Spain is packed with incredible cities, but a first-timer’s short list usually includes Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Granada, Bilbao, Málaga, Córdoba, and San Sebastián.

Quick Scoop

Here’s a fast feel for the best cities to visit in Spain right now, especially if you want a mix of food, culture, and atmosphere.

Top cities at a glance

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City Why go Best vibe for
Madrid Big-city energy, world-class art museums, late-night tapas.First-timers, culture lovers, nightlife.
Barcelona Gaudí architecture, beach + city combo, lively neighborhoods.Design fans, beach lovers, urban explorers.
Seville Flamenco, Moorish palaces, orange-scented old town.Romantic trips, slower strolls, classic “Spanish” feel.
Valencia Futuristic City of Arts & Sciences, paella, urban beach.Families, foodies, architecture fans.
Granada The Alhambra fortress, dramatic Sierra Nevada backdrop, free tapas culture.History buffs, budget travelers, romantic escapes.
Bilbao Guggenheim Museum, revitalized riverside, Basque cuisine.Art lovers, foodies, offbeat city breaks.
Málaga Costa del Sol base, Picasso museums, revamped old town.Beach breaks, art with sunshine, easy fly-in weekend.
Córdoba Iconic Mezquita mosque- cathedral, patios full of flowers.Day-trippers, photographers, history lovers.
San Sebastián Beautiful bay, legendary pintxos (tapas), surfing culture.Food pilgrims, surfers, scenic long weekends.

Three easy sample itineraries

  • 5–7 days (classic first trip): Madrid → Seville → Barcelona for a mix of royal palaces, flamenco, and Gaudí plus the beach.
  • One-week coastal + culture: Barcelona → Valencia → Málaga for architecture, paella, and Mediterranean beaches.
  • Food-focused route: Bilbao → San Sebastián → Barcelona, basing yourself in Spain’s top gastronomic and wine regions.

Tiny story-style snapshot: Picture starting an evening in Granada with a walk up to the San Nicolás viewpoint as the sun hits the Alhambra walls, then dropping into a tiny bar where every drink brings a free tapa you didn’t even order.

If you tell me how long you’re staying and what you care about most (food, beaches, nightlife, history), I can shape a city list and route just for you.