Top 29 Cities to Visit in Spain!

Every summer, Spain welcomes many tourists who come to enjoy the sun and the beautiful beaches. But Spain is more than just a country for summer vacationers. Its rich culture and unique architecture are appreciated by tourists from all over the world.

If you’re thinking of visiting the country, here’s a list you might like to have a look at the 29 top cities to visit when traveling in Spain.

Barcelona

The Region: Catalonia

The best things to do in Barcelona :

La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece.
Parc Güell.
La Rambla, the city’s most emblematic avenue.
The Boqueria market for its colorful, fresh produce.
The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) for its historic charm.
The Picasso Museum, home to a vast collection of works.
La Barceloneta beach for relaxing by the sea.
The Poble Espanyol for an immersion in Spanish architecture.
The Nou Camp for FC Barcelona soccer match.
The National Art Museum of Catalonia.

Weather: Pleasant temperatures all year-round, with warm summers and mild winters.

Typical dish to eat: Paella, a classic of Spanish cuisine.

Madrid

The Region: Community of Madrid

The best things to do in Madrid :

The Prado museum for its European art collections.
Plaza Mayor, the city’s historic square.
Madrid’s Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Spain.
Retiro Park for a nature break in the city.
The San Miguel market for a variety of tapas.
Gran Vía for shopping and entertainment.
The Reina Sofía museum for contemporary art.
The Chueca district for its lively nightlife.

Weather: Very hot, dry summers, cool winters.

Typical dish to eat: cocido madrileño, a traditional stew.

Seville

The Region: Andalusia

The best things to do in Seville :

Seville Cathedral and the Giralda.
The Alcazar, a royal palace with magnificent gardens.
The Santa Cruz district for its narrow streets and patios.
Plaza de España and María Luisa Park.
The Metropol Parasol for a special view of the city.
Seville’s Museum of Fine Arts.
The Triana district, cradle of flamenco.
Tapas in the city’s local bars.

Weather: Hot climate, especially in summer, with mild winters.

The typical dish to eat: Tapas, small plates to share.

Pomegranate

The Region: Andalusia

The best things to do in Granada :

The Alhambra, a palatial complex and emblematic fortress.
The Albaicín district for its views of the Alhambra and its Moorish charm.
Granada Cathedral, an example of Renaissance architecture.
La Cartuja monastery, a jewel of Baroque art.
The Generalife gardens, former gardens of the Nasrid kings.
Arab baths for a relaxing experience.
A stroll through Sacromonte, the gypsy quarter.

Weather: Hot, dry summers, cool winters with the possibility of snow in the mountains.

Typical dish to eat: habas con jamón, a dish of beans with ham.

Valencia

The Region: Valencian Community

The best things to do in Valencia :

Valencia’s central market.
Valencia Cathedral and the Miguelete.
The Albufera Natural Park, for its landscapes and wildlife.
Bioparc Valencia, a modern and innovative zoo.
The El Carmen district for its bohemian atmosphere.
Malvarrosa beach for relaxing by the sea.
The Valencia Museum of Fine Arts.

Weather: Pleasant temperatures all year-round, with hot summers.

Typical dish to eat: Paella valenciana, originally from this region.

Bilbao

The Region: Basque Country

The best things to do in Bilbao :

The Guggenheim Museum.
The old quarter (Casco Viejo) for its picturesque streets and boutiques.
Santiago de Bilbao Cathedral.
A walk along the Bilbao ria.
The Ribera market for local produce and tapas.
The Artxanda funicular for a panoramic view of the city.
Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts.

Weather: Temperate climate with frequent rainfall, mild summers.

The typical dish to eat: Pintxos, small bite-sized snacks typical of the Basque Country.

Malaga

The Region: Andalusia

The best things to do in Malaga :

The Picasso Museum, celebrating the artist born in the city.
Gibralfaro Castle.
Malaga Cathedral, nicknamed “La Manquita”.
The Centre Pompidou Málaga for modern and contemporary art.
The Muelle Uno promenade.
Atarazanas central market for local produce.
The Malagueta beach for relaxing by the Mediterranean.

Weather: Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

Typical dish to eat: Espeto, grilled sardine brochettes.

Cordoba

The Region: Andalusia

The best things to do in Cordoba :

Cordoba mosque cathedral, an architectural masterpiece.
The Jewish Quarter (Judería) for its narrow streets and historic atmosphere.
The Alcázar of the Christian Kings and its gardens.
The Roman bridge for its view of the Guadalquivir.
A visit to the Palacio de Viana and its patios.
Corredera market.
Discover the patios of Cordoba, especially during the Patio Festival.

Weather: Hot climate, especially in summer, with moderate winters.

Typical dish to eat: Salmorejo, a cold tomato-based soup.

San Sebastian

The Region: Basque Country

The best things to do in San Sebastian :

La Concha beach for its beauty and views.
Climb Mount Urgull for a panoramic view of the city.
The old quarter (Parte Vieja) for its pintxo bars.
Visit the Kursaal and its two glass cubes.
A walk along the Urumea river.
Mount Igeldo amusement park.
A visit to the San Telmo museum of Basque art and culture.
Discover Chillida’s sculptures at Peine del Viento.

Weather: Oceanic climate, with mild summers and wet winters.

The typical dish to eat: Pintxos, small bite-sized snacks typical of the Basque Country.

Toledo

The Region: Castilla-La Mancha

The best things to do in Toledo:

Toledo’s Alcázar, an imposing fortified castle.
Toledo’s Cathedral of Santa Maria, a Gothic masterpiece.
The monastery of San Juan de los Reyes.
Santa María la Blanca synagogue.
A visit to the Jewish Quarter for its historical heritage.
Take a stroll along the Tagus River, with its picturesque views.
The El Greco museum, dedicated to the artist who lived in Toledo.
Tasting Mazapán, a local specialty.

Weather: Hot, dry summers, cool winters.

Typical dish to eat: cochinillo asado, roast suckling pig.

Zaragoza

The Region: Aragon

The best things to do in Zaragoza :

The Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar, a symbol of the city.
The Aljafería Palace, an example of Islamic architecture in Spain.
Zaragoza’s Cathedral of Saint Saviour (La Seo).
José Antonio Labordeta Park for relaxation.
The Zaragoza Museum of Art and Archaeology.
A stroll through the historic El Tubo district.
A visit to the Zaragoza River Aquarium.

Weather: very hot summers, cold, dry winters.

The typical dish to eat: Migas, a rustic dish made with breadcrumbs.

Salamanca

The Region: Castilla y León

The best things to do in Salamanca :

Salamanca’s old and new cathedrals.
The Plaza Mayor, one of Spain’s most beautiful squares.
The University of Salamanca, the oldest in Spain.
La Casa de las Conchas, famous for its seashell-adorned façade.
The Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum.
The convent of San Esteban.

Weather: Hot summers, cold winters with occasional snowfalls.

Typical dish to eat: hornazo, a ham and chorizo pie.

Alicante

The Region: Valencian Community

The best things to do in Alicante :

Santa Bárbara castle.
The Basilica de Santa María, the city’s oldest church.
The Alicante Archaeological Museum (MARQ) for its historical heritage.
The Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA).
The island of Tabarca, accessible by boat for its heritage and marine wildlife.
The Explanada de España, an emblematic palm-lined promenade.
Alicante’s central market for its architecture.
Bari’s St. Nicholas Co-Cathedral.

Weather: Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

Typical dish to eat: arroz alicantino, a variation on paella.

Gijón

The Region: Asturias

The best things to do in Gijón :

The Asturias Railway Museum, for the history of the railroads.
Campa Torres archaeological and nature park.
The Atlantic Botanical Garden.
Revillagigedo Palace, a cultural and art center.
The Cimavilla district, the historic heart of the city.
Gijón Museum of Contemporary Art (Evaristo Valle).
San Lorenzo beach, for its picturesque setting.
The Roman necropolis of Campa Torres.

Weather: Oceanic climate, with mild summers and wet winters.

Typical dish to eat: La fabada asturiana, a bean stew.

Vigo

The Region: Galicia

The best things to do in Vigo :

Castro fortress.
The Galician Maritime Museum.
Castro Park, with its gardens and heritage.
Cíes Island, part of Galicia’s Atlantic Islands National Park.
Príncipe Street for its architecture and shopping.
Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Vigo.
Samil promenade.
Vigo Museum of Contemporary Art.

Weather: Temperate climate, with pleasant summers and mild winters.

Typical dish to eat: Seafood, especially oysters from the Bay of Vigo.

Pamplona

The Region: Navarre

The best things to do in Pamplona :

Santa María la Real Cathedral, Pamplona.
Pamplona’s fortress and walls, witnesses to the city’s history.
La Taconera Park, the city’s oldest park.
The Museum of Navarra, for regional art and archaeology.
Plaza del Castillo, the heart of the city.
The Palacio de Navarra, seat of the regional government.
The church of San Saturnino.
The University of Navarre Museum, for modern art.

Weather: Hot, dry summers, cold, sometimes snowy winters.

Typical dish to eat: Pintxos, local variations on tapas.

Palma de Mallorca

The Region: Balearic Islands

The best things to do in Palma de Mallorca :

Palma Cathedral (La Seu), an emblematic Gothic monument.
The Almudaina Palace, a former royal residence.
Bellver Castle, a unique circular fortress.
Parco de la Mar, for a stroll along the sea.
Museum Es Baluard, for modern and contemporary art.
The historic district, with its narrow streets and ancient buildings.
The Olivar market for local produce.
The beaches of Majorca, for their crystal-clear waters.

Weather: Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

Typical dish to eat: La ensaimada, a local pastry.

Murcia

The Region: Murcia

The best things to do in Murcia :

Murcia Cathedral, with its mix of architectural styles.
The Salzillo Museum, dedicated to the famous Spanish sculptor.
Almudí Palace and Murcia Wall.
The Floridablanca garden, one of Spain’s oldest public gardens.
The walk across the Pont de los Peligros.
The monastery of Santa Clara la Real, a mixture of museum and convent.
The Verónicas market for a taste of local life.
Murcia Art Museum (MUBAM).

Weather: Hot, very dry summers, mild winters.

Typical dish to eat: Pastel de carne, a meat pie.

Santiago de Compostela

The Region: Galicia

The best things to do in Santiago de Compostela :

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, a major pilgrimage site.
The cathedral museum, home to treasures of sacred art.
Alameda Park.
Abastos market.
San Martín Pinario monastery.
Raxoi Palace, opposite the cathedral.
A visit to Galicia’s City of Culture.

Weather: Oceanic climate, with mild summers and wet winters.

Typical dish to eat: Galician-style octopus (pulpo a la gallega).

Cadiz

The Region: Andalusia

The best things to do in Cadiz :

Cadiz Cathedral and its golden dome.
La Torre Tavira.
San Sebastián castle, located on an islet.
Genovés Park, one of the city’s most beautiful gardens.
The Cadiz Museum, for art and archaeology.
La Caleta beach, emblematic of the town.
The great Falla theater.
The town’s fortifications, testimony to its maritime history.

Weather: Temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters.

Typical dish to eat: Pescaíto frito, an assortment of fried fish.

Léon

The Region: Castilla y León

The best things to do in Léon :

Léon Cathedral, a jewel of Gothic architecture.
The Basilica of San Isidoro and its royal pantheon.
The Leon Museum.
The road of the Roman walls of Léon.
Casa Botines, designed by the architect Gaudí.
The Guzmanes Palace, seat of the provincial government.
The Convent of San Marcos, a former hospital for pilgrims.
MUSAC, Contemporary Art Museum of Castilla y León.

Weather: Hot summers, cold winters with occasional snow.

The typical dish to eat: Cecina, dried beef, typical of the region.

Tarragona

The Region: Catalonia

The best things to do in Tarragona :

The Roman amphitheater, a glimpse into the city’s ancient history.
Tarragona Cathedral, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
The Roman circus, testimony to the imperial era.
The Devil’s Bridge, an impressive Roman aqueduct.
Tarragona’s national archaeological museum.
The Balcón del Mediterráneo, for a view of the sea.
The city’s Roman forum.
The Roman walls, the oldest in Catalonia.

Weather: Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

Typical dish to eat: La fideuá, a pasta dish similar to paella.

Oviedo

The Region: Asturias

The best things to do in Oviedo :

San Salvador Cathedral, famous for its holy chamber.
The pre-Romanesque churches of Oviedo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Asturias Fine Arts Museum.
A stroll through the historic old town.
The El Fontán market, the heart of local life.
San Francisco Park, the city’s green lung.
Visit to the monastery of San Vicente.
The Woody Allen statue, a tribute to the director.

Weather: Oceanic climate, with mild summers and wet winters.

Typical dish to eat: Fabes, a typical Asturian white bean dish.

Cuenca

The Region: Castilla-La Mancha

The best things to do in Cuenca :

Hanging houses (Casas Colgadas).
Cuenca Cathedral, Spain’s first Gothic cathedral.
The San Pablo bridge, with a view of the gorge.
Cuenca Museum.
The Serranía de Cuenca natural park.
The Spanish abstract art museum.
A stroll through the town’s medieval streets.
Visit the castle and ramparts.

Weather: Continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters.

Typical dish to eat: Morteruelo, a thick game stew.

Almería

The Region: Andalusia

The best things to do in Almería :

Almería’s Alcazaba, an imposing Moorish fortress.
Almería’s cathedral-fortress, a unique blend of religious and military architecture.
The Almería Archaeological Museum, for its historical heritage.
Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, for its beaches and landscapes.
The Almedina district, the ancient Moorish center of the city.
Almería’s central market, for an immersion in local culture.
Almería Art Museum (Doña Pakyta).
Stroll along the Paseo de Almería, the city’s main thoroughfare.

Weather: Semi-arid Mediterranean climate, with very hot summers.

Typical dish to eat: Paella almeriense, a local variant of paella.