Spain’s Top Six Cities to Visit
Cities in Spain, that never cease to entice, with their numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and rich cultural traditions.
Spain has you covered whether you’re looking for a beach trip, a getaway inspired by history, or an urban adventure. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid come to mind as some of the many unique possibilities available in this geographically and culturally rich nation. But because to enclaves like Bilbao and Granada, which are full of art and restaurants, those two aren’t the only one’s worth visiting. See six of our favourite cities breaks in Spain below for some trip ideas.
Madrid
Madrid, formerly seen as Barcelona’s prim sister, has earned its own place in the spotlight. The emergence of a new creative class has spawned hip new stores like Mini in Conde Duque and bars like El Rincón. Of course, Madrid is still thriving on the classics. Velazquez and El Greco’s works can be found in renowned institutions like the Prado, while old-world stores like Antigua Casa Crespo, where espadrilles have been created since 1836, are thriving examples of traditional artistry. Additionally, since 1725, Restaurante Botin, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world, has been serving up wood-fired specialities including roasted lamb.
Barcelona
The Catalan capital is a perennial favourite and is known for a variety of things, including delectable tapas in bustling mercats, Roman ruins, the Gothic Quarter’s mediaeval streets, expansive beaches, and dance parties at the city’s numerous hotspots for nightlife. Not to mention Antoni Gaud’s architecture, which is perhaps the city’s most distinctive aspect. The majority of Gaudi’s creations are located in Barcelona, most notably the Sagrada Familia, his crowning achievement, a soaring basilica that blends Gothic and Art Nouveau forms. Numerous artists, like Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro, both of whom have Barcelona-based museums devoted to their respective works, have also found inspiration while strolling the city’s streets.
Seville
Seville is home to some amazing architecture, from the Alcazar palace complex that offers a glimpse into the city’s Moorish past to the gloomy mediaeval lanes that wound around a Gothic cathedral. Airy plazas hum with people savouring unlimited tapas at the many tiny and stable restaurants, while intimate flamenco clubs entice with passionate music and seductive dances.
Granada
This small community, which is located at the base of the Sierra Nevada, contains a whole world within its 34 square miles. The only remaining Spanish Moorish fortress proudly reflects the cultural and architectural elements that shaped it. There are numerous teterias, or teahouses, and kebab businesses selling mouth-watering shawarma in the Albayzin, the traditional Arab area. The Alhambra, a collection of palaces in the arabesque style and exquisite gardens right out of One Thousand and One Nights, is undoubtedly the gem in the crown. It’s impossible to miss the vibrant nightlife, which features a variety of upscale eateries and cocktail bars serving exceptional cocktails.
Valencia
Valencia is a sanctuary for history enthusiasts thanks to its abundance of UNESCO World Heritage monuments and one of the major historic cities in the nation. The City of Arts and Sciences, a cutting-edge centre for artistic and scientific research built by local superstar architect Santiago Calatrava, proves that the city is more than just a museum of the past. In the region where paella originated, gourmets will find a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes as well as lively pubs for nightcaps. A hot air balloon ride above the adjacent Sierra Mariola Natural Park at sunrise will cap off your trip.
Toledo
As we’ve already indicated, while the large, stunning cities of Barcelona and Madrid may command attention, smaller Spanish cities like Toledo are equally as fascinating. In the centre of Spain, this old city is perched high on a hill with a view of the Castilla-La Mancha plains.
The walled city of Toledo has a long and varied history. There are monuments and statues honouring the Arab, Jewish, and Christian inhabitants there. A lot can be discovered in Toledo.
The Moorish Bisagra Gate and the Sol Gate are two must-see locations in Toledo. The bustling Plaza de Zocodover and the historic district’s Sol Gate are also nearby.
