11 Best Places To Visit In Spain – 2019

Historical extravaganza, mesmerizing beauty, a plethora of colourful festivals, or the beautiful fun-loving people proof that Spain is the best tourist places to visit. Make sure you visit these marvellous places in Spain and let your family & friends know about the beauty of this city. An insider’s guide into the top places and cities to visit in Spain (things to see in Spain) – and where to stay while you’re there.

• Barcelona: The fun modernist Catalonia capital
• Granada: Historic Moorish architecture galore
• Madrid: The heart of Spain
• Seville: one of Spain’s most romantic cities
• Valencia: A mix of traditional and modern architecture
• Cordoba: Shadow of its monumental past
• The Balearic Islands: The beautiful but popular resort islands
• Toledo: Ancient and magnificent city set on a hill
• San Sebastian: The upscale coastal resort city
• Playa del Silencio: The most beautiful beaches in Spain
• Ronda: The spectacular mountaintop city

1. Barcelona: The fun modernist Catalonia capital

Barcelona is one of the country’s top travel destinations, located in northeastern Spain. It offers everything tourists look for in a European city from vibrant culture historic architecture to lively shopping, and buzzing nightlife. Barcelona is the architectural marvels of Spain’s famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, which include the Casa Batllo and the famous Sagrada Familia church ‘top tourist attractions of Spain’. These extraordinary structures feature combinations of fascinating shapes and designs. If you’re a football fan, you can’t leave Barcelona without a visit to FC Barcelona’s headquarters, Camp Nou Stadium. Popular tourist activities in Barcelona include sunbath on Barceloneta, one of the city’s most popular beaches, a tree-lined pedestrian avenue and strolling along La Rambla.

Best for History, culture, architecture.

How long do I need? 2-3 days.

Best Things to Do in Barcelona:

Visit Park Guell by Gaudi, stroll through the Gothic Quarter, eat at Boqueria Market, marvel at La Sagrada Família, shop your way through Las Ramblas.

Best time to visit Barcelona:

May to June when balmy temperatures in the low, actual summertime are sticky with humidity. Barcelona is the most-visited city in Spain during the spring may seem like a smart idea for avoiding crowds, April sees frequent showers, which may put a literal damper on sightseeing plans.

Best Hotels in Barcelona:

Hotel Arts Barcelona, Cotton House Hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona.

2. Granada: Historic Moorish architecture galore

Granada is one of the ‘most famous places to visit in Spain’, located at the Sierra Nevada mountains. The base offers a combination of traditional cultures, an animated nightlife and spectacular attractions including the world famous Alhambra, a pinnacle of Moorish art that encapsulates Andalusian history. Many tourist visitors coming to Granada expressly to see the Alhambra. The  Alhambra offers the visitor splendid ornamental architecture, cascading and dripping water features, and breathtaking views of the city below.

Best for Architecture, food.

How long do I need? 3-4 days.

Best Things to Do in Granada:

Visit the Alhambra, shop through the Alcaiceria market, 4WD through the Sierra Nevada National Park, explore the Albaicín neighbourhood and see a flamenco show.

Best time to visit  Granada:

The best time to go to Granada is in April and June as well as September and October. From April to June, temperatures are cool, flowers are fully bloomed and some of the city’s biggest cultural events fill up the calendar.

Best Hotels in Granada:

El Lodge, AC Palacio De Santa Paula, Parador De Granada.

3. Madrid: The heart of Spain

Often counted amongst the ‘best place to visit in Spain with family’, It is widely known for its sizzling nightlife scene. The Madrid city constitutes a diversity of ethnic groups, making it one of Europe’s most colourful cosmopolitan cities. Located within the city centre are most of Madrid’s most popular tourist attractions such as the residence of Spain’s monarch, the Royal Palace. The heart of Spain (and Madrid) is Puerta del Sol, a large plaza serving as the scene of festivals, gatherings and street performers as well as a hub for the public transportation network.

Best for Art, food and drinks, nightlife.

How long do I need? 2-4 days

Best Things to Do in Madrid:

Shop through the Mercado San Miguel market, see some of the art scenes, stop by Gateway of the Sun, try the local food and experience the nightlife.

Best time to visit  Madrid:

The best month to visit Madrid is in the fall (September to November) or spring (March to May), when balmy temps blow through the city, making it come alive.

Best Hotels in Madrid:

Gran Melia Palacio de Los Duques, Hotel Orfila, Boutique Hotel Madrid.

4. Seville: one of Spain’s most romantic cities

Exceptional tourist attractions, lively festivals, outdoor cafes along cobbled streets and buzzing nightlife all make Seville one of the ‘best places to go in Spain for couples’. Seville is also the region’s financial and cultural capital. Many important and historic landmarks, chief of which is the grand Cathedral of Seville, where it is believed that Christopher Columbus is buried. Another beautiful building is the Real Alcazar, an extravagant Moorish palace with luxurious gardens.

Best for Food and drinks, history, architecture.

How long do I need? 3-4 days

Best Things to Do in Seville:

Visit the Alcázar of Seville, take a river cruise, see the Seville Cathedral, watch a flamenco show and stop by the Real Maestranza bullring.

Best time to visit  Seville:

The best month to visit Seville is from March to May. The summers in Seville temperatures are mild, the rush of tourist traffic hasn’t reached summer volume and the hotels tend to offer lower rates (except during special events).

Best Hotels in Seville:

Hotel Alfonso XIII, Hotel Palacio de Villapanes, Gran Melia Colon.

5. Valencia: A mix of traditional and modern architecture

It is located in the eastern part of the country in the region of Valencia. The city constructed its most impressive landmark, a massive cultural and entertainment complex known as the City of Arts and Science, one of the popular ‘places to visit in Spain’ and a major tourist attraction. Contained several buildings such as a science museum, planetarium and aquarium that are each artistic marvels in and of themselves. Valencia hosts the Fallas Festival where each neighbourhood displays paper-mache figures of all colours and sizes. At the end of the week, the figures are ceremoniously burned, and the communities party into the night.

Best for Architecture, museums, food.

How long do I need? 3-4 days

Best Things to Do in  Valencia:

Visit the city’s arts and sciences museums, shop the Central Market, stop by the Valencia Cathedral, check out the beaches and learn to cook paella.

Best time to visit  Valencia:

The best month to Valencia is in April and May, the sweet spot full of warm weather and void of crazy crowds. The city boasts a Mediterranean climate with consistently pleasant weather.

Best Hotels in Valencia:

Hospes Palau de la Mar, Caro Hotel, Hotel One Shot Palacio Reina Victoria 04.

6. Cordoba: Shadow of its monumental past

The historic quarter of Cordoba is a maze of tiny medieval streets, plazas and whitewashed courtyards all situated around the star attraction, the Mezquita. Today the major draw is one building alone and that’s the Mezquita and now a glorious cathedral retaining most of its original architecture. Its forest of columns topped with Islamic-style red and white striped arches serves as a reminder of the glory and importance Córdoba held in medieval times. The ‘must visit places in Spain’ include the Fortress of the Christian Monarchs, the Street of Flowers, and the Old Jewish Quarter with its charming patios and souvenir shops.

Best for History, culture.

How long do I need? 2-3 days

Best Things to Do in Cordoba:

Visit the Mezquita, explore and dine in Calleja de las Flores, see the gardens of Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos, explore the Jewish quarter and see the views of the Roman Bridge.

Best time to visit  Cordoba:

The best month to visit Cordoba, May and October are considered the best. These days are warm and nights are cool.

Best Hotels in Cordoba:

NH Collection Amistad Córdoba, Las Casas de La Juderia, Hotel Madinat.

7. The Balearic Islands: The beautiful but popular resort islands

‘Spain tourist attractions’ the four largest Balearic Islands Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca draw tourists from across the world. Ibiza is perhaps the most popular tourist location, particularly for young adults looking for a new kind of nightlife. These islands are typically overrun with summer tourists, there are still many unspoilt places to visit and they actually hold a fair bit of history.

Best for  Beaches, scenic sites, nightlife, hiking/cycling.

How long do I need? 2-3 days

Best Things to Do in the Balearic Islands:

Drive or cycle Tramuntana (Mallorca), visit the Palma Cathedral (Mallorca), relax on a boat trip, experience the nightlife (Ibiza) and explore the beaches.

Best time to visit the Balearic Islands:

The best time to visit the Balearic Islands is in the summer when there’s lots of sunshine and clear blue sky from June to August. The average temperature is around 32°C, which is very warm and best for relaxing on the beach.

Best Hotels in the Balearic Islands:

The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, Posada Terra Santa, Protur Biomar Gran Hotel & Spa.

8. Toledo: Ancient and magnificent city set on a hill

This city holds ’best cities to visit in Spain’ an extensive amount of cultural heritage and is known as the “Imperial City” for having been the main location if the court of Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor. There are several historical sites that draw in visitors, including the Castillo de San Servando, the medieval castle near the banks of the Tagus river and the Infantry Academy. This particular castle still stands proud and was named a national monument.

Best for Architecture, history, art.

How long do I need? 2-3 days

Best Things to Do in Toledo:

Visit the grand Gothic-style cathedral, explore the Alcázar, see the Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes (church), taste the unique cuisine and stop by Mirador del Valle lookout.

Best time to visit Toledo:

The best time to visit Toledo is during the month of June when temperatures are hot but the accommodations are more affordable. Most tourists come to Toledo during the spring.

Best Hotels in Toledo:

The Westin Seattle, Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, Sheraton Grand Seattle.

9. San Sebastian: The upscale coastal resort city

San Sebastian is a small but sophisticated city with pure blue oceans the ‘best place to vacation in Spain’. This city has an allure, from its stunning dining scene to its amazing architecture to the luscious beaches that frame the city. This beach destination for its breathtaking shorelines, hiker-friendly mountains and unmatched foodie scene.

Best for pure blue oceans, beaches.

How long do I need? 3-4 days

Best Things to Do in San Sebastian:

Parte Vieja, Pintxos Food Tours, La Concha Beach.

Best time to visit San Sebastian:

The best time to visit San Sebastian is during the month of May to July. visiting San Sebastián in the fall during low season. it was quiet, and a lot more affordable.

Best Hotels in San Sebastian:

Hotel Maria Cristina, Hotel Akelarre, Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.

10. Playa del Silencio: Beautiful beaches in Spain

The utter picturesque beauty that is Playa del Silencio in Asturias is well worth a visit. The clear waters seem to reflect the sky at all times, and the smooth curve of the cliffside makes for some perfect photos. “Playa del Silencio” translates in English as “Beach of Silence”, which is a beautiful name for this peaceful place. To access the beach you will have to do a small trek down if you choose to walk rather than going by car, but it’s worth it. The coastline of Cudillero is a unique one, with stunning islets and high cliffs that are spectacular.

Best for beaches, food.

How long do I need? 2-3 days

Best Things to Do in Playa del Silencio:

Take a Dip in a Cenote, Explore Chichen Itza, Try Traditional Mayan Food at La Perla Pixan Cuisine, Chill Out at Lido’s Beach Club, Take a Day Trip to Xpu Ha.

Best time to visit Playa del Silencio:

The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is between March and May when there are fewer people along the shore. October to March, the climate is generally dry and slightly warm.

Best Hotels in Playa del Silencio:

Hotel EL FORNON, Apartahotel La Hortona, Hotel Torre de Villademoros.

11. Ronda: the spectacular mountaintop city

Ronda is a beautiful location surrounded by lively river valleys with a population of around 34,000 people, one of the most visited places in Spain. Malaga is a large city in the southern Spanish region of Andalucia so ‘popular holiday destinations in Spain’ for young adults. Ronda most famous landmark and is the perfect adventure for exploring holiday-makers. The Puente Nuevo bridge took approx 42 years to build and joins the old Moorish town and the newer El Mercadillo parts of the city.

Best for history, art.

How long do I need? 2-3 days

Best Things to Do in Ronda:

Visit the bull ring at Plaza De Toros, Explore the Arab baths of Banos Arabes, Tour the bridge of Puente Nuevo, Explore the Arab baths of Banos Arabes.

Best time to visit Ronda:

The best time to visit Ronda is during the month of and September. it was quiet, and a lot more affordable.

Best Hotels in Ronda:

Hotel Montelirio, Parador de Ronda, Hotel Catalonia Ronda.