Pack your bags and prepare for a Spanish adventure as we unveil the ultimate guide on what cities to visit in Spain.
From the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the historic charm of Seville, Spain is a treasure hunt of diverse experiences waiting to be explored. Let's be your virtual tour guide, navigating the enchanting streets, savoring delicious tapas, and soaking up each city's rich culture. Whether you're a history lover, a beach lover, or a foodie on the hunt for paella perfection, Spain's cities are a mixture of delights just waiting to be discovered. Let the journey begin!
1. Barcelona
Catalunya's capital city, bathed in sunshine, is mesmerizing to travel to due to its spectacular architecture that spans the eras. The old Gothic quarter is an unusual mix of small alleys, massive cathedrals, and quiet plazas. At the same time, other neighborhoods feature Gaudi's inspired works, such as La Sagrada Familia, the city's renowned landmark.
There are several fantastic seafood restaurants to try, along with the city's lovely beaches, which provide different water activities. Wandering through streets like the famous Ramblas, which are brimming with culture, good cuisine, and a dynamic bustle, makes Barcelona a treat to visit. Barcelona attractions include Picasso Museum, La Boqueria market, Park Guell, Maritime Museum, Bellesguard Tower, Bogatell Beach, and Barceloneta Beach.
2. Cordoba
Looking for what cities to visit in Spain? Here's Cordoba! The old center of Cordoba, which UNESCO recognizes, is the stuff of Spanish fantasies. Its narrow, winding cobblestone alleyways are dotted with whitewashed restaurants and stores. You’ll also find lodging establishments with exquisite Andalusian details like painted arches, wrought-iron balconies, and vibrant blue planters. The city's well-known historical attractions are also open to visitors, including the Castle of the Christian Monarchs and the Great Mosque, also known as the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, one of Spain's best-preserved buildings. Cordoba attractions include Palacio de Viana, Cordoba Synagogue, Casa de Sefarad, Mercado Victoria, San Roque Lake, and Playa de Bolonia.
3. Valencia
Valencia may currently be less on the tourism radar than places such as Malaga or Seville, but this is unlikely to last long. The Old Town and three magnificent plazas, which stretch from the expansive Ayuntamiento Square to the Plaza de la Virgen. This plaza borders the well-liked Carmen district, are the main attractions of this vibrant city full of Spanish culture.
Carmen is a well-liked spot for locals to dine, drink, and browse different stores. It is one of the city's nightlife hubs, along with Ruzafa in the south. Valencia's coastline outside the city begins in the El Cabanyal area. The approximately two-mile trek to Patacona showcases the best beaches and chiringuitos Valencia offers—no wonder it’s on the list of what cities to visit in spain.
One of Valencia's best features is how easy it is to stroll through. However, cycling across the five miles of Turia Park is a favorite tourist activity. The path ends at the City of Arts and Sciences, now the city's emblem and home to the largest aquarium. The city also have several remarkably avant-garde structures and expansive parks. Valencia attractions include Bioparc Zoo, Malvarrosa Beach, Turia Gardens, Las Fallas Festival, Estacio del Nord, Ruzafa, and National Ceramic Museum.
4. Madrid
Situated in the center of Spain, the capital city is a vibrant and infectious place full of life and energy. The city's central architectural district is breathtaking, with many opulent mansions and palaces coexisting with more modern structures that line its avenues.
Its unique galleries and museums, which the Spanish royal family once supported, are home to the greatest works by Picasso, Dali, Goya, and other artists. There are lavish masterpieces everywhere you look. Its restaurants offer a delectable culinary experience thanks to their inventive and creative food styles. Madrid boasts a vibrant and thriving nightlife scene, perfect for those seeking fun well into the morning. Madrid attractions include Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Temple of Debod, Museum of Illusions, Wax Museum, Liria Palace, and Flamenco Show.
5. San Sebastian
San Sebastian has many qualities that have made Spain so appealing to visitors, but it is also starting to become more and more known due to its world-renowned culinary scene and one of the most famous beaches in the nation. You should also add it to your list of cities to visit in Spain.
It is one of the few cities that seems to be built around its beach; it is a sea of various architecture that ranges from Belle Epoque houses to a Baroque basilica, and it is sprawled throughout the waterfront of La Concha Bay and creeps back into the neighboring mountains.
There are many pintxo bars in the Old Town with winding lanes, serving a popular Basque version of tapas (all of which are very high quality). Perhaps the most notable aspect of San Sebastian is its abundance of Michelin stars—the city has the second-highest concentration of stars per capita in the world—but the affordable Spanish food, which can be found practically anywhere, has helped the city's reputation as a culinary destination. San Sebastián attractions include Pintxos Food Tours, Parte Vieja, La Concha Beach, Zurriola Beach, San Sebastián Aquarium, and Monte Urgull.
6. Seville
Seville, where life flows through its streets, brilliantly blends the ancient and the new with its massive Gothic cathedral at the center of a charming historic district. The city has numerous fantastic restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs. It's especially fun to visit during the massive Semana Santa and Feria de April celebrations.
Most visitors focus on the medieval Jewish district of the Andalusian city, which includes several intriguing palaces, churches, and alleyways to explore. Seville has a rich cultural history to explore, with noticeable Moorish influences. Seville attractions include Seville Cathedral, Metropol Parasol, Flamenco Show, Jardines de Murillo, Tapas Tour, Italica, Plaza Nuevo, and La Fontelina.
7. Malaga
Still need an answer to what cities to visit in Spain? Try Malaga. Malaga is a beachside substitute for Seville that offers wide-spread golden sand on beaches like Malagueta and Caleta and equally spectacular cultural landmarks.
In addition, the two most famous sites in the city are the Gibralfaro Castle and the Alcazaba, a palatial complex with Moorish influences that sits on a hilltop overlooking the town and provides historical insight in addition to breathtaking views of Malaga.
When in town, the city's historic core is an excellent spot to start your exploration. It comprises a mix of broad boulevards and winding lanes that are home to little cafés, churro stores, and several historic sites, including the museum and childhood home of Pablo Picasso. Furthermore, the streets that branch out of Calle Larios, the center's beating heart, are home to several historically significant palaces, churches, and convents. Malaga attractions include Soho, Old Town, Malaga Film Festival, Teatro Romano, Malaga Port, Semana Santa, and Playa de la Malagueta.
8. Granada
The most popular reason for travelers to come to Granada is to tour the magnificent royal fortress once home to the Moorish monarchs, the Alhambra, which is situated amidst such spectacular surroundings. If you're looking for what cities to visit in Spain, it's a nice place. Granada's stunning gardens and exquisite Islamic architecture make exploring it a sight and pleasure. Its lovely gardens are among Granada's top attractions.
In addition, beautiful mosques and evocative bars are dotted with unique Islamic architecture in the city center, a great place to get lost. The ancient Arab district is charming with its charming lanes. Located on the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Granada is a vibrant city that is not to be missed. Granada attractions include the Alhambra, Albayzin, Royal Chapel of Granada, Sacromonte, Saint Jerome Monastery, La Charca Beach, and Playa Torrenueva.
9. Palma
The center of Mallorca, possibly the most well-known island in Spain, is Palma. Mallorca offers a wealth of Balearic beauty. It has a lovely pedestrianized old town that adds even more character and a number of cafés and restaurants to try out the night. The most striking examples of its Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture are the enormous La Seu cathedral and the majestic Almudaina castle.
In addition to seeing famous Old Town avenues, including Calle Apuntadores, Via Veri, and the Paseo del Borne, visitors often visit the Miro Foundation, an exhibition that is a sister gallery to the painters' museum in Barcelona, and the Es Baluard Museum of Modern Art. Moreover, both residents and visitors love to visit the food markets in Santa Catalina and Olivar. Besides, strolling along the marina at Paseo Maritimo is a must.
Furthermore, the convenience of taking a day excursion from Palma is another of its charms; towns and seaside places are only a 30-minute drive away. The most well-liked locations include beaches like Palmanova Cala Mayor and Cala Comtessa or port towns like Pollenca and Andraxt. Palma attractions include Palma Aquarium, Katmandu Park, Marineland Majorca, Playa de Muro Beach, Western Water Park, and Jungle Parc Mallorca.
10. Bilbao
Bilbao, located in northern Spain along the banks of the Rio Nervion, is most famous for its famous Guggenheim museum. Yet, it is a stronghold of Basque culture and has much more to offer. If you're looking for what cities to visit in Spain, check it out. In addition, beautiful cathedrals can be seen all across Bilbao, along with many architectural marvels that showcase a blend of classic and modern styles along the city's picturesque waterfront.
Top-notch dining establishments showcasing the finest of Basque cuisine can be found around leafy parks and charming plazas. One can learn much about the dynamic local culture from its excellent museums, galleries, and theatres. Bilbao attractions include Plaza Nueva, Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, Plaza Moyua, Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, Casco Viejo, Azkuna Zentroa, and Zubizuri.
11. Zaragoza
As a first-time or seasoned traveler, this northern city should be on your list of places to visit in Spain. It is yet unknown to many travelers. This charming city, located on the banks of the Ebro River, is well-known throughout Spain for its stunning sacred architecture. Images of the Pilar Basilica, a significant pilgrimage site for many Spaniards, are a lasting reminder of the nation.
Like many other cities, Zaragoza has a maze-like Old Town that offers glimpses into the past at every turn. Start at the Zaragoza Museum in Plaza de los Sitios for further information. From there, you can get lost in a maze of Mudejar architecture, Roman ruins, traditional tapas, and drinking bars. You can find numerous pieces of the nation's most well-known artist, Francisco Goya, including frescoes and etchings. Zaragoza attractions include River Aquarium of Zaragoza, Educational Museum of Origami, Museo de Zaragoza, Catedral de Zaragoza, and Museo Pablo Gargallo.
12. Cadiz
Almost entirely encircled by the Atlantic, Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Europe. You should also add it to your list of cities to visit in Spain. In the past, much money from the Americas poured into its harbor. In addition, rich mansions sit adjacent to dilapidated churches and warehouses, and tiny cafes and eateries line the streets, all made possible by the gold rush. It's an oddly seductive town with great seafood, sandy beaches, and a friendly vibe. Cadiz attractions include Torre Tavira, Mercado Central, Playa Victoria, Park Genoves, La Caleta Beach, Alameda Apodaca, and Gran Teatro Falla.
13. Salamanca
There is a beautiful aura to Salamanca, which is simply breathtaking to behold. Many of its exquisite structures are remnants of Spain's Golden Age. Warm sandstone tones envelop you as you visit its many Renaissance palaces, churches, museums, galleries, and two magnificent cathedrals. It's a lovely place to be.
With a great university and a reputation as a center of learning, the city is vibrant and offers a wide range of leisure options due to its large student population. Salamanca attractions include Old Town Landmarks, Domus Artium, Zamora, El Campillo, New Cathedral, La Clerecia, Playa Del Rostro, and Bird Island.
14. Pamplona
Although it is most known for its infamous and contentious Running of the Bulls festival, Pamplona has much more to offer during the busy time of year. It borders the ancient city center, which has a spectacular cathedral and historic defenses. And its lovely medieval streets give way to beautiful parks and several archaeological sites.
Furthermore, many pilgrims stop by this interesting city while walking the Camino de Santiago, partly because it has many excellent places to eat and drink. You should go there if you're worried about what cities to visit in Spain. Pamplona attractions include Running of the Bulls, Palacio de Navarra, Monumento al Encierro, Plaza del Castillo, Catedral de Pamplona, and Cavalier Beach.
15. A Coruna
Despite having a lot to offer, this port city on the Galician coast is frequently missed by tourists. There are many beautiful beaches to discover as a result. Moreover, its cultural attractions, which are lovely to view, go well with its thriving business district, excellent food options, and exciting nightlife. You may explore the lovely footpaths and beaches that surround A Coruna. A Coruna attractions include Tower of Hercules, Avenida da Marina, Aquarium Finisterrae, Cabo Finisterre, Corax Fauna, and Playa de Coroso.
Conclusion
Embark on a Spanish escapade and discover the essence of Spanish gypsy music, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine. From Barcelona to Madrid, Seville to Valencia, the question isn't whether to visit, but rather, what cities to visit in Spain for an unforgettable journey!
