Spain is one of Europe’s most visited countries, and as the title of our documentary says, that many tourists can’t be wrong. Gaudí’s imagination, the Islamic architecture of Andalusia, Roman-era engineering marvels and dinners that stretch past midnight… In this guide we grouped the 26 places from the video into three main regions.
Barcelona: Gaudí’s city
The Sagrada Familia is a masterpiece that has been under construction for more than 140 years. The colored light pouring through its stained glass is as breathtaking as the facades outside. Follow Gaudí’s trail through the mosaic terraces of Park Güell, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. The narrow lanes of the Gothic Quarter, La Boqueria market and the beachfront are Barcelona’s other classics.
Madrid and around
In the capital, Madrid, the highlights are the Royal Palace, the historic Plaza Mayor and the Prado, one of the world’s great art museums. In the middle of the city, the ancient Temple of Debod, a gift from Egypt, is especially beautiful at sunset.
Two cities make easy day trips from Madrid: Toledo, shaped by Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures, and Segovia, with its Roman aqueduct. For tours: things to do in Spain.
Andalusia: The heart of Spain
- Granada: The Alhambra, the jewel of Moorish architecture, and the whitewashed Albaicín neighborhood.
- Seville: One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world and the Giralda tower, a converted minaret, plus the grand, tile-covered Plaza de España.
- Córdoba: The Mezquita-Cathedral, with its “forest” of hundreds of columns, one of the rare places where two faiths share a single building.
Catching a flamenco show in the evening is the best way to experience Andalusian culture at its most alive.
Valencia and the islands
Valencia offers the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and the land where paella was born. Mallorca and Ibiza in the Mediterranean, and the volcanic Canary Islands with Mount Teide in the Atlantic, show yet another side of Spain.
When to go
April–June and September–October are the most balanced months nationwide. Andalusia gets very hot in summer, when the northern coast (the Basque Country, Galicia) is a cooler alternative. The Canary Islands stay mild in winter.
Getting around
Spain’s high-speed rail network links Madrid with Barcelona, Seville, Córdoba, Málaga and Valencia; tickets booked early are much cheaper. A rental car is ideal for exploring Andalusia’s white villages (pueblos blancos). For flights: flights to Spain.
Where to stay
Eixample and the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, the Sol and Huertas area in Madrid and the Santa Cruz neighborhood in Seville are all convenient bases: hotels in Spain.
What to eat
Tapas culture turns eating into a social event in Spain: small plates while hopping from bar to bar. Don’t miss paella, tortilla de patatas (potato omelet), gazpacho and that breakfast essential, churros con chocolate.
Sample itinerary: 12 days
- Days 1–3: Barcelona.
- Days 4–6: High-speed train to Madrid; Toledo and Segovia.
- Day 7: Córdoba.
- Days 8–10: Seville.
- Days 11–12: Granada and the Alhambra.
Unusual facts
- Spain consistently ranks among the most visited countries in the world.
- Construction of Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and is still going on.
- The Aqueduct of Segovia has stood for nearly two thousand years without any mortar, held together purely by the balance of its stones.
- Dinner in Spain usually starts after 9 p.m., and many restaurants don’t even open their kitchens earlier.
- Mount Teide in the Canary Islands is Spain’s highest peak.
Things to watch out for & tourist traps
- In Barcelona, Las Ramblas, the metro and the beaches are pickpocket hot spots.
- Ignore street sellers offering tickets for the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell or the Alhambra; buy only through official channels.
- During siesta hours (mid-afternoon), most shops in small towns close.
- Don’t leave your phone on the table at the beach or in a café, and be wary of people who ask you to look at a map or claim something has been spilled on you.
Visas & entry
Spain is in the Schengen Area. Entry rules depend on your passport: many travelers (including US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while others, such as Turkish citizens, need a Schengen visa. Appointment demand spikes before summer, so plan early if you need one.
Visa and entry rules depend on your passport and change often. Before you travel, always check the latest requirements with the destination country’s official sources and your own government’s travel advisory (for US citizens: travel.state.gov).
Spain guides
Frequently asked questions
Which cities should first-time visitors to Spain choose?
Barcelona, Madrid and the Andalusian triangle (Seville, Granada, Córdoba) make a classic, well-balanced first trip.
When should I book Alhambra tickets?
Entry to the Nasrid Palaces is by timed ticket and numbers are limited, so it’s best to book weeks ahead, especially in spring and summer.
Is Spain very hot in summer?
In Andalusia and the interior, midday temperatures in July and August can be extreme. Shift sightseeing to mornings and late afternoons, or head for the northern coast instead.
