Top 5 Spanish Cities to Visit (according to a resident)

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Spain is one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. We share our favourite 5 cities so that you can visit the best one that suits you and your travel needs. Keep reading to find out more about our choices and what you can do there, when you visit.

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City #1: A Coruna (North West Spain)

Often referred to as the “glass city,” because of the building structures along the marina, A Coruna is the hidden gem of Spain. Most people outside of Spain don’t know of A Coruna’s existence, but it is popular with Spaniards from the intensely hot south of Spain.

A Coruna is located in the North-West of Spain in the region of Galicia, loved for its incredible fresh seafood, Celtic history and luscious greenery. Unlike the other parts of Spain, Galicia receives a lot of rain, especially in February and March, however it still remains reasonably warm throughout the year.

When visiting A Coruna, highlights include:

• The Tower of Hercules, which is the oldest working roman lighthouse in the World.
• Maria Pita Square, where music concerts and festivals are held in the summer and is home to the city’s heroine, Maria Pita and the spectacular town hall.
• Monte de San Pedro, is a glorious park, with antique cannons, that overlook the entire city. This epic view is simply breath-taking.

City #2: Barcelona (North East Spain)

The famous architecture of Barcelona is the city’s main appeal, plus it has a beach so you can escape the summer heat of the city as and when needed.

The unmissable aspects of Barcelona are of course:

• Colourful Park Güell.
• La Ramba, a famous tree lined pedestrianised street full of exciting stores, markets and squares.
• Plaza de Espana, home to a magical water fountain (Fontana de Montjuic) and lights show. Plus, you can visit Arenas de Barcelona, a former bullring turned shopping centre and the MNAC, one of Barcelona’s best museums.
• Incomplete but breath-takingly ornate UNESCO site, Sagrada Familia.

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City #3: Madrid (Central Spain)

The capital city of any country is always a fantastic place to visit and it often has a long history worth discovering in plenty of museums. Madrid is made up of vibrant neighbourhoods each providing a new aspect of Spanish culture to enjoy.

Whilst in Madrid be sure to visit:

• The Royal Palace of Madrid and surrounding gardens/park.
• Plaza Mayor, is the largest and the main square in the city with lots of great surrounding architecture to admire.
• Walk around the gorgeous Retiro Park and take a boat ride on the lake.
• Museum del Prado to admire the world-famous Las Meninas (The Maids of Honour) by Diego Velázquez, The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch and many more masterpieces

If your Spanish is up to it, check out a musical, play or show in the theatre district. Lion King is currently running.

Keep reading about Madrid: 10 Free Things to Do in Madrid, Spain

City #4: Sevilla (South Spain)

When many of us think of Spain, we have the stereotypical image of a hot blazing sun, white buildings and terracotta roofs, bull fighting, flamenco dancing and sangria. If that’s what you want to experience then head to the south of Spain to Seville, as this is the best and perhaps only authentic place to experience these Spanish treats.

The most popular sites to visit in Seville are:

• The Royal Palace of Seville, Alcazar of Seville, proudly shows the unique styles of architecture that reflect the city’s changing past, from Moorish to Catholic occupation.
• Giralda, an incredible bell tower which provides all the climb it amazing views of the city.
• Torre del Oro aka the tower of gold.
• Stroll through Parque de Maria Luisa and along the Guadalquivir River

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City #5: Bilbao (North Spain)

In the North of Spain, Bilbao recently underwent a huge multi-million-euro renovation making it a top Spanish destination with plenty to see and do. The port city is surrounded by greenery and mountains, perfect for day trips.

The ultimate attractions in Bilbao are:

• Of course, the city’s most visited attraction, the Guggenheim Museum. Don’t miss the floral statue outside the museum.
• Experience an affordable game of football (known as soccer in the US) at the Estadio de San Mamés, home to Athletic Club of Bilbao. Music concerts are also held here. I saw Guns n Roses here in 2017.
• The fine arts museum, Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao
• Walk along the Nervión river, which flows straight through the city.
• Explore the Old Town and indulge in the many tapas on offer.

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Spain is one of the most brightly coloured cultures in the World and has so many wonderful cities to visit it’s virtually impossible to experience it all. But, visiting these 5 cities you will have a very rounded adventure that will include the major communities within the city.

Did we miss your favourite Spanish city? Let us know what part of Spain you love and why in the comments below.