Choose from 459 Fun Things to Do in Spain
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Teatro Perez Galdos
This 1,000-seat theater in Las Palmas leaves no one indifferent; be it for its prestigious shows or its splendid façade, visitors always enjoy themselves at Teatro Perez Galdos. Built in 1890 and completely renovated in 2007, it is now one of the most modern theaters in all of Spain, and the permanent home of the Opera Festival of Las Palmas. The theater was named after famed Spanish realist novelist and playwright Benito Perez Galdos, which was the leading literary figure in 19th-century Spain and, incidentally, was born in Las Palmas. But the celebrated playwright wasn't all that enthused about the theatre's arrival, which, according to him, was too extravagant. It even inspired Galdos to write satirical poems about the building...only to have it named after him a few years later. Speaking of famous connections, the theatre is also home to the Saint-Saëns room, in honor of the French composer who spent quite a bit of time on Gran Canaria, composing numerous symphonies. The lavishly ornate room is a marvel of architecture and is the crown jewel of the theater; the main concert hall, however, is not to be overlooked, with its splendid ceiling and perfectly symmetrical pavilions.
Practical Info
Teatro Perez Galdos is located on Plaza Stagno in southeastern Las Palmas on Gran Canaria. It can be reached by car Avenida de Canarias or by bus via routes 54, L1, 9, 12 and 25.
Address: Plaza Stagno, 1, Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Hours: Hours vary
Admission: Pricing varies
From $ 23
Temple of Augustus (Temple d'August)
One of Barcelona's oldest treasures also happens to be one of its most hidden. The Temple of Augustus and its four Roman columns stand hidden within the medieval walls surrounding the city's palm tree-filled Plaça Reial. It is there that they have stood for over 2,000 years, concealed for much of that time until their discovery in the 19th century, and later restoration.
Constructed in the 1st century BC, these 9-meter-tall columns once formed part of the larger Temple of Augustus, which was dedicated to the worship of its namesake Emperor Augustus. The now enclosed and wall-surrounded columns were located on the site of what used to be the Roman colony of Barcino, and nowadays makes up Barcelona's Gothic quarter. Free and quick to visit, it's a must-see while in this unmissable part of town.
Practical Info
You most definitely won't see the columns while wandering about, so head to the southeastern corner of Plaça Reial, from where you can access the innards of the city block in which the columns are housed (or considering joining a walking tour so that you don't miss it). Note that opening hours are especially limited on Monday.
Address: Carrer Paradís, 10, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain 08002, Spain
Hours: Mon 10am-2pm, Tues-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-8pm
From $ 18
Plaza Mayor
Salamanca's Plaza Mayor is the Spanish Main Square that your dreams are made of. Home to the city's commanding City Hall building "” and once the site of bullfights until as late as 1992 "” the plaza is widely considered the most beautiful square in Spain. Beautiful because of its dramatic Baroque style, its 247 balconies, and its 88 arches behind which hide all sorts of restaurants and shops.
Indeed, this is where you'll want to go to bask in your Salamanca surroundings by sitting al fresco (when weather permits) to enjoy tapas while savoring views of the 18th-century square and its emblematic sandstone buildings. From here, you'll also have easy access to other city sights, as it's just a short jaunt from stops such as the Salamanca Cathedral, Casa de las Conchas, and the University of Salamanca. Meanwhile, those looking for a good selection of shops need only head down Calle del Toro, a street just off the northeastern corner of the plaza.
Practical Info
Salamanca's main sights can easily be tackled on foot. For additional information on visiting the city, there is a tourist office located near the southwest corner of the plaza.
Address: Plaza Mayor, Salamanca, Castile and Leon 37008, Spain
From $ 81
Victoria Eugenia Theater (Teatro Victoria Eugenia)
Victoria Eugenia Theater (Teatro Victoria Eugenia) Just steps away from San Sebastián's old quarter sits the Victoria Eugenia Theater. There, the commanding Belle Époque-style building stands watch over Okendo Plaza, as well as the River Urumea, which flows out to the Bay of Biscay.
Francisco de Urcola designed the early 20th-century property in response to the Basque city's growth as a destination for Spanish and European aristocrats. Now, it's considered one of the most beautiful buildings in San Sebastián and also as one of the most prestigious theaters in all of Spain.
And upon seeing it, there's really no surprise as to why. It boasts an attractive sandstone exterior, whose columned front façade is adorned by four prominent sculptures, each of which represents opera, tragedy, comedy and drama. Meanwhile, the interior dazzles with golden balconies filled with red velvet chairs, and a ceiling of frescoes illuminated by an elaborate chandelier.
Apart from shows ranging from opera to dance and musicals, Victoria Eugenia Theater has also played host to the San Sebastian International Film Festival, as well as various movie premieres.
Practical Info
The main entrance to the theater is located on Paseo de la República Argentina (or República Argentina Kalea, in Basque), which runs along the Urumea River. Tickets to shows can be purchased online or directly from the theater's box office.
Address: Paseo de la República Argentina, 2, 20004, San Sebastian, Spain
Hours: Daily; times vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 236
Sorolla Museum
Constructed in honor of its namesake, the much-celebrated Valencian Impressionist artist Joaquin Sorolla, the Sorolla Museum is a fascinating tribute to the artist's life and works, displaying personal artifacts, awards, written memoirs and, of course, many of his most beloved artworks. Housed in the 20th-century mansion on Paseo del General Martínez Campos where the artist lived and worked from 1912 until his untimely death in 1923, the Sorolla house was bequeathed to the public by his widow and reopened as a museum several years later.
The museum serves not only as a gallery of his finest works, but a memorial to the artist himself "“ many rooms have been preserved as they were left, with the original decor and personal effects still in place. Sorolla's pipes and paintbrushes can still be seen scattered around the studio, along with over 300 canvasses and thousands of rough drawings. Even the building, along with its series of splendid landscaped gardens, is a masterwork of its former owner, providing an even greater insight into his artistic vision and creative evolution. The house itself, designed by architect Enrique María de Repulles y Vargas in a classic Andalusian style, was dreamed up by Sorolla himself, who purchased the plot of land with the aim of creating the perfect home and studio. The exquisite mansion offers an ideal backdrop to his beautifully lit portraits and landscape paintings, making it one of Madrid's most serene art museums.
The museum serves not only as a gallery of his finest works, but a memorial to the artist himself "“ many rooms have been preserved as they were left, with the original decor and personal effects still in place. Sorolla's pipes and paintbrushes can still be seen scattered around the studio, along with over 300 canvasses and thousands of rough drawings. Even the building, along with its series of splendid landscaped gardens, is a masterwork of its former owner, providing an even greater insight into his artistic vision and creative evolution. The house itself, designed by architect Enrique María de Repulles y Vargas in a classic Andalusian style, was dreamed up by Sorolla himself, who purchased the plot of land with the aim of creating the perfect home and studio. The exquisite mansion offers an ideal backdrop to his beautifully lit portraits and landscape paintings, making it one of Madrid's most serene art museums.
Address: Paseo del General Martínez Campos, 37, 28010 Madrid, Spain
Hours: Tue-Sat 9:30am - 8pm, Sun and Holidays 10am - 3pm. Closed Mondays, Jan 1st, May 1st, Dec 24-25 and 31st. Closed local holidays.
From $ 20
Tivoli World
Tivoli World is an amusement park and performance venue atop a hill in Benalmádena. The performances can be kind of tacky - there's a Wild West Show (yee-ha!) and can-canning soubrettes - but there's also flamenco dancing which, while it may not be anything close to authentic, can still be quite thrilling.
Aside from the performance space there are a number of rides, with a whole section for the littler kids, a water flume, a haunted house, a sky drop, and assorted roller coasters. A wristband that you buy at the gate gets you a whole day of unlimited rides, but be sure that what you want to ride is actually open before you buy.
Practical Info
Tivoli World is in Benalmádena. By car, take the Mediterráneo Highway (A7) and get off at exit 222. You can also catch the train to the Arroyo de la Miel station.
Address:
Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Spain
Hours: Open mainly weekends; closed December; expanded hours over summer.
From $ 15
Pueblo Canario
Pueblo Canario (Canarian Village) is a complex of traditionally built island houses around a large central square set in the green surrounds of Parque Doramas, Las Palmas.
Part of Pueblo Canario is Museo Nestor, dedicated to the life and works of the modernist artist Nestor de la Torre, who, along with his brother, Miguel, designed the Pueblo in the 1930s. Highlights here include Nestor's eight murals illustrating his Poema del Mar (1912-1923).
There is a museum, a restaurant and craft shops within the complex, as well as regular folklore shows, all designed to promote a deeper understanding of Canarian culture and cuisine.
Pueblo Canario is in the heart bustling Las Palmas overlooking Doramas Park. To get there, walk inland from the marina down Muelle Pantalan.
Address: Calle de Francisco González Díaz, Parque Doramas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 35005, Spain
Hours: Closed Monday
From $ 23
Via Sepulcral Romana
Found along the ancient road to Barcino (the former name of Barcelona) the Via Sepulcral Romana is one of the most intriguing remnants of the city's Roman past. Located on the site of the present-day Plaça de la Vila Madrid, the unique site served as a burial ground, where more than 80 graves have been uncovered, dating from the 1st to the 3rd century AD, during which period burials were forbidden within the city walls.
Today, visitors can visit part of the excavated ruins and view artifacts found at the site at the on-site museum, which also offers insight into the Roman road network and burial rituals.
Practical Info
The Via Sepulcral Romana is located on Plaza Villa de Madrid in Barcelona's Gothic district and is open Tues-Fri 11am-2pm, Sat-Sun 11am-7pm. Adult admission at the time of writing is €2.
Address: Plaça de la Vila de Madrid, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Open Tues-Fri 11am-2pm and Sat-Sun 11am-7pm
Admission: 2 €
From $ 52
San Telmo Museum
San Telmo Museum is in the heart of the Old Town, housed in a 16th-century Renaissance convent structured around a lovely cloister. For the second half of the 19th century, the convent was used as a barracks and slowly fell into disrepair. It was rescued from dereliction and in 1932 became the city's municipal museum. The year 2011 saw the addition of a new gallery coated in aluminum, creating a seamless blend of Renaissance and contemporary design.
The museum examines the development of Basque culture from Neolithic times to present, helped along by the 11 murals in the chapel painted; these were painted by Jose María Sert in the 1930s and highlight the main events over the centuries. The fine-art collection contains lots of gloomy oil paintings, with a couple of standout masterpieces by El Greco as well as fine portraits by Spanish Impressionist Joaquín Sorolla. There's special interest taken in the industrialization of the region"”and its subsequent financial flowering"”in the 19th century, illustrated with a rare collection of black-and-white images. Temporary art exhibitions are held on the ground floor.
Practical Info
San Telmo Museum is located at Plaza Zuloaga 1 on the edge of the Old Town (Parte Vieja) and opens Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. General admission is €6 but €3 for students and free for everyone on Tuesdays. Prices may vary slightly according to the temporary exhibitions.
Address: Plaza Zuloaga 1, San Sebastian 20003, Spain
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-8pm
Admission: Adults €6, Students €3 (free on Tuesdays)
From $ 236
Valencia Oceanografic (L'Oceanogràfic)
One of several attractions within Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences, the Felix Candela"“designed Oceanografic (L'Oceanogràfic) is not only architecturally impressive. It also ranks among the world's best aquariums, with more than 45,000 animals representing over 500 species from the world's main marine ecosystems.
The Basics
Europe's largest aquarium also ranks as the most popular attraction in the City of Arts and Sciences, with exhibits divided into 11 themed areas, including the Red Sea, Mediterranean, Arctic, and Antarctic. You can purchase admission just for the Oceanografic, or buy a ticket that includes other City of Arts and Sciences buildings"”the Hemisferic and the Science Museum"”at a discount. The aquarium is a stop on the Valencia Maritime route of the hop-on hop-off tourist bus, and you can see the impressive structures from the outside during a City of Arts and Sciences Segway tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Oceanografic is a must-see for animal lovers and families.
- Many of the exhibits are outdoors, so don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- The entire Oceanographic is accessible to wheelchair users; free wheelchairs are available.
- English audio guides are available at the ticket office.
How to Get There
The Valencia Oceanografic is well connected by public transportation. Take metro Line 3 to Alameda Station, catch EMT Bus 95, or take advantage of Valencia's bike-share program to cycle to the aquarium through Turia river park.
When to Get There
The best time to enjoy the aquarium's indoor and outdoor exhibits is from April to May, when weather is warm and crowds are sparse. Expect longer lines and temperatures up to 90°F (32°C) during the summer months. Be sure to check show times at the Dolphinarium before you arrive.
Eating with the Fishes
While the City of Arts and Sciences is home to several restaurants, none is quite so unique as the Submarine Restaurant inside the Oceanografic. In this underwater restaurant, you have the opportunity to dine in an ocean-like atmosphere, surrounded by more than 10,000 colorful fish.
Address: C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1B, Valencia 46013, Spain
Hours: Vary by season
Admission: Adult €31.90
From $ 64
Teguise Market
Squeeze in some sightseeing while you shop by heading inland to the
Teguise Market. It's located in the center of Lanzarote and in a sweet village called La Villa de Teguise. The whitewashed, emblematically Canarian pueblo used to be Lanzarote's capital and the heart of island life, and these days is considered one of the best-preserved towns in the archipelago.
Every Sunday, it's also the center for island market shopping, with loads of stalls cropping up to sell everything from bargain wares to more treasured
goods, including crafts and artisanal food. Apart from shopping, you can get a dose of culture here as well by checking out the market's traditional song and dance. Or, if you're keen to escape the crowds, consider visiting other town sights such as the 15th-century Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church, and Santa Barbara Castle, which now houses a Pirate Museum.
Practical Info
To avoid any parking hassle, you may wish to arrive here by bus: Organized tours are available (which also may visit other stops such as the Cesar Manrique Foundation, which is just 10 minutes away), as well as the intercity bus 11, which, note, has limited hours and only runs on Sundays.
Address: La Villa de Teguise, Lanzarote 35530, Spain
Hours: Sundays 9am-2pm
From $ 9
Park Güell
Antoni Gaudi spent 15 years designing and building the whimsical fountains, mosaic benches, pedestrian walkways, and gingerbread house-like buildings within Park Güell, one of the seven Works of Antoni Gaudi buildings that together make up a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with the Sagrada Familia, the hilltop public park sits at the top of Barcelona's must-see list, and for good reason. The Art Nouveau wonderland adorns many a postcard of the city.
The Basics
While much of the park remains free to enter and explore, the Monumental Zone, housing many of the most notable landmarks"”the benches, gatehouses, dragon stairway, and columned Hypostyle Room"”requires a ticket to enter. Stop at the park on a city sightseeing tour, or combine a visit with a tour of Gaudi's other notable works or even a half-day trip to Montserrat.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This site is a must-visit for art and architecture buffs.
- You can bypass the crowds with an early-access ticket.
- Download the free app, Park Güell, Official Guide to the Monumental Zone, before your visit for interactive maps and audio snippets about the park.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, particularly during summer.
- Free WiFi is available throughout the Monumental Zone.
- Due to flights of stairs and uneven paths, Park Güell is not suitable for wheelchairs.
How to Get to Park Güell
Park Güell is located in the Gracia neighborhood, about a 15-minute walk from the Vallcarca and Lesseps metro stations on Line 3. The hop-on hop-off blue line bus also stops at the park, as do public buses H6, 32, 24, and 92.
When to Get There
Tickets to the park's Monumental Zone, one of Barcelona's top attractions, often sell out during high season (July and August). Weather can also get hot and humid in summer; expect highs in the upper 80s F or low 90s F. Park hours are shorter in the winter months, while both spring and autumn strike a balance with fewer people, cooler weather, and longer opening hours. The hilltop area in the free portion of the park is a popular spot at sunset.
The Unsung Artist Behind Park Güell's Mosaics
Some of Park Güell's most notable features"”its colorful tile shard mosaics"”aren't the work of Gaudi. His assistant, artist Josep Maria Jujol, was responsible for the park's undulating tiled benches, as well as the tiled, domed ceiling of the Hypostyle Room.
Address: Carrer d'Olot 7, Barcelona 08024, Spain
Hours: Hours vary depending on season
Admission: Adult: 8 €, Children 7-12: 5.60 €, Children under 7: free
From $ 10
Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta
Spanish architect Joaquín Rucoba built Málaga's neo-Mudejar bullring in 1874. Entrepreneur and former president of Málaga Football Club, Fernando Puche Dona, owns it today. The arcaded stadium has capacity for 14,000 spectators, with stables and training grounds for the horses, corrals for the bulls, and a mini-hospital.
The Basics
Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta continues to host bullfights from April to September, with the biggest events taking place during Easter Week (Semana Santa) and the annual Bullfighting Festival (Feria Taurina) in the summer. During the rest of the year, visitors can tour the ring and the small Museo Taurino Antonio Ordonez, dedicated to one of Spain's best-loved matadors. The collection within showcases traditional bullfighting costumes and red capes.
Many cycling tours of Málaga stop outside the bullring for a quick photo op.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Plaza de Toros is a must-visit for history buffs, architecture lovers, and those interested in the heritage of Spanish bullfighting.
- Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steps, if you plan to explore the spectator stands.
- For views of the bullring from above, climb or take the shuttle up to Gibfralfaro Castle (Castillo de Gibfralfaro).
- The bullring is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The bullring is located in the La Malagueta neighborhood of Málaga near Málaga Park (Parque de Málaga). Several public buses stop just outside the ring at Paseo de Reding (Plaza de Toros) station.
When to Get There
If you're interested in seeing a live bullfight, you'll have to plan your visit for Easter Week or the Bullfighting Festival in July and August. The museum is open Monday to Friday morning and early afternoon.
Seeing Red
The idea that matador capes are red to attract the attention of the bull is a common misconception. In reality, bulls are colorblind to red and are instead drawn to the movement of the cape, no matter what color it happens to be.
Address: Plaza de Toros, Malaga, Spain
Hours: Open Apr-Sept 10am-2pm and 6pm-8pm; during August Feria 10am-8pm.
From $ 29
Playa de Muro
Playa de Muro is a beautiful six-kilometer-long sandy beach with turquoise water in northern Mallorca; it is one of the island's newest resort destinations. It is a "Blue Flag" beach, meaning that it meets certain criteria in regards to the water quality, safety and services. Although quieter than neighbor beach Alcudia, Playa de Muro is less sheltered and can experience bigger waves during high winds. Playa de Muro is very popular with families thanks to its warm shallow waters; because of this, water-sport enthusiasts abound, be it for water-skiing, jet skiing, scuba diving, pedal boating or paragliding. There is also a wooden jetty for boats, and boat trips around the coast are offered.
The westernmost portion of the beach, near Alcudia, is lined with resort hotels and holiday apartments, which all have premium access to the beach. Note that it is possible for non-guests to rent loungers and parasols upon request; this is also where most of the restaurants, cafes, and bars are located. Further east is the two-kilometer long Es Brac area, very similar in shape and style but overally quieter. At the eastern end of Playa de Muro is Es Comu, where the unspoiled and non-serviced beaches are located. This is the true natural side of Mallorca, with plenty sand dunes, pine trees, and juniper bushes. This portion is not accessible from the street; there are two distinct entry points, in Casetes des Capellans and in Es Brac.
Practical Info
It is advised to access to the beach by car, as there is ample parking everywhere. The journey from Palma takes 45 minutes via road Ma-13 and Ma-12. Public transport can sometimes be difficult to navigate due to crowded buses.
Address: Avenue Platges de Muro, Illes Balears, Majorca 07458, Spain
From $ 76
Son Amar
Travel the world from Mallorca via this show of culturally diverse dance and entertainment. The over-50-year-old show has fine-tuned the art of transporting an audience via live music, comedy, acrobatics, and, of course, a medley of dance, ranging from Spanish flamenco and Irish dance, to classic Broadway numbers, and more.
It's not all about what's on stage, either. Prior to the show, guests can be treated to drinks and a fancy four-course meal. Depending on the show ticket purchased, you can also enjoy front-of-stage seating, upgraded drinks such as sparkling wine, or even pre-show cocktails backstage. Located not far from Palma, and often easily accessible by budget-friendly, pre-arranged coach, it's a night of entertainment that you won't want to miss while in Mallorca.
Practical Info
The venue's opening hours and days vary, and it also hosts concerts. Son Amar is situated just a 20-minute drive inland from Palma. Pre-arranged transport, such as a coach that picks you up from your hotel, is also a good option.
Address: Ctra Palma - Soller, Km 10,8, Palmanyola, Mallorca, Spain 07193, Spain
Hours: Hours and show times vary depending on the show and type of ticket.
Admission: Prices vary depending on type of ticket purchased
From $ 93
Tablao Flamenco Cordobes
There are many ways to enjoy Barcelona's legendary Tablao Flamenco Cordobes. Located in the heart of the popular Las Ramblas District, the go-to destination for flamenco in the city is a staple among tourists and locals alike, featuring top flamenco dancers and multiple live shows per night.
Enjoy the natural acoustics of the restaurant with a flamenco show that includes an all-you-can-eat buffet of traditional foods like paella and a complimentary cocktail, served an hour-and-a-half before each performance. Guests who upgrade to the dinner and show experience get their first pick of seats for the performance"”an exhilarating two-hour experience in an equally lively and intimate setting.
For an experience you can't get anywhere else, take an exclusive Viator tour including a one-hour flamenco lesson and following performance at the Tablao Flamenco Cordobes.
Practical Info
Getting there:
Tablao Flamenco Cordobes is located next to the Palau Guell in Barcelona's Las Ramblas District. To get there, take the metro to either Liceu or Drassanes stations (green line) or take the bus to La Rambla (bus 59 or 91). The restaurant is located on the first floor and has a small entrance, so can be easily missed.
Operating hours:
There are five shows nightly, beginning at 5:50pm, 7:15pm, 9pm, 10:30pm and 11:45pm. Dinner begins about an hour and 15 minutes prior to each show. Book through an organized tour to avoid worrying about reservations, and arrive early for better seats.
Admission cost:
Admission varies by experience, but discounted shows are available to visitors holding a Barcelona Discount Card or Barcelona Card and Guidebook.
Helpful information:
No photos or video are allowed unless told otherwise by the performers (often during the last 10 minutes of the show).
Address: La Rambla 35, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Shows: 5:50pm, 7:15pm, 9pm, 10:30pm & 11:45pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 23
San Jerónimo Monastery (Monasterio de San Jerónimo)
San Jerónimo Monastery, the first monastery to be built after the Christian conquest of Granada, was also the first church in the world consecrated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Construction on this Renaissance-style church began in 1496, but it was relocated in 1504 when many of the city's current buildings were under construction.
Aside from serving as the burial place for the Great Captain (Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba), a Spanish general who fought in both the Conquest of Granada and the Italian Wars, the monastery is known for housing one of the most exquisite Spanish Baroque sacristies in the world. Also notable is the inner courtyard full of orange trees and the elaborate, high altar, covered in depictions of saints, angels, and other historical and mythical figures. Be sure to check out the some 500 memorial stones for the monks that spent their lives here.
Practical Info
For additional information about the monastery, be sure to pick up an English program for €1 when you enter.
Address: Calle Rector López Argueta 9, Granada, Andalucia 18001, Spain
Hours: Daily 10am"“1:30pm; 4"“7:30pm
Admission: €4
From $ 34
Valencia History Museum (Museu d'Història de València)
Get to know Valencia beyond just the modern-day city by heading to the
Museu d'Història de València. The museum takes visitors back over two
centuries to explore the city's deepest roots via exhibitions that range from pictures to documentaries, artifacts, and more. Perhaps the highlight is the museum's time machine, which captures the evolution of Valencia as it grows and changes over time.
And the building is quite intriguing, too, as the museum is located in an old, essentially underground, water cistern. Constructed in 1850, the brick-and-column structure is emblematic of Valencian industrial architecture. While the space is lighter on artifacts than it is on videos and descriptions, those that are interested in Valencia's history, and seeing this historic space, will find the visit to be a gratifying way to get better connected with the city and its past.
Practical Info
The museum isn't located in Valencia's historic center, and rather at the
western end of the Turia River Bed Gardens, right near the Bioparc zoo. The museum is free to enter on Sundays, and is closed on Mondays.
Address: Carrer València, 42, Valencia 46920, Spain
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 9.30 a.m.-7.00 p.m.; Sundays and public holidays: 9.30 a.m.-3.00 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Admission: General: €2; reduced: €1; free on Sundays and for children under 7 years old
From $ 17
Plaza de España
Designed for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929, Seville's grandiose Plaza de España is a semicircular public square brimming with brick and tile fountains, canals, and foot bridges, giving it the nickname Venice of Seville. Renaissance and neo-Moorish towers sit at either end of the plaza, which is situated within Maria Luisa Park.
The Basics
While the buildings of the Plaza de España mostly house government offices, the tiled alcoves make for a pleasant stroll; each of the 48 alcoves depicts scenes from one province of Spain. Due to the plaza's popularity, it's almost always included as a stop on Seville sightseeing tours (walking tours, bike tours, and river cruises), along with other points of interest like the Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla), Alcázar royal palace (Real Alcázar), and the Santa Cruz quarter.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Plaza de España is a must-see for all first-time visitors to Seville.
- Don't forget to wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat, as the central portion of the plaza doesn't offer much shade.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk; the plaza is the size of five football fields.
- The flat plaza is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers, as are some of the surrounding sights.
How to Get There
The Plaza de España sits near the river in the historic district (Centro Histórico) of Seville. It's easily (and best) accessed on foot; bear left upon entering Maria Luisa Park.
When to Get There
While the alcoves are shaded, much of the plaza is exposed to the intense Spanish sun, so plan to visit from September to May when the sunshine is welcome rather than scorching. To experience the plaza with the fewest crowds, visit first thing in the morning or in the early evening.
A Spanish Photo Op
If you spend some time observing visitors within the plaza, you'll likely notice Spanish couples and families having their pictures taken in front of the colorful ceramic tiled alcoves. It's become somewhat of a tradition for visiting Spaniards to snap a photo on their home province's bench.
Address: Seville, Spain
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 23