From Gaudí's Barcelona and the art museums of Madrid to the Moorish palaces of Andalusia, sunny beaches, and the best tapas you'll ever taste, Spain has something for every traveler. This Spain travel guide covers everything you need to know before you go: the best time to visit, top cities, hidden gems, bucket list experiences, and practical tips.
Best Time to Visit Spain
For most travelers, the best time to visit Spain is April to June or September to October, when the weather is warm, the crowds are smaller, and prices are lower than in summer. July and August are hot, especially inland in Madrid and Andalusia, where temperatures often pass 95 °F (35 °C), and the coasts are busy. Winter is mild in the south and the Canary Islands, which enjoy warm weather all year. For more detail, see the best time to visit Spain.
Top Places to Visit in Spain
Barcelona
Barcelona is all about Antoni Gaudí. See the extraordinary Sagrada Família basilica, still under construction more than 140 years after work began, the colorful mosaics of Park Güell, and the modernist houses Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Wander the medieval lanes of the Gothic Quarter, browse La Boqueria market off La Rambla, and relax on Barceloneta Beach. See the best things to do in Barcelona.
Madrid
Spain's lively capital is home to the Golden Triangle of Art: the Prado, the Reina Sofía, with Picasso's Guernica, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Explore the Royal Palace, row a boat in El Retiro Park, walk the grand Gran Vía, and eat your way through the tapas bars of La Latina. End the night with churros con chocolate. See the best things to do in Madrid.
Seville
The capital of Andalusia is famous for flamenco, orange trees, and spectacular architecture. Visit the Real Alcázar, a royal palace with Moorish tilework and gardens, and Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the burial place of Christopher Columbus. Climb its Giralda bell tower, wander the narrow lanes of Barrio Santa Cruz, and see the grand Plaza de España, built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.
Granada
At the foot of the Sierra Nevada, Granada is home to the Alhambra, a breathtaking Moorish palace and fortress complex, and the Generalife gardens. Book tickets well in advance, as they sell out. Then explore the whitewashed Albaicín quarter, watch the sunset over the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás, and see a flamenco show in the cave houses of Sacromonte. Many bars still serve a free tapa with each drink.
Valencia
Valencia mixes old and new. See the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, with Europe's largest aquarium, cycle or walk through the Turia Gardens, a 9-kilometer (5.6-mile) park built in an old riverbed, and visit the Modernist Central Market. Valencia is the home of paella, so try the real thing near Malvarrosa Beach.
Hidden Gems in Spain
- Ronda: A dramatic town perched on both sides of a deep gorge, linked by the 18th-century Puente Nuevo bridge.
- Córdoba: Home to the Mezquita, a stunning mosque-cathedral with a forest of red-and-white arches, and flower-filled patios.
- San Sebastián: A food lover's paradise in the Basque Country, with pintxo bars and the beautiful La Concha Bay.
- Bilbao: Famous for the Guggenheim Museum, Frank Gehry's titanium masterpiece, and a charming old town.
- Alicante: A sunny coastal city with a hilltop castle, palm-lined promenade, and great beaches.
Find more ideas in our guides to the best places to visit in Spain and the best city breaks in Spain.
Spain Bucket List Experiences
- Watch a passionate flamenco show in Seville or Granada.
- Walk part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
- Throw tomatoes at La Tomatina in Buñol, held on the last Wednesday of August.
- See the Running of the Bulls during San Fermín in Pamplona, 6 to 14 July.
- Go on a tapas crawl in Madrid, Granada, or San Sebastián.
- Explore the Moorish heritage of Andalusia at the Alhambra, the Mezquita, and the Alcázar.
- Hike volcanoes in the Canary Islands, from Mount Teide on Tenerife to the lava fields of Lanzarote.
- Relax on the beaches of the Costa del Sol, Mallorca, or Menorca.
Spain Travel Tips
- Entry requirements: Spain is in the Schengen Area. Many visitors can stay up to 90 days without a visa, while others need a Schengen visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months after you leave. The EU's Entry/Exit System now registers non-EU travelers' fingerprints and photos at the border.
- Language: Spanish (Castilian) is the official language, alongside Catalan, Basque, and Galician in their regions.
- Money: Spain uses the euro. Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping isn't expected, but rounding up or leaving 5 to 10% for good service is appreciated.
- Meal times: Spaniards eat late. Lunch is usually 2 to 4 pm, and dinner is rarely before 9 pm.
- Getting around: High-speed AVE, Ouigo, and Iryo trains link Madrid with Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and Málaga in a few hours.
- Tourist taxes: Barcelona, Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands charge a tourist tax per night, added to your hotel bill.
- Plugs: Type C and F at 230 V.
Stay Connected in Spain
You'll need data for train tickets, maps, and museum bookings. An egoViet Spain eSIM gets you online as soon as you land, with no roaming fees. Visiting more countries? The Europe eSIM covers 33 destinations. See our Spain eSIM guide and Southern Europe travel guide.
FAQs: Spain Travel Guide
What is the best month to visit Spain?
May, June, September, and October offer warm weather without the intense summer heat and crowds.
How many days do you need in Spain?
Ten days to two weeks is ideal for a first trip covering Barcelona, Madrid, and Andalusia.
Is Spain expensive to visit?
Spain is good value compared with much of Western Europe, especially for food and wine. Barcelona and the islands are pricier in summer.
Do I need to book the Alhambra in advance?
Yes. Tickets often sell out weeks ahead, especially in spring and summer.