The Best Cities to Visit In Spain - and How Long to Spend in Each One
Here are the best cities to visit in Spain, and how much time you need to spend in each one.
Bilbao - 2 Days
Bilbao is often overlooked on people's itineraries, and this is a shame because this city is so unique and has so much to offer! Everything, from the food to the architecture to the language is very distinct from the rest of Spain. When you visit, make sure you see the famous Guggenheim museum, explore the historic city center, and order the pintxos at every restaurant you go to! Bilbao also tends to be colder than the other cities on this list, so bring a jacket
Madrid - 3 Days
One of my absolute favorite cities in the world! Madrid truly has everything (except for a beach). From picnics in Retiro park, to exploring the famous Prado museum, to dancing until dawn, it is impossible to be bored here. The nightlife here is simply like no other. The parties start at 1:30 at the earliest and often go until 6 am. And maybe most importantly, it's one of the safest cities in all of Europe, so you can dance the night away without a care in the world. Beware though - the summers are no joke. Temperatures regularly get to be over 40 C (104 F) in the summer, so pack sunscreen and plan on spending your afternoons taking a siesta if you visit in the summer months.
Barcelona - 3 Days
Barcelona is Spain's most iconic city for a reason. It feels like everywhere you turn you see some new breathtaking or historic monument. When you're here, go beyond just La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Get a meal from La Boqueria market. See the gothic palace, La Casa de l’Ardiaca. Check out the beaches in Sitges. There is so much to do and see in this city - you could spend years here and still not experience everything.
Valencia - 2 Days
The perfect mix between city and beach. It's much slower-paced than Barcelona and Madrid, so it's a perfect stop near the end of your trip to take a quick break from the hustle and bustle. It's also considerably cheaper than the other cities on this list. While you're here, you absolutely must try the paella Valenciana. Paella was first created in Valencia, and it's here where you'll find the oldest and most authentic versions of this dish.
Seville - 2 Days
The last stop on our city tour is Seville. When you think of Spain, Seville is most likely what you're picturing. With its picturesque plazas, gothic cathedrals, and colorful tiles as far as the eye can see, Seville should be on every traveler's bucket list. The city hosts several UNESCO heritage sites, so be sure to see them all! The most notable places to see are the Cathedral, the Alcazar, and the Plaza de España. Seville is also in the autonomous community of Andalusia, where flamenco first began. There are dozens of tablaos all over the city, so be sure to catch a show!
