7 Best Cities to Visit in Spain

Spain is an amazing country with so many great places to visit. I keep coming back to this beautiful country to explore more areas, so far I’ve already spent over half a year in Spain when you add up all the trips I’ve done.

But I’m guessing you don’t have as much time to explore Spain as I do, so I created a list of the best cities to visit in Spain and I’ll add which city is best for which visitor.

1. Barcelona

We’ll start with the obvious, Barcelona. Barcelona is an absolutely amazing city. It has everything – beautiful beaches, delicious food, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture.

Some of the highlights in Barcelona are the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, both fascinating constructions designed by Antoni Gaudi, and the Gothic Quarter, a charming and historic neighborhood known for its narrow streets.

Barcelona is also the best city for vegans. There are so many vegan restaurants in Barcelona and I love them all! Seriously, even though I didn’t spend any money on accommodation on my last two trips since I used Trusted Housesitters, I spent so much money on food.

It’s also very easy to embark on day trips from Barcelona. My favorite two were my day trip to Girona, where you can see multiple Game of Thrones filming locations, and my day trip to Tarragona, where you can see ancient Roman ruins.

The downside of Barcelona is that it get crowded, like really really crowded in high season.

Barcelona is for you if you want to see iconic landmarks, enjoy delicious food and have a diverse cultural experience.

2. Seville

Seville is the capital of Andalusia, the Southern region of Spain, and it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. It has a charming mix of Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture and culture.

Some of the must-visit places in Seville are the Alcazar, a stunning palace with influences from different cultures, the Plaza de España, a beautiful square featured in multiple films and on numerous postcards, and Seville Cathedral, the third largest cathedral in the world.

1 Day in Seville - Most Beautiful City in Spain

Seville is also a great starting point for day trips. My favorite day trip from Seville was to Córdoba, where you can visit a stunning mosque-cathedral.

One of my favorite things about Seville is its laid-back atmosphere. To truly appreciate the city I recommend spending at least 3 days in Seville.

The downside of Seville is that it can get crazy hot in summer and that the city is not on the coast.

Seville is for you if you want to experience the vibrant culture of Southern Spain and see stunning architecture.

3. Granada

Granada is one of my favorite cities in Spain. It’s a small, charming city with a rich history and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The highlight of Granada is definitely the Alhambra, a Moorish fortress and palace that will leave you speechless. You can spend hours wandering through its beautiful gardens and intricate architecture.

But Granada has more to offer, make sure to also visit the Albayzín neighborhood, known for its winding streets and traditional houses, as well as Sacromonte, where you can see cave houses. I absolutely loved seeing a flamenco show in a cave house!

The downside of Granada is that it can be quite hilly and that it’s not on the coast.

Granada is for you if you love Moorish architecture and want to experience a more relaxed pace of life.

4. Málaga

Málaga is often seen as just a gateway to the Costa del Sol but it’s actually a great city to visit in its own right. It has a beautiful historic center with charming streets and squares, as well as numerous museums.

Some of the must-visit places in Málaga are the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress that offers stunning views of the city, and the Picasso Museum, which houses an impressive collection of works by this famous artist who was born in Málaga.

Málaga is also known for its delicious food and vibrant nightlife. You can easily spend a day walking around the city center, stopping at different tapas bars to try out local specialties.

If you want to explore southern Spain on day trips from one base, Málaga is ideal due to its location and excellent train and bus connections. You can visit all the top cities of Andalusia from Málaga.

The downside of Málaga is that it can also get crowded and it’s somewhat of a party town for tourists during the high season.

Málaga is for you if you want a mix of city and beach, and you’re looking for a base to explore the rest of Andalusia.

5. Valencia

Valencia, the birthplace of paella, offers a blend of the old and new. Its historic center boasts charming streets and squares, alongside futuristic structures like the City of Arts and Sciences. Valencia is also known for its stunning street art.

Some of the highlights in Valencia are the stunning Central Market, where you can find delicious local produce, and the Turia Gardens, a beautiful park created in a riverbed. Going for a walk in this fascinating park is one of the best free things to do in Valencia.

Valencia is also known for its delicious cuisine, especially its famous dish paella. You can even rent a bike, cycle past the rice fields and have a traditional paella in El Palmar, a small village outside of Valencia.

The downside of Valencia is that it’s not as well-connected to other cities in Spain, so it’s more difficult to include it in a bigger Spain road trip.

Valencia is for you if you love paella and modern architecture and you’re looking for a less touristy city in Spain.

6. Madrid

Madrid is Spain’s capital city, so it must be on a list of top cities to visit in Spain. That being said, I actually don’t think Madrid is that great of a city to visit. There’s just not as much to see compared to other Spanish cities. But anyway, there are still a few cool things to do in Madrid.

One of the must-see attractions in Madrid is the Prado Museum, which houses an impressive collection of European art. The Royal Palace and Retiro Park are also popular places to visit.

Madrid is also a great base for day trips. You can visit the medieval town of Segovia with its famous aqueduct, or Toledo, known for its historic old town and traditional Spanish crafts.

The downside of Madrid is that overall it has less tourist attractions than other cities.

Madrid is for you if you want to experience Spain’s capital city and its vibrant nightlife.

7. Bilbao

Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country, in the North of Spain, and it’s often overlooked by tourists.

The highlight of Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural marvel that houses contemporary art exhibitions. The old town is also charming with its narrow streets, baroque churches, and lively tapas bars.

Bilboa is not quite on the coast, but the coast is just a short metro ride away. It’s also a great starting point for day trips to nearby cities such as San Sebastian and Santander.

The downside of Bilbao is that it can get more rain in North Spain than in the South.

Bilbao is for you if you want to experience the unique culture and architecture of the Basque Country.

Final Thoughts: Best Cities in Spain

Whether you find yourself drawn to the vibrant pulse of Barcelona, or the historic charm of Granada, there’s a city in Spain that’s perfect for you. Pick one destination that resonates most with you, or, if time permits, combine several for an unforgettable Spain itinerary.

If you’re particularly fascinated by the southern region, a Southern Spain itinerary might be just what you need to immerse yourself in Andalusia’s rich heritage and warm climate.

Alternatively, you could broaden your horizon and explore both Spain and Portugal with an exciting road trip across the Iberian Peninsula.

The choice is yours—the possibilities are endless! So pack your bags, set your adventurous spirit free, and make your journey through these magnificent cities an experience to remember. ¡Buen viaje! (Happy travels!)

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