Spain is a culture-rich country with famous historical sites, beautiful gardens, delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches, and amazing architecture. There’s so much to do in Spain from the big cities of Barcelona and Madrid to smaller yet vibrant cities like Granada and Valencia. As a first-time visitor, it’s probably quite overwhelming to know where to go in Spain. In this post, we’ll show you the 25 best places to visit in Spain for first timers so you can plan the most eventful and exciting trip. Whether you’re interested in architecture, art, museums, or food, there is something for everyone on this list of best places.
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Spain is a culture-rich country with famous historical sites, beautiful gardens, delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches, and amazing architecture. There’s so much to do in Spain from the big cities of Barcelona and Madrid to smaller yet vibrant cities like Granada and Valencia. As a first-time visitor, it’s probably quite overwhelming to know where to go in Spain. In this post, we’ll show you the 25 best places to visit in Spain for first timers so you can plan the most eventful and exciting trip. Whether you’re interested in architecture, art, museums, or food, there is something for everyone on this list of best places.
Best Places To Visit In Spain For First Timers
1. Madrid
Madrid is located in the center of Spain and is the capital city of Spain. As the capital and the largest city of Spain, there are tons of do including amazing historic landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and famous museums. If it’s your first time going to Spain, I highly suggest you visit Madrid.
Prado Museum
Prado Museum is one of the most famous art museums in the world. It houses the most complete collection of Spanish paintings and European art. Some of the most famous artists displayed in the museum are Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya. There are numerous pieces of art that are world-famous including Velázquez’s Las Meninas and Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights. This is one of the best attractions to visit in Spain for first-timers and you cannot leave Spain without coming here.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is a big public square in the city center and is one of the best things to do in Madrid. The plaza is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s a great place to go for first-time visitors because it has a lively atmosphere and occasionally hosts special events and festivals. Close by is Puerta del Sol, another popular square. There is a famous clock tower that is used for the New Year’s Eve countdown broadcast.
Reina SofÃa Museum
If you’re an avid museum visitor, go to Reina SofÃa Museum. It’s an art museum in Madrid that features 20th-century Spanish art. The most famous artist’s work put on display is Pablo Picasso’s. The most famous Picasso work in the museum is “Guernica” which is a black and white oil painting depicting the tragedies of the war and how it affects civilians. Other famous artists featured at this museum include Salvador Dalà and Joan Miró.
Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the royal family. Now, it’s mainly used for state ceremonies and official events. This place features beautiful architecture built in the Baroque style. It contains 3,418 rooms and a lot of them are now open to the public including The Mirror Room, Main Staircase, and The Royal Kitchen.
Retiro Park
Retiro Park is one of the largest public parks in Madrid. The entire park is incredibly beautiful and the main attraction is the Crystal Palace which is a large glass structure decorated with ceramics. The structure was originally built as a greenhouse, however, now it’s mainly used as a venue to host exhibitions. It’s free of charge to enter. Another must-see attraction in Retiro Park is Rosaleda Garden. It’s a rose garden with over 5,000 rose bushes.
Also spotted in the park is The Alfonso XII Monument which is created to pay tribute to King Alfonso XII who ruled Spain in the 1800s. You’ll also see a lake in the park with rowing boats. The park is huge so you can easily spend half a day here taking a look at the attractions and sitting down to enjoy the atmosphere.
Gran VÃa
Gran VÃa is a famous street located in the heart of Madrid. The street is popular for its nightlife, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. It’s commonly called the street that never sleeps in Spain. It’s one of the most amazing places to go to in Madrid if you want to enjoy a night out.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a football stadium and home to the Real Madrid Football Club, one of the most famous and successful football teams in the world. The stadium sits over 80,000 people and is the second biggest stadium in Spain. Definitely worth visiting if you’re a big football fan.
2. Barcelona
Barcelona is located on the northeast side of Spain and is the second largest city in Spain. Barcelona is a popular destination and one of the most visited cities in Spain. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Spain for first timers because of its modern architecture and some of the most recognizable tourist attractions.
La Sagrada Familia
This is a world-famous Roman Catholic Church and probably one of the first attractions you think of when planning a Spain trip. La Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882 and is expected to finish in 2026. That really goes to show how intricate the details are in the architecture of this building. The building was also severely damaged during the Spanish Civil War and construction was put on a halt for some time. It’s a must-visit place and one of the best places to visit in Spain for first timers because it’s such an architectural masterpiece. La Sagrada Familia is a UNESCO world heritage site.
La Rambla
If you love walking around in a lively atmosphere and seeing what daily life is like in Spain, go to La Rambla. It’s a street known for its street performers, flower stands, market stalls, and a few famous monuments. While you’re at La Rambla, check out the Joan Miró mosaic, Canaletes fountain, Columbus Monument, and Liceu opera house.
Mercado de la Boqueria
La Boqueria is a public market in Barcelona with stalls of delicious food and a lively atmosphere. In this market, you can find almost any food including cheeses, meats, vegetables, seafood, ice cream, wine, liquor, and more. For all the foodies out there, you’ll absolutely love this place. It’s a great place to hang out and enjoy good food.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is a modernist building in the center of Barcelona and was designed by Antoni GaudÃ, the architect that also built La Sagrada Familia. The building is a very colorful and vibrant piece of work. Even stopping by to observe the outside architecture makes this spot worth it to come to for first-timers.
Park Güell
Park Güell is a public park designed, again, by Antoni GuadÃ. The park features various colorful architectural elements created from stones and ceramics. The park is situated on a hill so you can overlook the panoramic views of the city. This is a must-visit place for first-timers and even if you’ve been here, it’s definitely worth another visit. Park Güell is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Gothic Quarter
Gothic Quarter is a neighborhood in Barcelona famous for its narrow and windy streets. Here you can find Gothic-style churches, small shops, bars, restaurants, and plazas. It’s often the place where many festivals and cultural events are hosted year-round. Picasso Museum and the Joan Miró Foundation are located in the Gothic Quarter. It’s just a 10-minute walk away from La Rambla so once you’ve explored enough of La Rambla, make your way over to the Gothic Quarter to keep exploring.
Picasso Museum
Pablo Picasso came from Spain so it’s a unique opportunity to view his art pieces in the Picasso Museum in Spain. The museum is located in the Gothic Quarter and houses over 4,000 pieces of Picasso’s paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. Many of the pieces of art were donated by Picasso himself.
Barceloneta Beach
For all of you beach lovers, this one is for you. Barceloneta Beach is one of the most popular public beaches in Spain. The beach is around 1.2km wide and bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. It’s overall a lively atmosphere and a perfect place for relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing.
3. Seville
Seville is located in the southern part of Spain and is among one of the bigger Spanish cities. There are many most visited attractions here including Alcázar and Giralda Tower. This city is known for flamenco shows which show singing, dancing, and music in one performance. While you’re here, make sure to catch a flamenco show.
Royal Alcázar
Royal Alcázar of Seville (also known as Real Alcázar) is the oldest royal palace in Spain and was built for Castilian Christians. It’s a mixture of architectural styles including Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance. Inside the Royal Alcázar is also home to some museums and collections of weapons. It’s a breathtaking piece of architecture and so worth it to visit.
Plaza de España
Plaza de España is a large public square built during the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. The architecture style is a combination of Baroque Revival, Renaissance, and Moorish Revival. The plaza also is home to other significant landmarks including the Torre del Oro. This is a popular spot for tourists and locals to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Torro del Oro
Torro del Oro is a tower built in the 13th century. It stands approximately 98ft tall and is a popular attraction. ‘Oro’ means gold and its name comes from the golden titles covering the top of the tower. The purpose of the tower in history was to protect Seville from naval attracts as a watchtower. Visitors can go to the top of the tower to spot panoramic views of the city.
Cathedral of Seville
The Cathedral of Seville is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and is known for its intricate architecture and size. A popular attraction is the tomb of Christopher Columbus which sits inside the Chapel of Santa Isabel, a Chapel inside the cathedral. The cathedral also displays notable works of art including “Virgin of the Navigators” by Pierre Dancart.
Giralda Tower
This is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville and stands approximately 318ft tall. It was originally built as a minaret for the Mosque of Seville and later became the bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville. It’s open to the public and tourists can climb up to the top to enjoy nice views.
Barrio de Santa Cruz
Barrio de Santa Cruz is a neighborhood in the center of Seville. Many visitors and locals visit this place to enjoy the beautiful architecture, small plazas, narrow alleyways, and streets with white houses. This place is filled with colorful flowers and nature. You can find a ton of restaurants, shops, and bars in this neighborhood. It’s a very relaxing environment and is filled with rich culture.
Triana Market
If you enjoy markets like the Mercado de la Boqueria in Barcelona, you’ll love it at Triana Market. The market sells a huge variety of fresh produce, meats, fish, seafood, and more. Although you’ll see tourists here, it’s an authentic way to experience Seville through its cuisine and lively atmosphere.
4. Granada
Granada is located in Southern Spain and is close to the Sierra Nevada mountains. This city is known for its Moorish architecture and most importantly, Alhambra.
Alhambra
Alhambra is a fortress complex in Granada made up of towers, palaces, and gardens. It’s one of the most prominent examples of Moorish architecture. In Alhambra, you’ll see lots of geometric patterns and unique tilework. Visitors can visit and tour the place and explore areas such as the Court of the Lions and Patio de Los Leones. Alhambra is one of the best places to visit in Spain for first timers because the architecture will truly amaze you.
Alhambra is quite big so doing a guided tour will easily help you navigate the place. This highly-rated 3 hour tour is great to help guide you and also provide informative history facts about the place.
If you’d rather explore on your own, get fast-track tickets here.
Cathedral of Granada
The Cathedral of Granada is a Catholic Church and showcases Renaissance architecture in its building design. The interior is stunning with its white pillars and gold decor. You’ll also see amazing works of art including detailed paintings and sculptures.
Monastery of San Jerónimo
The Monastery of San Jerónimo is a Catholic monastery and was built on the site of a former mosque. It’s an example of a piece of Renaissance architecture. The monastery was originally founded by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. The interior is intricately decorated with rich details.
Royal Chapel of Granada
The Royal Chapel of Granada is a Chapel built by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella and is now their burial place. It’s also the burial place of their daughter Juana la Loca and her husband Philip the Handsome. The chapel is built using the Gothic style of architecture and the interior is incredibly detailed and beautiful,
Sacromonte Caves
The Sacromonte Caves are a bit different than what you’d expect to see in Spain. These are white caves in the Sacromonte neighborhood of Granada. Throughout history, they served as shelters for the Roma population. Today, many of the Roma population (also known as Gypsies) live in caves. You can visit them today and take a guided tour to navigate the area. There’s also a Sacromonte Caves museum that only costs a few euros to enter.
5. Valencia
Valencia is a port city located on the East side of Spain. It’s known for many historical sites, most notably the Cathedral of Valencia which houses the Holy Grail.
City of Arts and Sciences
City of Arts and Sciences is a cultural and architectural complex in Valencia. It houses an opera house, science museum, oceanographic park, Hemispheric, IMAX cinema, and more. As one of the most complex projects completed in Spain, it’s become a very popular tourist attraction in Spain. Kids and adults alike wil have a great time here. The most popular part of this place is probably Oceanographic Park.
Cathedral of Valencia
Cathedral of Valencia is a Catholic Cathedral and is an example of Gothic architecture. The Cathedral has a rich history and was originally built in the Romanesque style but was later rebuilt using a Gothic style. It’s famous for its stained glass rose window and the Holy Grail Chapel. You can also find the Holy Grail which many people believe to be the actual cup Jesus used at the Last Supper.
Malvarrosa Beach
Malvarrosa Beach is a popular beach in Valencia and is known for the beach’s clear water and white sand. Come here to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. The beach is also surrounded by a promenade where you can find restaurants and shops. It can get crowded, however, due to it being one of the most popular beaches.
Bioparc Valencia
If you’re into zoos and animals, come to Bioparc Valencia. What’s unique about this zoo is that it tries to recreate the natural habitat for the animals and allows visitors to get an immersive experience. There are zones including the Madagascar zone, the African Savannah zone, and the Asian Forest zone. This is a great place to go as a family.
6. Basque Country
Basque Country is located in Northern Spain, close to the French border. It’s an autonomous community and has its own distinct culture, language, and traditions. It’s one of 17 autonomous regions in Spain.
Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum is a contemporary art museum in Bilbao that features 20th-century art from famous artists including Jeff Koons, Louise Bourgeois, and Richard Serra. This museum houses over 250 pieces of contemporary art. The exterior architecture of the building closely resembles the famous Sydney Opera House in Australia. It’s an incredibly popular attraction and definitely one of the best places to visit in Spain for first timers.
Museum of Fine Art of Bilbao
This is fine arts museum founded in 1908 and features a collection of Spanish art from notable artists including Picasso, El Greco, Goya, and Monet. The museum mainly features Basque art and the building itself was built in the Renaissance style.
Erribera Merkatua (Mercado de la Ribera)
Erribera Merkatua is a neighborhood in Basque Country. Mercado de la Ribera is located here and is a food market that features many types of food. The most popular here are the pintxos which are small pieces of bread topped with a variety of toppings like meat, fish, or vegetables. They also sell fresh meats, seafood, and much more. Definitely come here if you’re a fan of trying out different pintxos.
Old Town San Sebastián
Old Town San Sebastián is a lively neighborhood known for its narrow streets, winding roads, and lively atmosphere. This neighborhood comprises of many historical sites including Santa Maria Church and San Vicente Church. You can find lots of restaurants serving authentic Basque cuisine. Be sure to try pintxos and seafood when you’re here which is what they’re most famous for.
La Concha Beach
La Concha Beach is just steps away from Old Town and is one of the most famous city beaches in Europe. It’s popular for swimming, sunbathing, and for water sports. After visiting Old Town San Sebastián, come here to relax. It’s one of the best places to visit in Spain for first timers because it’s such a well-known beach.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a small islet in Basque Country. It’s connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge and is really a breathtaking place to experience. You get mesmerizing views of the sea. In fact, a few of the Game of Thrones scenes from the seventh season was filmed here.
Lekeitio
Lekeitio is a town in Basque Country and is known for its fishing port, which is one of the most important fishing ports in Basque Country. In this town, you can go to beaches, visit the church of Santa Maria, and explore some festivals that may go on at different times of the year.
7. Toledo
Toldeo is a city located in central Spain. It’s an ancient city known for its rich and long history. It’s commonly referred to as the “The City of Three Cultures” since it’s a city where Christians, Muslims, and Jews co-existed together. It’s also the former home of the famous painter El Greco. Toledo can easily be a day trip from Madrid.
Cathedral of Toledo
Cathedral of Toledo is a Roman Catholic Church in Toledo, Spain. It’s a Gothic cathedral with elements of Mudéjar and Renaissance-style architecture. There are famous pieces of artwork in this cathedral including “El Transparente” by Narciso Tomé. It’s one of the most visited cathedrals in Spain.
Plaza de Zocodover
A 5-minute walk from the Cathedral of Toledo will take you to Plaza de Zocodover. The plaza is a public square and has important historic buildings. It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals to enjoy the shops, cafes, restaurants, and lively atmosphere.
Alcázar of Toledo
Alcázar of Toledo is a rectangular-shaped stone fortress located on the highest point of Toledo. It’s one of the best examples of medieval military architecture in Spain. Now you can see the Army Museum and Library of Castilla-La Mancha.
Jewish Quarter
Jewish Quarter is a neighborhood in Toledo, historically home to a Jewish community. You’ll see lots of narrow alleyways and beautiful synagogues. Some popular synagogues include the Synagogue of Santa MarÃa la Blanca and the Synagogue of El Transito.
Church of San Tomé
Church of San Tomé is a Gothic Church in Toledo. It’s most famous for the painting ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz’ by El Greco. It’s one of El Greco’s most famous paintings and represents Spanish Renaissance Art. Definitely worth a visit to see the world-famous painting or just to enjoy the beautiful architecture.
There you have it! The list of best places to visit in Spain for first timers. Of course, it’s not possible to visit all of these places on just the first trip. Pick and choose two or three of the cities that interest you the most and start planning your itinerary from there.
Read more: Now that you know what to do in Spain, check out what you need to pack to Europe! 💙
Where should I go for the first time in Spain?
Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Basque Country, and Toledo are all great places to go in Spain for the first time. If you have limited time, I’d recommend going to Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville.
What is the prettiest part of Spain?
Many people call Seville the prettiest part of Spain and is even ranked very highly as the most popular place to visit in the world. Seville is a walkable city with many things to see as you walk. It’s incredibly picturesque from all angles and the city comes alive up at night with lights spread around the entire city.
Is it better to go to Madrid or Barcelona?
If you’re into more museums and historic sites, Madrid will be a better choice for you on your first visit. However, if you like the beach and its unique architecture, you’ll definitely want to go to Barcelona.
What is the best time to go to Spain?
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) are the best time of the year to go to Spain because the weather is the mildest and usually the least crowded. The summer months are the most popular but oftentimes crowded.
How many days in Spain is enough?
Spend at least seven days in Spain so you can visit 2 cities. If you want to visit 3 cities, it’s best to spend at least 10 days.
