Two ornate balconies with iron railings in Barcelona, part of a peach-colored building; palm leaves in foreground.

Travel to Spain

Aerial view of Metropol Parasol in Seville, Spain, surrounded by urban buildings.
Coastal village with stone buildings, turquoise water, and rocky cliffs under a clear blue sky.

Spain is a country that draws you in with its warmth, energy, and its deep appreciation for life’s pleasures. It’s a place where you can wander through vibrant city streets, lose yourself in stunning landscapes, and eat your way through some of the best cuisine in the world. Whether you’re marveling at Gaudí’s creations in Barcelona, relaxing on the gorgeous beaches of Mallorca or Marbella, or sharing tapas late into the night, Spain is the kind of destination that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Top Places to Visit in Spain

Exterior of Casa Batlló, a modernist building in Barcelona, Spain, designed by Antoni Gaudí, featuring colorful facade and organic shapes.

Barcelona

Plaza de España in Seville, Spain, featuring a large central tower, ornate architectural details, arched walkways, and a canal with a decorative bridge.

Sevilla

Stone buildings and staircase in a European street with red flowers and an old-fashioned lamp post.

Mallorca

La Musa’s Recommendations

I never get tired of visiting Spain! There is always something new to explore (or eat)! If it’s your first time visiting, Madrid and Barcelona are an obvious must.

If you have a bit more time, Spain’s southern region, Andalusia, is a must-see with it’s exquisite Arabic-Spanish architecture and rich cultural history. You’ll want to visit Sevilla, Granada, and take a drive or tour to the gorgeous Pueblos Blancos de Andalusia (white towns).

Street in Madrid with European architecture, featuring tall buildings with balconies, a pedestrian walkway, outdoor café seating, and clear blue sky.

Madrid

  • Barcelona is the kind of city that gets under your skin — in the best way. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by Gaudí’s dreamlike architecture, from the towering Sagrada Família to the colorful mosaics of Park Güell. Wander through the Gothic Quarter’s narrow streets, where history meets trendy cafés and boutiques. And don’t forget the Mediterranean — whether you’re strolling along the beach or enjoying seafood at a waterfront restaurant, Barcelona seamlessly blends culture and relaxation.

    • Don’t Miss:

      • Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló

      • Strolling the Gothic Quarter’s narrow streets

      • Indulging in Catalan dishes like pan con tomate and crema catalana

      • A day trip to Montserrat Abbey, Girona, or the Costa Brava

  • Madrid is a city that feels alive, from the morning buzz of its outdoor markets to the late-night energy of its tapas bars. Here, art lovers can lose themselves in the Prado Museum or the Reina Sofía, while foodies can hop from one taberna to the next, sampling jamón ibérico and patatas bravas. It’s also a city of green spaces — the Retiro Park offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. Madrid is vibrant, authentic, and unapologetically Spanish.

    • Don’t Miss:

      • Prado Museum, Royal Palace of Madrid, and El Retiro Park

      • Tapas-hopping in La Latina and Chueca

      • Shopping in Malasaña and Salamanca

  • If you’re looking for the essence of Spain, you’ll find it in Andalusia. This southern region is alive with flamenco music, Moorish palaces, and the scent of orange blossoms. The Alhambra in Granada and the Mezquita in Córdoba are architectural wonders that will transport you to another time. Meanwhile, Seville’s lively streets and the sun-soaked beaches of the Costa del Sol invite you to embrace the slower, more joyful pace of life that defines Andalusia.

    • Don’t Miss:

      • The Alhambra in Granada and the Mezquita in Córdoba

      • Flamenco shows in Sevilla

      • Beach escapes along the Costa del Sol

      • A road trip to the Pueblos Blancos

  • Mallorca is an island that truly has it all. Its beaches, like Cala Deià and Cala Llombards, look like something out of a postcard, while its mountain villages offer an authentic taste of island life. Palma, the island’s capital, combines historic landmarks like its Gothic cathedral with a vibrant food and shopping scene. Whether you’re hiking in the Tramuntana mountains or relaxing with a glass of local wine, Mallorca feels like a Mediterranean escape made just for you.

    • Don’t Miss:

      • Exploring Palma’s historic cathedral and old town

      • Relaxing on Cala Deià or Cala Llombards

      • Hiking in the Tramuntana mountains

  • San Sebastián in Spain’s northern Basque Country is a food lover’s paradise with some of the most inventive cuisine in Europe. But it’s not just about eating — though the pintxos in the Old Town are legendary. The city’s crescent-shaped La Concha Beach is perfect for relaxing, while scenic hikes to Monte Urgull or Igueldo offer unbeatable views of the coastline. With its mix of laid-back charm and culinary excellence, San Sebastián is one of Spain’s most unique destinations.

    • Don’t Miss:

      • Tasting pintxos in the Old Town

      • Relaxing on La Concha Beach

      • Walking to Monte Urgull for stunning views

      • A day trip or a couple of nights in Bilbao

  • If you’re a wine lover, Rioja should be at the top of your list. This picturesque region is home to some of the best wineries in Spain, where you can sip bold reds while overlooking rolling vineyards. It’s not all about wine, though — the charming medieval villages like Laguardia and the region’s warm hospitality make Rioja a relaxing and enriching getaway.

    • Don’t Miss:

      • Wine tasting at renowned wineries

      • Visiting the wine museum in Briones

      • Exploring charming villages like Laguardia

  • Valencia is a city that surprises you at every turn. One moment you’re wandering through the futuristic architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences, and the next you’re enjoying an authentic paella by the beach. The historic old town offers a glimpse into Valencia’s past, while the lively Mercado Central immerses you in the flavors of its present. Valencia strikes the perfect balance between old and new, urban and coastal.

    • Don’t Miss:

      • The City of Arts and Sciences and Mercado Central

      • Relaxing on Malvarrosa Beach

      • Enjoying authentic paella Valenciana by the sea

Recommended Hotels in Spain

Urso Hotel Madrid

Urso Hotel

Madrid, Spain
Almanac Hotel Barcelona

Almanac Hotel

Barcelona, Spain
La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel Mallorca

La Residencia,
A Belmond Hotel

Mallorca, Spain
H10 Casa de Plata Sevilla

H10 Casa de Plata

Sevilla, Spain

What to Know Before You Go to Spain

Best Times to Visit:

  • Spring (April–June) and fall (September–November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

  • Coastal areas shine in summer, but it can be hot inland.

Language:

  • Spanish (Castilian) is the official language, but regional languages like Catalan, Basque, and Galician are widely spoken. English is common in tourist areas.

Currency:

  • Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted across the country, especially in the major cities. Most markets and vendors in major cities are also able to accept credit cards or Apple Pay.

Getting Around:

  • Most major international flights arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) or

    Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)

  • Spain has an excellent rail network (Renfe) with high-speed trains (AVE) connecting major cities.

  • Renting a car is ideal for exploring rural areas like Rioja and Andalusia.

Key Phrases to Know:

  • “Hola” (Hello) / “Buenos días” (Good morning) / “Buenas tardes” (Good afternoon) / “Buenas noches” (Good night)

  • “Gracias” (Thank you) / “De nada” (You’re welcome)

  • “¿Dónde está…?” (Where is…?)

  • “La cuenta, por favor” (The check, please)

Notable Foods to Try:

  • Paella, tortilla española, jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, and churros con chocolate.

  • Explore regional specialties like pintxos in the Basque Country or salmorejo in Andalusia.

Cultural Notes:

  • Meal Times: Meals are much later than in the U.S. — lunch is typically 2–4 PM, and dinner starts around 9–10 PM.

  • Tipping: Not obligatory nor expected, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for great service is appreciated.

  • Siesta: In smaller towns, shops often close for siesta in the afternoon, so plan accordingly.

  • Festivals: Spain’s festivals are not to be missed, from the vibrant Las Fallas in Valencia to the traditional Feria de Abril in Sevilla.