Top places to visit in Spain:
Where to go based on your interests
Originally published January, 17, 2022. Updated March, 2024.
All images are courtesy of the Spain Less Traveled team, unless otherwise stated.
Views of Seville Spain from Las Cubiertas (the roof) of the largest gothic cathedral in the world.
Top places to visit in Spain for your first trip
You can’t do it all in just a few weeks. The hard part is deciding which places to visit in Spain are the best for your unique Spain travel itinerary.
(You might want to check out our general in depth guides too!)
For a first trip to Spain, many grapple with this decision, trying to fit it all in (and sometimes too much). The top three places to go in Spain usually boil down to Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville.
Knowing how build a smart Spain travel itinerary, incorporating in some of these top places to visit in Spain, all while avoiding many common Spain travel mistakes is the key to planning your unique trip to Spain.
These popular destinations are loved for so many reasons.
Although they are not exactly Spain Less Traveled, our namesake, all three of them really are must sees. But which one is right for you?
In fact, determining which Spanish destinations are right for you is a top reason why you should use a travel advisor to plan your trip to Spain.
Where should I go in Spain?
“Where should I go in Spain?” is one of the most common questions that we get as professional Spain travel itinerary planners and in our Travel Spain! community.
Each deserves ample time in your Spain travel itinerary. Remember, less is more so find the destinations in Spain that you are most drawn to and spend ample time in a few chosen places instead of trying to cram it all in.
That depends on what you are interested in
There is no one size fits all answer for “Where should I go in Spain?” Everyone has different interests, timeframes, and travel styles. It really depends on what kinds of things you want to see, do in, and experience in Spain. And of course how you are comfortable getting around Spain.
And narrowing it down is the hardest part; you simply can not see it all in just a few weeks!
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a breakdown of the top places to visit in Spain: Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville and why you should visit them. With insider tips as to why each place would appeal to you, to help you choose your own adventure based on your interests!
And of course since we are Spain Less Traveled we included some tips and ideas to get you off the beaten path!
Why should you go to Madrid?
Madrid’s neighborhoods are full of places to discover and beautiful architecture.
Without a doubt, Madrid is the heart and soul of Spain. It is Spain’s capital city, its largest too (and one of the biggest cities in Europe). It a vibrant and authentic city that hardly ever sleeps. With so many things to see, do, and discover, you can spend a lifetime in Madrid and still not get bored. Go to the world class museums but also give Madrid plenty of time in your Spain travel itinerary to explore its diverse assortment of neighborhoods.
Go to Madrid if…
You are looking for a sampling of the best Spain has to offer. A city of almost 7 million people, Spaniards from all over the country come to live in Madrid.
You love world-class art and museums.
Urban wandering and getting lost in neighborhoods is your thing.
You really want a sample of pure Spain packed in a huge city
A few of the best day trips from Madrid
Beautiful Toledo one of the top places to visit in Spain and a popular day trip from Madrid.
Thanks to its central location, Madrid offers a plethora of day trips to suit just about every travel style.
The most obvious choice is Toledo, the Spain’s capital before it was moved to Madrid. In nearby Castilla-La Mancha and abundant in history with a glimpse of the three cultures:
Moorish, Jewish, and Christian more commonly found further south, Toledo is a favorite of many. Its quaint historic always charms visitors.
But there are so many more options including Segovia in Castilla Y León, where you can see a massive Roman aqueduct.
Or Avila, with its perfectly in-tact old city walls. Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
And for nature lovers, the Sierra de Guadarrama, are the mountains just north of Madrid with so many outdoor activities.
For those craving that small pueblo life, Chinchón is the answer. It has a beautiful plaza mayor and even a parador for those who choose to spend the night to really get a taste of a Spanish village.
And for one of Spain’s best castles, the town of Manzanares el Real is a fantastic option.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
There are so many more wonderful day trips from Madrid!
Don’t make these Madrid travel mistakes
Speaking of day trips…. we’ve seen this advertised, and deeply feel like it is a grave mistake. Do not, and we repeat, don’t go to Barcelona or Seville as a day trip from Madrid. These cities are way too far for just a day and you can not do either justice in a matter of hours. And likewise, don’t go on a day trip TO Madrid from either of these cities. Madrid is not a day trip.
Often shortchanged and overlooked, Madrid is a fascinating city. So vibrant and so authentic, packed with things to see and do. Many travelers make the mistake of just using Madrid as an arrival (or departure) point, or a transit hub, and do not spend any time exploring the city.
Don’t do this. Give Madrid time in your Spain travel itinerary and treat it as one of your key destinations.
Unlike other national capitals such as London or Paris, Madrid does not have the big “aha” monuments. The essence of Madrid is found in its neighborhoods, its local plazas, its small, simple, family-owned bars and restaurants that have been doing the same thing for decades. Madrid is a real working city, and very traditionally Spanish.
To truly embrace Madrid is to get out of the center and explore the neighborhoods.
Many visitors make the mistake of not venturing beyond the tourist attractions, and it’s a shame as they are missing out on what makes Madrid Madrid.
If you liked Madrid then you will like…
Beautiful views of Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar along the Ebro River in Zaragoza, Spain’s fifth largest city.
Zaragoza.
True Zaragoza doesn’t have the massive city vibe that Madrid has. But Spain’s fifth largest city packs quite the punch. And if it was that Spanish spirit that you loved so much about Madrid, you will find that in abundance in Zaragoza, Spain’s fifth largest city.
A perfect stop on the AVE (high-speed train) in between Madrid and Barcelona, Zaragoza is perfect for a stopover.
But be sure to spend at least a night here to really explore the city. There are options, including a Goya museum (Goya was born not far from here), a Moorish palace that is now used to house the regional government of Aragón (and yes, you can tour it!), a thriving tapas scene, loads of neo-Mudéjar architecture, and more!
If you enjoyed your time in Madrid, you might want to put Aragón’s capital, Zaragoza on your Spain travel itinerary.
Why should you go to Barcelona?
Barcelona, Spain’s second largest city and the capital of Cataluña. You won’t find many Spanish flags here.
Barcelona is on just about everyone’s list of the top places to visit in Spain.
Widely popular with visitors, Barcelona, Catalonia, sees more tourism than any other Spanish city. But Barcelona is different. Here you will hear Catalan spoken on the streets and see balconies adorned with the Catalan flag. And of course Barcelona is the heart of modernista architecture, with its Gaudís including his unfinished masterpiece la Sagrada Familia. Coastal and cool, Barcelona is one of the top places to visit in Spain that you do not want to miss!
So go to Barcelona if…
You are interested in Catalan culture and Catalan language
You want to see Modernista architecture in abundance from masterpieces to every day apartment buildings. And you are drawn to Gothic architecture as well.
You love cities and want to visit the second-largest city in Spain and the one that attracts the most international visitors.
You tend to be drawn to coastal cities.
A few of the best day trips from Barcelona
Views of beautiful Girona along the Onyar River.
Girona is our personal favorite Barcelona day trip, and one that is always beloved by our clients too! It has a beautifully preserved gothic quarter, old city walls that you can walk along for amazing views, and is just picture perfect. With so much history, and just a quick high-speed train ride from Barcelona, the smaller city of Girona is always a top pick. Oh and did we mention that scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed there too?
But there are so many other options. Tarragona, a city just down the coast, has some of the best preserved Roman ruins in Spain.
There are coastal towns and nice beaches in both north and south of Barcelona. Sitges, with its film festival is popular with the LGBTI crowd. And north, the along the Costa Brava you will find beautiful beaches and pretty villages. There’s even a castle on Tossa del Mar!
The monastery at Montserrat and jagged mountains is another top day trip from Barcelona.
And these are just a start. Be sure to check out our guide to the best day trips from Barcelona!
Don’t make these Barcelona travel mistakes
Cataluña has a very rich culture of its own. Barcelona is not the place to go if you dream of seeing a flamenco show, for example. In fact, don’t go to a flamenco show in Barcelona.
And don’t go to Barcelona if one of your major goals for your trip is to practice your Spanish. In Barcelona they speak Catalan and have a culture all of their own.
Instead, if you go to Barcelona embrace the Catalan culture. It is very unique and has a life of its own. If you are lucky enough if your trip overlaps with one of Barcelona’s amazing holidays or festivals, take it all in, because you won’t find anything similar anywhere else in Spain.
Unfortunately, because it is so popular with visitors, Barcelona has its fair share of places that tend to only cater to visitors that locals avoid. Las Ramblas is a big one. Stroll down it once, but don’t make it your center. And trust us, you will find much better dining away from that area.
Instead look for places that are away from the tourist centers. Barcelona is full of culinary delights, and you will find hidden places by exploring the neighborhoods. If the menu has photos and is in 6 different languages, it is probably not worth it.
And no, don’t go to Barcelona on a day trip from Madrid or anywhere else. For all the same reasons that we’ve already discussed.
If you liked Barcelona then you will like…
Views of Valencia Spain from the cathedral’s bell tower.
Valencia.
If you liked Barcelona’s coastal vibe, architecture, culture and language then you will most likely also enjoy visiting Valencia, Spain’s third largest city.
South down the coast, about a 2-3 hour train ride or drive from Barcelona, Valencia is a hip and lively coastal city, but with more of a laid back local vibe.
Like Barcelona, Valencia boosts an amazing food scene with so many regional delights (paella comes from here). You will find some of the best food in Spain here! And the architecture, the mix of new and old, always delights. There are flat, sandy beaches, street art cool cafes and bars - you will not get bored in Valencia.
Oh and like Barcelona, Valencia is also in a region with its own language, Valenciano. But unlike Barcelona, Valencia is still a great place to practice your Spanish.
If you can’t get enough of Barcelona, Valencia is a recommended city for your Spain travel itinerary.
Why should you go to Seville?
Seville’s Alcázar is a Mudéjar masterpiece.
Seville, the capital of Andalucía, one of the top places to visit in Spain, is full of passion. It sizzles in the summertime and can be mild in the winter, especially when the sun is out (which is often). It serves up so much Spanish culture that many envision all of Spain to be. With a rich history, so much Moorish and Mudéjar architecture, Seville is one of those places that you can truly feel with every sense.
Go to Seville if…
The Spain you want to see is probably what you already think Spain is. But you want to dig so much deeper.
It’s all about the Moorish (and Moorish-looking) architecture for you!
Seeing the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, one of the top cathedrals in Spain, is on your list of priorities.
You want to immerse yourself in that southern Spanish way of life.
You want to see flamenco.
A few of the best day trips from Seville
Ronda Spain’s iconic Puente Nuevo “new bridge” is one of the top places to visit in Spain.
Just east of Seville is the small city of Carmona though it feels like its a world away. Smaller and chiller than Seville, Carmona is easy to get to and is full of interesting historical sights including a Roman Necrópolis. It is also home to one of the most beautiful paradores of Spain, making it a great overnight trip from Seville.
Popular Ronda can be reached as a day trip from Seville. This is always a favorite with visitors! Unfortunately the packaged tours tend not to do it justice. Therefore we recommend either renting a car for the day (or an overnight) or hiring a private driver. That way you can combine popular Ronda, one of the top places to visit in Spain, with some of the smaller, more authentic pueblos blancos to truly get a taste of Southern Spain off the beaten path.
(Psst, Spain Less Traveled can help organize and personalize this component of your trip. We are pueblo blanco pros!)
Itálica, with its Roman ruins, is very close to Seville, perfect for a day trip or even a half day trip.
Don’t make these Seville travel mistakes
First off, just like Madrid and Barcelona, you will want to make sure you give yourself plenty of time in Seville. You can not possibly see all the sights in just a few days. And since this is Andalucía, the south of Spain, making time to just enjoy the chill is important.
A minimum of three days is recommended in Seville, but we’ve written several Spain travel itineraries with much more time there.
Another common Spain travel mistake is to go on day trips to Granada, Córdoba or Málaga from Seville. And do not do a day trip to Seville from Madrid. Yes, this is sometimes advertised, and no, it is not worth it.
In our professional opinion, this is a mistake. All of these cities have plenty to see and do, and a day just is not enough time to do any of them justice.
You will want at least a couple of days in both of these cities. Granada is much further away, and although Córdoba is just a quick train ride, you will really wish you had more time there.
And finally, unless entirely unavoidable, don’t go to Seville in July or August. It can get well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do go during these months, add extra time in Seville to your Spain travel itinerary because, during the heat of the day, you will not want to be outdoors (or want to be at a shaded outdoor cafe enjoying a cool drink).
If you liked Seville then you will like…
Looking down in Antequera’s quaint old Moorish quarter.
Antequera.
Yes, the most obvious answer is the other top cities in Andalucía, Granada and Córdoba, but chances are, these are already on your radar. And if it was that Andaluz spirit and culture that made you fall in love with Seville, then look no further than Antequera.
Many describe Antequera as an authentic and off-the-beaten-path Andalucía without the crowds, and that it is.
Located almost smack in the center of Andalucía, Antequera was slated to be Andalucía’s capital before the title was given to Seville. Because of its central location in Málaga province, travelers in the south of Spain often pass through Antequera, but few stop.
That is a shame. In Antequera you can tour a beautiful Alcazaba (old moorish fortress), but without the crowds! There are great vistas of the city and the Andaluz countryside from the top. On the downward slope toward the city center, you can wander through a small zig zagged old Moorish quarter, but you guessed it, without the crowds of Granada’s Albaicín. Antequera also boasts any historical churches and landmarks of architectural interest.
If Seville stole your heart, without a doubt check out Antequera, with all the Andaluz soul, but much more laid back.
But there’s so much more in Spain to discover and the choices can be overwhelming
These three cities are literally just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many more places to visit in Spain. And where you should go is entirely dependent on your personal interests!
We offer several levels of Spain traveling planning services. Spain Less Traveled can work with all different types of travelers and travel planners, from those who want our full support throughout the entire travel planning process to those who simply need to talk with a Spain destination specialist to assist with specific aspects of travel planning.
If you loved this, you might like our other in depth guides by region.
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