From the Hundreds of types of food to the Wine and the rich culture and history, Here’s everything you need to know on your first trip to Spain. It is known for being the exotic place to vacation on beaches in Europe, But it’s not just that. If your impression of Spain was just about that you are definitely in for a surprise, it has everything from lush meadows and snowy mountains to huge marshes and deserts in the southeast. Although, it is known for beaches It’s the perfect year-round destination. Because of the beaches and the exotic vacations summer is considered to be the peak season. The best way for you to save a coin is to travel in the off-season and get some great deals and avoid crowds.
Best Time to Visit Spain
The best time to visit Spain would be between April to May and September to October, as the crowds lesser and you get to experience pleasant weather. Although, The peak season is known to be from June – August. That is when the prices are at their highest and the crowds make their way to the vacation. Spain is a country where it does not experience drastic changes in the weather, it is mild throughout the year. But keep in mind, it does go through seasonal changes.
Places to visit in Spain:
These are some of the must-visit places in Spain on your first trip there,
- Seville
- Madrid
- Barcelona
1. Seville
Sevilla is a city is known for its historical importance, stunning architecture and It’s authentic culture. This city never fails to capture the hearts of the people who visit, it definitely leaves a mark! Speaking of its culture, it is extremely famous for its passionate flamenco and bullfighting matador which is very well celebrated to this day. Seville is a slice of heaven for a person who loves a bit of history and walks down the streets and enjoys indulging in the amazing local cuisine!
Also Read: Things to do in Seville
Must visit attractions in Seville :
- Barrio Santa Cruz: It is called the most charming neighborhood of Seville. Still to this day has its old-fashioned charm. It used to be the Jewish quarter during the medieval era. The neighborhood has a lot of character with whitewashed houses with beautiful patios, cobblestone pedestrian lanes, and charming plazas with outdoor cafés.
- Real Alcázar: The Alcázar of Seville, has huge historical importance it was the original fortress of the Moorish rulers, it is listed as a UNESCO’s World Hertigate site. You get to stroll through and experience the beautifully built palace which represents Islamic architecture. And not miss the beautifully manicured grounds!
- Museum of Flamenco Dance: flamenco dance is what Seville is famous for! Flamenco is a flamboyant art, it includes both singing and dancing. Most importantly it’s an expression of the souls. when you visit make sure to stick around till 7 pm as the museum hosts professional Flamenco performances all year round.
Must try foods in Seville:
- Espinacas con garbanzos ( Spanish spinach and chickpeas)
- Carrillada de cerdo
- Solomillo al whisky
- Cazón en adobo
- Torrijas
2.Madrid
Madrid is just like any other metropolitan city, it is the largest in Spain. It is the capital and center for many international businesses. But don’t let that fool you, it’s way more than that. The city has great character to it, you can enjoy the happy laughter of the people with melodious Spanish guitar to the flamenco dances all within the center. Madrid is famous among travelers for its amazing painting and stunning architecture, but it is also a great place for anyone who loves to have an unhurried good time!
Also Read: Tips when you travel to Madrid
Must visit attractions in Madrid:
- Royal Palace and Gardens: It is the Spanish version of Versailles. However, unlike the Versailles, it is still the residence of the Monarch and is used for official state events. While you are there, you must save time to visit the Jardines del Campo del Moro gardens which are perfectly landscaped with formal French style with fountains and avenues.
- Puerta del Sol: It is the center of the city, referred to as the “Kilometer Zero” point from where all the national road networks are measured. Puerta del Sol has been the scene of several historical events. Nowadays, the Square is lined with lots of shops and cafes it has become a place to hang out and enjoy life. While you are there make sure to visit, El Corte Inglés.
- Prado Museum: It is a world-class museum, it has an extensive assortment of artwork including the masterpiece which rival the famous works in the Louvre museum. It has more than 8,000 paintings and 700 sculptures. There are about 100 rooms across 3 floors, it could be daunting to look at everything in a single visit.
Must try foods in Madrid:
- Bocadillo de Calamares ( Calamari Sandwich)
- Huevos rotos
- Tortilla de Patatas ( Spanish omelette)
- Churros con chocolate
- Flan
3.Barcelona
Barcelona is extremely famous for its very successful Football team. But it’s not just that, it is the perfect place in Spain that caters to all the groups from romantic couples to solo travelers who are interested in the crazy nightlife or the calm beaches. Its also famous for its tapas, art museums, and serene parks. Barcelona is really the cosmopolitan city that gets all the attention, it is packed with restaurants, nightclubs, and a vibrant pedestrian market.
Also Read: Things to do in Barcelona
Must visit attractions in Barcelona:
- La Rambla: La Rambla, is a wide tree-shaped avenue splitting the old town into two parts. This is exactly where you need to be to experience the best of Barcelona’s social life. The streets are lined with cozy outdoor cafes, lined with shops, and pedestrian walks. At nights the locals take a stroll down the lanes to enjoy the ambiance and lively music.
- Parc Güell: It is a 17-hectare park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is Colorful and cheerful and has amazing fountains, grottoes, a colonnaded hall, winding staircases, viaducts. It also has picnic spots to enjoy and a spectacular terrace which gives you a panoramic view of the city and sea.
- Camp Nou: Just as how it is important for architecture fans to visit the amazing structures, this is a must-visit for football (soccer) fans. It is the second-largest in the world and the largest in Europe and seats 99,354 audiences. The stadium arranges for Guided bilingual tours and it also has a sports museum, Barça Museum.
Must try foods in Barcelona:
- Seafood Paella.
- Crema Catalana
- Fideua
- Patatas Bravas
- Croquetas
Spain is not just about these places there’s so much more to it, but if it’s your first trip there you’ve got to experience the places. A few more places which might catch your eye are Ibiza, Valencia, Granada, Etc. There are just not enough days to go through pain completely but if you do have the time, a good start would be 7-14 days. If you are planning your trip to Spain, reach out to us at Pickyourtrail and we will get in touch with you and help you craft the itinerary of your dreams. In the meanwhile, you can check out our Spain packages. Start traveling, Happy exploring !!
