Things to See & Do in Spain
Most first trips combine Madrid or Barcelona with Andalusia in the south. The north and the islands are wonderful for a second visit or a longer stay.
Madrid
The capital’s art museums, including the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, sit close together along one boulevard. Spend an afternoon in the Retiro park, and eat the way locals do: tapas in the evening and dinner from about 9 p.m.
Barcelona
Gaudí’s Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló are the city’s icons, and all use timed tickets. The Gothic Quarter is good for wandering, and the city has beaches within walking distance of the centre. Tibidabo, the hill above the city, has wide views.
Seville, Granada and Córdoba
Andalusia is the Spain of flamenco and Moorish palaces. In Seville, see the Royal Alcázar, the cathedral and the Plaza de España. In Granada, the Alhambra is the highlight, and its tickets sell out, so book as soon as your dates are set. Córdoba’s Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral, is an easy day trip by fast train.
San Sebastián and the north
In the Basque Country, San Sebastián is known for its beach and its pintxos bars, where small bites are lined up on the counter. The north is greener and cooler than the south, which makes it a good summer choice.
The coast and the islands
Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands have coves, mountain villages and dramatic headlands. The Canary Islands, off the coast of Africa, stay mild through the winter.
What to eat
Tapas in Madrid and Andalusia, pintxos in the Basque Country, paella in and around Valencia, jamón ibérico, and churros with thick hot chocolate. Meal times are late, so plan on a late lunch and an even later dinner.
Let’s plan your Spain trip
Tell me when you’d like to go, how long you have, and which regions are calling you. I’ll plan the route and book the stays, trains, timed tickets and flights.
The initial 30-minute consultation is complimentary. The professional research fee is $50 per traveller aged 2 or older, paid before research begins.