20 Best Things to Do In Spain

Written by Sofia Recto | Edited by Bianca Versoza

Easy climate. Friendly locals. Breathtaking landscapes. A rich history that asserts its survival by touching every aspect of the nation’s culture, from architecture to food to entertainment. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Spain attracts 85 million tourists every year.

Whether you’re there for the nightlife, art, culture, history, nature, or cuisine, you’re bound to enjoy your trip to Spain. However, being spoiled for choice when it comes to activities can lead to decision paralysis, especially if you’re pressed for time. To help you maximize your trip, we’ve whipped up a list of the best things to do in Spain.

Best Things to Do In Barcelona

Attend Mass at the Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia, designed by Barcelona’s famous architect Antoni Gaudí, began construction in 1882 and remains unfinished. Despite being a work-in-progress, it is considered one of the world’s most impressive feats of architecture. The spires of stained glass windows refracting colorful shards of light inside halls are sure to captivate any visitor. 

You can visit the Cathedral for free by attending Sunday mass. While tickets aren’t too expensive, using Mass as a means for a free visit is still worth it for the experience. You will need to line up an hour early for a seat inside. 

Explore the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is a slice of history that offers unparalleled shopping and dining options. Once a Roman village, it was built over centuries and carries traces of both modern and medieval sensibilities. 

Because its beauty attracts so many tourists, the Gothic Quarter is also an active commercial hub that houses many restaurants, bars, clubs, souvenir shops, and museums. It is also the location of some of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Barcelona Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, and the Bishop Street bridge. You’re bound to find something interesting even with an aimless stroll. 

Shop at La Boqueria

The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, colloquially known as La Boqueria, is Barcelona’s largest market. Located near the famous Las Ramblas, the market was built on a former monastery in the 13th century and has since evolved into an iconic cultural pillar and tourist destination. Today, it houses over 300 food stalls and serves a variety of local foods, from produce to sweets to snacks.

Book A Private Sailing Tour

No Barcelona visit is complete without a trip to the beach. And if you want to wind down by the sea without enduring the crowds at the shore, consider booking a private sailing tour. View the Barcelona skyline from the Mediterranean as you cruise on a sailboat with a personal guide. 

Most sailing tours include drinks, snacks, or meals. We recommend sailing in the afternoon to catch a seaside sunset. 

Take a Day Trip To Montserrat

Montserrat is for lovers of nature, history, architecture, and religion. This breathtaking geological marvel was named for its knifelike shape, with mont meaning mountain, and serrat meaning serrated. 

Be sure to visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, a 10-century-old monastery that houses the image of the Virgin of Montserrat. 

It’s best to visit Montserrat in the morning when the weather is breezier and crowds are calmer. You can typically book day trips from Barcelona and return within the afternoon.

Best Things to Do In Madrid

Take a Day Trip To Toledo

Toledo is one of the oldest municipalities in Spain. It carries more than 2,000 years of history, bearing influences from the Romans, Visigoths, medieval Arabs, Christians, Jews, and more. Stony, sepia-toned architecture reflects the city’s age and endurance.

Wandering around Toledo will take you back to the past. Be sure to check out the Alcázar of Toledo, an impressive stone fortification that sits at Toledo’s highest point.

Have A Picnic At The Royal Palace Gardens

While you need to buy a ticket to access most parts of Spain’s royal palace, the palace gardens offer free admission. You’ll catch tourists and locals alike meandering, having picnics, or playing music with friends. Stroll through the park yourself for views of the palace’s stunning facade. 

Eat Churros at La Chocolatería de San Ginés

The best place to eat churros in Spain is definitely La Chocolatería de San Ginés. Not only are its churros delicious, but it also carries historic significance. Founded in 1894, San Ginés began as a small goat milk business and later evolved into the cultural landmark it is today. 

Expect long lines of eager tourists — but don’t worry. The wait is definitely worth it. 

Go On A Tapas Tour in Malasaña

While you’re sure to find tasty tapas in any city in Spain, one of your best bets is the Malasaña neighborhood of Madrid. One of Madrid’s trendiest neighborhoods, Malasaña, is home to many lively bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries.

A tapas tour will take you through Malasaña’s finest eateries. You get to try the best of Spanish cuisine at a measured pace. Expect to taste cured Iberian meats, croquetas, huevos rotos, wine, and more. 

Tour the Museo del Prado

Madrid’s Museo del Prado houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of European art. Behold the painstaking detail of Heironymous Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights, the haunting bleakness of Goya’s black paintings, and the jaw-dropping scale of Velázquez’s Las Meninas. 

Book a private tour if you want to gain more insights into each piece. Guides with art backgrounds can provide more context on history, artistic choices, and possible interpretations. 

Best Things to Do In Seville

Go On A Bike Tour

Seville has everything it needs to be a bike-friendly city: walkable streets, public transport systems efficient enough to keep cars off the road, and—most importantly—flat topography. Local-led bike tours will let you imbibe the city’s atmosphere and enjoy its highlights at a breezy pace. Most tours will include both hidden gems and iconic landmarks, including:

  • The Triana Neighborhood
  • Giralda Tower
  • The Tower of Gold
  • Palace of San Telmo

Kayak Across the River Guadalquivir

Kayaking the River Guadalquivir is a great way to experience Seville. It is an exciting physical activity that allows you to view Seville’s skyline from a unique angle. Multiple landmarks are visible from the River Guadalquivir, including the Tower of Gold, the Roman Bridge, and Isabel II Bridge. 

If kayaking sounds too strenuous, try paddle boarding. While less efficient, it allows you to travel through water at a more leisurely pace. 

Visit The Bullring

While controversial, bullfighting is undeniably one of the most unique activities in Spanish culture. Seville is a great place to learn more about its significance and history. If you’re interested, check out the Plaza de Toros Seville, a 13,000-capacity bullfighting arena built in the 18th century. 

Aside from the arena itself, Plaza de Toros Seville also houses the Museum of Bullfighting. On display are paintings and paraphernalia that explain the history of bullfighting in Spain. 

Have a Photoshoot at Plaza de España

Plaza de España is a famous square sitting at the center of Maria Luisa Park. Built in 1928 to host the Ibero-American Exposition World’s Fair, Plaza de España has since become an iconic Seville landmark as well as a popular Hollywood filming location. Most notable examples of films set in the plaza include Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars Episode II, and The Dictator.

The plaza comprises a massive half-circle complex building, multiple moats, and a central fountain. Being a popular film backdrop, it’s a great place to have a photoshoot. You can typically hire photographers for one-to-two hour sessions through platforms like AirBnb experiences. 

Visit the Real Alcazar

The single most famous landmark in Seville is the Real Alcazar, an Islamic-era palace built in the 10th century. It is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Spain. The palace comprises multiple rooms, courtyards, and gardens and carries traces of Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Romantic influences. 

Best Things to Do In Granada

Tour The Alhambra

The Alhambra will undoubtedly be the highlight of your Spain trip. This 700-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site sits on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada, overlooking the city of Granada. It was built during the Moorish reign and bears both Islamic and Christian influences.

There are many things to see in Alhambra, from courtyards to arenas to royal rooms. It houses some of the most impressive medieval architecture in the world. We recommend booking a tour for more insight into its history and other cultural contexts.

Watch Flamenco 

The discipline of Flamenco originated in the Andalusia region of Spain, from the music of the Roma people of the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighborhoods. Naturally, Albaicín and Sacromonte remain among the most popular destinations for watching Flamenco. 

You can watch a Flamenco show in a traditional Moorish-style house in Albaicín, or in a cave dwelling in Sacromonte. Some venues boast magnificent views of the Sierra Nevada or the Alhambra. 

Take a Night Hike

A night hike in Granada will take you through the city’s medieval history on foot. Traverse the narrow, winding streets of Albaicín, witness the cave dwellings uphill in Sacromonte, and view the city from the height of the Silla del Moro. It’s a physical exercise and a history lesson rolled into one unforgettable experience. 

Explore Granada’s Old Town

Granada’s old town offers the same beautiful cultural confluence as the Alhambra. Lying at the  Sierra Nevada’s foothills, it is home to many plazas, churches, and craftsman stores. Head to the marketplace to buy unique, handcrafted wares like pottery, textile art, and jewelry. 

Wind Down in Hammam Al Ándalus

At the foot of the Alhambra sits the Hammam Al Ándalus, the first Arab bath in Spain. These traditional Turkish baths feature hot, warm, and cool water pools that guests can visit at their own pace and leisure. Tea rooms and hot stone massages are also available. 

Summary

With so many landmarks and activities available, a visit to Spain is sure to be unforgettable. If you want more structured suggestions for planning your Spain trip, consider reading our 7-Day Spain Itinerary. It offers detailed suggestions for how to navigate the country and what activities to include per day.