Stunning buildings with intricate architecture, tasteful cuisine, and spectacular football culture make Spain a top-rated destination. Not to mention, the beautiful beaches and sizzling dances of Spain are ready to make your jaw drop. So, are you planning to travel to Spain this year? Also, have a challenging time choosing a city to visit? In this blog, we are showing you the 10 best cities to visit in Spain. Whether you are a first-timer or a full-time traveler, these cities will give you an awesome experience!
Best Cities to Visit in Spain – Summary
- Barcelona
- Madrid
- Cordoba
- Granada
- Alicante
- Zaragoza
- Bilbao
- Nerja
- Valencia
- Las Palmas
- Salamanca
Barcelona
Nobody can say no to Barcelona’s dazzling charm. Traditional culture, ancient architecture, and hype modern life breath together in this renowned city. Barcelona is lined with historical buildings adorned with intricate facades, colorful Gaudi construction, and artistic architectural structures. In a nutshell, Barcelona looks like an open-air museum. Not to mention, amazing party places and mouthwatering food spots await your visit.
It is no surprise that Barcelona is one of the best cities to visit in Spain. There is no such thing as boredom in this city. You can spend your days exploring the enchanting historical buildings, like Sagrada Familia Cathedral and La Pedrera. Also, walk off the beaten path and hunt for some artistic hidden gems in Barcelona. You can always stop by a restaurant to have a paella or tapas. Then, end the day with some sangrias with your travel buddies. That sounds like an awesome vacation, right?
Madrid
Being the capital of Spain, Madrid gives us the very first hint of this dazzling country. The city is lined with magnificent centuries-old buildings, futuristic skyscrapers, and lovely neighborhoods. Moreover, Madrid becomes the settlement of the Spanish monarchy. You can take a peek at their everyday life in the Royal Palace of Madrid, which is open to the public. With all it has to offer, Madrid is undeniably one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
Traveling to Madrid means sightseeing, learning, and partying. You can spend the day strolling through the city’s lovely neighborhoods and stop for a cup of coffee. Then, visit some museums like Prado Museum and Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza. You can also sample some local delicacies at the famous Mercado San Miguel, which was established in 1916. As the sun goes down, you can stop by a tapas bar or dance the night away in Madrid’s cool nightclubs.
Cordoba
Andalusia region never ceases to amaze us with its impressive ancient cities and outstanding nature. Then, Cordoba gives you a slice of the Andalusian wonders. Palaces stand proudly with their opulent facade, sand-colored buildings tell the story from the Moorish period, and a century-old bridge connects the two banks of the Guadalquivir River. In a nutshell, Cordoba looks regal and timeless. Moreover, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its important history.
Cordoba dates back as old as the 2nd century. It was created by the Romans, which then was taken over by the Visigoth Kingdom and Muslim conquests. For that reason, Cordoba displays a charming blend of different cultural influences. Pay a visit to the La Mezquita, which will make your jaw drop with its colorful arches and intricate carvings. It was once a major Spanish mosque. However, since the 17th century, it has been converted into a Catholic church. Besides that, you can also visit the Palacio de Viana and Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs. Therefore, Cordoba is one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
Granada
As the getaway of the Andalusia region, Granada is charming as ever. The city houses dazzling Moorish palaces, impressive Arabian quarters, and intricate chapels. It holds a long story of the reign of the New Age empire and the Moorish period. Therefore, traveling to Granada gives you a glance at a mesmerizing cultural heritage.
Granada is undoubtedly one of the best cities to visit in Spain. You can spend your days exploring the majestic historical buildings and centuries-old neighborhoods. Stop by the world-famous Alhambra, which is distinguished by its sand-colored walls, ornate facade, and well-manicured gardens. You might feel like royalty as you walk around its maze-like complex. Furthermore, you can visit historical sites like Mirador de San Nicholas and the Royal Chapel of Granada.
Alicante
What is the one thing that makes Spain so exciting? Yes, it is the beach! Then, this prominent city in Spain gives you a piece of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Alicante is all about sun-soaked beaches, lovely seaside promenades, and buzzing nightlife. Whether you want to get your tan on San Juan Beach or casually sip a smoothie while looking at the Mediterranean Sea, Alicante has it all. So, add this gorgeous city to your summer bucket list.
We won’t leave parties and nightclubs when we talk about Alicante. As one of Spain’s hottest party places, the city provides sizzling dance floors and wild parties. However, we might overlook Alicante’s impressive Old Town. Gothic cathedrals, medieval castles, and brightly colored buildings line the area. With all it has to offer, Alicante is one of the best cities in Spain.
Zaragoza
History buffs will love this Spanish city! Zaragoza is the capital of the northeastern Aragon region, making it a gateway to the area. The city is adorned with Gothic-style towers, intricate Moorish palaces, and magnificent Renaissance-inspired cathedrals. Thus, traveling to Zaragoza means getting a huge chunk of Spanish history. Also, it is a great place to take Instagram-worthy pictures.
There are so many places to see in Zaragoza. You can walk through the Puente de Pedra, a 15th-century bridge that stands between the Edro River. Then, visit the elegant Nuestra Senora del Pillar Church, which displays outstanding architecture. Additionally, pay a visit to Aljaferia, an 11th-century palace that is adorned with artistic arches and Moorish-style decorations. Therefore, Zaragoza is one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
Bilbao
Artistic and quirky – those are the two words that describe Bilbao. This city in northern Spain looks like an open-air museum with its exceptional architectural structures. It is home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, which has a unique, overlapping shape. Besides that, numerous aesthetically-pleasing structures are lining the city’s famous waterfront spot. For that reason, Bilbao will make every art fan happy.
Traveling to Bilbao means a long day of museum visits. There are a lot of awesome museums in the city. Of course, we have mentioned the quirky Guggenheim Museum that stands out in the middle of the city. Moreover, you can visit the Itsasmuseum that chatters about shipbuilding and port. Additionally, pay a visit to Museo Bellas Artes which features amazing art pieces and artistic paintings.
Nerja
Are you looking for a tranquil place in Spain with less crowds and more relaxation? Then, head to Nerja! Tucked on the coast of Southern Spain, this city offers the perfect spot to unwind. The warm Mediterranean climate and sunny skies will boost your energy levels. Powdery shores and gentle sea welcome you to swim or relax. Thus, you might find yourself standing on a paddleboard or soaking up the sun through a tanning session.
Nerja is all about vacation. The small city is lined with resorts and holiday lodges, offering places to relax. Seaside promenades and hotels give you a spot to look at the glimmering Mediterranean Sea during casual days. Furthermore, Nerja also offers exciting and unique experiences. You can go inside Cueva de Nerja, which displays paleolithic paintings and beautiful rock structures. Besides that, you can burn some calories by hiking to the cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo. Therefore, Nerja is one of the best cities in Spain.
Valencia
This bustling city has a little bit of everything for everyone. Contemporary-styled architectural structures dot the neighborhood, centuries-old buildings stand proudly, and walkable streets are everywhere. City centers come with well-manicured gardens and laidback vendors. Besides that, an outstanding culinary scene and thriving nightlife are for you to enjoy. For that reason, Valencia is loved by a lot of people.
Spain is a simply breathtaking. It is a bucket-list worthy destination that you should visit at least once in your lifetime. Then, are you thinking about traveling to Barcelona or other cities in Spain but wanting to make it easy? Then, we have something for you!
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