15 Best Cities to Visit in Spain

15 Best Cities to Visit in Spain

With stunning beaches, great food and fascinating history, Spain is one of my favourite countries. While I’m sure you’ve heard of Barcelona and Spain, make sure you don’t miss the other best cities to visit in Spain. They all have their own unique identity and they are all so different.

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Best Cities to Visit in Spain:

1. For Art: Bilbao

Northern Spain is SO underrated. In fact, Bilbao is one of my favourite cities in Spain!

What to See and Do: Bilbao is probably best known for the iconic Guggenheim Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry. This museum is a masterpiece in itself and houses an impressive collection of contemporary art. Take a stroll along the Nervión River promenade, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by cutting-edge architectural wonders, such as the Maman (spider) sculpture.

Aside from the Guggenheim Museum, don’t miss a visit to the Casco Viejo (Old Town), where you can explore narrow streets filled with pintxos bars, shops, and historic landmarks. Make sure you try out the local Basque cuisine, which is famous for its fresh seafood and pintxos (small tapas-like dishes).

Fun Fact: Bilbao is home to the world’s first transporter bridge, the Vizcaya Bridge. Head to Getxo to see this UNESCO World Heritage site that allows pedestrians and vehicles to cross the Nervión River in a suspended gondola.

Best time to visit: If you’re after milder weather the spring and autumn months are a good option. I went during the summer and due to being near the coast, I found the temperature to be bearable and not too hot (unlike most of Spain). Also, in August, there is The annual Semana Grande festival. This lively celebration features concerts, parades, and fireworks, making it another great time to visit.

How to Get There: Bilbao Airport makes the city easily accessible. Bilbao also has excellent rail and road connections to other major Spanish cities, including Madrid and Barcelona. Once in the city, I found Bilbao to be a very walkable. The city’s efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses, also makes getting around a breeze.

2. For a City Break: Madrid

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is one of the best cities to visit in Spain for a weekend away. I have been to Madrid multiple times and still feel there is more out there for me to explore. With its world-class art, historic architecture, and lively street life, Madrid has so much to offer.

What to See and Do: At the heart of the city lies the “Golden Triangle of Art,” comprising of the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, home to works by Goya, Velázquez, and Picasso. Not to be missed is the Buen Retiro Park, where you can row on the lake or admire the Crystal Palace.

For football fans, a tour of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid is worth a visit. Finally, enjoy the city’s legendary nightlife by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Malasaña and Chueca neighbourhoods.

Fun Fact: Madrid is home to the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín, which has been serving traditional Castilian cuisine since 1725. The restaurant’s wood-fired oven has been continuously burning for nearly 300 years (they were even allowed to have someone go in to keep it burning during the coronavirus pandemic).

Best Time to Visit: Due to the scorching heat of summer (40 degrees!), Madrid is best visited during the spring and autumn.

How to Get There: Madrid is well-connected internationally through Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, which serves as a major gateway. The city is also accessible by train, with Madrid Atocha and Madrid Chamartín being the primary railway stations.

3. For the Coast: Cadiz

Make sure you don’t miss this Spanish gem while in Andalusia. The city’s location on a narrow spit of land surrounded by the sea adds to its unique charm, making it one of the best cities to visit in Spain.

What to See and Do: Stroll through the narrow streets of its historic Old Town, and stumble across its grand cathedral, watch towers and castles before relaxing on its picturesque beaches. Not to be missed is Genoves Park, the botanical garden with its waterfall.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to explore Cádiz is during the spring and early autumn when the weather is mild, It was 20 degrees when I visited in April! If you’re visiting in February, don’t miss the city’s famous Carnival, known for its lively street performances and colourful costumes.

How to Get There: Cádiz is easily accessible from major Spanish cities. The closest airport is Jerez Airport, approximately 40 km away. You can also reach Cádiz by train from cities like Seville and Madrid. Once in the city, most of the attractions are within walking distance.

Read more: How to Spend a Day in Cadiz

4. For Culture: Pamplona

Pamplona is a city that draws visitors in with its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and world-renowned festivals.

What to See and Do: Best known as the setting for the Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín festival, Pamplona offers much more than adrenaline-pumping events. Whether you’re exploring the Gothic-style Pamplona Cathedral or savouring pintxos (small tapas-like dishes) in a lively bar, you’ll find that Pamplona’s cultural richness is ever-present.

Best Time to Visit: If you’re looking to witness the excitement of the San Fermín festival, plan your visit in early July. For a quieter and more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the spring or early autumn when the weather is milder.

How to Get There: Pamplona is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The city has an airport, Pamplona Airport, which offers domestic and international flights. You can also reach Pamplona by train or bus from major Spanish cities.

Read more: All You Need to Know About Visiting Pamplona

5. For Escaping the Crowds: Zaragoza

In the heart of Aragon, Zaragoza is another one of my favourite cities in Spain. With few tourists around, you’ll fine one of the best cities to visit in Spain for a more authentic Spanish Experience.

What to See and Do: The centrepiece of Zaragoza is the Basilica-Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque architecture. The Aljafería Palace, a stunning Moorish palace turned into a UNESCO-listed site, showcases the city’s rich past. While in Zaragoza it is also worth visiting the Monasterio de Piedra, home to some of the best waterfalls in the world.

Fun Fact: Zaragoza has a unique connection to Spain’s national hero, El Cid. His legendary victory over the Moors at the Battle of Alcañiz in 1096 is a significant part of the city’s history and folklore

Best Time to Visit: Zaragoza is scorching hot during the summer. Spring and autumn are the best time to visit and sightsee. The Fiestas del Pilar, a major cultural event featuring parades, concerts, and fireworks, is celebrated in October.

How to Get There: Zaragoza has its own international airport, Zaragoza Airport. The city is also accessible by train and bus, making it a convenient stop on a Spanish itinerary.

Read more: Ultimate Zaragoza Travel Guide

6. For Families: Barcelona

From stunning architecture to vibrant street life, beautiful beaches, and a rich cultural scene, Barcelona truly has it all.

What to See and Do: Barcelona is renowned for its unique architectural heritage, with landmarks like the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí. The city’s historic Gothic Quarter, with its narrow streets and ancient buildings, offers a glimpse into its medieval past. With Tibidabo amusement park and its stunning beaches, it is the perfect place to take the family.

Fun Fact: The Sagrada Família basilica has been under construction for over a century. It’s set to be completed around 2026, making it one of the longest-running construction projects in history

Best Time to Visit: There is no such thing as a bad time to visit Barcelona. The city offers a pleasant climate all year!

How to Get There: Barcelona is served by the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, one of the busiest airports in Spain. It’s well-connected to major cities around the world. The city also has excellent rail and road connections, and the Barcelona Sants station is a major railway hub.

7. For Food: San Sebastián

Renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurants, pintxos (Basque tapas) culture, and fresh seafood, San Sebastián is a culinary haven.

What to See and Do: Embark on a culinary adventure by hopping from one pintxos bar to another. Each offers a unique selection of these delectable bite-sized creations. Beyond its food culture, San Sebastián is home to the most beautiful beaches, making it a haven for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts.

Fun Fact: The city boasts the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world, making it a gastronomic mecca.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to explore San Sebastián is during the summer months when the weather is warm. During July, the city hosts a Jazz festival with stages located on the beach.

How to Get There: San Sebastián is accessible by air via the San Sebastián Airport, as well as by train and bus from major Spanish cities. The city’s compact size makes it easy to navigate on foot and by public transportation.

Read more: San Sebastián Travel Guide

8. For Friends: Málaga

With its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and deep cultural heritage, Málaga is one of the best cities to visit in Spain for a girl’s trip.

What to See and Do: You can explore the Picasso Museum, dedicated to his life and work, and stroll through the historic streets that inspired his early art. Málaga is also home to a well-preserved old town, with its Moorish roots evident in the Alcazaba fortress and the Gibralfaro Castle, which offers some of the best views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Relax on the city’s beaches during the day before heading out in the evening.

If after an adventurous day trip, make sure you check out the Caminito del Rey!

Fun Fact: Málaga boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it one of Europe’s sunniest cities.

Best Time to Visit: Málaga is an excellent destination throughout the year due to its mild winters and warm summers. However, the spring and autumn months offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

How to Get There: Málaga is easily accessible by air through the Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, which serves as a major gateway to the region. The city also has well-established train and bus connections, making it convenient to reach from other Spanish cities.

9. For LGBTQ+ Travelers: Sitges

This coastal town near Barcelona is celebrated for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity and Pride events.

What to See and Do: Sitges is has 17 golden-sand beaches. It is also home to Bacardí, you can explore the history of the famous rum at its museum (and enjoy tastings of their iconic cocktails). Sitges Pride takes place over the Summer. It’s 5 days of beach fun, pool parties and more!

Fun Fact: Sitges has a long history of attracting artists, writers, and creative minds. It was a favoured destination for luminaries like Salvador Dalí and Santiago Rusiñol, who drew inspiration from its unique atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit: For beach lovers, the summer months from June to September offer ideal weather. The town comes alive during its festivals, such as the Carnival in February and the Sitges Film Festival in October.

How to Get There: Sitges is conveniently located just 40 km away from Barcelona. You can reach it by train, bus, or car from Barcelona or the nearby Barcelona-El Prat Airport.

10. For Music and Entertainment: Valencia

Valencia is a city of contrasts and surprises. With great food and lots to do it is one of the best cities to visit in Spain.

Why It’s Worth Visiting: Valencia is famous for the groundbreaking architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences complex. Including the Hemisfèric, an IMAX cinema, the Science Museum, the Oceanografic (Europe’s largest aquarium), and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, an opera house. Valencia’s historic centre, on the other hand, boasts medieval architecture, including the iconic Valencia Cathedral and the Silk Exchange, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Fun Fact: Valencia is known as the birthplace of paella, one of Spain’s most famous dishes. The city takes its culinary reputation seriously, with numerous restaurants serving this beloved rice dish in various forms.

Best Time to Visit: The city’s mild climate means it’s a year-round destination!

How to Get There: Valencia is well-connected by air through Valencia Airport, which offers domestic and international flights. High-speed trains from Madrid and Barcelona make it easy to reach by rail. The city also has a reliable public transportation system.

11. For Nightlife: Ibiza

Ibiza’s world-famous nightclubs, beach parties, and electronic dance music scene make it a top nightlife destination.

What to See and Do: The island boasts some of the planet’s most iconic clubs and beach parties, attracting top DJs and partygoers from around the globe. However, Ibiza is not just about nightlife; it also offers serene escapes, including beautiful beaches, charming villages, and lush countryside easily makes it one of the best cities to visit in Spain.

Fun Fact: The city is home to the world’s first underwater restaurant, “Sublimotion,” located inside the Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza Beach Club.

Best Time to Visit: If you’re seeking a lively party atmosphere, visit during the peak summer months of June to September. For a more tranquil experience, consider the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn when the weather is still warm but the crowds are thinner.

How to Get There: Ibiza is accessible by air through Ibiza Airport, which offers numerous domestic and international flights. Ferries also connect the island to mainland Spain and other nearby islands like Mallorca.

12. For Nature and Adventure: Tenerife

Offering diverse landscapes, from volcanic craters to lush forests, providing hiking, water sports, and stargazing opportunities, Tenerife is the perfect spot for nature lovers.

What to See and Do: The island is centred by Mount Teide, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island’s capital city, Santa Cruz, is full of historic architecture, shopping, and dining options. Tenerife is also known for its lively carnival celebrations, including the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which rivals Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival as one of the world’s largest and most extravagant.

Fun Fact: Mount Teide, a dormant volcano, is not only Spain’s highest point but also the third-largest volcano on Earth. You can take a cable car to its summit for breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding ocean.

Best Time to Visit: Tenerife enjoys a mild climate year-round. The summer months are ideal for beach lovers, while the spring and autumn months are perfect for outdoor activities and hiking.

How to Get There: Tenerife is well-connected by air, with two major airports: Tenerife North Airport (TFN) and Tenerife South Airport (TFS). Both receive domestic and international flights. Ferries from other Canary Islands and mainland Spain are also available.

13. For a Romantic Getaway: Seville

With its romantic Alcazar Palace, historic streets, and passionate flamenco performances, Seville exudes romance.

What to Do and See: The city is renowned for its intricate Moorish architecture, evident in iconic landmarks like the Alcazar of Seville, a palace complex, and the Giralda Tower, once a minaret converted into a bell tower. Seville is also the birthplace of flamenco, and the soulful music and passionate dance are deeply ingrained in the city’s culture.

Fun Fact: Seville is home to the largest wooden structure in the world, the Metropol Parasol. Locally known as “Las Setas” or “The Mushrooms,” this modern architectural wonder provides panoramic views of the city.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to explore Seville is during the spring and autumn when the weather is bearable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Feria de Abril (April Fair) Festival make April one of the best months to visit.

How to Get There: Seville is served by the Seville Airport (San Pablo Airport), which connects to domestic and international destinations. High-speed trains from major Spanish cities, including Madrid and Barcelona, provide excellent rail access.

Read more: All You Need to Know About Seville

14. For Solo Travelers: Granada

This small walkable city was my favourite Spanish city I went to as a solo female traveller. It’s a great place to slow down for a couple of days.

What to Do and See: Granada is best known for the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most exquisite examples of Moorish architecture in the world. Beyond the Alhambra, Granada’s historic neighbourhoods, like the Albayzín and Sacromonte, offer winding streets, whitewashed houses, and vibrant flamenco performances, creating a sense of timeless Andalusian culture.

Fun Fact: The Alhambra is not just a palace; it’s a palace, fortress, and city rolled into one. Its name, “Alhambra,” is derived from the Arabic words “Al-Qala’a al-Hamra,” meaning “The Red Fortress,” due to the colour of its walls.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to explore Granada is during the spring and autumn when the weather is mild and ideal for sightseeing. Summer can be very hot, so book your Alhambra tickets as early as possible (8am) if planning to visit them.

How to Get There: Granada has its own airport, Federico García Lorca Airport, with domestic and some international connections. Alternatively, you can reach Granada by train or bus from other major Spanish cities, including Madrid and Seville.

If you are travelling I highly recommend staying at El Granado Hostel!

15. For Wellness and Relaxation: Mallorca

The largest Balearic Island provides a tranquil escape with beautiful beaches, wellness retreats, and spa resorts.

What to Do and See: Mallorca is celebrated for its stunning coastline, with an abundance of sandy beaches, rocky coves, and crystal-clear waters. The island also boasts a rich history, with ancient ruins, medieval towns, and Gothic cathedrals.

Fun Fact: Mallorca is known for its almond blossoms, which typically bloom in late winter and early spring, covering the island in a blanket of delicate white and pink flowers.

Best Time to Visit: The summer months are perfect for beach lovers, whereas the spring and autumn months offer lovely weather for sightseeing without the crowds.

How to Get There: Mallorca is well-connected by air through Palma de Mallorca Airport, with flights from major European cities. Ferries also connect the island to mainland Spain and other Balearic Islands.

With each city possessing a distinct identity, which of Spain’s best cities are you adding to your bucket list?

Other Spanish Hidden Gems:

All YOU Need to Know About Visiting Caminito del Rey

Best Things to Do in Figueres

Visiting Monasterio de Piedra