Recently updated on July 2nd, 2025 at 04:48 pm
Savoor wine and tapas in a sun-dappled café by the coast. Soak in the local nightlife to the sound of flamenco guitars. Stroll through the mosaic-decorated halls of an unfinished masterpiece. This is Spain. And if you’re planning your first visit, we’ve gathered the best things to do in Spain—experiences that will immerse you in its vibrant culture, history and cuisine. Whether you’re drawn to ancient fortresses, passionate dances, sun-drenched beaches or world-class museums, Spain’s got something for everyone. From a full day of wine tasting in the Rioja region to exploring Santiago de Compostela’s historic pilgrimage route, here are 15 unforgettable highlights to include on your Spain trip.
1. Weave your way through Barcelona’s mosaic landscapes & Gothic architecture
Wander the enchanting lanes of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, where Roman ruins and medieval facades whisper stories of the past. Take a walking tour to uncover the layers of history hidden in this atmospheric part of the city. Just beyond, Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical architecture steals the show. Marvel at the Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Spain. A colorful combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, the Sagrada Familia is a magnificent – and still unfinished – Roman Catholic basilica which has become iconic to the city’s skyline. Take a few hours to wander around the building and admire the whimsical maze-like landscaping surrounding the church, which has been described simultaneously as “one of the most hideous buildings in the world” by George Orwell, and the “greatest piece of creative architecture” by famed architect Louis Sullivan. We’ll leave it up to you as to which you’ll agree with more.
And don’t miss Park Güell, Gaudí’s kaleidoscopic garden filled with mosaic-covered benches, whimsical sculptures and sweeping views over the city. Both sites are part of the architect’s larger Modernisme legacy in Barcelona and are some of the best things to do in Spain for lovers of art, architecture and design.
2. Join the fiesta in Pamplona
If you’re after pure adrenaline, join locals and daredevils during the Running of the Bulls at the San Fermín Festival in Pamplona. This historic, controversial and high-energy event takes place every July and includes parades, concerts and fireworks.
If a nine-day bull-running festival doesn’t quite tickle your fancy, however, stroll through the beaten tracks of the city at your own pace and bask in the bustling atmosphere of the second-largest city in the Basque region. After all – there’s plenty here to enjoy. Book-lovers, in particular, will love tracing the steps of Hemingway himself with a cup of coffee at Café Iruña – a one-time haunt of the author.
3. Watch flamenco where it was born: Seville
What’s next? Well, how does getting swept up in the passion and frenzy of a live flamenco dance sound? On your first trip to Spain, spend at least one night soaking in Seville’s nightlife: in an intimate tablao, let the rhythm of the guitar, the clapping hands, and the passionate dance sweep you away. Spend the night hopping between lively bars and courtyards, fuelled by tapas and Andalusian wine. A night to remember in the city famous for the dance itself.
Tip: Take a walking tour through the Santa Cruz district in Seville during the day to see hidden squares and baroque architecture before the city comes alive after dark.
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4. Relax on the sun-kissed shores of the Costa del Sol
Feel the sun’s rays warm your shoulders as you stroll along one of Spain’s most famous coastlines. Here, there’s something for everyone. Looking for that golden holiday tan? Sip on a refreshing drink from one of the nearby cafes and bask in the midday sun. More of an adventurous type? Take a short trip to nearby Malaga – a city famed for its hiking spots and art museums. Need a cool down on your trip to Spain? Plenty of open-air beachside restaurants are just waiting to welcome you with open arms. There, you can feast on a cuisine inspired by Spanish, Jewish or Arabic traditions. That’s everything from pescaíto frito – breaded and fried fish – or gazpacho – a cold tomato soup perfect for a sun-beaten day.
5. Sip and swirl on a Rioja wine tour
Spain is a paradise for wine lovers, and no region is more renowned than La Rioja. A full-day wine tour through this fertile region will take you past rolling vineyards and family-run bodegas. Sample award-winning reds, learn the winemaking process and pair your tasting with local delicacies like chorizo and sheep’s cheese. For the ultimate experience, visit Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture near Briones.
6. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims in Santiago de Compostela
Located in Galicia in Spain’s northwest, Santiago de Compostela is the final stop on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Whether you’ve hiked part of the trail or not, the city’s grand cathedral and winding stone streets are worth exploring. This World Heritage Site is a spiritual and cultural gem, rich in Romanesque and Baroque architecture. Don’t forget to sample pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) while you’re there.
7. Take a Madrid tour of art and history
Spain’s capital is home to three of the most important art museums in Europe—the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza—all located in the so-called Golden Triangle of Art. A Madrid tour through these museums can fill an entire day. Don’t miss Goya’s haunting Black Paintings, Picasso’s Guernica, and Bosch’s surreal triptych The Garden of Earthly Delights.
End your day in El Retiro Park, a lush escape filled with fountains, sculptures and rowboats. Grab a calamari sandwich and sit by the lake like a local. If that doesn’t say la buena vida, what does?
8. Discover the white villages of Andalusia
Tucked into the hills of southern Spain, the pueblos blancos like Arcos de la Frontera, Ronda, and Vejer de la Frontera feel like time capsules. Their whitewashed walls, cobbled streets and breathtaking vistas are picture-perfect. Visit on a day trip from Seville or Malaga, or spend a night soaking in the slow pace of village life.
9. Take a day trip to Toledo
Just a short ride from Madrid, Toledo is a medieval hilltop city packed with history. Once home to Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities, the city’s skyline of spires, mosques and synagogues tells a unique cultural story. Take a guided walking tour to uncover its many layers—from the soaring Toledo Cathedral to El Greco’s masterpieces. Visit the official Toledo tourism site.
10. Island hop in the Canary Islands
If your idea of paradise includes volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches and year-round sunshine, look no further than the Canary Islands. From the lunar scenery of Lanzarote to the lush forests of La Palma, each island has its own character. Hike in Teide National Park in Tenerife or relax in the clear waters of Fuerteventura—both are World Heritage-adjacent marvels.
11. Catch a sunset at Alhambra in Granada
The Alhambra is one of Spain’s most iconic World Heritage Sites, and for good reason. This Moorish fortress-palace complex is filled with intricate carvings, serene courtyards and sweeping views over the Sierra Nevada mountains. Book your tickets early—it’s one of the most popular attractions in Spain, and sunset visits are especially magical.
12. Eat your way through San Sebastián
This culinary capital in the Basque Country is home to some of the best food in Spain. Wander from bar to bar sampling pintxos—small snacks that are as creative as they are delicious. San Sebastián also boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Europe. Food tours here are highly recommended for first-time visitors.
13. Visit filming locations from Game of Thrones
Spain doubled as Westeros in many Game of Thrones scenes. Fans can visit Gaztelugatxe (Dragonstone), Alcázar of Seville (the Water Gardens of Dorne), and Castle of Zafra (Tower of Joy) among others. Even if you’re not a fan, these castles and landscapes are worth exploring for their history and cinematic beauty.
14. Wander the Roman ruins of Mérida
Step back in time in Mérida, where Roman history is on full display. From the Roman Theatre to the Temple of Diana, this lesser-known gem is one of the best places to see ancient ruins in Spain. The city is a designated World Heritage Site and makes for an excellent detour on your journey through Extremadura.
15. Explore the caves of Drach in Mallorca
Looking for something off the beaten path? Head to Mallorca’s Cuevas del Drach, a network of stunning underground caves housing one of the largest underground lakes in the world. Take a boat ride through the caverns while listening to classical music played live underground—an atmospheric and unexpected highlight of your trip.
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What is the #1 attraction in Spain?
While Spain has countless incredible landmarks, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is often considered the top attraction. Its unique blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, sheer scale, and status as a World Heritage Site make it a must-see for any visitor to Spain.
Is 7 days enough to visit Spain?
Seven days is just enough to sample a few of Spain’s highlights—such as a combination of Madrid, Barcelona, and Andalusia—but the country is vast and diverse. If you want to truly experience the best things to do in Spain, including the Canary Islands or a wine tour in Rioja, consider two weeks or more for a more relaxed and immersive experience.
Eager for your first trip to Spain? Go with travel experts who speak the language and know all the best spots on one of our Spain trip packages.