Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Spain | Travel Guide

Spain's dynamic metropolises, delicious cuisine, vibrant nightlife, its lively fiestas and breathtaking landscapes and cultural offerings are second to none, making the country an undisputed stop on many travelers' European vacation itineraries. With so many varied destinations, each with its own celebrated sights, it may be hard deciding which cities are worth visiting. So, here's a look at the best places to visit in Spain. Number 1. Barcelona. The capital of Catalonia and Spain's second city, Barcelona is utterly incomparable. It's one of a few must-see cities with its own identity. This is partly down to a generation of early 20th century artists and architects like Antoni Gaudi, whose unforgettable buildings are like nothing you'll see anywhere else. The Sagrada Familia is where to begin your adventure through Barcelona and the dreamlike works of Antoni Gaudi. His Minor Basilica is a project of incredible scale and ambition that is still only around three quarters complete more than 140 years after Gaudi first became involved. When its spires are finished, it will be the tallest church building in the world and hardly resembles any religious structure you'll have seen in your life. Other worthwhile places to visit while you're in Barcelona are Las Ramblas, Barcelona's most famous street, a nearly one-mile pedestrianized boulevard from Placa Catalunya to Port Vell. Parc Güell is an almost make-believe landscape, home to Barcelona's famous mosaic lizard, the image on a thousand postcards plus spiral towers that look like fairground slides. While you are in Barcelona, make sure to also visit the Museum of Pablo Picasso, which is located in the district La Ribera. The museum has over 4,000 works of art by the painter who spent an important part of his life in this city. Moving on to number two, Madrid. Madrid might not have the status of Rome or Paris in terms of sights, but the capital of Spain is a pleasure to explore. From historical gems and world-class art to an incredible food scene and picturesque parks. Plaza Mayor, Madrid's main square holds centuries of history in its cobbles and has been the scene of everything from coronations to bullfights and beheadings. These days, it's a nice place in which to stroll and sample one of the city's famed foods bocadillo de calamaris, a calamari sandwich from one of the bars surrounding the square. The Prado Museum in Madrid displays around 2,300 pieces of art in more than 100 rooms on three floors. Among its extensive assortment of artworks are many masterpieces, including celebrated paintings that rival the most famous works of the Louvre Museum in Paris. Retiro Park is one of the great lungs of the city and one of the most beautiful natural spaces in Madrid. On Sundays, the avenues of Retiro Park are filled with street musicians, families on bicycle rides, and puppet theaters. Number three, Seville. The capital of southern Spain's Andalusia region and the birthplace of flamenco, Seville is a lively city filled with centuries-old traditions. The largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the burial place of Christopher Columbus, Seville Cathedral is a must-see. Built on the site of a mosque construction of the magnificent cathedral took more than 100 years to complete. One of the most recognizable spots in Seville has to be the Alcazar, forming part of a royal palace that is still used by the Spanish royal family. While you are here, walk between the courtyards and keep your eyes peeled for the beautifully carved ceilings. Giralda Tower is possibly one of the most famous symbols of Seville and hard to miss. Sitting right next door to the cathedral, it has a whole heap of Moorish influence from when it was the minaret to the mosque that once stood here. Still to this day, it's one of the best places to visit in Seville if you want to explore the city's history. Number 4. The City of Valencia Valencia has many of the things that attracts tourists to Spain all in one place. The city has a vibrant old center with a knot of little streets and splendid medieval buildings like the Llanja de la Ceda. This is the finest monument to Valencia's golden age when the city was one of Europe's main centers for trade and culture. The name means silk exchange, where traders from far-flung parts of the Mediterranean would meet and make deals. Valencia is also right on the Mediterranean so you can laze on broad sandy beaches and tuck into delectable cuisine that draws on the sea. This is the home of paella, surely the most famous Spanish dish of all. Another must-see are the City of the Arts and Sciences. The attraction is a staggering ensemble of ultra-modern structures that are given an ethereal quality by the reflecting pools that surround them. Ruzafa is Valencia's most gentrified neighborhood. It is the place to be if you are into curiosity shops, nightlife, and good food. A few years ago, this barrio was in such a state of decay that it wasn't even worthy of a second look. Yet now it is a young and artsy place with colorful architecture, fun cafes, and a lively atmosphere. Number 5. Córdoba Córdoba, Spain has been a Roman outpost, an Arab capital, and a city eventually conquered by the Catholic Kingdom of Castile. Throughout Córdoba and southern Spain's Andalusia region, the blending of these cultures and religions reveals itself in the architecture, the artwork, and the traditional dishes served across the area. The Mezquita Mosque Cathedral is Córdoba's most famous site. The Moorish architecture is evident from your first glimpses of the building's exterior. As you enter the courtyard and finally the inside the mix of architecture from this combination of cultures reveals itself from the red and cream-striped Moorish arches to the Gothic and Renaissance influences, predominant in the altars and side chapels. Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos is the other must-see monument when visiting Córdoba. It served as a residence for Catholic kings, but was also the headquarter of the Holy Office during the Inquisition. At that time it was converted to a prison. The Roman Bridge, another must-see monument in Córdoba, great for beautiful shots of the old city, especially at sunset. The complex formed by the bridge over the Guadalquivir River and the view of the mosque cathedral is one of the most beautiful views of the city. Now, before you plan your next trip to Spain, make sure to check out the first link in the description where you can find the best deals for your flight, hotel, and car rentals in Spain. 6. San Sebastián Sunny days spent on sandy beaches and evening strolls through the quaint old town are among the attractions of visiting San Sebastián. Set on the crescent-shaped Bay of Comcha, this elegant town is one of Spain's most fashionable beach resorts. The picture-perfect white sand beach of the Bahía de la Comcha is most iconic sight in San Sebastián. With a wide shoreline and mesmerizing turquoise waves, this expansive beach extends for more than a kilometer. Besides the beach, the top attraction in San Sebastián is its old town. During medieval times, San Sebastián was a walled city limited to the old town, which is now known as Parque Vieja, with Plaza de la Constitución as its historical heart. Wandering around Parque Vieja is a great way to soak up the local atmosphere, eat in Pinxos bars, shop for souvenirs, and visit museums. The Ayuntamiento San Sebastián City Hall is an architectural landmark. It stands proudly between Comcha Beach and the historical quarter alongside the marvelous Alderde Eder Gardens. Originally home to a casino, it later became the site of battles between nationalists and republicans during the Spanish Civil War. Moving on to number 7. Bilbao In the last 20 years or so, the Basque city of Bilbao has become a major hub for art, architecture, and design and is home to many museums, galleries, and architectural marvels. When it was inaugurated in 1997, Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum definitely put the industrial northern Spanish city on the map. Housed in an interesting metal ship-like building, the museum showcases works by artists such as Anish Kapoor, Jeff Koons, Eduardo Chilaita, and Anselm Kiefer. Many of the larger artworks are also displayed outside in what is known as the Art District. The Plaza Nueva is a favorite meeting place for locals. On sunny days, the square becomes a center of social life, a sort of open-air living room. In the evenings, groups of friends socialize at the tapas bars. If you want to experience the views in Bilbao, then you should head up to Artsanda Lookout. Located at the top of Mount Artsanda, the lookout offers you a very different perspective compared to street level. Number 8. Granada Granada is blessed with Moorish heritage dating back more than 700 years. The pinnacle of this is the Alhambra, a compound with palaces, courtyards, and gardens where the emirs of Granada would escape the summer heat. You can work your way along the streets of the Moorish city laid out exactly as it was in medieval times, or enter the cave dwellings of the historic gypsy neighborhood famed for its flamenco shows. The Alhambra is the most visited monument in Spain. At the Alhambra monumental setting, you will find several medieval palaces, marvelous surrounding gardens, ancient walls, and watching towers. Probably my favorite thing to do in Granada is wandering around the old Arab neighborhood of Albaicin. Built on a steep hill, it's an ancient area with tight, tangled winding streets and a bohemian feel. Amidst a jasmine-scented breeze, you'll find restaurants, cafes, tapas bars, and even street performers. Also check out the lovely Church of San Salvador and Albaicin's most popular square, the Mirador San Nicolas. The Mirador offers up one of the best views of the Alhambra. Number 9. Santiago de Compostela As the purported resting place of one of the Twelve Apostles, Santiago de Compostela is a city with a staggering artistic and historical wealth. It's one of the most important destinations in the Catholic world. You'll need a lot of time to see the old center and its rich ensemble of churches, monasteries, and stately squares that took shape around the pilgrimage site from the 900s onwards. Right in the heart of Santiago is the magnificent Cathedral, one of the main attractions for tourists and pilgrims. The remains of St. James the Great, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, are reputed to be buried here. Festivals are another reason to visit Santiago de Compostela. The Festival of St. James celebrations are held every year during the last two weeks of July. Festivities include music concerts, folkloric dance performances, traditional parades, street entertainment, light shows, and fireworks. Number 10. Cádiz The capital of the Costa de la Luz is a low-key unpretentious city that shines for its wonderful seafood, beautiful beaches, and historic center that hides a cornucopia of fascinating little attractions. It's all set up for a very indulgent holiday spent on a sun lounger by day and with loved ones over a delicious leisurely Spanish meal in the evenings. The standout feature is the beautiful Cádiz City Hall. Framed by palm trees lining the square, huge ionic columns rising over a series of arches support a clock tower overlooking Cádiz. Make sure to also visit the Plaza de San Juan de Dios located in the commercial center of the city. This plaza is buzzing with local tapas bars, cafes, and the usual big takeaway joints. Backing onto the harbor, there is usually a craft market set up in the square. The cafe terraces are a great place to escape the heat and partake in some classic people watching.