Things to do in  Spain

Sagrada Família, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Antoni Gaudí’s magnum opus, is the most iconic structure in Barcelona (and the most popular, with nearly 3 million visitors per year). Construction has been ongoing for more than 130 years, and the surreal structure, with its rainbow-hued stained glass windows, is slated for completion in 2026. Even in its unfinished state, it remains an absolute must-see for every visitor to the Catalan capital.

Antoni Gaudí spent 15 years designing and building the whimsical fountains, mosaic benches, pedestrian walkways, and gingerbread house-like buildings within Park Güell, one of the seven Works of Antoni Gaudí locations that together make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with the Sagrada Familia, the hilltop public park sits at the top of Barcelona’s must-see list, and for good reason. The art nouveau wonderland adorns many postcards of the city.

Built on a hill overlooking Granada and set against a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, the Alhambra (Alhambra de Granada) is a sprawling complex of intricately decorated palaces, pristine gardens, and a once-mighty fortress. With its mix of Renaissance and Moorish architecture, the Alhambra Palace is the most sought-after attraction for visitors to Granada, sitting high on most must-see lists for Andalucia and Spain.

One of Barcelona’s most fanciful buildings, Casa Batlló is a creation by celebrated Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Some visitors know the UNESCO World Heritage Site as the House of Bones for its skeletal columns, while others think its rippling, mosaic-covered facade symbolizes the sea. Come up with your interpretation on a visit—and don’t miss the interior’s exquisite tile work or undulating walls and ceilings.

Located about 30 miles (50 km) northwest of Barcelona is Montserrat Mountain, the “Serrated Mountain.” This unique rock formation, sawed and sculpted by thousands of years of wind and rain, is most famously home to a Benedictine monastery, an important Catholic pilgrimage spot thanks to its 12th-century wooden statue of La Moreneta (The Black Madonna), Catalonia’s patron saint. Aside from its religious and cultural importance, the mountain also boasts unbeatable views from its peaks.

The rippling facade of La Pedrera (Casa Milà) is among Barcelona’s most recognizable landmarks. Created by Antoni Gaudí, the architect behind Sagrada Família and other UNESCO-listed buildings, the apartment complex is now mainly a tourist attraction, and it encompasses courtyards, an apartment filled with early 20th-century furnishings, and a rooftop terrace with chimneys resembling abstract figures. Today, it’s preserved as an interpretive center dedicated to Gaudí’s work—and offers a great first taste of Barcelona architecture.

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) overflows with medieval charm thanks to narrow winding roads, shaded plazas, and beautiful architecture—including that of the Barcelona Cathedral. The neighborhood’s history dates back to Roman times, which is why you’ll find remnants of ancient towers and temples alongside trendy boutiques and tapas bars. Known for noteworthy museums and churches, the Gothic Quarter’s proximity to La Rambla also makes it popular among the young, nightlife-loving crowd.

The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid) is a beautiful baroque structure with more than 3,000 rooms, making it one of Europe's largest royal residences. Although the Spanish royal family no longer lives here, it remains the official state residence and is used for ceremonies and events. With opulent halls, grand staircases, and art-filled galleries, it's a popular place for tourists in Madrid to get a peek into Spain's royal history.

Southern Spain’s cultural landscapes have been shaped by centuries of Moorish and Catholic influence, but few places exemplify this influence as beautifully as the Royal Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcázar de Sevilla). Highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s sprawling complex include the Palace of King Pedro (Palacio del Rey Don Pedro), home to intricate Mudéjar plasterwork, and the sublime sunken garden, Courtyard of the Maidens (Patio de las Doncellas).

The 13th-century Generalife served as a summer retreat for Nasrid kings when they needed a break from palace affairs. From its perch on Cerro del Sol (Hill of the Sun), the series of terraces, promenades, and gardens spread across 74 landscaped acres (30 hectares) of the Alhambra complex afford some of the best views over Granada.

Running through the center of Barcelona, Passeig de Gràcia is one of the city’s most beautiful—and expensive—avenues. Barcelona’s answer to Paris’ Champs-Élysées, the thoroughfare links the Plaça de Catalunya to the eponymous Gràcia neighborhood. It’s home to a number of fantastic modernista and art nouveau buildings, including Gaudí’s La Pedrera (Casa Milà) and Casa Batlló, both of which hold UNESCO World Heritage status.

Standing tall in the center of the Gothic Quarter, the Barcelona Cathedral (Catedral de Barcelona) is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona and an unmissable landmark of the city. With richly decorated spires that stand out in the skyline, the 13th-century structure is known for its Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows, and tree-filled cloister, where 13 white geese wander in honor of St. Eulàlia, martyred at 13 years old.

Barcelona’s most famous pedestrian street runs from Plaça de Catalunya to the Columbus Monument in Port Vell. Walking the tree-shaded boulevard of La Rambla is a rite of passage for both first-time and repeat tourists. Day and night, you’ll find florists displaying their arrangements, waiters serving tapas and paella to outdoor diners, and street artists and performers catching the eyes of passersby—it’s a microcosm of Barcelona.

The Prado Museum (Museo del Prado) houses one of the finest art collections in the world, specializing in European art from the 12th to 19th centuries. Thousands of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art are on display throughout its halls, and they represent merely a fraction of the total collection. Highlights include works by Francisco Goya, Diego Velázquez, and El Greco. Perhaps the most famous paintings are Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor) by Velázquez, Goya’s “Black Paintings,” and The Garden of Earthly Delights, a triptych by Hieronymus Bosch.

Flanked by the Torre Mapfre and Hotel Arts skyscrapers, Port Olímpic was built as part of the area’s redevelopment in preparation for Barcelona’s 1992 Olympics. Thanks to its proximity to the beach and public art, including Frank Gehry’s shimmering Peix sculpture, it has become one of the most popular leisure areas in the city. The marina is the perfect place to dine and drink, overlooking multimillion-dollar yachts.