Best Cities to Visit in Spain
Spain dazzles with historic plazas, dazzling beaches, and rich culture. In this guide to the best cities in Spain you need to visit, uncover iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences across the most exciting cities in Spain waiting to be explored.
Madrid
Madrid is more than a capital, it’s the beating heart of Spain. Art lovers flock to the Golden Triangle of Art, where the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums showcase masterpieces from Velázquez to Picasso. Beyond art, the Royal Palace impresses with opulent halls and ceremonial splendour.
Hidden gems include the Mercado de San Miguel, a vibrant food market where you can taste everything from Iberian ham to oysters, and El Rastro, Madrid’s famous Sunday flea market full of antiques and curiosities. At night, watch the city light up around Plaza Mayor and dive into tapas culture in La Latina.
Madrid proves why it’s among the best cities in Spain — a mix of tradition, modernity, and boundless energy.
Hidden gems include the Mercado de San Miguel, a vibrant food market where you can taste everything from Iberian ham to oysters, and El Rastro, Madrid’s famous Sunday flea market full of antiques and curiosities. At night, watch the city light up around Plaza Mayor and dive into tapas culture in La Latina.
Madrid proves why it’s among the best cities in Spain — a mix of tradition, modernity, and boundless energy.
Barcelona
No list of the best cities to visit in Spain is complete without Barcelona. Gaudí’s masterpieces define the skyline: the still-unfinished Sagrada Família, the fairy-tale Park Güell, and the colourful Casa Batlló. Each corner reveals the city’s unique blend of Gothic mystery and Catalan modernism.
Beyond architecture, Barcelona thrives outdoors. Wander through the Gothic Quarter’s labyrinthine streets, lined with wine bars and boutiques, or soak up the sun on Barceloneta Beach. Foodies can explore La Boqueria Market, bursting with fresh produce and seafood. For panoramic views, ride the Montjuïc cable car, where the city meets the sea. Barcelona’s energy, creativity, and seaside charm ensure its spot as one of the most unforgettable Spanish cities.
Beyond architecture, Barcelona thrives outdoors. Wander through the Gothic Quarter’s labyrinthine streets, lined with wine bars and boutiques, or soak up the sun on Barceloneta Beach. Foodies can explore La Boqueria Market, bursting with fresh produce and seafood. For panoramic views, ride the Montjuïc cable car, where the city meets the sea. Barcelona’s energy, creativity, and seaside charm ensure its spot as one of the most unforgettable Spanish cities.
Seville
Seville is pure Andalusian magic. The colossal Seville Cathedral, where Christopher Columbus is buried, and the Real Alcázar, a masterpiece of Mudéjar design, showcase centuries of history. Climb the Giralda Tower for sweeping views of the city’s terracotta rooftops. But Seville is also about passion. Lose yourself in the Barrio Santa Cruz, where narrow lanes lead to jasmine-scented courtyards. In the evenings, the Triana neighbourhood comes alive with authentic flamenco performances — raw, fiery, unforgettable.
Visit during Feria de Abril, when the city bursts into a week-long festival of parades, traditional dress, and late-night dancing. Seville epitomises why cities in Spain to visit go beyond monuments — here, the spirit of Spain comes alive.
Seville is pure Andalusian magic. The colossal Seville Cathedral, where Christopher Columbus is buried, and the Real Alcázar, a masterpiece of Mudéjar design, showcase centuries of history. Climb the Giralda Tower for sweeping views of the city’s terracotta rooftops. But Seville is also about passion. Lose yourself in the Barrio Santa Cruz, where narrow lanes lead to jasmine-scented courtyards. In the evenings, the Triana neighbourhood comes alive with authentic flamenco performances — raw, fiery, unforgettable.
Visit during Feria de Abril, when the city bursts into a week-long festival of parades, traditional dress, and late-night dancing. Seville epitomises why cities in Spain to visit go beyond monuments — here, the spirit of Spain comes alive.
Valencia
Valencia is where futuristic architecture meets sandy shores. The City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava, looks like a sci-fi film set, with its planetarium, aquarium, and interactive museum. Yet the old town tells another story, with the Gothic Valencia Cathedral and the Silk Exchange, a UNESCO treasure. Valencia is also a city of flavours. Taste authentic paella in Albufera Natural Park, where rice paddies stretch to the horizon. For relaxation, unwind on Malvarrosa Beach or cycle through Turia Gardens.
Add the fiery Fallas Festival in March — when towering papier-mâché figures are set ablaze — and Valencia shines as one of the popular cities in Spain where tradition and innovation dance together.
Valencia is where futuristic architecture meets sandy shores. The City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava, looks like a sci-fi film set, with its planetarium, aquarium, and interactive museum. Yet the old town tells another story, with the Gothic Valencia Cathedral and the Silk Exchange, a UNESCO treasure. Valencia is also a city of flavours. Taste authentic paella in Albufera Natural Park, where rice paddies stretch to the horizon. For relaxation, unwind on Malvarrosa Beach or cycle through Turia Gardens.
Add the fiery Fallas Festival in March — when towering papier-mâché figures are set ablaze — and Valencia shines as one of the popular cities in Spain where tradition and innovation dance together.
Granada
Granada is a city of contrasts, where Moorish palaces meet lively tapas bars. The Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchants with its intricate stucco work, tranquil gardens, and sweeping views of the Albaicín district. Watching the sunset from Mirador de San Nicolás, with the Alhambra glowing red, is pure magic. Granada’s soul thrives in its streets. Wander the Albaicín’s cobbled alleys, shop for spices and handicrafts in Alcaicería market, or soak in an ancient hammam. In Sacromonte, cave houses echo with flamenco music deep into the night. Granada proves that the best cities in Spain are as much about atmosphere as they are about monuments.
Seville is the warmest major city in Europe, with summer temperatures often soaring above 40°C (104°F), making its shaded courtyards, fountains, and evening flamenco shows an essential part of local life.
Bilbao
Bilbao is a city reborn. Once industrial, it now gleams with contemporary art and culture, anchored by the Guggenheim Museum, whose shimmering curves have become iconic. Beyond art, the riverside promenade and Zubizuri Bridge show off Bilbao’s bold architecture. The old town, Casco Viejo, charms with its Seven Streets lined with pintxos bars. Sample Basque specialities — from cod in pil-pil sauce to bite-sized creations that are culinary art in themselves. Day trips from Bilbao lead to dramatic cliffs at Gaztelugatxe, where a winding stone staircase rewards you with Atlantic views. Bilbao is a city where modern design meets deep-rooted tradition, making it one of the most surprising cities in Spain to visit.
Bilbao is a city reborn. Once industrial, it now gleams with contemporary art and culture, anchored by the Guggenheim Museum, whose shimmering curves have become iconic. Beyond art, the riverside promenade and Zubizuri Bridge show off Bilbao’s bold architecture. The old town, Casco Viejo, charms with its Seven Streets lined with pintxos bars. Sample Basque specialities — from cod in pil-pil sauce to bite-sized creations that are culinary art in themselves. Day trips from Bilbao lead to dramatic cliffs at Gaztelugatxe, where a winding stone staircase rewards you with Atlantic views. Bilbao is a city where modern design meets deep-rooted tradition, making it one of the most surprising cities in Spain to visit.
Malaga
Malaga blends endless sunshine with cultural treasures. The Alcazaba fortress offers sweeping views of the port, while the Roman Theatre whispers stories of ancient times. The Picasso Museum celebrates the city’s most famous son, while the Pompidou Centre brings a splash of contemporary colour to the marina. The city’s culinary scene is equally enticing. Wander through Atarazanas Market to taste olives, cheeses, and seafood, then head to the beach for espetos, sardines grilled on open fires. Malaga also boasts golden beaches like La Malagueta, perfect for lazy afternoons. Malaga shines as one of the best cities in Spain, offering art, history, and Mediterranean joy in equal measure.
Malaga blends endless sunshine with cultural treasures. The Alcazaba fortress offers sweeping views of the port, while the Roman Theatre whispers stories of ancient times. The Picasso Museum celebrates the city’s most famous son, while the Pompidou Centre brings a splash of contemporary colour to the marina. The city’s culinary scene is equally enticing. Wander through Atarazanas Market to taste olives, cheeses, and seafood, then head to the beach for espetos, sardines grilled on open fires. Malaga also boasts golden beaches like La Malagueta, perfect for lazy afternoons. Malaga shines as one of the best cities in Spain, offering art, history, and Mediterranean joy in equal measure.
San Sebastián
San Sebastián is where the mountains meet the sea, and food becomes an art form. La Concha Bay, one of Europe’s most beautiful urban beaches, curves gracefully around turquoise waters. Stroll the promenade or ride the funicular up Mount Igueldo for panoramic views. Yet it’s the city’s cuisine that captivates. With its incredible concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, San Sebastián is a gourmet pilgrimage site. Pintxos bars in the Old Town transform every evening into a culinary adventure, where each bite is more inventive than the last. For travellers who love food, beaches, and culture, San Sebastián is one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
From the royal grandeur of Madrid to the culinary delights of San Sebastián, these best cities in Spain promise history, beauty, and unforgettable moments. Ready to start planning? Explore tailored tours to Spain and unlock seamless journeys through the most exciting Spanish cities