Spain is a beautiful, interesting, and dynamic country with a lot of regional uniqueness and variety. Madrid and Barcelona are hip and energetic cities, Granada has a Moorish touch, Basque Country up north contrast itself to Southern living.

The Spaniards love visitors, hosting strangers, drinking good wine, laughing at a good meal, and enjoying life. People aren’t in a rush here.

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Spain

MADRID - Madrid is the capital of Spain, as well as its largest city. Even though Madrid possesses a modern infrastructure, it has also preserved the look and feel of many of its historic neighborhoods and streets. In Madrid, you will be sure to find wonderful food, fashion, and nightlife. And like its rival city Barcelona, this is a city that starts late — dinner doesn’t happen until 9 or 10pm at night! A slightly sprawling place, the tiny neighborhoods of the city are a great place to get lost in, eat tapas, and drink sangria. The warmth of the locals and the slowness of the meals will keep you out late, and the nightlife, even later!

The Plaza Mayor is Madrid’s main square, located in the middle of the city. Winding streets will take you past churches, tapas bars, and give you insight into royal history and architecture.

The Prado Museum is Madrid’s top cultural sight, and one of the world’s greatest art galleries. Its dazzling display of works by the great European masters such as Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch (among other major Italian and Flemish artists), is housed in an 18th-century building that opened as a museum in 1819.

El Retiro Park - The main park of Madrid, this is the perfect place to take a rest during a sunny day, or take part in the drum circles around the statue of Alphonso XII on summer evenings. There is a large boating lake where one can hire a rowing boat. Check out the Forest of the Absent, and the Crystal Palace.

The Royal Palace, this is the official residence of the King of Spain, though it is now only used for state ceremonies. The palace is partially open to public except when it is being used for official business and on Sundays (when it is also closed).

BARCELONA - Barcelona is the second-largest city in Spain and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country (if not the world). From family travelers to the cruise ship crowds to those that backpack Barcelona during the summer months, Barcelona sees all types of tourists. It’s a city steeped in history. Its Barri Gothic dates back to Roman times (be sure to visit the ruins underneath the city), and you’ll find medieval structures all over the place. Gaudi’s architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries dots every district.

Wander Gaudi Architecture - Gaudi is Barcelona’s most famous architect and you will see his work everywhere you go in the city. His method of blending Gothic and Art Nouveau styles made him legendary around the world. The highlights for tourists are: Park Güell, Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà.

Picasso Museum – If you are interested in Picasso’s art, it will be interesting to learn about the life and craft of one of the most influential artists in the 20th century. With over 3,000 pieces of art, this is one of the biggest Picasso museums in the world.

Barceloneta Beach - is a wide and long stretch of sand that is incredibly popular year round, as it’s within walking distance from the city center. The water is warm and there are a lot of good restaurants on the boardwalk. Also, don’t just stick to one beach (there are a few right next to each other); Nova Icaria and St. Pol del Mar are highly recommended.

Barcelona History Museum - Barcelona has one of the best city history museums. There are 4,000 square meters of Roman ruins located beneath the city that you can walk through. There is a free, detailed audio guide and meticulous explanations of what you are seeing, including mosaics, wall frescoes, a pool, graves, ancient documents, and much more.

Barri Gothic - This is the name given to Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, which is filled with ancient winding streets and historic buildings. Spend a few hours getting lost through this area, stumbling upon old buildings, churches, and plazas. The deeper you go into the Barri Gotic, the more local and interesting it becomes.

GRANADA - Granada is rich with history and spectacular architecture dating back to the Moors and Romans thousands of years ago. It’s always been a city at a crossroads, where culture and ideas from North Africa and Europe collide. The city is still heavily influenced by its Moorish roots and you will smell hookahs, couscous, and incense everywhere you go. Be sure to visit the Alhambra and bike along the outskirts of the city to view the scenic country roads. There are countless museums, monuments and statues worth seeing and exploring, which are perfect for the budget-minded traveler. Granada is a unique mix of cultures, the food is amazing, the architecture stunning, and the energy unlike anywhere else in the country.

THE ISLANDS - Whether you go to Ibiza to party or to the Canaries to relax, Spain has some of the most beautiful islands in all of Europe. Because of that, during the months of July and August, they are full and expensive so try to avoid peak season. If you love beaches, surfing, hiking, or cycling then be sure to hit up the islands (especially Gran Canaria). You won’t be disappointed!