Spain Travelers Recommend

Summer brings temperatures ideal for exploring the Spanish capital, so travelers visiting Madrid between May and September will find plenty of opportunities to check out art, culture, and history beneath sunny skies. Here are a few ways to do so.

• See the city’s top attractions aboard an open-air hop-on, hop-off bus.

• Zip through the streets on a fun-filled Segway tour.

• Treat your tastebuds to a tapas and wine tasting tour of Madrid’s vibrant culinary scene.

• Feel the sultry heat of flamenco, Spain’s traditional dance, at one of the country’s top venues.

• Fly high above Toledo or Segovia in a hot air balloon.

• Embark on a day trip to Segovia, Avila, Toledo, or the El Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Monument.

The passionate music, song, and dance known as flamenco is rooted in the gypsies of Andalusia in Southern Spain, but its popularity has spread all the way to Barcelona. Here’s what you need to know about catching the best flamenco shows in the Catalan capital.

Flamenco Shows It would be a shame to leave Spain without seeing an authentic flamenco show, and visitors to Barcelona have several options. The city’s legendary Tablao Cordobes on La Rambla and Los Tarantos in the Gothic Quarter have been staging authentic performances for decades, while the Teatre Poliorama and the stunning Palau de la Música Catalana both put on combination flamenco and opera performances. Book ahead to guarantee a spot at your preferred club.

Flamenco Shows with Dinner For a comprehensive evening of authentic Spanish culture, opt for a flamenco show that includes dinner. Shows at Tablao de Carmen, Palacio del Flamenco, and Plaza de las Arenas offer the option to upgrade with tapas, dinner, and drinks—book early to get your first choice. Alternately, start your evening with a tapas walking tour followed by a flamenco performance, or start with the performance and head out for some traditional Spanish pintxos after. 

Flamenco Shows with Lessons

The best way to truly appreciate flamenco is to try it out yourself. You can do so with a masterclass at Tablao Cordobés, where internationally famous Flamenco dancers teach visitors basic choreography on one of Barcelona’s most historic and authentic stages.

One of the most dynamic cities in the world, Barcelona sizzles with food, fashion, and music year-round, meaning there’s enough to see and do to fill up weeks. From Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter to the famous Montserrat monastery in the mountains of Catalunya, here’s how to make the most of three days in this buzzing Catalan capital.

Day 1: City Highlights

Your first day in Barcelona is the perfect time to catch all the highlights. Tour the city on a hop-on hop-off bus, or choose a guided tour that caters to your particular interests. Visit architect Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces (Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Battló, and La Pedrera), cycle through the old city on a bike tour, treat yourself to a tapas tour, or opt for a private city tour to ensure you don’t miss anything on your must-see list. Regardless, you’ll want to book skip-the-line tickets for the iconic Sagrada Familia and walk down La Rambla on this first day—they’re absolute musts. In the evening, watch a flamenco show or explore the bars of the Gracia neighborhood.

Day 2: Culture and Cuisine

Start with a visit to one or two of Barcelona’s excellent museums. Art lovers won’t want to miss the Picasso Museum or the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya), while history buffs will appreciate the collections at the Museum of Catalan History and Maritime Museum of Barcelona. Sports fans can opt for a tour of FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium. In the afternoon, get a hands-on lesson in Spanish cuisine with an interactive cooking class, many of which include a visit to the famous La Boqueria market.

Day 3: Explore Catalonia

It’s time to explore the Catalan countryside. For a popular and rewarding day trip, head to Montserrat mountain to tour the historic monastery and do some hiking on the well-maintained trails. Some tours also include an afternoon of cava tasting on the way back to Barcelona. Alternatively, spend the day exploring the works of Spanish master Salvador Dalí on a tour of the Dalí Museum in Figueres, or head to the Costa Brava to walk through whitewashed villages or take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.

From sun-kissed beaches to fountain-filled plazas, Barcelona sizzles in summer—one of the most popular seasons to visit the city. The Mediterranean sunshine makes outdoor activities appealing, and there are plenty of ways to beat the heat. Here are our top picks for how to experience the Catalan capital in summer.

• Sail past gold-sand beaches on a scenic catamaran excursion.
• Board the open-air hop-on hop-off bus to see the city’s top attractions.
• Beat the summer crowds with skip-the-line access to the Sagrada Familia.
• Head to cooler climes on a day trip to Montserrat or Andorra.
• Go beach hopping along the picturesque Costa Brava.
• Feel the heat at an evening flamenco show.
• Cool off at an indoor attraction such as the Picasso Museum or La Pedrera.
• Spend the day wine tasting in the Catalonian countryside.
• See the city from new heights while parasailing above the sea.
• Attend a summer cultural festival to dive in to Catalan culture and party like a local.

La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece, is Barcelona's most-visited attraction—meaning entrance lines can get long. With skip-the-line access, you'll spend more time enjoying the architecture and less time waiting in the sun. Here's how.

Guided Skip-the-Line Tours

Get the most out of our visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site by visiting with a guide who can fill you in on the history of the famously unfinished cathedral and offer anecdotes about its ongoing construction. Besides getting priority access to skip the main line, you'll also get insider insight into how to best enjoy the cathedral.

Skip-the-Line Tours with Tower Access

While the Sagrada Familia is undeniably impressive from the ground, the panoramic views across Barcelona from one of its towering spires are just as magnificent. You'll still enjoy priority access with the added bonus of a stunning bird's-eye view.

Combo Skip-the-Line Tours

The Sagrada Familia's central location makes it easy to combine a skip-the-line visit with a range of other Barcelona experiences, including an E-bike or artistic tour, or a visit to Park Güell, another brainchild of Gaudi.

Madrid may not be the birthplace of flamenco (that title belongs to the south), but as Spain’s capita, it often attracts the best talent and, therefore, high-quality flamenco shows. Here are some of the top spots in the city to enjoy an evening of fine flamenco.

Flamenco Shows

Madrid offers a plethora of options for flamenco shows, from the authentic and intimate performance at Cardamomo (situated near the Puerta del Sol in the center of Madrid) to the rustic and evocative Casa Patas in Madrid’s Lavapies neighborhood. While Las Carboneras is situated in a main tourist district, the show itself is authentic thanks to its improvisational dance. Corral de la Morería ranks among the most prestigious flamenco destinations in the city, attracting top talent and famous guests (including former US President George Bush, artist Pablo Picasso, and actress Nicole Kidman).

Flamenco Shows with Dinner

Each flamenco venue offers the option to include dinner during the show. A traditional Spanish meal is an excellent complement to the live music and entertainment, and depending on the venue, this might include paella, tapas, Spanish flan, and sangria or local wine.

Flamenco Shows with Lessons

There’s no better way to experience flamenco than to put on your dancing shoes and give it a try yourself. This ultimate night of flamenco begins with a workshop where you’ll learn basic steps and how to play the castanets, followed by a live show at an authentic flamenco tablao (flamenco venue) where the pro flamenco artists show off their skills.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and one of Europe’s most popular cities, seamlessly blends ancient history, Catalan culture, spectacular moderniste architecture, a rich gastronomic scene, and a vibrancy that keeps visitors coming back for more. An estimated 32 million people visit each year, which translates to some hefty crowds, especially during the busy summer season. No matter when you visit, plan ahead to ensure you experience the best Barcelona has to offer. From the Sagrada Familia and the nearby monastery of Montserrat to the fabled stadium of FC Barcelona, here are some of our favorite attractions and experiences in this enchanting city on the sea.

The UNESCO World Heritage–listed city of Toledo is widely considered to be the architectural, artistic, and historic heart of Spain. Here’s how to take a half- or full-day tour from Madrid and discover Toledo’s vast collection of El Greco artwork, quiet cobblestone alleys, and medieval sites.

Half-Day Tours

Half-day tours to the World Heritage Site of Toledo gives you around three hours in the city, enough time to hit the highlights of Old Town. Admire top sights such as the Santa Maria la Blanca museum and former synagogue, the Synagogue of El Transito, 13th-century Toledo Cathedral—considered among the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Europe—and the Museo del Greco, once home to Spanish Renaissance artist El Greco. Time permitting, you can also stroll through Toledo’s historic Jewish quarter before journeying back to Madrid.

Full-Day Tours

With more time at your disposal, take in more of the sights and hear more of the stories that make historic Toledo so special. Visit Mezquita de Cristo de la Luz, a beautiful 10th-century mosque, later converted to a church; explore the mighty Alcazar of Toledo fortress; and admire El Greco masterpieces like The Burial of the Count of Orgaz in the church of St. Tome. Alternatively, head into the nearby vineyards on a wine tour and sample some of the diverse wines for which Spain is famous. It’s also possible to combine a visit to Toledo with a stop in nearby Segovia, home to attractions including an ancient Roman aqueduct and a Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral.

Things to Know

• Toledo is 54 miles (87 kilometers) south of Madrid, approximately a 1-hour drive or 50 minutes by train.

• Segovia is located 56 miles (91 kilometers) northeast of Madrid, about a 1.5-hour drive.

• Half-day tours of Toledo last about five hours; full-day tours can last up to 11 hours.

• Tours typically include a guide, entrance fees where applicable, and round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus or train from central Madrid.

Sunny Barcelona may seem like the ideal warm weather destination, but downpours do hit the Catalonian capital on occasion. There’s no need to get caught short though; make the most of even wet weather with these rainy-day attractions.

• Take shelter at Sagrada Familia or Montserrat Monastery; get out of the rain faster with skip-the-line admission tickets.
• See the city from a sightseeing bus—hop-on-hop-off options let you jump off and explore on foot when the rain clears.
• Watch a flamenco performance at a traditional tablao; local institutions such as Tablao Cordobes and Tablao de Carmen offer dinner and drinks packages.
• Get out of the rain during a behind-the-scenes Camp Nou stadium and museum tour.
• Soak up the city’s art scene without getting soaked at Gaudi’s Casa Batlló or La Pedrera.
• Visit top Barcelona museums such as Museu Picasso, Fundació Joan Miró, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia with a museum pass.
• Hone your culinary skills during a cooking class or explore the covered La Boqueria Market.

Many travelers whizz through Barcelona in a day as part of a grand tour of Spain or Europe. But, those who spend an extra day in the Catalan capital are rewarded with diverse experiences. From Gaudí’s masterpieces to historic neighborhoods, here’s our suggested itinerary for two days in Barcelona.

Day 1: Barcelona Highlights

**Morning:**Kick off your time in Barcelona with an overview of the city. Jump onto a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour to see what attractions you might want to visit later, or join a private half-day tour with a local for tips on which sights match your interests.

**Afternoon:**Dedicate an afternoon to Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí’s works. After lunch, head straight to the Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona’s most recognizable landmarks, for a tour. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance or opt for a Gaudí-themed guided tour that also includes a stop at Park Güell.

**Night:**After working your appetite with all that sightseeing, treat yourself to two delicious Spanish traditions: tapas and wine. Typical food walking tours of the old city take travelers to several of Barcelona’s best tapas and wine bars, allowing you to sample a wide range of local favorites.

Day 2: Cuisine and Culture

**Morning:**This is a great time to explore some of Barcelona’s numerous world-class museums. Take a guided tour of the Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter, ride the cable car to the top of Montjuic Hill (Parc de Montjuic) to visit the military fortress, or make your way to Plaza España for the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya).

**Afternoon:**Dive deeper into the local food culture with a cooking class. Visit La Boqueria market to pick out ingredients before heading to a kitchen to learn some skills from a professional chef. Depending on the class, you might prepare paella, garlic prawns, Catalan octopus, or Spanish omelet.

**Night:**Don’t leave Spain without seeing a traditional flamenco show—several venues throughout Barcelona offer dinner and flamenco shows perfect for a romantic evening. Alternately, use your final night to get out on the water and see the city from another angle during a sunset sailing trip along the Barcelona coast.

UNESCO-listed Segovia is one of central Spain's most fascinating cities, home to historic marvels such as the ancient Roman Aqueduct, the Gothic Segovia Cathedral, and the grand Alcazar of Segovia. Here’s how to see it on a day trip from Madrid.

Group Tours

One of the most cost-effective and fun ways to explore Segovia is on a group tour, many of which often combine a visit to Segovia with a stop at another nearby town, such as the walled city of Avila, UNESCO-listed Toledo, or the medieval village of Pedraza.

Private Tours

Private day trips offer a personal experience with greater freedom to explore at your own pace. Head out on your day trip with a private driver, or hop on the high-speed train with a knowledgeable guide. Spend the entire day taking in the Roman ruins and Gothic masterpieces of Segovia and possibly include a visit to the Royal Palace of La Granja.

Segovia From Above

Those looking for romance (or those pressed for time) can get a bird’s-eye view of Segovia on a hot air balloon ride over the city and its surrounding landscape, topped off with a celebratory glass of cava.

Things to Know

• Segovia is located about an hour’s drive outside of Madrid.

• Most day trips from Madrid last upwards of 8 hours, so be prepared for a full day.

• Hot air balloon excursions generally last 3 hours, with 1 hour of flight time.

When you need a break from sightseeing or the Mediterranean heat, Barcelona offers plentiful green spaces where you can relax under shady trees, spread out a picnic, and recharge. True to the city’s artistic reputation, many of its parks and gardens boast architectural elements, not to mention stellar views. Here's where to go to get your green fix in the Catalan capital.  

Park Güell

One of Barcelona’s crowning modernist gems sits atop Carmel Hill: Park Güell, the legacy of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whimsically curved stairways, terraces, footpaths, and benches are embellished with colorful mosaics and symbolic elements typical of Gaudí’s designs. While you're there, visit the Gaudí House Museum to see where he lived and worked for nearly two decades. 

Citadel Park (Parc de la Ciutadella)

It’s hard to miss this 70-acre (28-hectare) green space in the heart of the city, beloved by locals and visitors alike for its ornate fountains and plentiful shady spots. Stop here when you need a break from the urban bustle, or make a day of it with a rowboat rental on a lake or visit to the Barcelona Zoo, Museum of Natural Sciences, or Catalan Parliament building—all housed within the expansive park. 

Horta Labyrinth Park (Parque del Laberint d’Horta)

Worth the trip to the city’s Horta-Guinardó district at the foot of Collserola Ridge, Barcelona’s oldest garden dates back to 1791. The inviting neoclassical design offers a glimpse into overlapping eras of the past, from mythological sculptures and replicas of ancient Roman temples to a 19th-century hedge maze sculpted from cypress trees that gives the park its name.

Mossen Costa i Llobera Gardens

Catch a cable car to this unusual haven nestled at the foot of Montjuïc Hill. The small but impressive gardens feature mainly cacti and succulents from arid desert climates, plus some Mediterranean species. Catch your breath here among the desertlike landscape and admire the contrast against views of Barcelona's beaches and harbor below. 

Joan Maragall Gardens (Jardines de Joan Maragall)

Feel like royalty on a stroll through these elegant and well-maintained gardens on the grounds of Palace Albéniz, the official Catalonian residence of the Spanish royal family. Tree-lined pathways and flower beds converge with sculptures and cascading fountains in a tranquil retreat where you’re unlikely to encounter many tourists. Note that the gardens are only open on the weekends.

Home to the magnificent UNESCO-listed Alhambra Palace, Granada is one of the great Andalucian cities, and it’s easy to visit on a day trip from nearby Seville. To help you find the perfect tour for you, here's a rundown of the options available.

Group Tours

The most convenient and cost-effective way to visit Granada is on a full-day group tour, traveling by bus from Seville. For the best value, choose a tour that includes skip-the-line entrance to the Alhambra and a guided tour of the palace complex, including the Alcazaba, Nasrid Palace, and the Generalife Gardens. Many tours also include hotel pickup and drop-off, a walking tour of Granada's highlights, and free time to explore independently or shop for souvenirs.

Private Tours

Private tours offer a more personalized experience, so you can benefit from a flexible itinerary and the undivided attention of a private guide. Independent travelers can also opt for a private one-way transfer to Granada, either direct or stopping along the way to visit other nearby cities such as Ronda or Cordoba.

Things to Know

• Granada is about 155 miles (250 km) east of Seville, about 2.5 hours away by road.

• Day tours from Seville typically last between 10 and 13 hours, so prepare for a long trip.

• Be sure to bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, water, and snacks for the journey.

• Most tours include hotel pickup and entrance fees to the Alhambra palace.

As temperatures cool and summer crowds begin to dwindle, the city of Barcelona comes alive. Autumn brings myriad festivals and excellent weather, making it perfect for wandering through atmospheric neighborhoods. Here are a few ways to take advantage of the city in one of its best seasons.

• Commune with the restless souls of the city on a walking ghost tour through Barcelona’s darkened neighborhoods.

• Watch as locals dressed as devils light up the night with flames and fireworks during a traditional correfoc, or fire-running festival.

• Put on your costume and experience Barcelona’s epic nightlife on a Halloween pub crawl.

• Visit three countries in one day on a day trip to France and Andorra.

• Celebrate the start of a new soccer season with a visit to the Camp Nou stadium and the FC Barcelona Museum.

Though many visitors come to Madrid for its museums, cuisine, and rich cultural heritage, the city also offers families a range of kid-friendly activities. From hot-air-balloon rides to amusement parks, here's what you need to know to enjoy your time with children in Madrid.

• Take a hot-air-balloon ride over Guadarrama Regional Park, with round-trip transportation from Madrid. Kids ages 6 through 18 will marvel at the views and get to remember the experience with a souvenir photo.
• Explore Madrid's Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro), an expansive city park with several family-friendly attractions. Beyond exploring its numerous playgrounds, you can rent bikes and hop in a rowboat for a paddle on the lake. To see more of the park's sights, book a Segway tour with the kids.
• Tour the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid) on a family-friendly guided tour or early access tour to avoid the crowds. Kids enjoy the palace's manicured gardens and fountains, as well as the historic collection of Spanish arms and armor, showcased in the Royal Armory.
• Kids shouldn't miss the spectacle of a traditional Flamenco show, complete with live musicians and singers. From the colorful outfits to the rhythmic performance, kids are sure to enjoy this traditional Spanish art. Book tickets in advance to secure a seat, and consider a dinner upgrade to enjoy a Spanish meal with the show.
• Let the kids blow off some steam at the Madrid Amusement Park (Parque de Atracciones de Madrid). Cool off on a few water rides, and get the adrenaline going with a loop on the roller coaster. Madrid hop-on-hop-off-bus tours—and kid-friendly sightseeing tours—may not take you right to the park, but they should get you close.
• Uncover the history of Don Quixote with a daylong adventure to La Mancha from Madrid. Full-day tours are the best way to experience this piece of Spain's medieval history, visit a castle, and see the windmills made famous by the Miguel de Cervantes novel.
• Embrace Spanish tradition with a visit to the Raton Perez House Museum, which celebrates the Tooth Fairy–like character in Spanish culture. Book a tour of the museum to learn the history of this whimsical tale.

The Catalan capital of Barcelona offers plenty to do for families traveling with children in tow, and many of the best kid-approved activities appeal to adults as well. From touring the old city or sailing the Mediterranean coast to day tripping into the Catalonian countryside, these are some of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids.

• Explore Barcelona at your own pace aboard the hop-on hop-off bus with three routes to choose from.
• Enjoy skip-the-line access to Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia, two of the city’s most impressive monuments.
• Ride the funicular or cable car to the mountaintop monastery of Montserrat for a flexible and laid-back day trip from the city.
• Hit the streets to explore Barcelona’s historic old city by bike, Segway, e-bike, or GoCar.
• Spend a day of fun in the sun at PortAventura, Spain’s most popular theme park, with an all-day pass.
• See the city from the water during a sailing excursion from Port Vell.
• Go behind the scenes at Camp Nou stadium to walk in the footsteps of soccer legends.

With three days in Seville, you can explore top attractions, walk its medieval streets, and venture outside the city to experience additional wonders of Andalucia. Here are some ideas for how to spend three days in the region’s biggest city.

Day 1: Essential Seville

Start your day off with a skip-the-line tour of Seville’s most famous attraction, Alcazár of Seville. Wander through the fountain-filled gardens, featured in Game of Thrones, while soaking up the Catholic and Moorish details of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is packed with things to see, with plenty of options for seeing them. Take a walking, biking, or Segway tour of the historic city center, or if you’d prefer to go solo, climb aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to tour at your own pace. No matter what your method of transportation, don’t miss Plaza de España and the Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede), the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Refuel after your day of sightseeing with a tapas and wine tour. You’ll sample some of the city’s best bites paired with local sherry or manzanilla.

Day 2: History & Culture

Now that you’ve seen the highlights, take a day to dive deeper into the history and culture of Seville by pursuing your interests. Relive your favorite scenes from the hit HBO series on a Game of Thrones tour, explore the city’s musical history, spend the day wine tasting, or take a cooking class to learn how to prepare your favorite tapas. History buffs might want to head to the outskirts of town to visit the ruins of the Roman Necropolis Museum, while those looking to relax can soak in the pools of Aire de Seville, a Moorish-style hammam. Once the sun goes down, book a table at one of Seville’s many historic tablaos for a night of flamenco—a combination of dance, singing, and Spanish guitar that originated in Andalucia.

Day 3: Outside the City

With so much to see outside of Seville in Andalucia, the biggest challenge is narrowing it down. You could head to Granada for a skip-the-line tour of the Alhambra, explore the white villages (including Ronda), go sherry tasting in Jeréz, stand upon the Rock of Gibraltar, or even visit a different country with a trip to Tangier in Morocco. Once back in Seville, let loose on your final night with a pub crawl to some of the city’s best nightlife hot spots. Head out on your own, or join a local on a tour for a hassle-free night of drinks, dancing, and making new friends.

The celebratory tipple of choice in Spain is cava, a sparkling white or rose wine from Catalonia that’s sipped in Barcelona and beyond at everything from weddings and birthday bashes to evening meals. Here are some must-try cava labels and cava tasting experiences in Barcelona.

What is Cava?

First produced in 1872 at the Codorniu Winery, cava was the brainchild of winemaker Josep Raventós, whose French travels left him with a yearning to create a Spanish version of Champagne. Blended from local xarel-lo, macabeo and parellada grapes grown in the Penedès region, the sparkling wine quickly became popular as a wine that goes with everything. Today, it’s as ubiquitous to Barcelona as flamenco and tapas. The Penedès wine region—the third largest in Spain—remains the heart and soul of cava production with more than 160 wineries growing and producing it.

Must-Do Experiences

• Sip on some bubbly and sample tapas on a food and wine tour of Barcelona’s El Born and Gothic Quarter neighborhoods.

• Take a day tour from Barcelona to the Spanish countryside to sample traditional cava and wine in the region where it’s grown.

• Learn the art of cava making during a hands-on wine-making workshop in the capital of Catalonia.

• Combine a visit to Montserrat with a tour and wine tasting in a winery’s vast cava cellars.

Madrid, the Spanish capital, blends age-old traditions with an appetite for good art, good food, and a good time. It’s a city with a zest for life and an energy that never seems to stop—a beguiling combination that attracts some 6 million visitors each year. Madrid’s growing popularity can bring with it some crowds and long lines at top attractions, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead to ensure you make the most of every moment. From browsing the exquisite collection at the Prado Museum to tapas hopping your way through the old town, these are our top picks for experiences you shouldn’t miss in Madrid.

Winter brings cooler (although rarely below freezing) temperatures to Barcelona along with blue skies and sunshine, making it a favorite escape this time of year. If you’re in the Catalan capital in winter, here are some ways to take advantage of the cold weather and holiday spirit.

• Join a local for a Christmas tour through the Old City, which is always adorned with festive holiday lights.

• Ring in the New Year with a flamenco show and New Year’s Eve party, complete with the local tradition of “lucky grapes.”

• Warm up with an interactive cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare dishes like paella and Spanish tapas.

• Soak up the sounds of a Spanish guitar concert inside the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Palau de la Música.

• Buy a Barcelona Card, which offers free or discounted entry to more than 20 top attractions around the city.

Thanks to its blend of Spanish, Latin American and island heritage, Tenerife’s cultural calendar is always packed. Whenever you visit, there’s sure to be something going on, from colorful parades to riotous street parties. Here are some of the best festivals in the largest Canary Island.

Tenerife Carnival

Every February, thousands of people descend on the coastal city of Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife, to participate in the world’s second-largest Carnival celebration—surpassed only by Brazil. With its enormous parade of elaborately costumed marchers, dancers, and musicians, elected Carnival Queens, and live music performances, the city center transforms into one big, colorful street party. The city of Puerto de la Cruz, on Tenerife’s western coast, although throws a good Carnival party.

Corpus Christi Festival

Another world-famous religious celebration, festival of Corpus Christi is held in June in Tacoronte, La Laguna, and La Orotava. The event features parades, fireworks, and ventorrillos (street cafes) serving up traditional Canarian foods. Among the most unique elements of this festival are the Corpus Christi carpets, which are hand-woven from flower petals and sand, then laid out in the streets to form a gigantic tapestry for the procession to pass over.

Semana Santa (Easter Week)

Holy Week on Tenerife kicks off with a solemn parade of Catholics wearing traditional cloaks with pointed hoods and carrying statues of Jesus on the cross and a mourning Virgin Mary. Each town has its own events; La Laguna, La Orotava, Los Realejos, Garachico, Puerto de la Cruz, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife host some of the island’s best.

Romería de San Roque

Throughout the year, Tenerife holds a number of Romerías, or historic festivals that combine folklore, religion, and culture. Often these include costumed parades, folk music, dancing, and displays of artistic traditions and handicrafts. Among the most famous is Romería de San Roque, which takes place in August. Locals in traditional dress, a procession of decorated carts, and herds of animals follow the image of the patron saint as it’s carried to a local church.

Fiestas de la Cruz

One of the most photo-worthy festivals in the Canary Islands, the Fiestas de la Cruz (Festivals of the Cross) takes place each May throughout the island. Each town does things a bit differently, but you’re sure to see crosses decorated with colorful, elaborate blossoms, plus costume parties, processions, and fireworks.

Montserrat's close proximity to Spain's cava wine region makes it easy to combine the two experiences in one day—a morning visit to the Benedictine monastery and an afternoon of wine tasting. Here's what you need to know to book the right combo.

Highlights

• Enjoy two of Barcelona's top day trips in one convenient ticket package.

• Options include tours by coach or train, with options for Segway rides upon arrival.

• Sample wines from the Penedes region at a large, organic, or family-run winery.

• Most combo tours include lunch or tapas.

Group Tours

Joining a group tour to Montserrat and the surrounding wine region is a budget-friendly way to enjoy two iconic Catalan experiences. Since many group tours are limited to 15 participants, you'll still receive plenty of attention from your guide and an in-depth experience. Tours can last upwards of 10 hours, depending on the option you choose.

Private Tours

For a more personalized day trip, opt for a private tour with your own driver and guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and you can ask all the questions you want while enjoying greater flexibility during your day outside of Barcelona.

The mix of Art Nouveau architecture, Catalan culture, sparkling sea, and a thrumming nightlife make Barcelona one of Europe’s most irresistible cities. You could easily spend weeks and still not see everything the city has to offer. But, if you only have a single day, here’s how to make the most of the time you have.

Morning: Works of Gaudí

There’s one landmark you must see when in Barcelona: the Sagrada Familia. Save time with skip-the-line tickets booked ahead of your trip, get an early start, and take in views of the Catalan capital with a tour of the cathedral’s towers. Then, head to nearby Park Güell, another Gaudí masterpiece, for more city views and quirky, colorful tile work. It’s possible to pack in even more of the architect’s work with a Gaudí-themed tour that includes entrance to both Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, plus a walk down Passeig de Gracia to see Casa Batlló and La Pedrera from the outside.

Afternoon: Barcelona’s Old City

After lunch, head into the labyrinthine old city to soak up the atmosphere that keeps travelers coming back. If you want to be sure not to miss anything, opt for a walking, cycling, or Segway tour through the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and Raval neighborhoods. Another option that’ll help you see more in less time is to board a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Grab an outdoor seat and tour the city with audio commentary about what you’re seeing.

Night: Tapas Tastings

No trip to Barcelona would be complete without treating your taste buds to some Spanish cuisine. As a first-time visitor, it can be hard to tell the good stuff from the bad, so enlist a local’s help during an evening tapas tour through the old city to taste some of the best bites around La Rambla, La Boqueria market, and the Gothic Quarter. Those interested in the Spanish art of flamenco can grab a table at the legendary Tablao Cordobes for a paella dinner and an evening of dancing, singing, and Spanish guitar.

Arguably Barcelona's most famous son, Antoni Gaudí is the artistic mastermind behind several of the city's beloved and unique sights, including La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Don’t miss them on your trip—here’s the scoop on how to see them.

Park Güell

Meant to be a high-end housing development, Park Güell ended up as a landmark park instead. Here you'll find Gaudi's emblematic lizard fountain, the colorful mosaic benches of the lookout terrace, and the Gaudí House Museum, which gives an inside look at where the architect once lived.

**How to Visit:**Be the first inside the park with an exclusive early-access tour.

La Sagrada Familia

Gaudí never finished the La Sagrada Familia Basilica after starting it in 1882 (and it still won't be completed until 2026), but it's still considered his magnum opus. Even in its current state, the church is a must-see, with its biblical scene-covered façades and expansive interior supported by forest-like columns lit with rainbow-hued stained glass.

**How to Visit:**Book skip-the-line admission to beat the crowds.

Güell Palace (Palau Güell)

One of Gaudi's first commissions at the start of his career, Palau Güell features seven stories that include horse stables in the basement, a glamorous main hall for entertaining, and a funky rooftop with rainbow tile-covered chimney pots. Set in the Raval neighborhood, the palace was built as a private mansion for Catalan industrialist Eusebi Güell.

**How to Visit:**Stop at the palace on an e-bike tour of Barcelona's modernist architecture.

La Pedrera (Casa Milà)

La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milà, is one of two Gaudi structures along Passeig de Gracia. Famous for its undulating, rocky façade, meant to resemble an open quarry, the building also boasts a much-photographed rooftop with a line of mysterious chimney pots that look as if they're standing guard over the skylights.

**How to Visit:**See La Pedrera in a new light on a behind-closed-doors night tour.

Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló got a modernist makeover from Gaudí in 1904—he added a fanciful exterior of mosaic glass, a scaly reptilian-like rooftop, and skeletal-looking windows and balconies, all of which earned it the nickname "House of Bones." The interiors, featuring rippled walls, sculpted fireplaces, and Gaudi's signature tilework, are juts as impressive as the façade.

**How to Visit:**Tour Casa Batlló with your own guide on a private walking tour of Barcelona.

Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens in the Gràcia neighborhood was Gaudí's first notable work, constructed in the 1880s for Manuel Vicens, the owner of a brick and tile factory. The building's Múdejar-inspired exterior (the interior is closed to visitors) features an elaborate mix of colorful tiles, floral patterns, intricate iron balconies, and exposed brickwork.

**How to Visit:**Zip past Casa Vicens on a kid-friendly scooter tour of the Gràcia neighborhood.