5 Best Places to Visit in Spain for First Timers

Spain is my favourite country in Europe. It has it all: history, culture, great food and beautiful beaches & nature. But it can be difficult to decide where to start with travelling to Spain, which is why I created this blog post with 5 best places to visit in Spain for first timers.

While others included 10+ cities, I tried to keep it as compact as possible because if you’re looking for your first visit to Spain, most likely you are not interested in the lesser-known places, but would rather love to decide between the most common ones (you can’t see all of Spain in a week or two btw!).

In the blog post I will mention a little bit about each city, why you should visit, what are the top things to do and where to stay.

✅ If you’re looking for a custom travel plan, find out more about my personalised itinerary service here.

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Barcelona

Barcelona is my favourite city not only in Spain, but in general. It’s cosmopolitan yet Mediterranean, a city with the most beautiful sites in Spain and most unique architecture.

It’s a city that was shaped by the famous Antoni Gaudí whose major attractions you have to visit.

It’s a great place for first-time visitors. It was also the first place I visited in Spain, so I know you won’t be left disappointed.

📖 Read my Barcelona 5 Days Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide blog post.

Top Things to Do in Barcelona

📖 Check my Top 8 Gaudi Sites You Have to Visit in Barcelona blog post.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

📖 For more options, check my 15 Best Barcelona Hotels with Amazing Rooftop Pool blog post.

Madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain and definitely one of the best places for your first trip to Spain.

People in general love either Barcelona or Madrid more, so you won’t know which team you’re on until you visit both of them. I’m definitely on the Barcelona team, but I loved Madrid a lot too!

It’s a true royal city, competing with other great cities of Europe (like London or Paris). It is also quite affordable with lots of things to do and great food (you have to try jamon iberico in Madrid!).

✅ Madrid and Barcelona are only about 3h by train, so you can combine them easily in one trip if you’d like! You can get your tickets here.

📖 Read my The Ultimate 4 Days in Madrid Itinerary blog post.

Top Things to Do in Madrid

Where to Stay in Madrid

📖 For more check my Guide to Madrid: 8 Best Areas and Hotels for Every Traveller blog post.

Additionally, if you’re interested in hotels with the pool, then check my Top 11 Madrid Hotels with the Pool: Best Rooftop Pools blog post.

Seville

Seville is the capital and largest city of the Spanish autonomous community of Andalusia and one of the most unique spots you can visit in Spain.

Its architecture was shaped by the Moors who ruled over Seville in the 14th century which got mixed with the gothic, renaissance and baroque styles. It’s often why Seville (and Andalusia in general) is considered a perfect mix of islamic and christian worlds.

It’s a place where you’ll see the best Flamenco shows because Andalusia is the birthplace of it. The food is great, the city is walkable and therefore a great choice for your first time visit to Spain.

Top Things to Do in Seville

Where to Stay in Seville

Valencia

Valencia is the 3rd largest city in Spain.

It has a great mix of history, beach and modern architecture.

Valencia is the birthplace of paella, home to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and has one of the largest old towns in Spain.

If you’re visiting Spain for the first time and want something less crowded than Barcelona but still full of things to do, Valencia is a great choice.

Top Things to Do in Valencia

Where to Stay in Valencia

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the Balearic Islands.

It’s known for its beautiful coastline, gothic cathedral and laid-back island vibe, so you’ll find a mix of beach, culture and great food there.

If you’re visiting Spain for the first time and want a city with sea views and a holiday feel, Palma is a great pick, especially in summer time.

Top Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca

✅ If you’re looking for a custom travel plan, find out more about my personalised itinerary service here.

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