Spain attractions

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.

El Born may be one of the oldest neighborhoods in Barcelona, but it is also one of the trendiest. The area boasts a distinct bohemian vibe, thanks to its character-rich, medieval passages lined with tapas bars, quaint bistros, and artsy clubs. Its proximity to many of Barcelona’s top attractions, such as Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, makes El Born an ideal place to base yourself during your Spanish sojourn.

A popular meeting place for tourists and locals, Plaza Mayor dates back to the early 17th century, during King Felipe III's reign; its central equestrian statue is a nod to the king's role in overseeing the square's completion. Forming the outer walls are a series of three-story buildings with balconies overlooking the lively scene.

St. Mary of the Sea Cathedral (Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar) reigns over the atmospheric Passeig del Born, and is the only surviving church in Catalan Gothic style. Built in the 14th century, the cathedral is characterized by its architectural elegance and harmony. Highlights include exquisite stained-glass windows, tombs of medieval brotherhood members, and 360-degree views of Barcelona from the church’s rooftop terrace.

Classic and contemporary architecture meet in Plaça de Catalunya, hailed as the beating heart of Barcelona. Surrounded by luxury hotels and high-end restaurants, the square also features sculptures and a grand fountain. Plus, the attraction-packed avenues of La Rambla and Passeig de Gracia converge here, making it the ideal starting point for sightseeing excursions.

St. James Square (Plaça de Sant Jaume) has been the civic and political center of Barcelona since antiquity, when it was the forum in the Roman city of Barcino. This large square in the Gothic Quarter is a popular local gathering spot and home to the Palau de la Generalitat (Parliament of Catalonia) and Barcelona City Hall (Casa de la Ciutat).

One of Madrid’s most picturesque and popular markets, San Miguel Market (Mercado de San Miguel) is also the city’s oldest. Built in 1916 and recognizable for its wrought-iron and glass facade, the market now houses tapas restaurants, wine bars, bakeries, and other tempting eateries.

There is no more representative symbol of Seville’s layered history than the 322-foot (98-meter) The Giralda (El Giraldillo). The bell tower of the city’s cathedral stands a little apart from the main building; it was once the minaret of a mosque that stood on the site before it was razed to make way for the cathedral.

During a visit to Granada in 1526, King Charles V (Carlos V) chose the Alhambra as the site of his future royal residence. The Palace of Charles V (Palacio de Caros V) stands in stark contrast to the style of the surrounding Moorish Alhambra. It is notable for its 2-level columned circular courtyard and surrounding square structure.

Originally the site of the Christian Visigoth Church San Vicente dating back to AD 600, the Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba) stands as the city's most proud monument and one of the most exquisite Islamic structures in the Western world. Learn about its rich history while taking in the 850 columns of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite.

La Boqueria Market (Mercat de la Boqueria) is Barcelona’s busiest food market, with a massive building along La Rambla. More than 200 stalls, some of which have been around since its opening in 1840, range from family produce vendors to full-fledged restaurants. Whether you’re sourcing ingredients for the perfect paella or tracking down the best slice of Iberico ham in town, few experiences are as quintessentially Barcelona as shopping and dining at La Boqueria.

A perch atop Montjuïc Mountain gives this centuries-old military fortress sweeping views across the city of Barcelona—from the port to the Mediterranean and even the neighboring Baix Llobregat region. Within the fortress walls, visitors find a parade ground, watch tower, and other military installations, as well as temporary and permanent exhibitions about local history. Also on-site is the Montjuïc Interpretive Center to tell the story of the fortress itself.

King Alfonso XII laid the first stone of the Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de la Almudena) in 1883, yet the neoclassical structure, built atop an old church that itself was built atop the city’s first mosque, wasn’t consecrated until 1993. Compared to Europe’s other major cathedrals, this one is uniquely modern, with touches like pop art–stained glass windows.

One of Barcelona’s oldest parks, Ciutadella Park (Parc de la Ciutadella) is a picturesque expanse of greenery with several attractions. Its landmark Arc de Triomf, designed by Josep Vilaseca in the 19th century, serves as the monumental gateway to the northern entrance of the park, which is also home to a boating lake, the Museu d’Art Modern, the Catalan Parliament, and a much-celebrated series of sculptures.

One of Andalucia’s top attractions, El Caminito del Rey is a narrow hiking path known for its nearly 2-mile (3-kilometer) stretch of boardwalks and footbridges that hug the sides of sheer cliffs and hang over river gorges. The roughly 3-hour hike takes you on paths 350 feet (100 meters) above the Guadalhorce River, offering stunning views of the Gaitanes Gorge (Desfiladero de los Gaitanes).

Sunny days draw crowds to this swath of golden sand stretching more than 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers) along the traditional fishing neighborhood it’s named for. Laid-back beach bars—known as chiringuitos—serve seafood paella, tapas, and chilled drinks to diners at open-air tables. All summer long, locals and tourists alike stroll the adjacent promenade and soak up ample Mediterranean rays from loungers.

Designed for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929, Seville’s grandiose Plaza de España is a semicircular public square brimming with brick and tile fountains, canals, and foot bridges, giving it the nickname Venice of Seville. Renaissance and neo-Moorish towers sit at either end of the plaza, which is situated within Maria Luisa Park.

Retiro Park (Parque de El Retiro), often referred to simply as El Retiro, serves as the Spanish capital’s green lung. Dotted with ornate fountains, formal gardens, marble monuments, and plenty of space to relax, these former grounds of the Spanish monarchy became public in 1868 and have become a beloved spot for Madrilenos.

The heart of Barcelona’s Old Town, Plaça del Rei is the city’s best preserved medieval square. The 14th-century Palau Reial Major (Royal Mayor Palace), which dominates the square was home to the counts of Barcelona and the Kings of Aragon. The Plaça is now an unofficial open-air museum of fine gothic architecture.

Santa Cruz is Seville’s historic Jewish Quarter, a barrio filled with whitewashed buildings and some of the city’s most popular sights, including Giralda, the bell tower of Seville Cathedral, and the Real Alcázar. Meander down streets, stopping in bodegas and art galleries to enjoy the cultural and architectural richness of this barrio.

The neoclassical Alcalá Gate (Puerta de Alcalá), in Plaza de la Independencia, is one of Madrid’s most recognizable monuments. Designed by Italian architect Francesco Sabatini and erected in 1778, the triumphal granite gate once served as one of five main entrances to the city. The statues on top represent the cardinal virtues.

With its signature red-and-white neo-Mudéjar brickwork, the Arc de Triomf of Barcelona stands tall in the center of the wide Passeig de Lluís Companys. Designed by Catalan architect Josep Vilaseca, it originally served as the entrance to the 1888 Universal Exposition, which took place at the nearby Parc de la Ciutadella.

The 12-sided Torre del Oro, perched on the Guadalquivir River, is a Seville landmark. Also known as the Golden Tower, it was constructed in the 13th century when the city was ruled by the Almohads, a Berber Muslim dynasty. Visit the Torre del Oro to peruse its onsite naval museum, and for views from the top of the tower.

It’s fitting that the name Puerta del Sol (“gate of the sun” in English) evokes light and warmth, because this central Madrid square is an energetic hub. A must for first-time visitors to Madrid, the area is packed with hotels, cafés, souvenir-selling vendors, and barhopping locals.

Situated within strolling distance of Plaza Mayor, tranquil Plaza de la Villa is a prime example of a medieval Madrid square, circled with many of the city’s oldest buildings, including Casa de la Villa. Formerly a prison and the city’s Town Hall, Casa de la Villa is a delight both inside and out, decorated with frescoes and enhanced by stained-glass windows.

Córdoba, which was once considered the most populous city in the world, was once home to a thriving Jewish community, and now its ancient neighborhood of white buildings is considered one of the most famousjuderías (Jewish quarters) in Spain. Wander the area’s narrow lanes and visit its famous synagogue and souks.

Set south of Seville’s historic center, this large green space was once the private garden of the nearby Palace of San Telmo before it was given over for public use in 1893. The park is crisscrossed by tree-lined avenues and dotted with fountains, and is also home to Plaza de España, an extravagant plaza built for the 1989 world’s fair.

Overlooking southwest Barcelona, Montjuic Park (Parc de Montjuïc) is the city’s green hilltop getaway—complete with a cable car. It’s packed with attractions, including a historic cemetery, 17th-century Montjuïc Castle (Castell de Montjuïc) with panoramic views, National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya) featuring Catalan art from medieval times to the 20th century, Joan Miró Museum (Fundació Joan Miró) with its vast collection, and replica Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol) where you'll find artisan-made souvenirs.

The twin stone Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos), built in the 14th century as Valencia’s main exit toward Barcelona and Northern Spain, are one of only two remaining portions of the original city walls. What once served as prison cells and a triumphal arch are now thought to be the largest Gothic city gateway in Europe.

One of Barcelona’s most impressive architectural feats, the Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de la Música Catalana) is renowned for its spectacularly ornate interiors. In fact, its design is so impressive that it’s one of the few concert halls in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1908 by Catalan art nouveau architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the venue hosts a range of traditional Catalan folk music performances.