims: It’s a major stop on the Camino de Santiago.

Instagram Spot: Cathedral and Arco de Santa María.

Nearby Treat: Atapuerca—home to some of Europe’s oldest human remains.

19. Cuenca

Cuenca clings to the cliffs like it’s defying gravity—its famous “hanging houses” (casas colgadas) jut out over a gorge and make jaws drop. This medieval city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, yet somehow still feels like a secret.

Inside those hanging houses? An abstract art museum, because Cuenca likes to keep things interesting. Walk the San Pablo Bridge for dizzying views, sip wine in a quiet plaza, and let the surreal blend of natural beauty and architectural daring sweep you off your feet.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for light crowds and perfect weather.

What to Try: Zarajos (grilled lamb intestines) if you’re adventurous.

For Architecture Fans: Casas colgadas and Gothic cathedral.

For Nature Lovers: Serranía de Cuenca Natural Park nearby.

Instagram Spot: Hanging houses from the San Pablo Bridge.

Nearby Treat: Ciudad Encantada (The Enchanted City rock formations).

20. Alicante

Alicante has mastered the art of beach-city balance. With its castle-capped hill, lively esplanade, and beaches that go on forever, it’s a sun-lover’s dream. Yet there’s more than just sand—this is a city that throws festivals like it’s a sport.

From bonfires to fireworks to late-night feasts, Alicante is alive with coastal flavor and Mediterranean ease. Start your day with a castle hike, end it with sangria by the sea, and in between, just enjoy the sweet life.

Best Time to Visit: June for the Hogueras Festival, or early fall to dodge the crowds.

What to Try: Arroz a banda (rice with fish broth) and turrón (almond nougat).

For Beachgoers: Postiguet Beach is right in town.

For Views: Climb Santa Bárbara Castle.

Instagram Spot: Explanada de España’s mosaic promenade.

Nearby Treat: Tabarca Island for snorkelling and seafood.

21. Tarragona

Tarragona is where Roman ruins meet Catalan beaches. Once a vital Roman capital, it still carries the grandeur of amphitheaters, aqueducts, and temples—but now they’re bathed in golden Mediterranean light. It’s like stepping into a sun-drenched history book.

But it’s not just about ancient stones. Tarragona’s beaches are serene, the old town is full of tapas treasures, and the locals know how to throw a party (or ten). This is history without the homework.

Best Time to Visit: Spring or early summer before beach season peaks.

What to Try: Romesco sauce with grilled fish.

For History Fans: Roman amphitheater and walls.

For Beach Bums: Platja del Miracle and L’Arrabassada.

Instagram Spot: Balcó del Mediterrani overlook.

Nearby Treat: PortAventura theme park for adrenaline and churros.

22. Oviedo

Oviedo is green, clean, and gloriously underrated. Nestled in Asturias, it’s a city of cider, sculpture, and pre-Romanesque churches. The air smells like rain and apples, the streets are spotless, and the people? Warm and wonderfully welcoming.

This is northern Spain at its finest—lush landscapes, hearty food, and a pace that encourages long lunches and lingering walks. Don’t leave without trying the local cider (you pour it from high above your head—it’s a thing) and fabada asturiana, a rich bean stew that’ll knock your socks off.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn when it’s green and not rainy.

What to Try: Fabada asturiana and sidra natural.

For Foodies: Traditional cider houses and pintxos bars.

For Culture Buffs: Pre-Romanesque churches like Santa María del Naranco.

Instagram Spot: Campo de San Francisco park statues.

Nearby Treat: Covadonga Lakes and Picos de Europa.

23. Cádiz

Cádiz is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, and boy, does it wear its age well. Surrounded almost entirely by water, it’s a sun-bleached gem with flamenco soul, seafood wizardry, and beachy boho vibes. Its winding alleys, crumbling baroque buildings, and wide-open plazas create a feeling somewhere between Havana and history textbook.

Cádiz isn’t just a summer spot—it’s a year-round slice of joy. You’ll hear more guitar than car horns, and your biggest challenge will be deciding between another glass of sherry or another plate of tortillitas de camarones.

Best Time to Visit: February for the carnival or any sunny shoulder season.

What to Try: Fried fish platters and manzanilla sherry.

For Party Lovers: Carnaval is Spain’s most hilarious and outrageous.

For Ocean Views: La Caleta Beach and the seaside promenade.

Instagram Spot: Cathedral dome glowing in the sunset.

Nearby Treat: Jerez de la Frontera for sherry tastings and horses.

24. Ibiza

Yes, Ibiza rages after dark—but it also wakes up with yoga on the beach, hikes to hidden coves, and sunset drumming circles. This Balearic island is as wild or as chill as you want it to be. The north is laid-back and mystical; the south, full-on party central.

By day, discover secret beaches with turquoise water and cliffside cafés. By night, it’s a glitter storm of world-class DJs and rooftop cocktails. Somehow, it all works in harmony—like techno with a side of tofu.

Best Time to Visit: May–June and September–October for balance between calm and chaos.

What to Try: Bullit de peix (fish stew) and hierbas Ibicencas.

For Partiers: Superclubs like Pacha and Ushuaïa.

For Peace Seekers: Benirràs beach and spiritual retreats.

Instagram Spot: Es Vedrà rock at sunset.

Nearby Treat: Formentera island—Ibiza’s quieter sister.

25. Mallorca

Mallorca is not just one island—it’s many moods in one. You’ll find dramatic mountain ranges, turquoise coves, vineyard-dotted valleys, and Palma’s chic urban scene. There’s something for everyone: cyclists, honeymooners, beach bums, hikers, and even hermit monks in cliffside monasteries.

Drive the winding roads of Serra de Tramuntana, dip into Cala Deià, or wander the orange-scented lanes of Sóller. It’s laid-back, luxurious, and just a little bit magical.

Best Time to Visit: April–June or September for sun without the crowds.

What to Try: Ensaimada pastry and tumbet (veggie bake).

For Road Trippers: Route through Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller.

For Hikers: Trails in the Tramuntana mountains.

Instagram Spot: Cap de Formentor views.

Nearby Treat: Dragon Caves and the glowing lake inside.