5 Must See Cities in Spain
Spain is a majestic country with spectacular landscapes from its castles to snow-capped mountains. Home to rich traditions of flamenco and bullfighting. Host of dynamic cities of like Madrid and Barcelona. Bursting with the allure of the Moorish influence in Andalusia and the green northern coast. From San Sebastian and the Basque country across to Santiago de Compostela and its famous Cathedral. The country occupies 85% of the Iberian Peninsula, sharing the rest with Portugal.
Visit some of the best cities in Spain on one of our Spain itineraries.
Its diverse geography ranges from its hot central plains to the mountains of the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevadas, the citrus groves of the south and the cooler climates of the northern coast. Culturally, Spain is made of 17 autonomous regions. Its peoples speak a diversity of languages from Castilian Spanish to Catalan, Euskara in the Basque regions, and Gallego in Galicia. Its diversity also springs from its historical roots. Ruled by the Romans to the Moors and the distinctive cultural, religious, artistic, architectural, linguistic, and culinary influences each left imprinted on subsequent generations.
Here are 5 of the must-see cities Spain has to offer:
Madrid
Madrid is not only Spain’s capital city but a dynamic and modern city. It is full of world-class museums, historical monuments, and lively squares. Its artistic collections include the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Art Center, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Some smaller delights like the Goya frescoes at the chapel of St. Anthony de la Florida and the Joaquin Sorolla Museum whose home and gardens are in the city’s outskirts, are also must-see. Other attractions include the Royal Palace as well as the vast gardens of El Retiro Park. Be sure to visit the vibrant city squares such as the Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol.
Calle Mayor is one of the main streets of Madrid.
The city has a dynamic nightlife! A vibrant student culture and its residents adhere to the daily siesta tradition that dictates store hours and drives its late-night dining habits. Try a tapas crawl through one of Madrid’s charming neighbourhoods. Citizens embrace the quintessential Spanish traditions of bullfighting (its Plaza de las Ventas is the largest bullring in the country) and flamenco.
Flamenco is one of the cultural traditions in Spain
Córdoba
Córdoba is one of Andalusia’s gems that reflects its multicultural history through architectural treasures. These include La Mezquita, a former 10th century Moorish Mosque converted into a 16th century Cathedral. Old Town’s narrow winding streets are charming to explore (don’t miss the Alley of the Flowers). As is the Jewish quarter with its 14th century synagogue.
Mezquita – The Great Mosque and Roman Bridge on Guadalquivir
History abounds with the Palace of the Christian Kings, Roman bridge, Calahorra Fortress, and the Archaeological Museum. Flower-decked courtyards are displayed during the Festival of the Patios. And the Córdoba Festival features a week full of flamenco and bullfights.
Blue patio doors & flowers in Spain
Seville
Seville is a remarkable city. It manages to distill all that is the essence of Andalusia in one enticing package. Seville lies on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Boasting a fantastic historical core that displays its rich Moorish architectural heritage.
Bullring of the Real Maestranza de Caballería in Seville
The outstanding structures include its magnificent Cathedral with the striking La Giralda Tower, the Alcazar Palace and Torre del Oro watchtower, as well as the monumental Plaza de España. Other cultural highlights include the Fine Arts Museum, and the Archives of the Indies. The city is also the historic home to two of the most iconic Spanish customs, flamenco and bullfighting.
Traditional flamenco dresses
Barcelona
Barcelona is capital of Catalonia, an autonomous region of Spain. Locals have their own language and unique culture. Barcelona residents take great pride in their Catalan heritage, from the language to the unique food and festivals to displaying the Catalan flag. Some consider themselves Catalan rather than Spanish.
Catalunya National Museum of Art MNAC, in Barcelona, Spain
The city is renowned for its striking architecture, including the work of Gaudi. Visit the La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, and buildings such as La Pedrera, Casa Batlló and the whimsical Parc Güell. All are amazing works of art.
Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain.
Take in a performance at the stunning Palace for Catalan Music. Stroll the streets of Las Ramblas down to the waterfront with its Columbus Monument. And sample the local foods at La Boquería market. Spend time in the intriguing Gothic Quarter and wander its maze of atmospheric streets. Visit and admire Barcelona’s Cathedral as well as the Picasso Museum.
San Sebastián
San Sebastián is a renowned Basque beach resort along the Bay of Biscay. It charms visitors with its gorgeous setting along Concha Bay, bookmarked by twin peaks at either end. The city oozes cultural excellence, and has spectacular culinary offerings. Here, ‘pintxo hopping’ replaces the tapas crawl and locals may surf in their spare time.
The Comb of the Wind in Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
The charismatic Parte Vieja or old town includes some amazing sightseeing. These include the San Telmo Museum in a former convent, baroque and gothic churches, and Constitution Square which used to be the setting for bullfights. Visit the summits of Mount Urgell or Mount Igueldo for inspiring views!
San Sebastian, Basilica Koruko Andre Mariaren
