Things to do in Spain

Things to do in  Spain

The land of siestas and fiestas

With world-class wine and food, sumptuous beaches and mountains, and islands including the Canaries and Ibiza, not to mention around 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites, it’s small wonder Spain is Europeans’ favorite vacation destination. Sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, hiking, and rock climbing all appeal. But most of the best things to do in Spain nestle within its historic cities. Travelers flock to Madrid’s palaces and galleries; Barcelona, where Gaudí meets Gothic; Granada, home of the Alhambra and flamenco; and Toledo, long Spain’s capital—but Seville, Bilbao, and Dalí’s Catalonia draw wanderers too.

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Top 15 attractions in Spain

#1

Sagrada Familia

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Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Antoni Gaudi’s magnum opus, is the most iconic structure in Barcelona (and the most popular, with nearly 3 million visitors per year). Construction has been ongoing for more than 130 years, and the surreal structure, with its rainbow-hued stained glass windows, is slated for completion in 2026. Even in its unfinished state, it remains an absolute must-see for every visitor to the Catalan capital.More
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#2

Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid)

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Madrid's Royal Palace (also known as the Palacio Real or Palacio de Oriente) is a beautiful baroque structure with some 3,000 rooms, making it one of Europe's largest castles. Although the royal family no longer lives here, the Palacio Real still serves as the king and queen's official residence, a venue for state ceremonies, and a place for tourists to get a peek into the royal history of Spain.More
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#3

Royal Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcázar de Sevilla)

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Sights across the entire Spanish south have been shaped by centuries of Moorish and Catholic influence, and in few places is this more evident and captivating than at the Royal Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcázar de Sevilla). This UNESCO World Heritage Site’s sprawling complex is made up of several features; the most picturesque is arguably the Patio de las Doncellas, with its tranquil ponds that reflect the intricate mudéjar plasterwork for which the palace is especially noted.More
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#4

Park Güell

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Antoni Gaudí spent 15 years designing and building the whimsical fountains, mosaic benches, pedestrian walkways, and gingerbread house-like buildings within Park Güell, one of the seven Works of Antoni Gaudí locations that together make up a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with the Sagrada Familia, the hilltop public park sits at the top of Barcelona’s must-see list, and for good reason. The art nouveau wonderland adorns many a postcard of the city.More
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#5

Alhambra (Alhambra de Granada)

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Built on a hill overlooking Granada and set against a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, the Alhambra (Alhambra de Granada) is a sprawling complex of intricately decorated palaces, pristine gardens, and a once-mighty fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage site was constructed during the Nasrid Dynasty and later partially destroyed and rebuilt by King Charles V. With its mix of Renaissance and Moorish architecture, the Alhambra Palace is the most sought-after attraction for visitors to Granada, sitting high on most must-see lists for Andalucia and Spain as a whole.More
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#6

The Giralda (El Giraldillo)

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There is no more representative symbol of Seville’s layered history than the 322-foot (98-meter) The Giralda (El Giraldillo). The bell tower of the city’s cathedral stands a little apart from the main building; it was once the minaret of a mosque that stood on the site before it was razed to make way for the cathedral.More
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#7

Generalife Gardens

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The 13th-century Generalife served as a summer retreat for Nasrid kings when they needed a break from palace affairs. From its perch on Cerro del Sol (Hill of the Sun), the series of terraces, promenades, and gardens spread across 74 landscaped acres (30 hectares) of the Alhambra complex afford some of the best views over Granada.More
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#8

Alcalá Gate (Puerta de Alcalá)

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The neoclassical Alcalá Gate (Puerta de Alcalá), in Plaza de la Independencia, is one of Madrid’s most recognizable monuments. Designed by Italian architect Francesco Sabatini and erected in 1778, the triumphal granite gate once served as one of five main entrances to the city. The statues on top represent the cardinal virtues.More
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#9

Teide National Park (Parque Nacional del Teide)

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The largest and oldest national park in the Canary Islands and home to Spain’s highest peak—Mount Teide—Teide National Park (Parque Nacional del Teide) is one of the top attractions on Tenerife. The rugged landscape of the park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is magnificent—a geological wonder featuring an expanse of rugged lava fields, ancient calderas, and volcanic peaks.More
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#10

Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)

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The Prado Museum (Museo del Prado) houses one of the finest art collections in the world, specializing in European art from the 12th to the 19th centuries. Thousands of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art are on display throughout its halls, and they represent merely a fraction of the total collection. Highlights include works by Francisco Goya, Diego Velázquez, and El Greco. Perhaps the most famous paintings are Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor) by Velázquez, Goya's "Black Paintings," and The Garden of Earthly Delights, a triptych from Hieronymus Bosch.More
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#11

Casa Batlló

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One of Barcelona’s most fanciful buildings, the elaborate Casa Batlló was built by celebrated Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and is nicknamed the “House of Bones” for its contorted window frames and skeletal pillars. Casa Batlló’s interior is equally mind-boggling, featuring rippled walls, exquisite tile work, and sculpted fireplaces.More
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#12

Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede)

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The world’s largest Gothic cathedral, built atop the remains of a mosque, the Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede) features a spectacular gold altarpiece in its main altar depicting 36 scenes from the life of Christ, as well as the tomb of Christopher Columbus, works by Goya and Murillo, and the dramatic Giralda Tower.More
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#13

Guggenheim Museum

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Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry and opened in 1997, is hailed as one of the most important architectural works of its time. Within its undulating and reflecting walls on the banks of the Nervión River, you’ll find a rotating artistic wonderland of both modern and contemporary art.More
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#14

Masca Valley

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Characterized by rugged cliffs, forested trails, and waterfalls, the wild landscapes of the Masca Valley are among Tenerife’s most beautiful. The remote gorge offers a thrilling backdrop for a hike—the trail winds down through the gorge and finishes at a black-sand beach.More
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#15

El Caminito del Rey

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One of Andalucia’s top attractions, El Caminito del Rey is a narrow hiking path known for its nearly 2-mile (3-km) stretch of man-made boardwalks and glass footbridges that hug the sides of sheer cliffs and hang over river gorges. The roughly 3-hour hike takes you on paths 350 feet above the Guadalhorce River, offering stunning views of the Gaitanes Canyon (Desfiladero de los Gaitanes).More
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Top activities in Spain

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Top Destinations

Barcelona
Barcelona
Madrid
Madrid
Seville
Seville
Granada
Granada
Malaga
Malaga
Tenerife
Tenerife
Mallorca
Mallorca
Valencia
Valencia
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria
Ibiza
Ibiza
Lanzarote
Lanzarote
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura
Benidorm
Benidorm
Menorca
Menorca
Canary Islands
Canary Islands

Top Destinations

Barcelona
Barcelona
Madrid
Madrid
Seville
Seville
Granada
Granada
Malaga
Malaga
Tenerife
Tenerife
Mallorca
Mallorca
Valencia
Valencia
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria
Ibiza
Ibiza
Lanzarote
Lanzarote
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura
Benidorm
Benidorm
Menorca
Menorca
Canary Islands
Canary Islands

All about Spain

When to visit

Summer is everyone’s favorite time to visit Spain, with a host of fiestas from August’s La Tomatina in Buñol to July’s running of the bulls in Pamplona, plus toasty temperatures that pack the beaches. For a more mellow experience, shoulder seasons can be magical: April, May, and September offer warm weather and plenty of sun. You’ll need to plan ahead for an Easter visit, particularly if you’re headed to Seville, but Holy Week celebrations draw crowds.

Getting around

Clean, green, high-speed trains zip across mainland Spain at rates of up to 190 mph (310 kph), and every city or major town has a train connection of some sort. Buses are a slower but cheaper alternative, while the BlaBlaCar carpooling service is a hit with budget-conscious travelers. Parking in large towns and cities can be painful, so you’ll likely only want a car for exploring the countryside. There are both ferries and flights to the islands.

Traveler tips

Spanish cooking is highly regional, which means you won’t find a good paella in Madrid. Head to Valencia for the original, traditionally made with meat not seafood: The 100-year-old Casa Carmela serves a family recipe that’s cooked over orange-tree wood. For a dose of old-school sophistication in Barcelona, head to Boadas, the city’s oldest bar, for a dry martini. Rather than shaking or stirring, bartenders throw the drink between two shakers.

Local Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
CET (UTC +1)
Country Code
+34
Language(s)
Catalan
Attractions
700
Tours
12,073
Reviews
611,716
EN
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People Also Ask

What activities are offered in Spain?

There are many diverse activities to do in Spain—from hiking mountains and snorkeling the Mediterranean Sea to wine tasting, eating local specialties, and taking castle tours. Some of the most popular include visiting Spain’s famous tourist attractions, including the Alhambra in Granada and Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

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What is the number one tourist attraction in Spain?

The number one tourist attraction in Spain is the Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Antoni Gaudi. The cathedral, which is still unfinished, is located in Barcelona and visited by millions of people each year. Visitors can explore both the interior and exterior of the church.

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What is Spain is famous for?

Spain is famous for popular tourist attractions like Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Alhambra in Granada. It’s also famous for its laid-back lifestyle, Mediterranean coast, and Spanish food, such as tapas, sangria, and paella. Spain is also known as a cultural destination, famous for art and architecture.

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What is the funnest thing to do in Spain?

There are many fun things to do in Spain. Night owls party in Ibiza or drink on rooftop bars in Madrid. Those that love the beach head to the Mediterranean coast—choose Barcelona for Gaudi’s finest architecture and water access. History buffs gravitate towards cities like Granada and its Alhambra Palace.

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What is the nicest part of Spain to visit?

The nicest part of Spain depends on your interests. If you love the beach, head to the Mediterranean coast or islands like Mallorca or Tenerife. If you prefer history and culture, Barcelona, Andalusia, or Madrid might be a better fit. Or, explore underrated, lesser-visited regions like Asturias or Galicia.

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Do’s and don’ts in Spain?

When in Spain, do as the Spaniards do. It’s best to dine later in the day, learn some Spanish, wear sunblock on hot, sunny days, and take an afternoon siesta. Don’t be rude to the locals, eat meals too early, or shake hands (instead, give two kisses on either cheek).

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