Things to Do in Spain

Quick Answer

Thinking of visiting España(Spain) and don't know where to start? Read on to discover some of our top recommendations for things to do in Spain!

Top 10 Cities to Visit in Spain

Spain's ciudades(cities) offer a unique blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and art. Each city has its unique atracciones(attractions) and personalidad(character). Here are the top 10 cities to visit in Spain:

  1. Madrid(Madrid)
  2. Barcelona(Barcelona)
  3. Sevilla(Seville)
  4. Granada(Granada)
  5. Valencia(Valencia)
  6. Bilbao(Bilbao)
  7. San Sebastián(San Sebastian)
  8. Córdoba(Cordoba)
  9. Salamanca(Salamanca)
  10. Toledo(Toledo)

barna

Want to learn more about the ten Spanish cities listed above? Check out the following article!

Top 10 Cities to Visit in Spain

Top 5 Beaches to Visit in Spain

Spain is renowned for its diverse and scenic costas(coastlines) and playas(beaches). From the rugged Costa Brava(Costa Brava) in the north to the sun-soaked Costa del Sol(Costa del Sol) in the south, we think Spain has beaches to suit all kinds of tastes.

Whether you're an adventurer, a food enthusiast, or someone seeking a bit of tranquilidad(tranquility), you'll find something to love along Spain's coastline. Here are the top 5 beaches to visit in Spain:

  1. Playa de la Concha(Shell Beach)
  2. Playas de Formentera(Formentera Beaches)
  3. Playa de las Catedrales(Cathedral Beach)
  4. Playa de Bolonia(Bolonia Beach)
  5. Cala Macarelleta(Macarelleta Cove)

playa de bolonia

Want to learn more about each of these 5 beaches? Check out the following article!

Top 5 Beaches to Visit in Spain

Spanish Cuisine: Top 5

Trying to answer the question "What should I eat in Spain?" Well, la gastronomía española(Spanish gastronomy) is a rich tapestry of sabores(flavors), técnicas(techniques), and tradiciones(traditions). Here are 5 Spanish foods we recommend you try!

  1. tapas(tapas)
  2. paella(paella)
  3. jamón ibérico(Iberian ham)
  4. aceite de oliva(olive oil)
  5. gazpacho(gazpacho)

1) Tapas are small dishes or appetizers often enjoyed with a drink at bars. La cultura de las tapas(tapas culture) is emblematic of la vida social española(Spanish social life). Going for tapas allows diners to sample a variety of dishes in one sitting, all while promoting communal dining and lively conversation.

Want to learn more about Spanish tapas? Check out the following articles!

Guide to Spanish Tapas

Make Tapas in Spanish

2) Paella is a rice dish that is cooked in a wide, shallow pan. It can include ingredients like pollo(chicken), conejo(rabbit), mariscos(seafood), and azafrán(saffron).

paella34

Want to learn more about Spanish paella? Check out the following article!

How to Make Paella

3) Jamón ibérico is produced mainly in the regions of Salamanca(Salamanca) and Extremadura(Extremadura) and comes from the black Iberian pig. This Spanish staple's meticulous proceso de curación(curing process) and the unique diet of the pigs (often bellotas, acorns) from which it's made result in a marbled ham that's rich and flavorful.

4) Aceite de oliva is a fundamental part of la cocina española(Spanish cuisine). In fact, Spain is the world's largest producer of olive oil. Most Spanish olive oils come from the olive-friendly region of Andalucía(Andalusia).

5) Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish sopa fría(cold soup) primarily made of raw tomates(tomatoes), pepinos(cucumbers), pimientos(bell peppers), cebollas(onions), ajo(garlic), vinagre(vinegar), and aceite de oliva. Revered especially in the hot meses de verano(summer months), this refreshing soup is a great example of the simplicity and vibrancy of la cocina Mediterránea(Mediterranean cuisine).

Want to learn more about Spain and its wonderful cuisine? Check out the following articles!

Traditional Spanish Food

Christmastime in Spain

"Lunch" in Spanish

Make a Special Meal in Spanish

Top 5 Museums to Visit in Spain

Whether you're an art aficionado, history buff, or just a curious traveler, Spanish museos(museums) offer a captivating window into the alma(soul) of the país(country).

Here are the top 5 museums to explore if you visit Spain:

  1. Museo del Prado(Prado Museum)
  2. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía(Reina Sofia Museum)
  3. Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza(Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum)
  4. Museo Guggenheim(Guggenheim Museum)
  5. Museo Picasso(Picasso Museum)

guggenheim bilbao

Want to learn more about these 5 museums in Spain? Check out the following article!

Top 5 Museums to Visit in Spain

Spanish Conversation

Getting more excited to visit Spain? Here is a conversation between two people who are currently visiting Granada.

Granada Andalucía La Alhambra

Ángela:
Me ha encantado visitar La Alhambra.
I've loved visiting La Alhambra.
Martín:
Sí, ha sido una experiencia mágica.
Yeah, it's been a magical experience.
Ángela:
¿Te apetece ir a comer unas tapas ahora?
Do you feel like going out to eat some tapas now?
Martín:
Sí, he oído que aquí en Granada son gratis.
Yes, I've heard that they're free here in Granada.
Ángela:
¡Sí, y además están buenísimas!
Yes! And they're also very yummy!
Martín:
Me apetecen croquetas. ¡Vamos!
I feel like having croquettes. Let's go!