10 Best Places to Visit in Spain for First-Timers: Ultimate Travel Guide 2025
Visiting Spain for the first time? Get ready for one of the most unforgettable trips of your life.
I spent five months living in Madrid while studying abroad, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
During that time, I traveled extensively across the country, from the vibrant streets of Barcelona and Seville to the stunning beaches of San Sebastián and Sitges.
Spain’s culture, history, food, and lifestyle completely captivated me, and I’ve been back multiple times since to explore even more. I know I’ll live there again someday.
Whether you’re looking for bustling city life, charming small towns, or scenic coastal getaways, this guide will help you navigate Spain like a pro.
I’ve handpicked the 10 best places to visit in Spain for first-timers, including must-see attractions, insider tips, and personal recommendations based on my time traveling through the country.
Let’s dive in!
Why Spain is a Must-Visit for First-Time Travelers
Spain has something for everyone, and that’s why it’s such an incredible destination.
⭐️ Endless Things to Do – From historic landmarks to breathtaking beaches and mountains, there’s never a dull moment.
⭐️ Incredible Food & Wine – Whether it’s tapas in Madrid, paella in Valencia, or pintxos in San Sebastián, every meal is an experience.
⭐️ Rich Culture & History – Spain’s Moorish palaces, Gothic cathedrals, and medieval towns make it one of Europe’s most fascinating countries.
⭐️ Vibrant, Laid-Back Lifestyle – Spaniards know how to enjoy life to the fullest, and their relaxed, social culture is contagious.
Now, let’s get into the best places to visit in Spain for first-timers and why they should be on your itinerary:)
10 Best Places to Visit in Spain for First-Timers
1. Madrid – The Best Starting Point for Your Spain Adventure
Madrid was my home base for five months, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best places to experience Spain for the first time.
It has world-class museums, incredible food, fun nightlife, and historic charm—plus, it’s a great starting point for exploring other parts of Spain.
🏛️ Top Attractions:
- Prado Museum – Spain’s most famous art museum
➡️ Skip the line and book a Prado Museum tour
- Royal Palace of Madrid – One of the grandest palaces in Europe
➡️ Join a guided Royal Palace tour
- El Retiro Park – My favorite place to relax, take a boat ride, or have a picnic
- Gran Vía – Madrid’s main shopping and entertainment street
🌟 Insider Tip:
Don’t miss El Rastro, Madrid’s famous flea market. It happens every Sunday and is the perfect place to browse unique souvenirs, vintage finds, and local artwork.
🏨 Where to Stay in Madrid
➡️ Check out the best hotels in Madrid
Also! If you’re looking for more non-touristy things to do in Madrid, check out this post!
2. Barcelona – Iconic Landmarks & Mediterranean Vibes
Barcelona truly has it all—stunning architecture, lively streets, amazing food, and beautiful beaches.
If you want both city excitement and a beach getaway, this is the place to be.
🏖️ Top Attractions:
- Sagrada Família – Gaudí’s breathtaking masterpiece
➡️ Book a Sagrada Família tour
- Park Güell – A colorful, whimsical park with panoramic city views
➡️ Reserve your Park Güell entrance ticket
- La Boqueria Market on Las Ramblas– A colorful market with the freshest produce, quality seafood, and an endless selection of yummy street food.
🌟 Insider Tip:
Take a day trip to Sitges, a charming beach town just 30 minutes away. I’ve been multiple times, and it’s perfect for a relaxing weekend away from the city.
🏨 Where to Stay in Barcelona
➡️ Browse the best hotels in Barcelona
3. Seville – The Best City in Spain for Culture & Flamenco
Seville feels like the soul of Spain, with its flamenco music, stunning architecture, and vibrant plazas.
I loved wandering through the orange-tree-filled streets, watching flamenco performances, and soaking up the relaxed Andalusian vibe.
🏰 Top Attractions:
- Alcázar of Seville – A fairytale-like palace with Moorish design
➡️ Book an Alcázar guided tour
- Plaza de España – One of the most beautiful squares in Spain
- Metropol Parasol – A modern wooden structure with great views of the city
🌟Insider Tip:
If you visit in spring, don’t miss Feria de Abril—Seville’s biggest festival, filled with flamenco dancing, parades, and amazing food.
🏨 Where to Stay in Seville
➡️ Discover top-rated hotels in Seville
4. Granada – A Fairytale City with the Iconic Alhambra
Granada is perfect if you want to experience Moorish architecture, stunning mountain views, and a relaxed atmosphere.
The Alhambra is one of the most breathtaking places, and the city’s tapas scene is one of the best in Spain.
🏰 Top Attractions:
- Alhambra – Spain’s most famous Moorish palace
➡️ Skip the long lines with this Alhambra guided tour
- Albaicín – A historic district with white-washed houses and incredible sunset views
🌟 Insider Tip:
Granada is one of the only places in Spain where you get free tapas with every drink. Order a drink, and enjoy delicious small plates without paying extra!
🏨 Where to Stay in Granada
➡️ Find the best hotels in Granada
5. Valencia – The Best Mix of History and Beaches
Valencia is one of the most underrated cities in Spain, and I don’t know why more people don’t talk about it.
It’s the birthplace of paella, has stunning beaches, and is home to one of the coolest art and science museums I’ve ever seen.
🏖️ Top Attractions:
- City of Arts and Sciences – An incredible structure that redefines urban design
➡️ Buy skip-the-line tickets here
- Turia Gardens – A lush, sprawling park built in a former riverbed
- Las Fallas Festival – A city-wide celebration featuring massive sculptures and fireworks
🌟 Insider Tip:
If you’re a foodie, you can’t leave Valencia without trying authentic paella!
🏨 Where to Stay in Valencia
➡️ Browse top-rated hotels in Valencia
6. San Sebastián – Spain’s Best Beach & Food Destination
San Sebastián is one of my favorite cities in Spain, and if you love food, beaches, and laid-back vibes, it’s a must-visit.
It has some of the best food I’ve ever eaten, and the coastline is absolutely stunning.
🍽️ Top Attractions:
- Pintxos in Old Town – The Basque Country’s version of tapas
➡️ Join a pintxos and wine-tasting tour
- La Concha Beach – One of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe.
- Monte Igueldo – A scenic cable car ride to the best panoramic views of the city.
🌟 Insider Tip:
San Sebastián is famous for its pintxos (small bites served on bread), and the best way to experience them is to hop from bar to bar.
🏨 Where to Stay in San Sebastián
➡️ Check out beachfront hotels in San Sebastián
7. Bilbao – The Underrated Cultural Capital of Spain
Bilbao features a perfect blend of modern and traditional Basque culture, an incredible art scene, and foodie hotspots, making it a destination worth exploring!
🏛️ Top Attractions:
- Guggenheim Museum – A world-famous modern art museum
➡️ Book your Guggenheim Museum ticket
- Casco Viejo – Bilbao’s charming and historic old town
- Ribera Market – A great spot to sample Basque cuisine
🌟 Insider Tip:
Most people just visit Bilbao for the Guggenheim Museum, but it’s worth staying longer to explore the Basque food scene and nearby beaches.
If you have time, take a day trip to Gaztelugatxe, a breathtaking coastal site that was used as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones.
🏨 Where to Stay in Bilbao
➡️ Explore top-rated hotels in Bilbao
8. Toledo – A Perfect Day Trip from Madrid
Toledo is one of the easiest and best day trips from Madrid, and it feels like stepping into a medieval fairytale.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its history is especially unique—it was once known as the “City of Three Cultures”, where Christians, Muslims, and Jews coexisted, leaving behind an incredible mix of architectural and cultural influences.
🏰 Top Attractions:
- Toledo Cathedral – One of Spain’s most breathtaking Gothic cathedrals
➡️ Join a guided Toledo day tour from Madrid
- Alcázar of Toledo – A fortress with panoramic views over the city
- El Greco Museum – A tribute to the famous painter who lived here
🌟 Insider Tip:
The best way to experience Toledo is by wandering through its narrow, winding streets. Get lost, stop in tiny shops, and enjoy the fact that it feels like you’ve traveled back in time.
9. Córdoba – A Historic City with Spain’s Most Stunning Mosque
Córdoba is smaller and less touristy than Seville, but it’s home to one of the most breathtaking buildings in all of Spain—the Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral).
🏛️ Top Attractions:
- Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral) – A beautiful example of Islamic and Christian architecture
➡️ Book a guided Mezquita tour
- Roman Bridge – A picturesque bridge with scenic views over the Guadalquivir River
- Jewish Quarter – A cute neighborhood filled with whitewashed buildings and colorful flower pots
🌟 Insider Tip:
Córdoba is incredibly hot in the summer, so if you’re visiting between June and September, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat.
10. Málaga – The Best Coastal City for First-Timers
Málaga is one of Spain’s most underrated cities. It’s often overlooked in favor of nearby beach towns, but it has a thriving art scene, fascinating history, and a fun coastal vibe.
🏖️ Top Attractions:
Caminito del Rey – A breathtaking cliffside walkway with stunning views
➡️ Book a guided Caminito del Rey tour
- Picasso Museum – A must-visit for art lovers (Pablo Picasso was born here!)
- Malagueta Beach – A great city beach with plenty of waterfront restaurants
🌟 Insider Tip:
Málaga has some incredible rooftop bars. The views at sunset are insane!
🏨 Where to Stay in Málaga
➡️ Find top beachfront hotels in Málaga
Spain Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
✅ Best Time to Visit Spain – The best seasons are spring (April–June) and fall (September–November) when the weather is comfortable, and there are fewer crowds.
Summer can be brutally hot, especially in Andalusia.
✅ Getting Around Spain – Spain has an amazing public transportation system. High-speed trains (Renfe AVE) connect major cities in just a few hours.
Buses are a great option for smaller towns, and budget airlines (like Ryanair) offer cheap flights.
➡️ Book train passes for unlimited train travel in Spain
✅ Tapas Culture – Unlike in the U.S., dining in Spain is a more relaxed and social experience. Instead of ordering everything at once, it’s common to start with one tapa, share, and order more as the night unfolds.
✅ Essential Spanish Phrases – While many people in Madrid and Barcelona speak some English, learning a few basic Spanish phrases will make your experience smoother—especially in smaller towns.
I always recommend making an effort to learn a bit of the local language wherever you go—after all, it’s not the locals’ job to accommodate you.
✅ Be Prepared for Late Nights – Spaniards eat dinner at 9 or 10 PM, and nights out often last until sunrise.
Adjusting to this schedule was hard for me at first, but I quickly grew to love long, leisurely meals and late-night conversations and dancing.
FAQs: What First-Time Visitors Need to Know About Spain
How many days do you need in Spain for your first visit?
I recommend at least 7–10 days. This gives you time to explore two or three cities without feeling rushed.
What’s the best way to get around Spain?
Spain has an excellent train network (Renfe AVE), reliable buses, and affordable flights for longer distances. If you’re staying in a city like Madrid or Barcelona, the metro is your best friend.
Do you need to speak Spanish when visiting Spain?
Not necessarily, but learning a few key phrases will help a lot, especially in smaller cities.
In Madrid and Barcelona, many people speak English in tourist areas, but in local spots, it’s helpful to know basic Spanish.
What’s the best city to start your trip in Spain?
If it’s your first time, I recommend Madrid or Barcelona—they’re well-connected, easy to navigate, and packed with history, culture, activities, and food.
Is Spain expensive for travelers?
Compared to other Western European countries, Spain is very affordable.
Food, accommodation, and transportation are all reasonably priced, and if you’re smart about where you eat and stay (stay in hostels:)), you can travel on any budget.
How safe is Spain for solo travelers?
Spain is one of the safest countries in Europe, and I felt very comfortable traveling solo.
Pickpocketing can be an issue in tourist-heavy areas, so stay aware, especially in Barcelona and Madrid.
Final Thoughts: Your First Trip to Spain Awaits!
I fell in love with Spain, and I know you will too!
Whether you’re drawn to Madrid’s lively energy, Barcelona’s architecture, Seville’s flamenco culture, or the laid-back beach towns of San Sebastián and Valencia, there’s a destination in Spain that will make you feel at home.
This guide has covered the 10 best places to visit in Spain for first-timers, along with insider tips, personal recommendations, and everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.
I’ve traveled all over Spain, and every time I visit, I find something new to love!
So pack your bags, book your flights, hotels, and tours, and get ready for an unforgettable Spanish adventure! 🇪🇸✨
Lastly, if you’re considering an extended stay or even moving to Spain, check out this post for everything you need to know before making the move!
