If you’re planning to fly to Spain anytime soon, then you’re in the right place! Spain is actually one of the top travel destinations among travelers because of its amazing food, history, and attractions. It is home to over 40 UNESCO sites, such as the Alhambra in Granada, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, and more.
While traveling and exploring another place is fun, planning for the trip itself is a different battle. We’re here to help you with that part! So, if you’re ready to know more, read on below.
First time travel to Spain: Best time to visit
Autumn in Spain brings golden streets, mild weather, and beautiful orange trees in full bloom | Photo Credit: Yuliya Matuzava on Unsplash
While visiting Spain in any season is beautiful and fun, the best time would have to be spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). Visiting during spring or autumn promises warm weather with fewer crowds. That kind of weather allows you to go around the city freely while enjoying a warm breeze.
First time travel to Spain: How to get around
Trains are a fast and convenient way to travel between Spain’s major cities | Photo Credit: Marcelo on Unsplash
Getting around Spain by train is one of the easiest and most scenic ways to explore the country. It’s fast, convenient, and reliable, especially for connecting cities such as Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid. It’s best to book your Spain train tickets in advance so you won’t have to line up for tickets on the same day that you’ll ride the train.
Now, if you’re a budget traveler, riding a bus is a better option! Buses offer cheaper fares, especially if you’re in a rural area. You can also opt to rent a car if you want to have a unique experience while visiting Spain for the first time.
First time travel to Spain: What to do & where to go
Before we get into some of the best things to do and places to visit during your trip to Spain, make sure you get an eSIM before you land! Getting an eSIM is highly recommended so you can stay connected with your friends and family, do quick translations, update your socials, and even open your trusted map app.
This eSIM Europe gives you up to 30 days of data with different packages: Unlimited, 500MB, 1, 3, 5, 10, or 20GB. Once you’ve made your purchase, simply scan the QR code that will be sent to your email, then activate the eSIM after you’ve landed at the airport.
1. Madrid’s authentic culture & food tour
Tapas are small Spanish dishes meant for sharing, often enjoyed with drinks in a social setting
Food lovers will absolutely love Madrid’s Authentic Culture & Food Tour! This tour takes you on a journey through Madrid’s culinary heritage, where you get to learn about and taste authentic local dishes.
During the tour, you get to go to food markets and indulge in snacks like churros and drinks like hot chocolate. You can also enjoy tapas and sangria during the tour, all while learning about their significance to Spanish culture.
2. Royal Alcázar of Seville
The Royal Alcázar of Seville blends beautiful gardens with rich historic architecture
Located in the heart of Seville, this royal palace takes you back to Spain’s centuries-old history. The Royal Alcázar of Seville is home to gardens that are not only scenic but also serene. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that beautifully combines Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles.
Some sights not to miss during your visit are the Gothic Palace, Baños de Doña María de Padilla, Salón de Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors), and Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens).
Royal Alcázar of Seville
Address: Casco Antiguo, 41004 Seville, Spain
Opening Hours: 9:30am - 7:00pm, Daily
3. Cathedral, Alcazar, and Giralda guided tour in Seville
The Seville Cathedral’s Giralda bell tower offers amazing city views
To make your first time travel to Spain even better, make sure to join this Cathedral, Alcazar, and Giralda guided tour in Seville! During the tour, you’ll be able to visit several cultural monuments, as well as other attractions that are historically significant to Spain.
Apart from the Royal Alcázar of Seville, you also get to visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is also the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, the Seville Cathedral! Feel free to climb the famous Giralda bell tower or see Christopher Columbus’s monumental tomb during your visit.
You can also check out the massive art collections on display in the cathedral if that’s more of your interest, or simply relive some scenes from the famous TV series Game of Thrones, as the show filmed some scenes at the Royal Alcázar of Seville.
4. Traditional Flamenco Show in Madrid
Flamenco is a traditional Spanish art form known for its passionate dance, music, and rhythm
What’s a trip to Spain without watching at least one traditional flamenco show? If it’s your first time to travel to Spain, this Traditional Flamenco Show in Madrid is only a click away! During the show, prepare to be mesmerized by the flamenco quartet, featuring two dancers, a guitarist, and a singer.
Watching this traditional art form of Spain will let you in on the country’s rich culture and lively entertainment scene. While it’s fun to watch alone, watching with friends or loved ones definitely makes the experience even better!
5. Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is home to Catalan art and architecture in Barcelona
One of the premier cultural destinations in Barcelona is the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. It houses the world’s most extensive collection of Romanesque mural paintings. Here, you’ll see several types of art, such as Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic.
Some must-see art pieces include: Apse of Sant Climent de Taull by the Master of Taull, the mural paintings of the Conquest of Majorca, Llar de foc by Lluis Domènech i Montaner, Double sofa designed for Casa Batlló by Antoni Gaudí, and The Cathedral of the Poor by Joaquim Mir.
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours:
Closed, Monday
10:00am - 6:00pm, Tuesday and Saturday
10:00am - 3:00pm, Sunday
And there you have it! You’re now pretty much equipped with what you need to know before flying to Spain. Make sure to take note of the best time to visit and also book your attraction or tour tickets ahead of time so you won’t need to worry much as you go about your trip. Happy travels!
FAQs
1. Where should I go for the first time in Spain?
If it’s your first time traveling to Spain, focus on the "Golden Triangle" of Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville for culture, art, architecture, flamenco, and history.
2. What is the 97 rule in Spain?
The “£97 rule” in Spain is a generally unenforced requirement for non-EU/Schengen visitors to prove they have enough money for their stay (totaling at least about USD1,250), along with proof of accommodation and round-trip tickets.
3. How many days are enough for Spain?
If you really want to explore the best of Spain, 10 to 14 days is a great amount of time to see must-visit spots like Madrid, Barcelona, and Andalusia without rushing. A 7-day trip is also enough for a quick, fast-paced visit to at least two major cities.
4. Is Spain friendly to tourists?
Yes! Spain is very friendly and welcoming to tourists, with a rich culture and a really warm, easygoing vibe.
5. What is the best month to go to Spain?
The best time to go to Spain is spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October).
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