Travelers’ ideal places in Spain. The splendor of a caliph’s castle, days in the heat on Mediterranean beaches, and the mark of heels from a flamenco dancer. These kinds of travel experiences encapsulate the essence of Spain, showcasing the nation’s captivating natural beauty, exciting history, and rich culture.
Spain radiates lively energy and a mesmerizing combination of past and present, from the busy street life of Plaza Mayor in Madrid and La Rambla in Barcelona to the forest of columns and Moorish arches receding into the calm vastness of Cordoba’s Great Mosque. You’ll be pleasantly pleased by what you discover if you travel off the usual tourist routes and explore less tourist-oriented places.
Using our list of places in Spain’s fantastic attractions, you can plan your trip and discover fascinating things to do.
Best Tourist Attractions in Spain 2023/24
Our guide offers a complete list of Spain’s best tourist spots and places, making it your go-to resource for exploring the country’s top attractions.
It will assist you in organizing your next trip to Spain.
With so many sights to see and activities to partake in, like exploring well-known locations, incredible attractions, quaint beaches, historical landmarks, and intriguing museums, we decided to compile a list of the top attractions in Spain.
1. The Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, Granada
No matter how much you’ve seen or heard of Granada’s Alhambra palaces, you’ll still be amazed by this Moorish masterpiece. The Nasrid dynasty’s royal palace, representing the pinnacle of Islamic Spain, continues to captivate visitors. The Alhambra includes numerous structures like buildings, towers, walls, gardens, and a mosque. Yet, what truly mesmerizes are the exquisitely detailed stone carvings, delicate filigrees, stunning tiled ceilings, graceful arches, and peaceful courtyards within the Nasrid palace.
2. Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and Gaudí Sites
Antoni Gaudí pushed the boundaries of Art Nouveau architecture, creating iconic, fantastical structures in Barcelona.
The must-visit Basilica de la Sagrada Família stands out for its ongoing construction.
Casa Milà, Gaudí’s last secular work, may lack straight lines but resembles a work of art.
Don’t miss the roof, as some believe its chimneys inspired Darth Vader’s look in Star Wars.
Explore Casa Batlló, with its mask-shaped balconies and unique façade, hosting Magic Nights performances on the rooftop terrace.
Perched on a hillside, Parc Güell offers sweeping views of the city below. The gardens and views are surrounded by imaginative fish, salamanders, octopuses, and colorful mosaic designs made of ceramic tiles. Close to the entrance, you’ll find a playful, tall house adorned with colorful ceramic pieces.
Gaudí’s monuments are visually appealing to both adults and children, regardless of their architectural background, because they are enjoyable to behold.
3. The Great Mosque of Córdoba (La Mezquita)
The Great Mosque in Córdoba, Spain, is the best example of Moorish architecture in Spain and was formerly the principal mosque of Western Islam. People still call it La Mezquita.
Despite subsequent modifications that removed part of its structure to accommodate a Catholic church, the Great Mosque and the Alhambra in Granada are two of Western Europe’s best representations of Islamic art and architecture.
The construction started in 785 and employed elements from Visigothic and Roman structures. By 1000, it had developed to its current size, with a prayer hall with no less than nineteen aisles. You can see the symmetrical patterns of its circular Moorish arches and rows of columns from every angle and position.
La Mezquita is situated in the heart of Cordoba, next to many of the city’s main attractions. Stroll to the Puente Romano, also known as the Puerta del Puente, or choose a dining establishment by the river.
Seville’s highlights include the 15th-century Palacio de Viana, flower-filled patios in the old Jewish quarter, and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a former Caliphal Palace. The Judería retains its Moorish charm with white buildings, cobblestone streets, and squares.
4. The Royal Palace Madrid
Add one of Europe’s most stunning royal palaces in Madrid to your list of Spain’s top tourist spots.
Located in the heart of Spain’s capital city, it boasts around 2,000 lavishly decorated rooms, with about 50 open to the public.
The palace continues to serve as a venue for state visits by the head of state and significant ceremonies. Built entirely of granite and slate from the neighboring SĖеrrа dе Guаdаrrаmа mountain range, the spectacular building is very stunning.
During the winter, it is available to the public seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; from April to September, it is open till 8 p.m. Group discounts are available, with the basic entrance charge being €10. Audio guides are €3, while guides only cost €4.
5. Seville Cathedral
The Santa Maria de la Sede Cathedral is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a must-visit attraction in Seville year-round.
The cathedral of Seville is a striking site in the city’s center, a short stroll from the Guadalquivir River.
The palace continues to serve as a venue for state visits by the head of state and significant ceremonies.
Eighty-side chapels encircle the magnificent central Nave, which rises to more than 40 meters. In the twelfth century, the Moorish dynasty constructed the Basilica on the location of the Aljama mosque.
6. Reina Sofia National Art Museum – Madrid
With well over 3 million visitors annually, the Reina Sofia National Art Museum is one of the most popular in Spain.
In 1992, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía inaugurated the Reina Sofia National Art Museum.
Today, the museum houses invaluable European art collections, including works by Joan Miro and Salvador Dali. Picasso’s renowned masterpiece “Guernica” is prominently displayed on the lower level.
Following a substantial 2005 renovation, the museum boasts an extensive library dedicated to arts and humanities. Along with two auditoriums—one seating 500 and the other accommodating 200.
7. Visit Spain’s Top Theme Parks
Spain boasts several top theme parks, such as Seville’s Isla Magica Park, Madrid’s Warner Park, Barcelona’s PortAventura, and Benidorm’s Terra Mitica Theme Park. Terra Mitica was designed with five zones inspired by ancient civilizations. It caters to both thrill-seekers and younger guests, making it ideal for families. PortAventura offers the added convenience of themed hotels with easy park access, enhancing your visit.
For those in Madrid, Warner Theme Park promises an exciting day with attractions featuring beloved characters like Superman, Batman, Tom and Jerry, Scooby-Doo, and iconic Acme rogues, all based on popular Warner Brothers movies.
Conveniently located a minute’s walk from the city center, Isla Magica in Seville is a beloved family destination.
