Best Places To Visit in Spain for First-Time Travellers

Summer or winter, Spain is a great destination for first-time travellers, especially if you’re looking for an adventure close to home. Spain’s got it all: Mediterranean beaches, mouthwatering tapas, vibrant flamenco shows, gothic architecture and buzzing nightlife. And, do you know what’s even better? Spain is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe! That’s music to a first-time traveller's ears, right? 

Let’s narrow down the best places to visit in Spain for first-time travellers:

Barcelona

Barcelona’s got everything a first-time traveller to Spain dreams of! Think art galleries, gothic architecture, dreamy beaches, lively nightlife and endless restaurants and bars. Yes, paella and sangria are on the menu! The truth about Barcelona is after you’ve seen it once, you’ll likely be back! Its charm is irresistible to travellers - no wonder it makes our list of best summer destinations in Europe! 

Barcelona Highlights:

La Sagrada Família 🤩

You’ve most likely heard of this one - it’s Barcelona’s most iconic piece of architecture. Measuring 172 metres tall, you simply can’t miss this one-of-a-kind cathedral! And who designed it? Of course, the one and only Antoni Gaudi. He is famous for his world-class gothic architecture, which you can spot right across the city and beyond! Trust us, you don’t want to get FOMO on this one.

More things Gaudi 🧑‍🎨

Speaking of Gaudi… make sure to visit more of his works including the iconic Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens and Park Guell. The colourful mosaics, decorative designs and captivating sculptures will allure you inside. 

Tapas🍴

Tapas makes any first-time traveller’s trip to Spain complete! On the menu are some of the most famous tapas dishes, from ham & cheese croquettes to Spanish omelettes and patatas bravas - crispy potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce (it's also amazing with garlic aioli!) Take an authentic tapas cooking class with a group of new mates on our Europe on the Rails group trip.

La Rambla 🛍️
The most well-known street in Barcelona - and for a good reason! Stretching 1.2km, this road has all the shops, bars and clubs you’ll need for an unforgettable trip. And if you love all types of art, you’ve found the perfect spot to admire the works of local artists. Just wander down the tree-lined street and you’ll spot talented caricaturists, painters and street performers including traditional flamenco dancers.

Montserrat ⛰️
Hop on a train one-hour northwest of Barcelona and discover the beauty of Montserrat Mountain. Its soaring mountainous views are insane all year round! Spend a day here visiting the basilica, and the Black Madonna statue or simply admire Montserrat’s impressive peaks.

Barcelona Beach ⛱️
No first-timer traveller wants to miss Barcelona’s main beach - so definitely make sure to go! Take a siesta in the sun or enjoy a walk along the shoreline. Don’t forget to hit the epic beach bars and clubs for an epic night out in full Barcelona style!

Why not see Barcelona on an independent adventure? Take a look at Interrailing - Amsterdam, Paris & Barcelona across 11 days! With all your transport and accommodation sorted, you can plan all the amazing sights you want to see! Sounds good, right? 😍

Madrid

You can’t get lost in Madrid, only lost in adventure! It’s a fun destination for first-time travellers to explore solo or with a group. Just hop on the Metro and tick off all its incredible sights, from the Royal Palace to El Retiro Park and beyond! And if you love shopping, you’re in the right place! 

Madrid Highlights:

Royal Palace of Madrid 🏰

Welcome to the Royal Place of Madrid, owned by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. With 3,418 rooms, it’s twice as big as Buckingham Palace! If you think its exterior is impressive, wait till you see inside! It’s like stepping into a real-life fairytale, with a winding staircase leading to majestic dressing rooms and throne rooms. You’ll even have an exclusive look at the Royal armoury worn by past monarchs. Take a journey through Spanish history by booking a tour.

Shopping 🛍️
Start saving your money now because this place is the place to splash out on all your fashion essentials! Wander down Gran Vía for endless historic buildings hosting popular retail shops. There are shops for everyone’s budget including a huge five-floor Primark. But if you have extra cash, check out the more authentic Spanish stores for something more unique. It’ll make a perfect souvenir to remember your first trip to Spain.

El Retiro Park ☀️

There’s always something fun happening here! From buskers performing in the park to various events, you'll never be bored. You can also enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the lake next to the monument to Alfonso XII, making for a truly memorable day in the sunshine.

Seville

Next on our list of best places to visit in Spain for first-time travellers is Seville, or Sevilla in Spanish. This southern city is adored by so many travellers! It’s got the perfect mix of Spanish nightlife, culture and history - plus it’s absolutely beautiful! 

Seville Highlights:

Plaza de Espana 🤩
A must-visit! This fairytale-like plaza, built in 1929, is one of the largest in Spain. Its semi-circular shape symbolises open arms, welcoming all who visit. Lining the plaza are 47 colourful mosaics, each representing a different city in Spain. Climb up the towers for stunning views of the plaza, where you’ll spot traditional horse-drawn carriages, flamenco dancers, and people rowing tiny boats in the lake.

The Royal Alcazar 🏰

The Royal Alcázar in Seville is full of magical gardens and grand rooms with intricate designs, like mosaics and arches. The masterpiece was built by Moorish Kings, and it feels like stepping into a fairy tale, or a film set… which it was for Game of Thrones! As a first-time traveller in Spain, it should definitely be top of your bucket list.

Flamenco Show 💃
Flamenco is the traditional dance of Spain that originated in Southern Spain, so make sure to watch one or two performances while in Seville. Admire the talented dancers, guitar players and musicians that bring this form of art to life. It’s simply awe-inspiring.

Italica (Roman ruins) 🏛️
Italy and Greece aren't the only places with ancient Roman ruins. Seville is home to the impressive Italica amphitheatre. If you’re a history buff, take a tour to explore this fascinating archaeological site. You’ll wander through the grand theatre (another iconic Game of Thrones film spot) and nearby ancient houses. 

Oranges 🍊
Seville is famous for its sweet oranges! The hot climate makes it the ultimate place for them to grow. Wandering around the city you won’t miss the vibrant orange dots in the trees. Make sure to try one from a local market or pop into a bar to try Seville’s unique orange wine!

Granada

Not far from Seville is the quaint place of Granada. It’s one of the best places to visit in Spain for first-time travellers who want an authentic look into Spanish life. With fewer attractions and fewer tourists, you’ll get exactly that! Plus, who doesn’t love authentic tapas?

Granada Highlights:

Alhambra 😍

Most travellers who visit Granada go for one reason - the Alhambra! Aka the Red Fort. This beautiful palace and fortress was built for the Moorish monarchs of Granada in the mid-13th century. It sits high on a hill that overlooks the city and is one of the best-preserved Islamic masterpieces still standing. If you’re coming here on your first trip to Spain, make the most of your visit by doing a tour with an expert guide who can provide you with endless facts and history.

Tapas 🍴
After all that exploring, you’ll be hungry! Time to head out for tapas. Did you know it was originated in Spain’s southern region, Andalucía? Granada is undoubtedly the best place in Spain to enjoy plates of Spanish goodness. So, chorizo anyone? Yes, please! Trust us, it’s so good!

Flamenco Show 💃
Finish your visit to Granada with an iconic flamenco show. Their style of flamenco is similar to the traditional kind, however, they dance barefoot, and there is more hand clapping throughout the performance instead of castanets.

Want to visit these best places in Spain? Spend a couple of days exploring Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Granada on our 16-day Spain, Portugal & Morocco group trip. You’ll start the journey in Barcelona, stop by Madrid, enjoy sunny Seville and take a tapas bar crawl in Granada for a real flavour of Spain before journeying to Portugal and finishing in beautiful Morocco.

Cordoba

If you get the chance, Cordoba is another awe-inspiring place to visit in Spain, most well-known for its impressive mosque. It’s not far from Seville and Granda so it makes a perfect day trip!

Cordoba Highlights:

Mosque

The Great Mosque of Cordoba is one-of-a-kind. Its red and white arches make it recognisable to people worldwide. With ultra-high ceilings and delicate designs, it's seen as a unique architectural masterpiece. Make sure to visit as it’s one of Cordoba’s four UNESCO sights.

Tinto de Verano 🍷
Cordoba is the birthplace of Tinto de Verano - an alcoholic drink made from red wine and lemonade (some places mix it with lemon Fanta too!) Just simply ask ‘uno tinto de verano, por favor’ at the bar and you’ll be served this refreshing alternative to red wine. Tinto de Verano translates to ‘red wine of summer’ and you’ve got to try it as a first-time traveller to Spain.

Ibiza

Looking for a legendary party island? You’ve just found it! Ibiza is widely known as a party hotspot for backpackers from across the world. With world-renowned clubs, it’s an amazing place to visit in Spain for first-time travellers looking for an epic night out. That’s why it’s one of the best party destinations in Europe!

Ibiza Highlights:

Bars & clubs 🎉
With bars and clubs like Pacha, Amnesia, and Ushuaïa, the music and dancing never stops here. Dance until sunrise at some of the best clubs in the world, featuring top DJs and artists, you’ll make friends and memories for life on this island!

Beaches 🏖️
Who doesn’t love a Mediterranean beach? After a wild night out, Ibiza’s paradise beaches are waiting for you. With shimmering crystal-clear waters and stunning shores, it’s the best place to cure your hangover. Relax on the sands, enjoy water sports, or sip cocktails by the sea, the island’s beaches have something for every first-time traveller in Spain.

Our Spain travel tips:

Book entry tickets in advance:
Spain’s iconic sights are a must-see for first-time travellers so it’s a good idea to book your tickets at least 48 hours before you arrive, or even earlier if you can! 

Use the Metro:
Spain’s underground Metro is just like the London Underground but better! It makes getting around big cities like Madrid and Barcelona super quick and easy. Even a first-time traveller can navigate it easily! 

Prepare for the summer sun:
Southern Spain is especially renowned for getting very hot (sometimes reaching 40º in July and August) so if you’re travelling in summer, go prepared with all your summer essentials: a refillable water bottle, suncream, sunhat, sunglasses & a fan! Take a look at our what to take travelling guide for more packing tips.

Learn a few phrases:
Spanish is one of the easiest and best languages to learn for travel. Here are a couple of useful phrases to get you started on your adventure:
Hello, how are you?  - Hola, cómo estás?
The bill, please - La cuenta, por favor
Thank you - Gracias

Feeling Inspired?

Spain is an incredible destination for first-time travellers, packed with so much adventure, culture and delicious cuisines! It’s got everything you’re dreaming of for a perfect euro trip. So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our Spain trips. Let’s go! Vamos! 💃