Smart Self-Managed Tours

Country guide

Spain

A photograph of Spain
Photograph · Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0

Spain covers 506,030 square kilometres and counts close to 50 million people, and it reads less as one country than as a set of regions that do not resemble each other. Madrid sits high and dry in the middle of the peninsula with the national collections in it; Barcelona is Mediterranean and Catalan-speaking. Andalusia in the south carries the Moorish architecture of Granada, Córdoba and Seville along with the heat that comes with it, while the green north coast from Bilbao to Galicia is wet Atlantic country most visitors never reach. The Canary Islands lie off Africa, and Ceuta and Melilla are on the African mainland itself.

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information
Language spoken
Spanish; co-official regional languages include Catalan, Galician and Basque
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+34
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
112
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type C and F · 230 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
No verified nationwide visitor statement was recorded

Planning a visit

  1. January: seasonal closure recorded
  2. February: seasonal closure recorded
  3. March: seasonal closure recorded
  4. April: seasonal closure recorded
  5. May: seasonal closure recorded
  6. June: no seasonality data recorded
  7. July: no seasonality data recorded
  8. August: no seasonality data recorded — this month
  9. September: no seasonality data recorded
  10. October: seasonal closure recorded
  11. November: seasonal closure recorded
  12. December: seasonal closure recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

Filter the list

100 places match
Clear all filters

Category

Historic monuments 2315 Museums 0 Places of worship 1719 Nature sites 0 Viewpoints 0 Food and drink 0 Markets and shopping 0 Entertainment 0 Nightlife 0 Family attractions 0 Art and culture 0 Activities 0

Typical visit duration

Up to 1 hour 4034 1 to 2 hours 187 Half a day or more 1

Interests

History 4034 Art 2949 Museums 1230 Nature 2209 Sea and beach 2041 Viewpoints 168
  1. La Rambla
    01 45 min

    La Rambla

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  2. Casa Vicens
    02 45 min

    Casa Vicens

    Casa Vicens is a historic house in Barcelona, recognized as one of the earliest major works of architect Antoni Gaudí.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  3. German Pavilion
    03 45 min

    German Pavilion

    The German Pavilion, locally known as Pavelló Mies van der Rohe, is a modernist building in Barcelona originally constructed as the German national pavilion for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  4. Palau Güell
    04 45 min

    Palau Güell

    Palau Güell is a mansion designed by Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was built between 1886 and 1890 for Eusebi Güell, a wealthy industrialist and Gaudí's most important patron.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  5. Arc de Triomf
    05 45 min

    Arc de Triomf

    The Arc de Triomf is a triumphal arch in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was built as the main access gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  6. Columbus Monument
    06 45 min

    Columbus Monument

    The Columbus Monument, known locally as Monument a Colom, stands as a prominent landmark in Barcelona. Erected to honour Christopher Columbus, it commemorates his reported first voyage to the Americas and his subsequent report to the Catholic Monarchs.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  7. Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
    07 45 min

    Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

    The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, known locally as Font Màgica de Montjuïc, stands as a prominent ornamental fountain in Barcelona, Spain.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  8. Montjuïc Castle
    08 45 min

    Montjuïc Castle

    Montjuïc Castle, known locally as Castell de Montjuïc, is a historic fortress situated atop Montjuïc hill overlooking Barcelona and its port. The military structure occupies a strategic position that has been fortified since the 17th century.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  9. Montjuïc Communications Tower
    09 45 min

    Montjuïc Communications Tower

    Torre de Comunicacions de Montjuïc is a telecommunications tower located on Montjuïc hill in Barcelona, Spain. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava and completed for the 1992 Summer Olympics, it serves as a television and radio transmission tower.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  10. Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia
    10 30 min

    Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia

    The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is the Gothic cathedral of Barcelona, seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. Dedicated to the city's co-patron saint Eulalia, a young martyr, it stands in the historic Barri Gòtic district.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  11. Royal Square
    11 45 min

    Royal Square

    Plaça Reial is a public square in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, adjacent to La Rambla. Designed in the 19th century, it features neoclassical architecture with uniform porticoed buildings enclosing a rectangular plaza.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  12. Palau Nacional
    12 45 min

    Palau Nacional

    Palau Nacional is a monumental building located on Montjuïc hill in Barcelona, Spain. It was constructed for the 1929 International Exposition and now serves as the main building of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC).

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  13. Güell Pavilions
    13 45 min

    Güell Pavilions

    The Güell Pavilions are a small Modernista complex in Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudí for Eusebi Güell. Built between 1884 and 1887, they served as the entrance and gatehouses to the Güell estate in the Les Corts district.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  14. Fabra Observatory
    14 45 min

    Fabra Observatory

    Fabra Observatory, known locally as Observatori Fabra, is an astronomical observatory located in Barcelona, Spain. The facility sits on a hill overlooking the city, providing elevated positioning for celestial observation.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  15. Palau de la Generalitat
    15 45 min

    Palau de la Generalitat

    Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya serves as the seat of the Government of Catalonia. This historic palace stands in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter as one of the few medieval government buildings in Europe still used for its original purpose.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  16. Casa Lleó Morera
    16 45 min

    Casa Lleó Morera

    Casa Lleó Morera is a Modernista building in Barcelona's Eixample district. Designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, it was constructed between 1902 and 1906 on Passeig de Gràcia.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  17. Bellesguard
    17 45 min

    Bellesguard

    Bellesguard, known locally as Torre Bellesguard, is a modernist building in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudí. Constructed between 1900 and 1909, it stands on the site of a medieval castle once belonging to the Crown of Aragon.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  18. Basilica of Our Lady of the Sea
    18 30 min

    Basilica of Our Lady of the Sea

    The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar stands in Barcelona's Ribera district as a Catalan Gothic church built between 1329 and 1383. Constructed by the local maritime community, it represents pure Catalan Gothic style without later decorative additions.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  19. Gothic Quarter
    19 45 min

    Gothic Quarter

    The Gothic Quarter, known locally as el Gòtic, forms the historic core of Barcelona's old city. It encompasses the medieval centre where Roman foundations underlie a dense labyrinth of narrow streets, small squares, and stone buildings accumulated across centuries.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  20. Barcelona Royal Shipyard
    20 45 min

    Barcelona Royal Shipyard

    The Barcelona Royal Shipyard, known locally as Drassanes Reials de Barcelona, is a historic maritime complex located near the port area of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  21. Palau Reial Major
    21 45 min

    Palau Reial Major

    Palau Reial Major is the historic royal palace complex in Barcelona, located in the Plaça del Rei within the Gothic Quarter. It served as the residence of the Counts of Barcelona and later the Kings of Aragon.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  22. The Four Columns
    22 45 min

    The Four Columns

    The Four Columns, known locally as Les Quatre Columnes, are a monument located in Barcelona, Spain. The original columns were erected in 1919 by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch as symbols of the four stripes of the Catalan senyera flag.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  23. Fossar de les Moreres
    23 45 min

    Fossar de les Moreres

    Fossar de les Moreres is a memorial square in Barcelona, located beside the Santa Maria del Mar basilica in the El Born district.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  24. Walden 7
    24 45 min

    Walden 7

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  25. Venetian Towers
    25 45 min

    Venetian Towers

    The Torres Venecianes, or Venetian Towers, stand at the entrance to Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina on Plaça d'Espanya in Barcelona.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  26. Plaza de toros de las Arenas
    26 45 min

    Plaza de toros de las Arenas

    Arenas de Barcelona is a former bullring in the city of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  27. Palace of the Parliament of Catalonia
    27 45 min

    Palace of the Parliament of Catalonia

    The Palace of the Parliament of Catalonia, known locally as Palau del Parlament de Catalunya, is a significant institutional building in Barcelona. It serves as the seat of the Parliament of Catalonia, the autonomous community's legislative body.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  28. Palau Reial de Pedralbes
    28 45 min

    Palau Reial de Pedralbes

    Palau Reial de Pedralbes is a royal palace located in the Pedralbes district of Barcelona, Spain. The building was constructed in the early twentieth century as a residence for the Spanish royal family during their visits to the city.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  29. Sant Pau del Camp
    29 45 min

    Sant Pau del Camp

    Sant Pau del Camp is a historic religious complex in Barcelona, recognised as one of the city's oldest monastic sites. The name translates to Saint Paul of the Countryside, reflecting its original location beyond the medieval walls.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  30. Montjuïc Cemetery
    30 30 min

    Montjuïc Cemetery

    Montjuïc Cemetery, known locally as Cementiri de Montjuïc, is a historic burial ground located on Montjuïc hill in Barcelona, Spain. The cemetery occupies a prominent position overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the city below.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  32. Sagrada Família schools
    32 45 min

    Sagrada Família schools

    The Escoles de la Sagrada Família are historic school buildings located on the grounds of Antoni Gaudí's unfinished Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  33. Llotja de Barcelona
    33 45 min

    Llotja de Barcelona

    Llotja de Barcelona, locally known as Llotja de Mar, stands as a historic mercantile exchange building in Barcelona. The structure occupies a significant position in the city's maritime and commercial heritage, reflecting Barcelona's longstanding role as a Mediterranean trading power.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  34. Palau del Baró de Quadras
    34 45 min

    Palau del Baró de Quadras

    Palau del Baró de Quadras is a historic mansion in Barcelona, built as a private residence for the Baron of Quadras. The building exemplifies Catalan modernist architecture and now serves as a cultural institution.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  35. Torre Jaume I
    35 45 min

    Torre Jaume I

    Torre Jaume I, known locally as Torre de Jaume I, is a distinctive tower structure in Barcelona.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  36. Casa Serra
    36 45 min

    Casa Serra

    Casa Serra, locally known as Can Serra, is a notable building in Barcelona. The structure stands as part of the city's architectural heritage, reflecting the urban development patterns of its era.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  37. Chapel of Santa Ágata
    37 45 min

    Chapel of Santa Ágata

    The Chapel of Santa Ágata, known locally as Capella de Santa Àgata, is a historic religious building in Barcelona. It forms part of the architectural complex of the Plaça del Rei in the city's Gothic Quarter.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  38. Roman walls of Barcelona
    38 45 min

    Roman walls of Barcelona

    The Roman walls of Barcelona, known locally as Muralla Romana, constitute remnants of the ancient fortifications that once encircled Barcino, the Roman colony founded in the first century BC.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  40. National Expiatory Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
    40 30 min

    National Expiatory Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

    The National Expiatory Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, known locally as Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, stands on the summit of Tibidabo mountain overlooking Barcelona.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  41. Torre Sant Sebastià
    41 45 min

    Torre Sant Sebastià

    Torre Sant Sebastià, locally known as Torre de Sant Sebastià, is a tower structure in Barcelona. It is identified in OpenStreetMap data under the production identity way/126760606.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  42. plaça del Rei
    42 45 min

    plaça del Rei

    Plaça del Rei is a medieval public square in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, situated in the historic core of the Ciutat Vella district.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  43. Port Vell de Barcelona
    43 45 min

    Port Vell de Barcelona

    Port Vell is Barcelona's historic old harbour, located at the foot of La Rambla near the city centre. The area underwent significant transformation for the 1992 Olympic Games, converting former industrial docks into a leisure and tourism destination.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  44. Palace of Albéniz
    44 45 min

    Palace of Albéniz

    The Palace of Albéniz, known locally as Palauet Albéniz, stands as a notable structure within Barcelona's urban landscape. Situated in proximity to Montjuïc, this building carries architectural significance reflective of its era.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  45. Palau Robert
    45 45 min

    Palau Robert

    Palau Robert is a cultural centre and exhibition hall located on Barcelona's Passeig de Gràcia in the Eixample district.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  46. Fossar de la Pedrera
    46 45 min

    Fossar de la Pedrera

    Fossar de la Pedrera is a memorial site in Barcelona, known locally as El Fossar de la Pedrera. It occupies a quarry area with historical significance related to the Spanish Civil War and Franco era.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  47. Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine Tree
    47 30 min

    Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine Tree

    The Parròquia Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi is a parish basilica in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. Its Catalan name references a pine tree that once stood nearby.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  50. Padellàs's House
    50 45 min

    Padellàs's House

    Casa Padellàs, known in English as Padellàs's House, stands as a notable building within Barcelona's historic urban fabric. The structure represents Catalan architectural heritage and forms part of the city's layered historical narrative.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  51. Monastery of Pedralbes
    51 30 min

    Monastery of Pedralbes

    The Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes is a Gothic monastery in Barcelona, founded in 1326 by Queen Elisenda de Montcada. It stands in the Pedralbes district as a significant example of Catalan Gothic architecture.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  52. Palau de la Metal·lúrgia
    52 45 min

    Palau de la Metal·lúrgia

    Palau de la Metal·lúrgia is a historic building in Barcelona, located within the Fira de Barcelona exhibition complex on Montjuïc. Constructed for the 1929 International Exposition, it was designed to represent the metallurgy industry.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  54. Casa Mulleras
    54 45 min

    Casa Mulleras

    Casa Mulleras is a notable building in Barcelona, Spain. It stands as part of the city's rich architectural heritage within the urban fabric of Catalonia's capital.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  55. Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy
    55 30 min

    Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy

    The Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy is a Baroque church in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. Dedicated to the Virgin of Mercy, patroness of the city, it was originally built in the 18th century.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  56. Poblenou Cemetery
    56 30 min

    Poblenou Cemetery

    Poblenou Cemetery, known locally as Cementiri del Poblenou, is a historic burial ground in Barcelona. Established in the 18th century, it represents one of the city's oldest cemeteries and serves as a significant cultural landmark.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  59. Torre Negra
    59 45 min

    Torre Negra

    Torre Negra is a historic tower located in Barcelona, Spain. The name translates from Catalan as "Black Tower," suggesting its distinctive dark appearance or construction materials.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  64. Teatre Grec
    64 45 min

    Teatre Grec

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  67. Palau Macaya
    67 45 min

    Palau Macaya

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  70. Torre PwC
    70 45 min

    Torre PwC

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Madrid
  78. Casa Comalat
    78 45 min

    Casa Comalat

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  79. Casa Thomas
    79 45 min

    Casa Thomas

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Spain be?

Ten to fourteen days allows three or four days in Madrid and four in Barcelona, plus selected rail day trips. Andalusia or either island group deserves a separate route instead of being compressed into the same mainland circuit.

What entry documents are needed for Spain?

Spain follows Schengen rules, but the traveller's nationality and route determine the required documents or visa. Confirm the current requirement through Spain's official consular information before departure.

What is the best way to travel around Spain?

High-speed rail makes Madrid-Barcelona and several mainland city pairs practical, while regional buses cover gaps. Island travel needs flights or ferries, and urban ticketing remains local to each city.

When is a practical time to visit Spain?

April to June and September to October are broad choices for Madrid and Barcelona. Andalusia, the Atlantic north, Balearics, and Canaries follow different heat and weather patterns, so a regional extension should control the final dates.

What money and payment basics apply in Spain?

Spain uses the euro (EUR). Cards are common in cities, but a small euro reserve is useful for individual businesses; always check the billed currency and amount before approving a terminal transaction.

What practical safety details should I save for Spain?

Spain's emergency contact is 112. Electrical outlets accept Type C and F plugs on a 230 V supply. Because this record contains no tap-water finding, use advice from the municipality serving each overnight stop.