Melo Villareal
Travel Tips: 12 Must-Visit Cities in Spain
Spain is one of the world’s most visited destinations. In 2015, more than 68 million tourists visited the country, the largest recorded tourist influx, third to France and the United States that year.
That estimate continues to grow through time, and if you plan to add to that, you might be at a loss about which specific place in the 506,000 km2 you should go to.
While each place in Spain is different and beautiful in its own way, here are the 12 must-visit cities that you should definitely see for starters:
Spain is a country with a wealth of diverse cities that offer unique experiences. Barcelona entices with its artistic treasures and Gaudí’s architectural marvels. Madrid, the vibrant capital, boasts world-class museums and a lively atmosphere. Seville enchants with its Moorish heritage, flamenco culture, and stunning landmarks. Granada captivates with the iconic Alhambra palace and its charming old quarter. Valencia offers a mix of modern architecture, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine. Bilbao impresses with its avant-garde art scene and the renowned Guggenheim Museum. And Toledo enchants with its medieval charm and rich history. These cities showcase the rich tapestry of Spanish culture, making them must-visit destinations for travelers.
1. Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is the third-largest city in the European Union. For many years, it has been one of the most visited cities in the country, with attractions that exude history, culture, and arts.
The bustling Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and the Museo Nacional Del Prado, which exhibits some of the best art collections in the region, are just three things that guests can see here.
Also Read: Of the Old and of the New: A Walking Tour of Madrid, Spain
Featured Hotel: Catalonia Gran Via (hotel info) is a hotel that is the epitome of Madrid hospitality—with a rooftop heated pool that offers absolutely stunning sights of Madrid at night, elegant rooms that are extra comfy, and a convenient location.
Nearest airport: Daily, international flights land and depart from the Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). The Madrid Municipal Transport Company bus line and the Madrid Metro Line are accessible from there.
2. Barcelona
Capital of autonomous Catalonia and the second most populous city, Barcelona is home to the genius architect Antoni Gaudi’s most well-known works of art, such as the still-incomplete Sagrada Familia, the colorful Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, and Park Guell.
Also Read: Brilliant Streets and Genius Architecture: Two Days in Barcelona, Spain
Featured hotel: I stayed in Hotel del Mar (hotel info) during my most recent Barcelona trip. The rooms are clean and have a homey feel. My room had a veranda overlooking the city, making my stay unforgettable.
Nearest airport: The Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) is just 14 kilometers from central Barcelona, which major airlines like Air Canada, All Nippon Airways, and American Airlines utilize.
3. Salamanca
Quaint Salamanca gives off a very historical feel, and some infrastructures are so old and well-preserved that they can be compared to places like Hogwarts.
The oldest building in the city dates back to the 1200s. The oldest university in the entire country, the University of Salamanca, is located here. In 1998 the Old City Salamanca was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Featured hotel: Hotel Rector (hotel info) is an attractively old-fashioned hotel that accompanies the city vibes. It is conveniently located in the heart of the city. The hotel has a consistent spot in the travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler’s annual Gold List of City Hotels.
Nearest airport: 15 kilometers east of the city is Salamanca Airport, located near a train station that directly passes by the city.
4. Granada
Aside from being -blended with nature, Granada is known for its architecture. Buildings such as the Granada Cathedral, the Gardens of Generalife, and the Palace of Charles V, are just some of the sights in the city.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Alhambra, an ancient fortress that started as a small one in AD 889, is also located in this city.
Featured hotel: NH Granada Centro (hotel info) is a 4-star hotel that offers rooms at affordable rates and is located near landmarks like Calle Navas and the Corral del Carbon.
Nearest airport: The closest airport to the city is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport, called Granada Airport. It accommodated more than 753,000 passengers in 2016.
5. Burgos
Dubbed the Spanish Gastronomy Capital in 2013, Burgos is a city that should not be missed by anyone. Here, dishes are still cooked in traditional ways, such as morcilla de Burgos, tender lechazo cuts, and the city’s signature Queso de Burgos. Notable landmarks include the towering Burgos Cathedral and the modern Museum of Human Evolution.
Also Read: Saving the Best for Last: Exploring the History and Gastronomy of Burgos City, Spain
Featured hotel: Hotel Forum Evolution (hotel info) is a 3-star hotel beside the Museum of Human Evolution. Despite its accessibility, the hotel premises maintain a quiet atmosphere with cozy rooms.
Nearest airport: Four kilometers east of central Burgos is Burgos Airport. Unfortunately, this airport only opens seasonally.
6. San Sebastian
The Basque city of San Sebastian is probably the most unique Spanish destination in this city. Bordered by three coastal mountains (one of which had an amusement park), a pure-white beach, and six bridges throughout the city, San Sebastian is ideal for short walking tours and pintxos.
Also Read: Urbanized in Nature: A Walking Tour of San Sebastian, Spain
Featured hotel: Hotel Zenit (hotel info) was our official accommodation when I recently toured San Sebastian. The hotel had a very luxurious feel that stuck out in town. It had a pool on the rooftop that wonderfully overlooked the small San Sebastian.
The nearest airport is the San Sebastian Airport, which serves domestic flights to and from Madrid and Barcelona.
7. Bilbao
Home to the 165-meter tall Iberdrola Tower, Bilbao’s metropolitan area is the economic hub of Basque Country.
Known for its urbanized streets, Bilbao is the region’s leading iron and other minerals producer. The Guggenheim Museum and the Basilica of Begoña are iconic landmarks here.
Featured hotel: If you plan to explore Bilbao immediately, Miro Hotel (hotel info) is a good choice. It is located right in the heart of town and just a few minutes from the Iberdrola Tower.
Nearest airport: Bilbao Airport serves mostly European airlines from France, Switzerland, and Germany. Domestic flights from Barcelona and Madrid also land at this airport.
8. Pamplona
Pamplona is known for its annual San Fermin Festival, which involves the bulls’ iconic running. The city has a relaxing atmosphere suitable for walking tours, narrow, sloped streets in the residential areas, and the eye-catching City Hall.
Also Read: Of Narrow Streets and Walls: Walking Tour in Pamplona, Spain
Featured Hotel: With luxury and coziness combined, Hotel Albret (hotel info) is one of the most highly-rated hotels in the city. It is located conveniently from must-see spots like Calle de la Rioja.
Nearest airport: Roughly 6 km from the town center is Pamplona Airport. The airport only serves flights from and bound for Madrid, with occasional Barcelonan flights.
9. Valencia
Valencia is a highly-urbanized city, yet it also has its quaint sides. The Tower of Serrans is an example of a 14th-century structure that stands proudly alongside the modern architecture of the entertainment complex City of Arts and Sciences and the Town Hall.
Featured hotel: Located near the city’s major tourist destinations, Caro Hotel (hotel info) redefines luxury. Each of the 26 rooms in the hotel is designed differently, with the street-side rooms having verandas with a beautiful view of the city and the hotel property’s environment.
Nearest airport: Valencia Airport is 8 km from the city center and highly accessible by the metro rail and bus lines. Airlines that use the airport are mostly European.
10. Seville
Seville has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Alcazar, the 15th-century Cathedral of Seville, and the General Archive of the Indies. The city is the fourth largest in Spain and is known for its glorious celebration of Semana Santa (Holy Week).
Featured Hotel: Each room and suite in Hotel Palacio de Villapanes (hotel info) is exquisitely designed to look like an 18th-century palace. It has just the proper distance away from town and gives a sense of exclusivity and royalty.
Nearest airport: Seville Airport services international airlines in Spain’s southern regions, just 10 km from downtown Seville.
11. Toledo
Come to Toledo for the historical sights, and stay for the quiet and home-like vibes. Stop by the 13th-century Gothic Toledo Cathedral and maybe spend time in the Alcazar of Toledo, a 16th-century palace converted into a military museum.
Featured Hotel: A city with idyllic sights can only be perfect if you stay in a hotel that offers the same. Eurostars Palacio Buenavista (hotel info), although located far from sights like Plaza Paris and the Alcazar, is the perfect place. Nearby is the Tagus River, which you can visit for an early morning walk.
Nearest airport: Madrid-Barajas Airport is the nearest airport in the city, a 75-minute train or bus ride from central Toledo.
12. Cordoba
Cordoba, sometimes spelled Cordova, is a southern Spanish city with a long history. It was colonized by Muslim forces, and much of the local culture and buildings continue to be influenced by it.
The city is also known for its natural tourist spots, like the Jardines de la Victoria and the Parque de Miraflores.
Featured hotel: After exploring the streets of Cordoba, relax in Hotel Viento 10’s (hotel info) sauna and Jacuzzi, and get a comfy sleep in the hotel’s old-fashioned but elegant rooms.
Nearest airport: Cordoba Airport is 6 km from the city. Domestic flights and Schengen countries are served by this airport.
How about you? What do you think about our list of must-visit cities in Spain?
Also read:
- Best Things to do in Toledo, Spain
- Things To Do In Bilbao, Spain
- Best Things To Do In Seville, Spain
- 7 Best Airbnbs in Bilbao, Spain
- Top 11 Best Airbnbs in Granada to Book for Your Next Trip
- 8 Best Airbnbs in Seville, Spain
