10 Best Places to Visit in Spain for First Timers

1. Madrid

Spain’s capital is the best city for first-time visitors. Madrid is an excellent destination for its vibrant, energetic atmosphere, stunning architecture and museums, and lively nightlife.

When visiting Madrid, you’ll spend most of your time exploring as the city is home to many incredible attractions. No matter if you’re staying in Madrid for a weekend or 5 days, you’ll feel like you haven’t seen it all.

Madrid is a good option, except in summer. The capital gets very warm, so moving around the city and sightseeing won’t be easy. Apart from summer, there’s no reason not to choose Madrid as your first destination in Spain.

Whenever you visit Madrid, add the following places to your itinerary.

Places to visit in Madrid

• Museo del Prado

Prado Museum is a must-see attraction in Spain. This art museum is home to the finest collections of European art and is one of the most visited museums in the world.

Here you can see impressive pieces of art from famous Spanish and Greek painters like Goya, Velázquez and El Greco.

The museum is huge, so you can spend about 4 hours exploring the different rooms and exhibitions. Also, you can visit it for free from Monday to Saturday between 6 pm and 8 pm and on Sundays between 5 pm and 7 pm.

• Parque del Retiro

Retiro Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of the city. The park is about 125 hectares and is home to numerous trees that make you feel like you’re escaping the buzz of the city.

You can do many things at Retiro Park – enjoy a picnic with friends, hire a rowing boat, see monuments like the Monument to King Alfonso XII and the Crystal Palace and enjoy a coffee in one of its open-air cafes. It’s one of my favourite places in Madrid!

• Gran Vía

There’s no visit to Madrid without walking the Gran Vía, the capital’s most famous street.

Restaurants, shops, rooftop terraces, and cinemas are some of the main things you can find in the Gran Via. The energetic atmosphere is always present, whether you go in the morning or evening.

It’s said that the Gran Via is the street that never sleeps!

Check more activities and tours below:

🏨 Hotel recommendation in Madrid: Room Mate Macarena

2. Barcelona

Barcelona is cosmopolitan and lively, and home to some of Spain’s most impressive landmarks, such as Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.

If this is your first time in Barcelona, you’ll realise that you’ll want to go back by the end of your trip. No matter how many days I’ve spent in the city, there are endless things to do in Barcelona and its surroundings, and I can’t wait to go back.

If you’re asking yourself, “What are the best places to visit in Barcelona for the first time?” these are the unmissable attractions and activities:

Places to visit in Barcelona

• Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia is the most emblematic building in Barcelona and one of the best places to see in Spain; no visit to Barcelona is complete without seeing this masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí.

Despite being an unfinished building, you’ll be amazed by its unique Gothic and naturalistic architectural style. The exterior and facade are incredible, and its interior is too.

When you go inside Sagrada Familia, you’ll see how much detail has gone into it – its large and colourful stained glass, columns that represent the branches of trees and its roof make it so unique.

In addition to seeing the actual building, you can also access the museum to learn about La Sagrada Familia – its timeline, artists and stories.

• Park Güell

Another unmissable attraction in Barcelona is Park Güell, another work of Antoni Gaudí. This is a public park. However, it has a restricted area that you can only access by buying tickets.

This area is, of course, the most beautiful one in the entire park. It’s here where you can access a balcony with beautifully tiled benches and breathtaking views of Barcelona, and see impressive statues like a giant lizard made of colourful tiles, as well as other unique buildings.

It’s a very busy spot, so if you want to avoid crowds, try to get there as early as it opens and on a weekday if possible.

• Barceloneta

Last but not least, Barceloneta Beach is another incredible place to visit in Barcelona, not only for spending the day at the beach but also for walking on its lively promenade, watching the sunset or going to a party at night.

Check more activities and tours below:

🏨 Hotel recommendation in Barcelona: H10 Metropolitan 4* Sup

3. Seville

If you’re after a taste of Spanish culture, the capital of Andalucia is an excellent choice.

Its impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site buildings, its culture, and its welcoming, warm locals are some of the reasons it is one of the best places to visit in Spain for first-time visitors.

Seville has plenty of things to do and see, but the city is very walkable, so you won’t need public transport. In addition to this, it’s a very budget-friendly destination.

Although important historic buildings like Real Alcazar have an entry fee, there are some days that you can enter for free at specific times, so you can go to these attractions on the days they offer free tickets and save money.

Whether you’re staying two or five days in Seville, there are some unmissable places to add to your list.

Places to visit in Seville

• Plaza de España

Plaza de España is the prettiest square in Spain. There is something special about this magical place. The architecture of the building, the benches made of colourful tiles and the atmosphere make it one of the best places to visit in Seville.

It is such an important place that it isn’t surprising to see events happening in Plaza de España.

The square gets busy, so if you want to avoid crowds, head there early or before sunset.

• Real Alcazar

Another incredible place to visit in Seville is the Alcazar of Seville, a royal palace considered one of the oldest palaces in Europe.

When you step into Alcazar, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful combination of architecture – Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance and the colourful tiles, as well as its gardens, home to ponds, fountains and sculptures.

Alcazar is full of history and beauty, so don’t forget to add this landmark to your list.

• Catedral de Sevilla

Seville Cathedral is the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world, so it’s worth visiting Seville just to visit its cathedral.

The exterior and facade of the building are very impressive, but the interior is too. You’ll find Jesus’ statues, colourful stained glass and stunning architecture.

Inside the cathedral, you can access Giralda, the cathedral’s tower, where you’ll enjoy some of the city’s best panoramic views.

Check more activities and tours below:

🏨 Hotel recommendation in Sevilla: One Shot Palacio Conde de Torrejón 09

4. Malaga

Malaga is a fantastic city for first-timers for many reasons. It’s safe, walkable, affordable, vibrant and has a combination of sightseeing and relaxing activities.

Although you can spend as much time as you like in the city, you can easily see Malaga’s main attractions in two days because they’re close to each other.

However, staying in Malaga longer than a weekend is a good idea, as you can visit some of the prettiest towns in Costa del Sol, like Nerja.

No matter the time of the year you go, Malaga has something unique to offer. Summer in Malaga is perfect for a beach holiday and experiencing festivals like the famous Feria de Agosto (Malaga’s Fair), whereas winter in Malaga is perfect for sightseeing and hiking.

If you wonder, “What are the best places to visit in Malaga for the first time?” these are the unmissable attractions and activities:

Places to visit in Malaga

• Alcazaba de Malaga

Alcazaba de Malaga is the most beautiful historic building in the city. This Moorish fortress palace dates back to the 14th century, although it’s believed that its construction could have started earlier.

The building is full of history. Due to its location near the port, it used to serve as a residence and a military strategic point.

Nowadays, visiting Alcazaba is a true experience. You can explore its courtyards, walk on the walls and contemplate some of the best views of Malaga.

Combine your visit to Alcazaba with Gibralfaro Castle, another important castle in Malaga. Although it doesn’t have much to see, its views are incredible.

• Calle Larios

Wandering Calle Larios is a must when visiting Malaga. Larios Street is the city’s main street, home to many high-street shops and restaurants.

Don’t limit yourself to visiting this street; the best part is the streets that connect with Calle Larios. You’ll find street art, souvenir shops, museums like Carmen Thyssen and beautiful buildings like the Cathedral.

One of the best things about Larios Street is that something is going on most of the time. Many traditional festivals in Malaga take place here.

In summer, you can enjoy feria de día, the Malaga fair that takes place during the day, and you can see the beautiful Christmas lights in winter.

• La Malagueta

Visiting Malaga in the summer? You need to head to La Malagueta Beach once. This is the main beach in the city centre, so it’s the most popular among travellers.

The beach has excellent facilities – from chiringuitos (beach bars) and showers to sunbeds, making it a perfect beach to spend the day.

Check more activities and tours below:

🏨 Hotel recommendation in Malaga: Room Mate Collection Valeria

5. Santander

Santander is one of the most unique places to visit in Spain. This city in northern Spain is charming and an excellent choice for travellers who love lesser-known destinations.

Despite not being a touristy destination, its combination of beach and green landscapes, its laid-back atmosphere, and its gastronomy are some of the reasons you must add Santander to your Spanish bucket list.

Not only is the city beautiful, but its surroundings are, too. By visiting Santander, you can see incredible landscapes such as the Picos de Europa National Park and quaint villages like Santillana del Mar.

If you are visiting Santander City, these are some of the places you can’t miss.

Places to visit in Santander

• Centro Botín

Centro Botín is the main museum in Santander. Its unusual but unique rectangular container shape stands out in the Peredas Gardens and Santander Bay.

Inside the museum, you can explore two art galleries, lecture rooms and workspaces. However, if you aren’t into art, don’t miss out on its rooftop terrace, which you don’t need to pay to access.

The rooftop terrace offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. You can contemplate the sea, the mountains and Santander’s colourful buildings.

• Palacio de la Magdalena

Palacio de la Magdalena is one of the most beautiful buildings in Santander. It’s located in Magdalena Peninsula, which is about 40 minute walk from Santander city centre.

Although you can use public transport to access the area, I highly recommend walking there because the scenery is beautiful.

Once you are there, you’ll see Palacio de la Magdalena at the top of the peninsula. This palace looks like a building from a fairytale film.

It used to be the royal family’s summer residence in Santander, but it’s open to the public now, and you can see how impressive the rooms are.

• Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Santander’s Cathedral is another unmissable attraction. This Gothic cathedral was built between the 12th and 14th centuries.

Although you can still see Gothic architecture, there are many parts of the building that have been rebuilt due to damage from the Santander Fire of 1941.

One of the most beautiful parts of the cathedral is the small square courtyard surrounded by corridors with beautiful Gothic arches.

Check more activities and tours below:

🏨 Hotel recommendation in Santander: NH Ciudad de Santander

6. Valencia

Despite being the third biggest city in Spain, Valencia is sometimes overlooked. However, this beautiful city has plenty of things to see and do.

In addition, it’s a more affordable and safer city than Barcelona and Madrid, making it one of the best places to visit in Spain for first-timers or travellers who haven’t yet seen many European destinations.

Valencia has beautiful historical buildings, incredible museums and exquisite gastronomy. Did you know that paella originated in this city?

Here you’ll try authentic Valencian paella as well as its lesser-known variations and other regional dishes like fideúa.

Ready to discover the best places to visit in Valencia? These are the unmissable landmarks in the city.

Places to visit in Valencia

• Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències

When most people think of Valencia, the first image that comes to mind is the City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia.

This art and science museum, divided into different buildings, stands out with its unique architecture, especially from the L’Hemisfèric building, resembling a giant eye.

This museum is recognised as one of the 12 treasures of Spain!

• Central Market

If you love a good food market, Valencia’s Central Market needs to make it to your list. It’s a foodie paradise and one of the largest markets in Europe!

There are over 1,200 stalls with fresh produce — from vegetables and fruits to meat, fish and spices. However, you’ll be most interested in the bar area, where you can taste delicious tapas, sandwiches, traditional sweets and drinks like horchata con fartons.

• The Old Town

Valencia Historical Centre is where you’ll find all the important buildings and monuments in the city.

Soak up the lively atmosphere, wander its pretty cobbled streets, visit the Gothic cathedral, see the Serranos Tower and stop at one of the open-air cafes in Plaza de la Virgen.

Alternatively, go on a walking tour to discover more about the history of this beautiful city.

Check more activities and tours below:

🏨 Hotel recommendation in Valencia: MYR Marqués House

7. Granada

One of the best places to visit in Spain on a budget is Granada, making it an excellent choice for travellers who want to save money.

Granada is a beautiful destination in Southern Spain – its historic buildings, culture, and delicious cuisine are a few reasons to visit Granada. The picturesque buildings and streets make it one of the best places to go in Spain for couples!

There are many things to see and do in Granada, so you’ll have a good time in this Andalusian city. You can visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site building, take a tapas tour to taste the traditional food and learn more about flamenco.

If this is going to be your first time in the city, these are the best places to visit in Granada.

Places to visit in Granada

• La Alhambra

There’s no visit to Granada without exploring Alhambra and Generalife.

La Alhambra is a palace complex built during the Muslim period in Andalucia. Today, it’s recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture.

Take your time to explore Alhambra and its different buildings and learn about the history behind this magical place.

Also, book your tickets in advance to avoid any disappointments.

• Catedral de Granada

Although the Alhambra is the most well-known historic building in Granada, the Cathedral is often overlooked, but it’s worth visiting.

The Cathedral of Granada was built on top of the city’s main mosque, so you can appreciate the combination of architecture you find in the building.

In addition, it’s a must-see attraction if you love Spanish art and history, as you can see beautiful paintings and the chapel, which is the burial place of the Spanish monarchs Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand.

• Albaicin

Albaicin, also written as Albayzín, is the prettiest neighbourhood in Granada, and it’s so unique that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Its whitewashed and cobbled streets take you back to Medieval and Muslim times, and you can find beautiful arched doors, churches and even a mosque.

When visiting this area of Granada, don’t miss Mirador de San Nicolás, a viewpoint that overlooks the city and the Alhambra. It’s magical to see it at sunset.

Check more activities and tours below:

🏨 Hotel recommendation in Granada: Hotel Casa 1800 Granada

8. Bilbao

Bilbao is one of the best places to visit in Spain for first-timers who are looking for a culinary experience. In this northern Spanish city, you won’t find tapas, but you will find pintxos!

Pintxos consist of small pieces of bread topped with meat, fish or vegetables. They’re quick bites to enjoy with a drink in a bar as you spend time with friends or as an appetiser before your main course.

Apart from the exquisite gastronomy, there are more reasons to visit Bilbao – its famous Guggenheim museum, beautiful viewpoints, less touristy atmosphere and culture.

The only thing to be aware of is that the weather in Bilbao and many cities in Northern Spain is a bit unpredictable. It isn’t as sunny as in other regions, and this is good to know if you’re looking for a Spanish destination that often has warm weather.

Regardless of the weather, the city is worth visiting, and when you visit Bilbao, these are the main landmarks you can’t miss.

Places to visit in Bilbao

• Museo Guggenheim

The Guggenheim Museum is home to peculiar sculptures and pieces of art. If you love the modernist period, you must add this museum to your itinerary.

Here you can see masterpieces that represent modern art movements like cubism and surrealism.

There are many floors and exhibition rooms to discover, and if you follow the audio guide, you’ll spend between 3 and 4 hours in this museum.

Also, don’t forget to explore the museums’ surroundings. See impressive sculptures like the Puppy and the giant spider.

• Mercado La Ribera

Bilbao’s market is where to go and try the best pintxos in the city.

Inside La Ribera Market, there is a gastropub section with many food stalls that offer all sorts of pintxos (ham and tortilla pintxo, prawns pintxo and many more).

They’re cheap, so you’ll end up getting lots of pintxos, but I highly recommend leaving some space for dessert and trying traditional Basque Country sweets like Carolina, a pastry filled with custard and topped with meringue. Simple but delicious!

• Catedral de Bilbao

This cathedral is an excellent example of Gothic architecture in Spain at the end of the 14th century.

Wander around the cathedral, learn about its history and visit its cloister (one of the best parts of the cathedral).

When you buy your ticket for Bilbao’s Cathedral, you also get access to San Antón Church.

Check more activities and tours below:

🏨 Hotel recommendation in Bilbao: Hotel Ilunion Bilbao

9. Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a fantastic destination in Spain to visit for the first time. The city isn’t huge, but it’s full of charm and beautiful buildings like Palma’s Cathedral.

It’s the type of place where you can go for a weekend or spend a week, as its surroundings are worth seeing too. Whether you love learning about historic buildings or sunbathing on the beach and hiking, you can do all these activities in or near Palma.

If you’re a foodie, the island has traditional dishes you may want to try during your trip. For example, coca mallorquina, a flatbread topped with ingredients such as fish, meat, or vegetables, and trempó, a tomato-and-pepper salad.

However, if you have a sweet tooth, you must try ensaimadas, delicious pastries made with flour, eggs, water, sugar and lard. The best place to eat them is Ca’n Joan de Saigo, a cafe that has been open since 1977.

If you’re wondering, “What are the best places to visit in Palma?” these are the attractions you can’t miss.

Places to visit in Palma

• Catedral de la Seu 

Palma’s Cathedral, popularly known as La Seu, is the most emblematic building in the city.

This 13th-century historic building is worth admiring, and surprisingly, the famous architect Antoni Gaudí contributed to the latest reforms to the cathedral.

It’s as impressive as it looks from the outside. Enter the cathedral to contemplate its central nave with stunning columns and colourful stained glass.

You can also access the rooftop terrace of the cathedral to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

• The Old Town

The old town of Palma is the meeting point for locals and tourists as it’s where all the main attractions are. It’s a busy place but full of atmosphere.

Wander around its quaint streets, visit its lively squares, enjoy a quick bite or buy something unique from a local antique shop.

• Castell de Bellver

West of Palma, you’ll find Castell de Bellver, a Gothic castle built in the 14th century and one of the few circular castles in Europe.

The castle’s primary purpose was to be a royal residence when it was built. However, this changed a few years later, and it became a prison.

Nowadays, it’s one of the main landmarks of Palma, and it’s an unmissable place if you love history.

Check more activities and tours below:

🏨 Hotel recommendation in Palma de Mallorca: Nou Baleares

10. Tenerife 

If you’re looking for a beach destination, Tenerife is a great option for first-time travellers in Spain.

Unlike many other Spanish destinations, Tenerife offers everything you’d expect from an island – stunning landscapes and beaches, sunny weather and friendly locals.

Tenerife is often seen as one of the best places to visit in Spain for families, as there are many kid-friendly hotels and activities for all ages, especially if you stay in Puerto de la Cruz.

With its mild temperatures all year round, Tenerife is a great place to visit in any season.

Although there are many things to do in Tenerife and nearby cities, these are some must-see attractions.

Places to visit in Tenerife

• Teide National Park 

Did you know that there are volcanoes in Spain? Tenerife is home to Teide National Park, where you’ll find one of the active volcanoes on the island.

As a first-time traveller in Tenerife, it’s a good idea to go on a day tour to Teide Mount with a local guide to show you the main natural features of the park.

• La Laguna

La Laguna is a very special place in Tenerife because it was the first city established in the Canary Islands and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is the place to go to if you want to take a break from the beach and sightsee while learning about history and culture.

Visit its historic buildings and churches, wander its pretty colourful streets and enjoy traditional food like papas arrugadas, wrinkled potatoes served with mojo picón (a spicy sauce).

• Playa de las Teresitas

The truth is that Tenerife has plenty of beautiful beaches. However, Playa de las Teresitas is the best beach on the island.

Located in the north, this golden sand beach is perfect for everyone. It’s accessible, the water is calm, and there are lifeguards and facilities like toilets, restaurants and sunbeds.

In addition, the beach offers incredible views of the Anaga Mountains.

Check more activities and tours below:

🏨 Hotel recommendation in Tenerife: Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey

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