“Any reasonable, sentient person who looks at Spain, comes to Spain, eats in Spain, drinks in Spain, they’re going to fall in love. Otherwise, there’s something deeply wrong with you. This is the dream of all the world.” -Anthony Bourdain
Football, food, Flamenco music and dance, bullfights, What is Spain not famous for? This country is a package of culture and modernism. Being fourth on the list of World Heritage Sites, Spain has 49 UNESCO sites as of 2021. And four of them alone are in Madrid! Just imagining such beauty excites me to visit Spain.
So, let’s explore the 10 heavenly cities of Spain.
1. Barcelona
(Image source: data wrapper)
From its vivid gridded city plan to the little mosaic details at Gaudi’s Park Guell, Barcelona is a spectacle from every viewpoint. Basilica de la Sagrada Familia dominates the northern part of this city with its 18 spindly towers reaching out high in the sky. It's also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Do not forget to taste Paella while spending your time in Spain!
Places to visit: Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), Casa Milà (La Pedrera), La Rambla, Bogatell Beach, Palau de la Música Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music), etc.
2. Madrid
Palacio de Cibeles (Image source: the culture trip)
Blasting energy and filled with cultural attractions, Madrid offers the taste of real Spain. If you want to explore an oasis of peace, visit this iconic place situated in the Capital of Spain - Buen Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro). Instead of searching for Spanish food near me, try chocolate con churros (hot chocolate with deep-fried pastries) from Chocolatería San Ginés (5 Pasadizo San Ginés). It is a blessing for your soul and the most loved by the Spanish population since 1894.
Places to visit: Museo Nacional del Prado, Museo Nacional del Prado, Puerta del Sol: The Heart of the City, Temple of Debod, etc.
Chocolatería San Ginés, a chocolate café in Madrid (Image source: accessible Madrid)
3. Toledo
Mirador del Valle (Image source: Thrillist)
Toledo is a real-life version of the Emerald City from the Wizard of Oz. Situated on a mountain and encircled on three sides by the emerald-green Targus river, its beauty is beyond question. For its historical beauty, Toledo has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. One of the most popular dishes in Toledo is marzipan.
Places to visit: Catedral de Toledo, Casco Histórico de Toledo, Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes, Sinagoga del Tránsito, etc.
4. Cordoba
Museo Alcazar Reyes Cristianos (Image source: trip savvy)
Noted for its artisan crafts and gastronomy, Cordoba is a cultural center. UNESCO-listed La Mezquita, one of Europe's most splendid Islamic structures, continues to make this Andalusian city a kind of western Mecca. A few local specialities to try include Naranja con Aceite y Bacalao (olive oil and salt cod), Salmorejo (fresh tomato soup, similar to gazpacho, but more filling), and Pastel Cordobés (a citrus-infused pastry).
Places to visit: Cathedral of Córdoba, Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos, Medina Azahara, Palacio de Viana, etc.
5. Malaga
Peñón del Cuervo (Image source:heyexplorer)
Malaga traces its roots back over two millennia, making it one of the oldest Mediterranean seaports. Several landmarks offer a glimpse into the city's rich history. Along with cultural attractions, Malaga also offers picturesque scenery, balmy weather, and beautiful beaches along the Costa del Sol. Tropical vegetation flourishes all over the city, with leafy palm trees lining the seaside promenades.
Places to visit: The Alcazaba of Malaga, Gibralfaro castle, La Concepción Historical Botanical Gardens, etc.
6. Valencia
Palau de la Musica de Valencia (Image source: ArzoTravels)
With a dreamy seaside environment, locals say Valencia is "a piece of heaven fallen to Earth". Its palm-fringed plazas and vibrantly coloured azulejo domes shine in the warm sunshine of the southern sun.
Places to visit: La Ciutat de Les Arts I Les Ciències de València, Oceanografic de València, Casco Histórico, Jardín del Turia, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Valencia Cathedral, etc.
7. Seville
Seville Cathedral (Image source: GetYourGuide)
From the moment visitors step onto Seville's cobblestone lanes and stroll along the palm-lined promenades, they are spellbound by the city's allure. As well as its idyllic open spaces, such as the Parque de Mara Luisa and the Plaza de Espaa, Seville is a quintessential Andalusian city with serene courtyards and winding alleyways.
Places to visit: Catedral de Sevilla, Real Alcázar, Parque de María Luisa, Plaza de España, etc.
8. Segovia
Segovia Cathedral (Image source: keepcalmandwander)
A romantic city in an inspiring setting, Segovia is a living legacy of the past. In Segovia, visitors can discover the ancient aqueduct, the fairytale castle, the awe-inspiring cathedral, the splendid Roman churches, and the mystical monasteries that illustrate the city's rich cultural heritage.
Places to visit: Palacio Real la Granja, Iglesia de la Vera Cruz, Monasterio de Santa Maria del Parral, etc.
9. Bilbao
Night scenes at Bilbao (Image source: culture trip)
With its strong gastronomic tradition, Bilbao stands out as the capital of Spain's Vizcaya province. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vizcaya Bridge was built by Alberto Palacio in 1893 during the industrial revolution north of the city at the entry to the estuary. As the first bridge that used both steel cables and iron, it is well known for its historical architecture and engineering.
Places to visit: Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, Parque Doña Casilda de Iturrizar, Basilica de Begoña, etc.
10. Santiago De Compostela
Old Town (Image source: traveltourxp)
This sacred city was compared to Jerusalem and Rome, as pilgrimage destinations, during the Middle Ages. Pilgrims travelled from Europe by foot to reach the Tomb of Saint James, situated in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Hence, the route was known as the “Way of Saint James" or the "Camino de Santiago". Other than that, the city also offers a pleasant Old Town, compelling museums, and a lavish park with botanical gardens to amuse visitors.
Places to visit: Hostal de Los Reyes Católicos, Camino de Santiago, Casco Antiguo, etc.
Now that you have a whole list of new and known places to explore in the fabulous country of Spain, string up your backpacks and get going to the journey !!! Adiós Amigos
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