What to do in Spain

Spain is a country that captivates visitors with its rich history, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to the artistic streets of Barcelona, the royal elegance of Madrid, the spiritual journey of the Way of St. James, or the sun-drenched beaches of Costa del Sol, there’s something for everyone. Add to that world-famous cuisine, lively nightlife, and welcoming locals, and you have the perfect travel destination.

With so much to see and do, it’s impossible to experience everything in one trip. That’s why making the right choices matters. In this guide, we’ll highlight Spain’s must-visit attractions, top activities, and essential travel tips—like how to get the best travel insurance and make the most of your time in this incredible country.

What activities can be done in Spain?

Spain offers endless possibilities for travelers, whether you’re into history, nature, or gastronomy. You can follow a food route to explore regional delicacies, embark on a wine route through world-famous vineyards, or simply immerse yourself in the country’s rich cultural heritage. If you love the outdoors, Spain’s national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites provide some of the most breathtaking landscapes and historical landmarks in Europe.

National Parks: Spain’s natural wonders

Spain is home to numerous protected nature reserves, offering breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems:

• Teide National Park (Tenerife): Home to Spain’s highest peak, an ancient volcano with otherworldly scenery.
• Guadarrama National Park (near Madrid): A mountainous region covered in old pine forests, home to the rare Spanish Luna Moth.
• Doñana National Park: A vast coastal wetland teeming with wildlife, including migratory birds and endangered species.
• Picos de Europa: One of the last refuges for brown bears in Spain, featuring dramatic cliffs and lush valleys.
• Ordesa and Monte Perdido (Pyrenees): A stunning park preserving untouched Pyrenean landscapes, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Spain boasts over 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it one of the most historically rich destinations in the world. Highlights include:

• Alhambra (Granada): A breathtaking Moorish palace and fortress complex.
• El Escorial (Madrid): A grand royal monastery and palace.
• Altamira Caves: Prehistoric caves featuring some of the world’s oldest known cave paintings.
• Las Médulas: Ancient Roman gold mines, now a surreal, rugged landscape.
• The Palm Grove of Elche: A unique forest of thousands of palm trees, an oasis-like wonder.

Before planning your trip, checking the full UNESCO list might help you discover even more hidden gems.

What cities should you visit in Spain?

Spain is a country of incredible diversity, where every city offers something unique. Whether you’re looking for historic landmarks, vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, or world-class cuisine, there’s a destination for every traveler. From the lush green landscapes of the north to the sun-soaked shores of the south, and from bustling metropolises to charming small towns, Spain’s cities each have their own personality and charm.

Here’s a guide to some of the must-visit cities in Spain, each offering its own blend of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences.

Northern Spain: A local favorite

While many tourists head to the Mediterranean coast or southern Spain, locals often prefer the north. And for good reason—Spain’s hottest months, July and August, can push southern temperatures above 110ºF, while the northern coastline remains comfortably below 95ºF. Those looking for mountain escapes or rural retreats will find even milder summers.

• Bilbao: The most well-known city in Northern Spain, Bilbao is part of the Basque Country, a region with its own language, history, and identity. A must-see is the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural marvel housing modern art collections. The region is also a food lover’s paradise, offering pintxos—small, flavorful dishes similar to tapas, best enjoyed with a beer or a glass of wine.

Barcelona: The cosmopolitan hub

Barcelona is Spain’s most cosmopolitan city, attracting tourists and migrants from all over the world.

• It boasts an impressive cultural scene with festivals, concerts, and shows happening year-round.
• Located on the coast, it offers the perfect mix of city life and beach relaxation.
• Don’t miss Gaudí’s architectural wonders, including the Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell.

Travel tip: Pickpocketing is common in Barcelona, so keep a close eye on your belongings. Travel insurance with theft protection could be a lifesaver.

Madrid: The historic capital

As Spain’s capital, Madrid is one of the most visited cities in the country, full of history and culture.

• Explore university buildings still bearing bullet holes from the Civil War.
• Visit world-class museums like the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza.
• Madrid has a more traditional and upscale atmosphere compared to Barcelona, offering high-end shopping and rooftop parties.

Locals take great pride in their city and love giving recommendations—don’t hesitate to ask for their favorite spots!

Andalusia: The soul of southern Spain

Andalusia is Spain’s southernmost region, home to several must-visit cities:

• Seville: The regional capital, known for its warm, friendly locals and beautiful Moorish architecture.
• Málaga: A rapidly growing coastal city, perfect for both relaxation and exploration.
• Granada: Home to Alhambra, a UNESCO-listed architectural masterpiece from the Muslim rule nearly a thousand years ago.

During Holy Week (Semana Santa), Andalusian cities hold elaborate religious processions. If you see participants wearing tall, pointed hoods, don’t be alarmed—these capirotes are part of a centuries-old tradition, unrelated to the Ku Klux Klan.

La Rioja: A wine lover’s dream

La Rioja is best known for its internationally acclaimed wines.

• Logroño, the capital, is a charming city with a relaxed pace, perfect for those wanting to take their time.
• Food is a major attraction, as is the opportunity to visit vineyards and wineries to sample the region’s best offerings.
• The landscape features stunning mountain ranges and the Ebro River, making it a great place to enjoy nature.

Santiago de Compostela: The pilgrimage destination

At the end of the legendary Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) lies Santiago de Compostela, home to an imposing cathedral and a lively university atmosphere.

• Every year, millions of pilgrims walk 560 miles from Roncesvalles, France, to Santiago.
• While originally a religious journey, many now do it for personal growth, introspection, and a break from city life.
• The route is budget-friendly, with affordable inns along the way (some as low as $10 per night).

Upon arrival, pilgrims experience a profound sense of achievement. If time allows, a visit to the Rías Baixas region just 50 miles away offers stunning beaches and incredible seafood—a perfect way to recover from the trek.

Other must-visit cities

• Valencia: A coastal city with a lively vibe, similar to Madrid but surrounded by orange groves. Visit its cathedral, art museum, and aquarium.
• Ibiza: A global party destination with top-tier clubs, yacht culture, and high-end fashion.
• Palma and Tenerife (Canary Islands): Ideal for relaxation and adventure, with volcanic national parks and stunning diving spots.

What is the #1 attraction in Spain?

The Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona is the most visited spot in the country. It was designed by Gaudi in the late XIX century. The construction started shortly after. After more than a hundred years, completion of the project in near. Your visit in Spain would be incomplete if you don’t make it to this unique building.

Is 7 days enough to visit Spain?

You’d need several lifetimes to fully experience all that Spain has to offer. It’s no surprise that after their first visit, many Americans consider moving there—especially those with remote jobs, as Spain offers a great work-life balance.

In seven days, you can fully explore one major city (Madrid or Barcelona) or visit two to three cities at a comfortable pace. Trying to cover too much ground will be exhausting and leave little time to truly enjoy each place.

A realistic 7-day itinerary

• Option 1: One city in depth → Spend a full week in Madrid or Barcelona, exploring its neighborhoods, museums, food scene, and nearby day trips (like Toledo from Madrid or Montserrat from Barcelona).
  
• Option 2: Two cities (Balanced trip) → Split your time between Madrid and Barcelona (4 days in one, 3 days in the other). Travel between them via a high-speed train (AVE, 2.5 hours).
  
• Option 3: Three cities (fast-paced trip)
  
  • Day 1-3: Arrive in Madrid → Explore the historic center, museums, and markets. Take a day trip to Toledo or Segovia.
  • Day 4-5: Take a high-speed train (AVE) to Seville (2.5 hours) → Visit the Alcázar, Cathedral, and enjoy tapas.
  • Day 6-7: Fly or take a train to Barcelona → Explore Gaudí’s architecture, the Gothic Quarter, and the beach before flying home.

Trying to squeeze in Ibiza, Málaga, Valencia, and Seville within a week would be unrealistic, as travel times would eat up most of your days. Instead, focusing on one to three cities will allow you to truly enjoy Spain.

Travel tip: The more places you visit, the higher the chance of delays or disruptions. Travel insurance is a smart choice to cover potential missed connections, lost luggage, or last-minute changes.

What do people usually do in Spain?

Spaniards are very social and love to enjoy life without spending too much. One of the most common activities is going for a beer and tapas after work—a tradition deeply ingrained in Spanish culture.

Thanks to Spain’s sunny weather, this is often done at terrazas, the outdoor seating areas of bars and restaurants. So, grab an Estrella Galicia beer and a Spanish omelet (tortilla española), relax, and enjoy a great conversation the Spanish way.

Is Spain friendly to tourists?

Spain is generally a welcoming and friendly country for tourists, and visitors are unlikely to face direct confrontation while traveling.

However, in major cities, tensions have been rising due to the housing crisis. As Spain is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, many residential properties have been converted into vacation rentals, making it harder for locals to afford housing. As a result, you might come across graffiti or posters expressing frustration, with messages telling tourists to “go home.”

Additionally, like in any major tourist destination, be mindful of pickpockets and scam artists, especially in crowded areas. While violent crime is rare, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings.

What is Spain most famous for?

While bullfighting is often associated with Spain, it is a dying tradition. Most of Spain’s youth see it as barbaric—a relic of the past rather than a defining aspect of modern Spain.

Instead, Spain is best known for its relaxed, social lifestyle and simple pleasures. Picture yourself sharing a paella with friends under a sun umbrella by the beach, taking a siesta to escape the afternoon heat, enjoying an ice-cold beer while watching a Madrid vs. Barcelona soccer match at a local bar, or experiencing a night of flamenco in the lively streets of historic cities.

More than any single attraction, Spain is famous for the easygoing spirit of its people and the small, everyday joys that make life fulfilling. And the best part? You can experience it too.

What is Spain’s national dish?

While Spanish omelet (tortilla de patatas) is a staple of Spanish cuisine, the most internationally recognized dish is undoubtedly paella. However, true Valencian paella follows a strict recipe—any deviation is often dismissed as “arroz con cosas” (“rice with things”), a pejorative term for anything that doesn’t meet paella standards (yes, Spaniards are food purists!). A close second in international popularity is tapas, though tapas aren’t a dish but a way of serving food—practically anything can be a tapa.

In the end, it’s up for debate—which Spanish dish do you think is most famous abroad?

What currency does Spain use?

Spain is part of the European Union and uses the euro (€) as its currency.

If you’re traveling from the U.S., it’s a good idea to exchange your dollars for euros before your trip to avoid the less favorable exchange rates often found at airports or local banks. As for conversions, there’s no need for complex calculations. Since the exchange rate between the euro and the dollar is usually quite close, using a 1:1 approximation is a simple way to estimate prices and determine if something is expensive or not.

Travel to Spain with confidence – Heymondo has you covered!

Planning a trip to Spain? Make sure you’re covered with Heymondo Travel Insurance, so you can explore worry-free.

From the bustling streets of Madrid to the beaches of Ibiza, unexpected situations can happen. With 24/7 worldwide assistance, the Heymondo App allows you to access immediate medical support whenever needed—whether it’s a minor consultation or urgent care.

Our coverage includes up to $10,000,000 in medical expenses, ensuring you’re protected in case of illness or injury. Plus, your luggage is covered against loss or theft, so you can focus on enjoying your trip without stress.

With Heymondo, you can immerse yourself in Spain’s rich culture, food, and history—knowing you’re backed by reliable travel insurance. Don’t leave your adventure to chance—choose Heymondo for total peace of mind!

Best travel insurance for Spain