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Spain

Flamenco, tapas, and Moorish palaces. Barcelona's Gaudí, Andalusia's white villages, and the Camino de Santiago. As part of Southern Europe in Europe, Spain suits travelers drawn to beachside, big cities, historic, wine & food, islands, and art & culture. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Spain

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct

Barcelona

Barcelona is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Spain, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Madrid

Madrid is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Spain, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Seville

Plan at least a full day in Seville to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Granada

Plan at least a full day in Granada to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Spain, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

What it is known for
facts
  • Sagrada Família and Park Güell in Barcelona
  • Alhambra palace complex in Granada
  • Holy Week (Semana Santa) processions in Seville and Málaga
  • Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route
  • Tapas, paella, jamón ibérico, and Rioja wine
key City
name
Barcelona
label
Most popular city
why
Gaudí architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and Las Ramblas make Barcelona Spain's most visited urban destination.
Places to visit
  • area
    Barcelona
    attractions
    • name
      Sagrada Família
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Park Güell
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      La Rambla
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Gothic Quarter
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
  • area
    Madrid
    attractions
    • name
      Prado Museum
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
    • name
      Royal Palace of Madrid
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Retiro Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Plaza Mayor
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
  • area
    Seville
    attractions
    • name
      Alcázar of Seville
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Seville Cathedral
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Plaza de España
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
    • name
      Metropol Parasol
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Granada
    attractions
    • name
      Alhambra
      duration
      3-4 hours
      book Ahead
      Book 4-8 weeks ahead; timed Nasrid Palaces entry sells out fast.
    • name
      Generalife Gardens
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Buy day tickets on-site or online 3-7 days ahead on busy weekends.
    • name
      Albaicín Quarter
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
    • name
      Sacromonte Caves
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Bilbao
    attractions
    • name
      Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
    • name
      Casco Viejo
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Azkuna Zentroa
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Puente de la Salve
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Spain Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Barcelona
    • Madrid
    • Seville
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Barcelona
    • Full day discovering Madrid
    • Full day discovering Seville
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Barcelona
      description
      Land in Barcelona, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Spain trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Madrid
      description
      Dedicate the day to Madrid: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Seville and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Seville visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Spain
    duration
    10 days
    locations
    • Barcelona
    • Madrid
    • Seville
    • Granada
    • Bilbao
    highlights
    • Cover Barcelona and Madrid
    • Explore Seville
    • Explore Granada
    • Explore Bilbao
    best For
    Urban explorers and culture fans
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Barcelona
      description
      Land in Barcelona, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Spain trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Madrid
      description
      Dedicate the day to Madrid: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Seville
      description
      Dedicate the day to Seville: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Explore Granada
      description
      Dedicate the day to Granada: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      5
      title
      Bilbao and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Bilbao visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Spain Beaches & Coast
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Madrid
    • Seville
    • Granada
    • Bilbao
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Madrid
    • Coastal day in Seville
    • Coastal day in Granada
    • Coastal day in Bilbao
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Madrid
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Madrid.
    • day
      2
      title
      Seville coast
      description
      Spend the day on Seville's shoreline: Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral, Plaza de España, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Granada coast
      description
      Spend the day on Granada's shoreline: Alhambra, Generalife Gardens, Albaicín Quarter, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      4
      title
      Bilbao and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Bilbao, visiting Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Casco Viejo, Azkuna Zentroa before you depart Spain.
  • title
    Spain Countryside
    duration
    9 days
    locations
    • Barcelona
    • Madrid
    • Seville
    • Granada
    • Bilbao
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Barcelona
    • Rural stop: Madrid
    • Rural stop: Seville
    • Rural stop: Granada
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Barcelona
      description
      Reach Barcelona, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Madrid countryside
      description
      Explore Madrid at an easy pace: Prado Museum, Royal Palace of Madrid, Retiro Park with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Seville countryside
      description
      Explore Seville at an easy pace: Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral, Plaza de España with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Granada countryside
      description
      Explore Granada at an easy pace: Alhambra, Generalife Gardens, Albaicín Quarter with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      5
      title
      Bilbao and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Bilbao, stopping at Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Casco Viejo, Azkuna Zentroa before heading home.
  • title
    Spain Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Madrid
    • Seville
    • Bilbao
    highlights
    • Must-see: Prado Museum
    • Must-see: Royal Palace of Madrid
    • Must-see: Alcázar of Seville
    • Must-see: Seville Cathedral
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Madrid
      description
      Start in Madrid with Prado Museum, Royal Palace of Madrid, Retiro Park, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Seville monuments
      description
      Focus on Seville's tourist favorites: Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral, Plaza de España with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Bilbao landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Bilbao, including Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Casco Viejo, Azkuna Zentroa, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
April through June and September through October balance warm but not scorching weather across Madrid, Barcelona, Andalusia, and the northern caminos. Spring ferias and fall wine harvests add cultural depth while beaches and cities avoid August holiday shutdowns.
typical Weather
Madrid/Barcelona Apr-Jun/Sep-Oct: highs 20-28°C (68-82°F), lows 10-17°C (50-63°F), 30-50 mm rain. Seville hotter at 28-32°C (82-90°F). Basque Country: 18-22°C (64-72°F), more rain. Balearics sea 20-24°C (68-75°F).
details
  • Aug is peak heat and Spanish holiday exodus; many Madrid shops close.
  • Semana Santa (Mar-Apr) and Fallas (Mar) draw huge crowds in Seville and Valencia.
  • Camino de Santiago best May-Sep; Pyrenees snow lingers into April.
  • Canaries warm year-round; mainland best in shoulder seasons.
most Affordable
period
Nov – Mar
summary
Off-season outside Christmas delivers Spain's lowest Madrid and Barcelona rates when Costa del Sol resorts discount and Camino routes are quiet.
details
  • Barcelona and Madrid hotels discount 35-45% in Jan-Feb.
  • Seville and Granada riads cut winter rates.
  • Costa del Sol resorts offer winter promotions.
  • Ryanair and Vueling fares to Spain lowest in winter.
most Expensive
period
Aug
summary
Mediterranean August peak and Spanish holiday month drive Spain's highest coast and island prices when Madrilenos flee to beaches and islands sell out.
details
  • Balearic and Canary island hotels sell out at peak Aug rates.
  • Costa Brava and Costa del Sol premium in Spanish August holidays.
  • Semana Santa (Mar-Apr) spikes Seville and Malaga demand.
  • Barcelona still expensive in Aug despite local departures.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El Prat receive most international visitors.
airports
  • name
    Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
    code
    MAD
    location
    Madrid
    distance From Center
    13 km (8 mi) northeast of central Madrid
    transfer Note
    Metro line 8 reaches Nuevos Ministerios
  • name
    Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport
    code
    BCN
    location
    Barcelona
    distance From Center
    15 km (9 mi) southwest of Plaça de Catalunya
    transfer Note
    Aerobús and RENFE reach the city
  • name
    Palma de Mallorca Airport
    code
    PMI
    location
    Palma
    distance From Center
    8 km (5 mi) east of central Palma
    transfer Note
    Buses reach Balearic resorts
Getting around
overview
Spaniards use Renfe trains, metro in Madrid and Barcelona, and intercity buses; Cabify and Uber operate in cities.
trains
  • name
    Renfe
    description
    National rail including AVE high-speed trains.
    ticketing
    Book at renfe.com or station counters.
ferries
  • name
    Balearia
    description
    Ferries serve Balearic Islands and mainland ports.
    ticketing
    Book online with route and vehicle details.
subways
  • name
    Metro de Madrid
    description
    Madrid metro network across the capital region.
    ticketing
    Use Multi card or contactless at gates.
  • name
    TMB Barcelona Metro
    description
    Barcelona metro serving the city and coast.
    ticketing
    Buy T-casual or Hola BCN passes at machines.
public Transit
  • name
    EMT Madrid Buses
    kind
    public
    description
    Madrid municipal buses beyond metro coverage.
    ticketing
    Same tickets as Metro de Madrid.
ride Share
  • name
    Cabify
    kind
    rideshare
    description
    Major ride-hailing in Spanish cities.
    ticketing
    Book via Cabify app.
  • name
    Uber
    kind
    rideshare
    description
    Ride-hailing in Madrid, Barcelona, and others.
    ticketing
    Book via Uber app.
Rail passes
name
Eurail Spain Pass
description
U.S. and other non-European residents can use a Eurail One Country Pass for flexible train travel across Spain, including many regional and intercity routes on participating operators.
ticketing
High-speed and overnight trains often require a seat reservation fee even with a pass; buy and activate before your first train.
Currency
code
EUR
name
euro
symbol
€
note
Euro banknotes and coins are legal tender throughout the euro area.

Convert your travel budget ↗

Visas & official entry links
Local customs
summary
Spaniards are sociable, late-dining, and regionally proud, from Catalonia to Andalusia. Siesta hours still quiet some shops midday. Church visits and Holy Week processions expect modest dress and silence.
customs
  • Two cheek kisses common among friends; handshake for first meetings.
  • Dinner often starts after 9 p.m. in summer cities.
  • Tapas bars expect sharing and standing at counters.
dos
  • Greet with buenos días and gracias in shops.
  • Dress modestly at cathedrals and Semana Santa events.
  • Validate transit tickets in Barcelona and Madrid.
  • Tip by rounding up or 5 to 10 percent at sit-down meals.
  • Learn basic Catalan or Basque phrases in those regions as courtesy.
donts
  • Do not assume bullfighting support nationally; opinions vary sharply.
  • Do not eat paella for dinner in Valencia tradition; lunch dish locally.
  • Do not speak loudly in residential alleys late night in old quarters.
  • Do not fly drones over crowds and beaches without AENA rules.
  • Do not wear beachwear in city churches.
Useful travel phrases
language
Spanish
phrases
  • english
    Please
    local
    Por favor
    pronunciation
    por fah-BOR
  • english
    Thank you
    local
    Gracias
    pronunciation
    GRAH-syahs
  • english
    Yes
    local
    Sí
    pronunciation
    see
  • english
    No
    local
    No
    pronunciation
    noh
  • english
    How much?
    local
    ¿Cuánto cuesta?
    pronunciation
    KWAHN-toh KWES-ta
  • english
    Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
    local
    ¿Dónde está el restaurante o bar más cercano?
    pronunciation
    DOHN-deh es-TAH el res-tow-RAHN-teh oh bar mahs ther-KAH-no
  • english
    Where is the airport?
    local
    ¿Dónde está el aeropuerto?
    pronunciation
    DOHN-deh es-TAH eh-ay-ro-PWER-toh
  • english
    I need help
    local
    Necesito ayuda
    pronunciation
    neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah
  • english
    I need a hospital
    local
    Necesito un hospital
    pronunciation
    neh-seh-SEE-toh oon o-spee-TAHL
  • english
    Call the police
    local
    Llame a la policía
    pronunciation
    yah-MAH a la po-lee-SEE-ah
Longer stays
visa Summary
U.S. citizens may visit Spain visa-free under Schengen rules for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Non-lucrative visas, digital nomad visas, work permits, Golden Visa investment routes, and family reunification provide relocation pathways with distinct income or sponsorship requirements. Spain updates financial thresholds and nomad visa rules regularly, so confirm with consulates and extranjería offices.

Practical tips.

  • Eat lunch after 1:30 p.m. and dinner after 9 p.m. because many restaurants close between traditional meal windows.
  • Book Sagrada Família and Alhambra timed tickets weeks ahead because daily caps sell out in peak season.
  • Watch for pickpockets on Barcelona metro lines and Madrid Puerta del Sol, keeping bags in front of you.
More travel tips ↗

Locate Spain.

Location map of Spain

Before you go.

Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Spain ↗