5 of the Best Cities in Spain to Visit

Best Cities in Spain to Visit

Spain is as well-loved for its diversity as it is for its amazing weather and gorgeous coastal locations. For European city breaks, it’s often the first port of call but knowing how to choose from its many fantastic locations can be difficult. Here are five of the best cities in Spain to visit, with something to suit every taste.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a must-see city in Europe with culture, beaches, great food and striking architecture. In addition to the great nightlife, there’s also plenty for adventurers to do here too, from strolling along the seaside and biking through the city to heading to the Collserola hills which are set behind the city. Closer to the heart of Barcelona, you’ll find Montjuic which offers botanical gardens, a castle and museums along with fantastic vistas. Foodies don’t have to worry about running out of options either, as Barcelona is a must for gastronomes in search of classic Catalan cooking.

Madrid

Madrid is easily one of the best cities in Spain to visit and has some excellent cultural spots to hit while you’re visiting. The golden triangle of El Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza are home to some of the most famous artwork in Europe, making it one of the best cities in Spain for art lovers. The city of Madrid also has plenty of churches, museums and the Royal Palace to explore. If you’re in search of some of Spain’s best-loved tapas bars, La Latina neighbourhood should be top of your list and is the place to be for an unforgettable tapas crawl.

Alicante

As one of the best coastal destinations in Spain, Alicante itself often gets overlooked in favour of its beautiful beaches. While they’re worth a visit, the city itself has plenty to offer too. This port city is backed by the breath-taking Mount Benacantil and Santa Barbara Castle, while the city’s marina area has some charming tapas bars to check out. This dynamic destination has an exciting nightlife and is vibrant year-round, so those in search of fun won’t be disappointed.

Malaga

Bursting with energy and exuberance, Malaga is a city with a rich heritage and culture, and an infectious atmosphere. Brimming with art galleries, Michelin-starred restaurants and a rejuvenated port area, the city is begging to be explored. This is the place to come for a summer break when you’re not sure if you want sun and sea or contemporary art exhibitions and Roman amphitheatres – it has it all. Look into car hire in Malaga when you arrive at the airport to really make the most of your time here and experience everything Malaga has to offer.

Valencia

Spain’s third-largest city has some of the best architecture in the country and a thriving restaurant scene, making it already well-known as one of the best cities in Spain to visit. Valencia is one of Spain’s most elegant and sophisticated locations, with Art Nouveau buildings, Renaissance monuments, fascinating museums and miles of golden coastline. Its streets are dotted with chic cafés and the walkable city centre has great shops and a buzzing nightlife, so you can soak up the history during the day and enjoy modern city life in the evening.