Top Places to Visit in Spain
Have you ever been to Spain? Which one is your favorite city to visit? Or, a favorite thing to do? Or, your reason for going back again and again?
Asturias, Spain
I fell in love with Spain when I last visited. We stayed longer this time and visited more cities. Because we drove to these cities, we saw more of the countryside, and I was amazed to see what the country had to offer.
I was blown away by what I saw and learned, from its food to its art, festivals, museums, history, markets, and sports, a unique culture peppered by distant continents.
Spain offers so many attractions that choosing the top 10 is quite challenging. There are sharp bars in every city, which would be the high point for many young rocket travelers. There are football arenas to see the most outstanding football teams globally, which appeals to others. There are various food specialties each region offers proudly. Of course, the climate is reliable in the winter months when we get away from our snow caves to enjoy the sun.
I was blown away by what I saw and learned, from its food to its art, festivals, museums, history, markets, and sports, a unique culture peppered by distant continents.
Spain offers so many attractions that choosing the top 10 is quite challenging. There are sharp bars in every city, which would be the high point for many young rocket travelers. There are football arenas to see the most outstanding football teams globally, which appeals to others. There are various food specialties each region offers proudly. Of course, the climate is reliable in the winter months when we get away from our snow caves to enjoy the sun.
Cathedral in Spain. Source:aesta1
For those who love history, there is plenty on offer. Remember the beaches and the weather.
For foodies, the list in Spain goes on and on. But for those that love art and festivals, the feeling of soaking in a different culture, and the joy of marching to a different drumbeat, here are the top places to explore:
For foodies, the list in Spain goes on and on. But for those that love art and festivals, the feeling of soaking in a different culture, and the joy of marching to a different drumbeat, here are the top places to explore:
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Cordoba
- Granada
- Seville
- Toledo
- Avila
- Zaragoza
- Talavera de la Reina
- Rhonda
Beautifully Prepared Seafood in Spain. Source: aesta1
1. Madrid
With its historical landmarks and monuments and great works of the Spanish masters like Velasquez, Madrid is a must-visit when you go to Spain.
It is old with buildings that can be gloomy, foreboding, and vibrantly young with a mix of the population you will enjoy.
It is old with buildings that can be gloomy, foreboding, and vibrantly young with a mix of the population you will enjoy.
Madrid. Source: aesta1
There are many exciting things to see and do in Spain's capital city, but the top of the list I can't enjoy in any other city in the world is the Prado Museum.
It has the best of the great Spanish painters like Velasquez, Goya, and Murillo, to mention a few. Given Spain's strong connection to the Hapsburgs, its Reubens collection can stand up to the best of the world.
In Madrid's Plaza Mayor, you can enjoy more of the Hapsburg influence. Considered the heart of old Hapsburg, this square has seen it all from Christmas markets, soccer games, bullfights, and even executions.
Today, under its porticoes are traditional shops and cafes, which are fun to explore. Sample the famous calamari sandwich, a specialty of this area. Also, visit the Royal Palace, which is not far from here.
It has the best of the great Spanish painters like Velasquez, Goya, and Murillo, to mention a few. Given Spain's strong connection to the Hapsburgs, its Reubens collection can stand up to the best of the world.
In Madrid's Plaza Mayor, you can enjoy more of the Hapsburg influence. Considered the heart of old Hapsburg, this square has seen it all from Christmas markets, soccer games, bullfights, and even executions.
Today, under its porticoes are traditional shops and cafes, which are fun to explore. Sample the famous calamari sandwich, a specialty of this area. Also, visit the Royal Palace, which is not far from here.
Museo Batllo. Source: aesta1
2. Barcelona
I love Barcelona from what I have seen a few days from the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, walking in the great Squares, and visiting Gaudi's works. So, impressed by what I saw, my husband and I decided to stay there longer. This stay eventually stretched to almost three months, and still, we have yet to do all of the exciting things to do in this fantastic city.
It embodies Gaudi's imagination. The Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Mila, Casa Battlo, and Casa Vicens are some scattered in the city.
Barcelona also has many traditional markets where you can sample some of the local dishes. Though crowded, La Boqueria has an attractive vibe. We used to frequent Mercat de Sant Antoni as it was close to where we stayed. You can interact with the locals here as they buy their daily needs, talk with their friends, or hang around enjoying coffee. Many other local markets include Mercat de Santa Caterina, Mercat de la Barceloneta, and Mercat de Sants.
This city also has so many museums, and they're all worth a visit. We loved going to the Museum Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Picasso Museum, Joan Miro, and Caixa Forum, to name a few.
It has almost everything every city wants: an exciting waterfront, traditional markets, old quarters, excellent museums, gourmet food, unique delicacies, and the easy-to-use metro and other transport.
It embodies Gaudi's imagination. The Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Mila, Casa Battlo, and Casa Vicens are some scattered in the city.
Barcelona also has many traditional markets where you can sample some of the local dishes. Though crowded, La Boqueria has an attractive vibe. We used to frequent Mercat de Sant Antoni as it was close to where we stayed. You can interact with the locals here as they buy their daily needs, talk with their friends, or hang around enjoying coffee. Many other local markets include Mercat de Santa Caterina, Mercat de la Barceloneta, and Mercat de Sants.
This city also has so many museums, and they're all worth a visit. We loved going to the Museum Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Picasso Museum, Joan Miro, and Caixa Forum, to name a few.
It has almost everything every city wants: an exciting waterfront, traditional markets, old quarters, excellent museums, gourmet food, unique delicacies, and the easy-to-use metro and other transport.
Cordoba, The Old Roman Bridge. Source: aesta1
3. Cordoba
If you are keen to understand the Moorish influence on Spain, this is the place to visit. In Cordoba, you will find the layers of history and culture that have lived in harmony in that city and the historic acceptance among the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian populations up to the Reconquista.
You'll also see a good picture of how the different powers took hold of the city and superimposed on it their architecture, language, and food. What a legacy of legacies.
Today, Cordoba has integrated all these into its testament that people can still live in harmony despite differences.
Set at the Sierra Nevada foot, this southern Andalusian city boasts of the best Moorish architecture. Nothing much in the world can compete with The Alhambra, the Moorish Palace with its courtyards, beautiful gardens, and reflecting pools. It is the draw to this city. Some say it is the most beautiful palace ever built.
You'll also see a good picture of how the different powers took hold of the city and superimposed on it their architecture, language, and food. What a legacy of legacies.
Today, Cordoba has integrated all these into its testament that people can still live in harmony despite differences.
Set at the Sierra Nevada foot, this southern Andalusian city boasts of the best Moorish architecture. Nothing much in the world can compete with The Alhambra, the Moorish Palace with its courtyards, beautiful gardens, and reflecting pools. It is the draw to this city. Some say it is the most beautiful palace ever built.
The Alhambra. Source: aesta1
4. Granada
Set at the Sierra Nevada foot, this southern Andalusian city boasts the best Moorish architecture.
Nothing much in the world can compete with The Alhambra, the Moorish Palace with its courtyards, beautiful gardens, and reflecting pools. It is the draw to this city. Some say it is the most beautiful palace ever built.
The Alhambra is not only a stunning masterpiece of Islamic architecture but also holds a romantic tale. During the medieval Nasrid dynasty, the sultan's favorite wife, Aixa, fell deeply in love with a court poet named Ibn Zamrak. But the powers that be detained Ibn Zamrak for writing love poetry for Aixa, she managed to secretly send him a message by engraving it on a marble slab. You can still find this slab in the Alhambra today, and its inscription is a testament to their forbidden love.
Nothing much in the world can compete with The Alhambra, the Moorish Palace with its courtyards, beautiful gardens, and reflecting pools. It is the draw to this city. Some say it is the most beautiful palace ever built.
The Alhambra is not only a stunning masterpiece of Islamic architecture but also holds a romantic tale. During the medieval Nasrid dynasty, the sultan's favorite wife, Aixa, fell deeply in love with a court poet named Ibn Zamrak. But the powers that be detained Ibn Zamrak for writing love poetry for Aixa, she managed to secretly send him a message by engraving it on a marble slab. You can still find this slab in the Alhambra today, and its inscription is a testament to their forbidden love.
Plaza de Espana, Seville. Source: aesta1
5. Seville
Seville is magic. It has a culture, but it is famous for its flamenco dancing. There are historical gems to see from the famous Giralda and the Gothic Cathedral, where you can pay homage to Columbus's tomb to the Alcazar.
A stroll in the Guadalquivir banks or a scenic boat ride brings you to see some of Seville's modern landmarks.
You can go and visit the Expo wonders and the beautiful bridge.
A stroll in the Guadalquivir banks or a scenic boat ride brings you to see some of Seville's modern landmarks.
You can go and visit the Expo wonders and the beautiful bridge.
One of our most memorable visits is to the Plaza de Espana, where all the provinces of Spain have their tile mural showing what makes each of them unique.
But the big draw in Seville is the Semana Santa, where the city celebrates, and it is remarkable to be at the feria. The procession of life-size statues and the tents sponsored by prominent families bring a festive spirit to the celebration.
But the big draw in Seville is the Semana Santa, where the city celebrates, and it is remarkable to be at the feria. The procession of life-size statues and the tents sponsored by prominent families bring a festive spirit to the celebration.
Toledo. Source: aesta1
6. Toledo
Nothing beats Toledo in showcasing its rich culture in food, architecture, and especially in souvenirs. Store after store will delight any shopper, especially with tiles and Toledo steel knives. There is so much to visit here with its well-established things to see and do.
The big draw is the Cathedral. It showcases brightly the wealth of the Catholic Church. I loved my visit to the El Greco Museum but what surprised us most is the Church of San Salvador, an archaeological display of the layers of civilization that had their heydays in Toledo. And the Man of La Mancha is at every street corner checking your quest!
The big draw is the Cathedral. It showcases brightly the wealth of the Catholic Church. I loved my visit to the El Greco Museum but what surprised us most is the Church of San Salvador, an archaeological display of the layers of civilization that had their heydays in Toledo. And the Man of La Mancha is at every street corner checking your quest!
Medieval Walls of Avila. Source: aesta1
7. Avila
Avila's attraction is not just its magnificent medieval walls, but it's the birthplace of one of the greatest saints in history.
Even if you're not a Christian, this strong woman, Teresa of Avila, would get your respect. She founded a congregation serving in so many countries and has inspired many others to be generous and kind.
The walls tell their own story, making us marvel at how history builds, destroys, and builds again as each great power takes over and leaves.
Even if you're not a Christian, this strong woman, Teresa of Avila, would get your respect. She founded a congregation serving in so many countries and has inspired many others to be generous and kind.
The walls tell their own story, making us marvel at how history builds, destroys, and builds again as each great power takes over and leaves.
Zaragoza. Source: aesta1
8. Zaragoza
This city was a bit chaotic for me, but once I emerged from the underground parking, I faced the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, and it was just magnificent. Inside, it has some of Goya's masterpieces.
When you visit during the Christmas season, this city has one of the most prominent Nativity displays I have ever seen. The Christmas markets are fabulous, with its stores waiting for your money and taste.
You have to visit the Goya Museum, and if you're a Senior, you can enter free of charge. Its display will help you expand your understanding of Goya from an artist to a social activist.
When you visit during the Christmas season, this city has one of the most prominent Nativity displays I have ever seen. The Christmas markets are fabulous, with its stores waiting for your money and taste.
You have to visit the Goya Museum, and if you're a Senior, you can enter free of charge. Its display will help you expand your understanding of Goya from an artist to a social activist.
9. Talavera de la Reina
This city is in the midst of the restoration and preservation of its heritage. It has done a great job of doing so, and it has created a paseo (a promenade) on the river that gives the city a park-like feel. The rows of poplars add to the magic.
During the Napoleonic period, the Duke of Wellington and the Spanish armies pushed out the French after five solid years of pillage, leaving 2,000 from 5,000.
During the Napoleonic period, the Duke of Wellington and the Spanish armies pushed out the French after five solid years of pillage, leaving 2,000 from 5,000.
Rhonda. Source: aesta1
10. Rhonda
Here's a unique place you probably haven't heard of, but the drive to this city is one of the most beautiful we have had in Spain. Just be careful as we got a speeding ticket.
Ronda is the birthplace of one of Spain's most famous toreadors. So watch for the bullfight season and give this place a go.
Ronda is the birthplace of one of Spain's most famous toreadors. So watch for the bullfight season and give this place a go.
A Bonus Place: Valencia This coastal city is famous for its futuristic architecture, including the City of Arts and Sciences. Visitors can relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the historic city center, and indulge in delicious paella, which originated in Valencia.
The city is also famous for the legend of El Cid, a medieval warrior and hero of Spanish folklore. El Cid, whose real name was Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, was known for his military prowess and loyalty. The legend tells of how El Cid fought against the Moors during the Reconquista, eventually capturing the city of Valencia. Today, visitors can explore sites associated with El Cid, including the Valencia Cathedral, which houses his legendary sword, Tizona.
The city is also famous for the legend of El Cid, a medieval warrior and hero of Spanish folklore. El Cid, whose real name was Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, was known for his military prowess and loyalty. The legend tells of how El Cid fought against the Moors during the Reconquista, eventually capturing the city of Valencia. Today, visitors can explore sites associated with El Cid, including the Valencia Cathedral, which houses his legendary sword, Tizona.
There are many more places worth including here, but I leave these for you to discover.
Other Places in Spain Worth Visiting: