Things to Do in Spain

Choose from 459 Fun Things to Do in Spain

Egyptian Museum (Museu Egipci)

Though Egypt may not come to mind when you think of Barcelona, think again, as the city’s Egyptian Museum displays an impressive collection of some 1,000 ancient artifacts from the African country. The pieces once belonged to the museum’s founder, Catalan Jordi Clos, and are now on display in the intimate and relatively crowd-free galleries found just off the main drag of Passeig de Gracia.

The diverse permanent collection spans everything from ceramics to jewelry, mummies, and a host of items related to the culture and funeral practices. Meanwhile, rotating exhibitions offer other themed looks into Egypt’s distant past. Cap off your visit with a snack at the outdoor terrace and a visit the museum’s Egypt-inspired store.

Practical Info

The Egyptian Museum is situated just steps away from popular Passeig de Gracia sights such as La Pedrera and Casa Batllo, and is also close to the hop-on hop-off bus tour stop Gràcia. Note that during several off-season months the museum closes between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Calle Valencia 284, Barcelona, Catalonia 08007, Spain

Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; The museum closes from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. on Monday-Saturday during January 7th-June 21st and September 12th-November 30th

General: €11; reduced: €8; kids aged 6-14: 5; under 5: free

From $ 13

Columbus Monument

Some shorelines have lighthouses; Barcelona has the Columbus Monument. Standing 197 feet tall — the top 24 feet of which make up the statue of Columbus himself — the tower is quite hard to miss, especially given its prominent position at the end of Las Ramblas, and along the marina.The monument of Columbus (Colom in Catalan, or Colón in Spanish) was erected in 1888 for the Universal Exposition and in honor of the famous explorer, who returned here after his first expedition to the Americas. Much discussion is made of where he is pointing: some have thought he points to the New World, while others say he points east to his supposed home of Genoa — in reality, however, it seems he points southeast and therefore to nothing in particular but the sea, where he was probably most at home. On your visit here, admire the grand statue from below, or get a look at Columbus’s bird’s-eye view by taking the elevator up to the lookout platform.

Practical Info

The Columbus Monument is easily reachable from the tourist center, and also easily findable given its size and location (at the end of Las Ramblas). Note that the not-so-noticeable elevator only fits a few people at a time, as does the lookout, so those that don’t like tight spaces may wish to skip the visit to the viewing platform.

Plaza Portal de la Pau, Barcelona, Catalonia 08002, Spain

March-September: 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; October-February: 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

General: €6; children, and those over 65: €4

From $ 7

Collserola Tower (Torre de Collserola)

Rising high from the top of the tallest mountain in Barcelona, the Collserola Tower’s unique design has made its mark on the city’s skyline. Built for the 1992 Summer Olympics, at 288 meters high (946 feet) it is used as a radio and TV transmitter that broadcasts throughout Catalonia. Outside of its functional use, it has an observation deck with some of the best views of the surrounding city, mountains, and sea. From its windows you have 360 degree views from the highest vantage point in all of Barcelona.

The tower appears futuristic, almost like a needle pointing toward the sky. It takes two and half minutes to reach the observation deck, but you’ll be rewarded with views that can reach as far as 70 kilometers on a clear day. The experience is almost like seeing Barcelona from the sky. (Helicopter tours are really the only way to get a better view.)

Practical Info

The tower is located in the Tibidado mountain part of Barcelona, which is accessible via the funicular. To get to the observation deck, take the lift to the 10th floor which is open to the public on weekends. Admission is €6 for adults and €4 for children.

Ctra. de Vallvidrera al Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain

Weekends from 12–1:45PM, 3:30–7:45PM

€6 for adults, €4 for children

From $ 185

Corralejo Dunes Natural Park

The Canary Islands sit just 70 miles (113 kilometers) off the coast of western Africa. But the 6,425 acres (2,600 hectares) of rolling sand dunes within Fuerteventura’s Corralejo Dunes National Park might have you thinking you’re visiting the African continent as opposed to a beach-filled archipelago.

The Basics

In addition to housing the biggest and best dunes in the Canary Islands, Corralejo Dunes National Park also boasts a rugged and dramatic volcanic landscape, dominated by red jagged rock formations and Montaña Roja (Red Mountain) volcano. Day trips to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote often include time at the national park for exploring the beaches and dunes, as well as visits to the hamlet of Betancuria, Church of Our Lady of Regla, and the town of Corralejo.

Things to Know Before You Go

Corralejo Dunes National Park is a must-visit for adventure travelers and sun seekers.
Be mindful when swimming at the park beaches—there are no lifeguards on duty and currents can be strong.
Bring a towel, bathing suit, sun protection, and water to enjoy the park’s beaches.
Wear comfortable hiking boots, especially if you plan to explore the park’s volcanic landscapes.
Day trips from Lanzarote can last upwards of 10 hours depending on the option chosen.

How to Get There

The national park lies just off the FV-1 road between Puerto del Rosario and the town of Corralejo. If you’re staying on neighboring Lanzarote, the easiest way to reach the park is via ferry from Playa Blanca to Corralejo or by joining a guided tour.

When to Get There

Fuerteventura is hot and sunny throughout the year, making the national park’s beautiful beaches appealing no matter the season. If you plan to do some hiking in the park, plan to visit between April and June or October, when temperatures are slightly cooler.

What’s in the Sand?

Though the undulating fine white sands of the Fuerteventura dunes are surely reminiscent of the desert, the granules in Corralejo Dunes Natural Park are in fact actually made up of tiny little pieces of shell and mollusk, as opposed to anything rocky.

Fuerteventura, Spain

From $ 17

Cordoba Jewish Quarter

Sprinkled across the Spanish Peninsula, you'll come across Jewish Quarters known as juderías. In Córdoba, which was once considered the most populous city in the world, the Jewish community especially thrived, and now its ancient neighborhood of white buildings is considered one of the most famous juderías in Spain.

The Jewish community indeed played an important role culturally in the history of the Iberian Peninsula. During the Moorish Caliphate -- the period of Islamic rule over Spain which ended in 1031 -- the Jewish community flourished as Córdoba rose as a center for commerce, prosperity, education and religious tolerance.

Of course, in 1492 during the Spanish Inquisition, people of Jewish faith and the religion itself were expelled from Spain, their neighborhoods becoming only artifacts of their presence in the country's history. Among Córboba's Jewish Quarter's most famous sites is undoubtedly the synagogue, one of just three of its kind in Spain that survived the Inquisition (the other two are located in the city of Toledo), and the only one in all of Andalucia.

Also located in the barrio's small streets is Casa Sefarad, a cultural project dedicated to telling the story of Judeo-Spanish history in Spain. Within its walls, you can visit five different rooms, featuring Sephardic music, handicrafts and other cultural artifacts.

While wandering the small streets, keep an eye out for the statue of Maimónides, the famous Jewish doctor and philosopher, and peruse the jewelry and silversmith shops, for which the neighborhood is renowned.

Practical Info:

The Jewish Quarter is situated just to the north and west of the Mezquita, reaching as far west as Puerta de Almodóvar, and east to Calle El Rey Heredia.

Barrio Judío 14001, Cordoba, Spain

From $ 17

Dalí Theatre-Museum

The small coastal town of Figueres, just north of Barcelona, is known for one thing: Salvador Dalí. Though the artist's fame brought him to more glamorous parts of Spain, Dalí eventually returned to his hometown of Figueres to build his greatest masterpiece, the Dalí Theatre–Museum. Located in the town's former Municipal Theatre, the site is a work of art in itself. Since this quirky museum was designed by Dalí to showcase his paintings, it offers insight into his imagination with a maze of his works displayed according to his own strange tastes. The museum also houses his crypt and grave.

The Basics

One of the best ways to see the museum, especially for those with limited time, is on a guided day trip from Barcelona, which usually allows for one to two hours of museum exploration. Day trips can also include visits to nearby Girona or two other Dalí attractions—Gala–Dalí Castle (Pubol Castle) and the Salvador Dalí House–Museum at Portlligat—along Spain's Costa Brava.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Dalí Museum is a must-see for art lovers.
Tours from Barcelona to the museum and surrounding area can last upwards of 11 hours.
Bring some one euro coins to activate several interactive exhibits within the museum.
The museum's central courtyard, stage, ground floor, and under-stage area (the site of Dalí's crypt) are all accessible by wheelchair.

How to Get to the Dalí Museum

Figueres is located 87 miles (140 km) northeast of Barcelona. A guided day trip with roundtrip transport is the easiest and most convenient way to visit the museum from the city, but travelers can also visit independently by taking a 55-minute high-speed train ride from Barcelona Sants station to Figueres Vilafant. From the train station, it's a 15-minute walk (or short taxi ride) to the museum. The nearest commercial airport is in Girona, 27 miles (43 km) to the south.

When to Get There

Although opening and closing hours vary slightly, the museum is generally open from about 10am to 6pm daily. Due to its popularity as a day trip destination from Barcelona, the museum can get crowded during peak tourist season in July and August. It quiets down from October to April, and the cooler temperatures make exploring Figueres more pleasant as well. To avoid crowds, plan to visit first thing in the morning or in late afternoon, a couple of hours before the museum closes.

The Dalí Jewels

The Dalí-Joies exhibit, included in the price of admission, occupies two floors of the museum annex. Inside are 39 pieces of jewelry made from gold and precious stones, as well as concept drawings made by Dalí between 1941 and 1970. It’s well worth setting aside an extra 30 to 40 minutes to tour this secondary collection.

Gala-Salvador Dalí Square, 5, Figueres, Costa Brava, Spain

Vary

Varies

From $ 80

Ciutat Vella (Old City)

The historic heart of Barcelona is the Cuitat Vella, or Old City, home to the majority of the city’s tourist attractions and encompassing the districts of El Raval, Barri Gotic, La Ribera and Barceloneta. With its abundance of iconic architecture, world-class museums and historic sights, most visitors to the city find themselves spending the majority of their time in the Cuitat Vella.

Las Rablas is the Old City’s main thoroughfare, separating the residential neighborhood and red light district of El Raval from the largely pedestrianized Barri Gotic, or Gothic Quarter. The Barri Gotic makes a popular starting point for a walking tour of the city, with sights including the historic Placa del Rei; the 14th century Palau Reial Major; the Gothic Barcelona Cathedral; the glitzy shopping street of Portal del Angel; the lively La Boqueria food market; and several Gaudi masterpieces, including the Palau Güell.

East of the Barri Gotic is the fashionable district of La Ribera and the small sub-neighborhood of El Born, also encompassing a number popular attractions. Key sights include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palau de la Musica Catalana, designed by modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner; the Gothic Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral; the Picasso Museum; and the vast Parc de la Ciutadella, the city’s largest park, lying south of the landmark Arc de Triomf and including the Catalan Parliament building and Barcelona Zoo. Finally, the Barceloneta area runs along the coastline and is most famous for its eponymous beach – the city’s busiest beach, with 4.2 km of sandy coastline and a lively nightlife.

Spain

From $ 18

Cybele Palace (Palacio de Cibeles)

Madrid’s splendor is on full display at the grand Plaza de la Cibeles, a roundabout surrounded by notable buildings, including the stunning Cybele Palace (Palacio de Cibeles). Formerly the communications palace, the colossal structure was designed by Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi and opened in 1909.

Today it houses the city council offices, as well as the CentroCentro cultural center, which comprises a tourist information center, exhibition hall and a terrace with views overlooking the city. The exhibition space often hosts art shows, workshops, conferences and the occasional concert. The center also houses a cafeteria-style restaurant and a sit-down restaurant.

Practical Info

The CentroCentro cultural center inside Cybele Palace offers free entry on the first Wednesday of every month.

Palacio de Cibeles, Madrid, Spain

Tuesday to Sunday 10am-8pm

€2

From $ 14

Church of San Gin es (Iglesia de San Gin es)

As one of the oldest churches in all of Madrid, the Iglesias de San Gines is full of history and art. It is believed to date back to as early as the 9th century, when it was the site of a Mozarabic community in medieval Madrid. Rebuilt in 1645, its walls feature works from artists such as El Greco, Alonso Cano, and Luca Giordano. Famous Spanish figures such as Lope de la Vega and Francisco de Quevedo were born or baptized here.

Several fires have caused for the church to be reconstructed several times over the centuries. The original campanile, however, remains in tact. From its arched entrance visitors can walk through the many naves and side chapels. The high ceilings, ornate altars, and restored artworks are well taken care of. Though the entire church is worth seeing, many come to see the painting “The Purification of the Temple” as it is considered to be one of El Greco’s finest works.

Practical Info

The church can be found on Calle Arenal, which is a pedestrian street just north of Plaza Mayor. It is in the Los Austrias neighborhood of the city.

Though the church is open daily, the El Greco painting is visible only on Saturdays from 12:30-1pm. The nearest metro stops are Callao and Ópera.

Calle del Arenal 13, Madrid, Spain

Open 24 hours

From $ 53

Cordoba Synagogue

Located in the heart of Córdoba's Jewish Quarter, and just blocks away from the Mezquita, sits one of Spain's most unique connections to the past: the Synagogue of Córdoba.

Constructed in the 14th century, Córdoba's synagogue is the Judería's (Jewish Quarter's) main attraction and is one-of-a-kind in the Andalucía region. This is because, while the Jewish community once played a very key role on the Iberian Peninsula -- especially during the Moorish Caliphate -- much of Jewish culture was eradicated and expelled in 1492 during the Spanish Inquisition. As a result, Córdoba's synagogue and two others in the city of Toledo remain as the only lasting structures of their kind from pre-Inquisition Spain.

The small Córdoba synagogue houses a courtyard, prayer room and women's gallery. With a humble brick exterior, the small interior features walls with intricate Hebrew inscriptions, scalloped archways and Mudéjar plasterwork, reminiscent of the ivory-colored carvings you might see in the Alcázar of Seville or even the textured facades of the Alhambra Palace.

After serving as a place of worship (which ended, of course, with the Spanish Inquisition), the once-synagogue had various functions: from that of a hospital to a chapel and even a school. Now, it is open to the public as a museum, providing a rare look into the Jewish culture's presence in Spanish history.

Practical Info:

The synagogue is open every day of the week except Mondays, and is free to enter for European citizens, and only €0.30 for everyone else. It’s quite small, and located near the Grand Mosque; therefore worth the quick visit.

Calle de los Judíos, 20, 14004, Cordoba, Spain

Tues-Sat: 9:30am-2pm and 3:30-5:30pm; Sun/Holiday: 9:30am-5:30pm

General: €0.30, EU members: free

From $ 40

Colonia Guell & Gaudi Crypt

Barcelona teems with modernist architecture, including several notable buildings by famed Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Fans of this architectural style can immerse themselves in it with a short trip south to Colonia Güell, a modernist industrial village commissioned by Eusebi Güell and home to a Gaudi-designed crypt.

The Basics

Colonia Güell, the largest modernist colony in Catalonia, no longer houses textile workers. Today, the red-brick complex attracts visitors who come to take a step back into its 19th-century atmosphere.

Travelers can choose between a basic entrance ticket (including Gaudi’s Crypt) or opt for a combo ticket with included round-trip transportation from Barcelona. Both include an audio guide in English. Visitors pressed for time can combine a visit to Colonia Güell with a tour of Montserrat in a single day trip.

Things to Know Before You Go

Colonia Güell and Gaudi’s Crypt are a must-see for architecture buffs.
Consider booking your tickets ahead of time to save time queuing up at the ticket office.
Wi-Fi and restrooms are available in the Visitors’ Center.
Colonia Güell and the crypt are accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The colony is located about 20 minutes south of Barcelona. To get there by train, take line S4 from Plaça d’Espanya. After exiting the station, blue steps on the floor lead to the Visitors’ Center.

When to Get There

Colonia Güell is open daily throughout the year, with reduced hours during the winter season (January to April).

Colonia Güell and La Sagrada Familia

As the village for Güell’s textile workers was being designed, Antoni Gaudi was tasked with building the colony’s church. It broke ground in 1908. After only eight years, though, enthusiasm for the project fizzled with only the crypt completed. Many experts believe that Gaudi’s work on the crypt was a prototype for what would become his magnum opus, the Sagrada Familia.

Calle Claudi Guell, 6, Santa Coloma de Cervello, Spain

Varies

From $ 17

Collserola Natural Park (Parc de Collserola)

Named for the Catalan coastal mountain range Serra de Collserola, the Parc de Collserola isn’t far from the city of Barcelona — yet it remains relatively unknown to most tourists. Covering nearly 20,000 acres of wild land and with thousands of plant and animal species, it’s the largest metropolitan park in the world.

Its forests are extremely biodiverse and rich with wildlife, and the park’s lands are protected for this reason. Squirrels, foxes, and wild boar are a few of the commonly spotted species. Popular activities inside the park include hiking, cycling, jogging, and birdwatching; natural paths and trails weave throughout.

From most any viewpoint the park’s largest mountain Tibidado can be seen (which can be also accessed by funicular from the city.) Mount Tibidado has some of the best panoramic views in all of Barcelona. There are restaurants, farmhouses, and even small churches located throughout, and grilling at a barbecue is a common weekend activity for locals. The park is a great place to get in touch with nature without going far from the city, and tours to the area run from the city center.

Practical Info

It takes about 20 minutes to get to Collserola from the center of Barcelona by car, but you can also hike or bike up to the entrance in about one hour. Or you access the park via public transportation using the Baixador de Vallvidrera train stop. There is a visitor information center that’s worth visiting to get your bearings. The park’s facilities are open daily from 9:30 am to 3 pm.

Ctra. de l'Esglesia 92, Barcelona41.442534, 2.101564, Spain

9:30am-3pm

From $ 16

D'Alt Vila (Old Ibiza Town)

Sitting pretty on a hilltop in Ibiza Town (Eivissa), the fortified Dalt Vila (Upper Town) has been occupied since Phoenician times. Behind its chunky defensive walls and 16th-century bastions lies a maze of cobbled streets that slope up to the cathedral at the summit, where views of the glistening coast await.

The Basics

The tranquil, history-filled streets of Dalt Vila showcase a quieter side of Ibiza—one at odds with its party-hard reputation. Because of its narrow lanes, Dalt Vila is best explored on foot, with many walking tours of Ibiza Town passing through here. Visitors can also join guided scooter tours and zoom by top attractions such as the Ibiza Cathedral, Museu Puget, and Convento de San Cristobal, or rent a scooter and zip around Dalt Vila independently with the aid of a map.

Things to Know Before You Go

Dalt Vila is a must for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.
The cobbles can prove challenging for flip-flops, so be sure to wear sturdier shoes.
Dalt Vila is not wheelchair-friendly, with most routes featuring cobbles, uneven surfaces, or steps.

How to Get There

The main entrance to Dalt Vila is the Portal de Ses Taules, which is accessible via a ramp leading from Ibiza Town’s Mercado Viejo (Old Market). Ibiza Bus runs multiple routes connecting Ibiza Town to other major island destinations, including Sant Antoni de Portmany, Santa Eulària, and Sant Jordi.

When to Get There

Dalt Vila—like the rest of Ibiza—attracts more crowds during the summer months, from June through September. One of the best times to visit is during the second weekend in May, when the family-friendly Medieval Festival takes place in Dalt Vila, with medieval-inspired market stalls and demonstrations of traditional crafts.

Historical Highlights of Ibiza Town

Visitors with an interest in Ibiza Town’s lengthy history may want to visit the Necròpolis del Puig des Molins, an ancient burial site with more than 3,000 tombs, some of which date back as far as the 7th century BC. The sturdy walls that encircle the Dalt Vila, meanwhile, are a good spot for an evening stroll. Circumnavigating the entire 1-mile-long (2-kilometer-long) ramparts on foot usually takes around an hour, and is best done at night, when they are impressively lit.

Ibiza Old Town, Spain

From $ 36

Diagonal Mar

Barcelona visitors keen to have a shopping experience beyond the hustle and bustle of Passeig de Gracia or the tourist shops of Las Ramblas will find just what they’re looking for at Diagonal Mar. This shopping center, located north of the city’s tourist center, offers 150 different stores, including a range of Spanish and international brands.

The mall also has loads of other mall amenities, from an upper-level food court to kid play area, and even free WiFi. You can also to there for entertainment, too, by catching a flick at Diagonal Mar’s movie theater (which features movies in original, English-language version). The center’s location also provides a good excuse for you to explore this less-touristy part of town by taking a short walk to the nearby beach, or even by heading southwest along the coastline, toward the city, to explore Barcelona’s industrial-meets-innovation Poblenou neighborhood.

Practical Info

Diagonal Mar is well connected to a variety of public transportation, including both the bus and the Metro, and also offers underground parking. It is also reachable via the hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Avenida Diagonal 3, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain 08019, Spain

Open Mon-Sat 10am-10pm. Note that restaurants and entertainment (such as the theater) have different hours

From $ 110

City Hall (Casa de la Ciutat)

If you haven’t heard of Barcelona’s Plaça de Sant Jaume, then its City Hall — called the Casa de la Ciutat, in Catalan — should give you reason to pay this square a visit. The headquarters for local government, the building features a grand façade, which dates back to 1847, and an open-once-weekly interior that you’ll be keen to fit into your travel schedule.

That’s because behind its commanding but relatively simple exterior, there are some pretty exquisite treasures discover, such as the building’s medieval-style 14th-century Saló de Cent, and its mural-covered Hall of Chronicles. The plaza itself is pretty noteworthy too, as this was once the site of the Roman forum, and is also home to the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya (the seat of Catalan government), whose dome-topped building sits just opposite City Hall.

Practical Info

City Hall is easily reachable, as it is located in the Gothic quarter, right in the tourist center. Note that while the ground floor tourism office is open regularly, City Hall itself is only open to the public on Sundays, and for just a few hours (as well as a few select holidays a year, which fall on April 12th, April 23rd and May 30th), so to fully appreciate the well-worth-visiting interior, be sure to plan according.

Plaza de Sant Jaume, 1, Barcelona, Catalonia 08002, Spain

Sundays: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

From $ 17

Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitucion)

Malaga’s largest and most iconic public square, the Plaza de la Constitution holds significance in both the city’s past and present. Serving as a public space since the 15th century, it remains an important center of Malaga daily life today. Palm trees sit beside historic Spanish architecture surrounding the fountain Fuente de Génova. Lined with alleyways full of small shops and cafes, it is a largely pedestrian area that’s great for exploring the city’s history.

The square was home to Malaga’s city hall until the 19th century, having since been renamed from Plaza de Cuatro Calles (four streets) and the Plaza Mayor. Once the home of festivals, celebrations, and even bullfights, it is now a central meeting spot for residents of the city. Cultural, political, and religious events still take place here throughout the year, including the impressive Semana Santa processions and festivities.

It is considered to be the heart of Malaga’s historical quarter and a must-see while in the city.

Practical Info

Located in the center of Malaga, the square can be approached via the historic Calle Larios. It is open all hours of the day and best explored on foot.

Plaza de la Constitucion, Malaga, Andalucia, Spain

24/7

From $ 17

Cybele's Fountain (Fuente de la Cibeles)

Madrid’s most memorable statue is Cybele’s Fountain, or Fuente de la Cibeles, depicting the Greek goddess of fertility, Cybele, being pulled by two lions on a chariot. Designed by architect Ventura Rodriguez for King Carlos III in 1782, the white marble monument stands encircled by water in the center of the historic Plaza de Cibeles.

Once providing water to local residents, the fountain is now merely decorative, doubling up as a popular meeting point for locals. Real Madrid’s football fans, in particular, have adopted the spot for post-game celebrations. Its job as a water source might be redundant but Cybele’s Fountain is still one of the most prominent symbols of Madrid and if you look closely, you’ll see the 8-meter-tall goddess not only holds a scepter but also a set of keys – said to be the keys to the city. Perhaps most aesthetically pleasing is the fountain’s striking surroundings – a backdrop that includes the 18th century Palacio de Buenavista, the 19th century Palacio de Linares, the grand Bank of Spain and the exquisite Palacio de Comunicaciones (the City Hall).

Plaza Cibeles, 28014 Madrid, Spain

From $ 16

CosmoCaixa Barcelona

With its unique, modern design and interactive exhibits, the CosmoCaixa is frequently recognized as one of the best science museums in Europe. With hands-on displays and activities for both children and adults, the museum explores the earth through environmental and natural exhibits and the skies through its large, 3-D planetarium. There are educational experiments set up throughout, incorporating the senses of touch, smell, and sight.

Visitors enter the museum space (one of the largest in Spain) down an impressive five story winding staircase that ends at an Amazonian tree standing 30 meters tall. One of the most notable exhibits is the “Flooded Forest,” a replica of a tropical rain forest ecosystem in the Amazon with over 1,000 species present. The Geological Wall features cuts of rock formations from around Spain, and topics like evolution, intelligence, and physics can be explored in the Hall of Matter.

Practical Info

The CosmoCaixa museum is located at Calle Isaac Newton 26. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm. It is closed on Mondays. The nearest metro stop is Avinguda del Tibidabo or alternatively, buses 60, 73, 123 and 196 will take you there. Admission is €4 for adults and is free for children under 16 years old.

Calle Isaac Newton 26, Barcelona, Spain

Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm

€4

From $ 52

Church of Santa Ana (Iglesia de Santa Ana)

The Church of Santa Ana is the oldest church in Seville. Located in the Triana neighborhood, the 13th-century church is home to impressive sculptures, paintings, jewelry and religious processional items, many of which are displayed throughout the interior chapels. Master Castilian stonemasons and Muslim master builders worked on the church, whose remarkable interior features columns topped by corbels decorated with castles, vine leaves, lions and human heads. Admire a conglomeration of architecture with a step inside the originally Gothic church and its Baroque-style reconstruction, added after an earthquake in the 17th century.

You can visit the church as part of a guided bike tour of Seville's highlights, which includes stops at San Jorge Castle and the Jewish Quarter, as well as souvenir photos.

Practical Info

Getting there

The Church of Santa Ana is located a few blocks from the Plaza Armando Jannone in Seville, between Calle de Vazquez de Leca, Plaza Santa Ana and Calle Pureza. The nearest metro station is the Plaza de Cuba. You can also take the bus to the Pages del Corro stop (bus 40) or the Pages del Corro (Troya) stop (bus C3).

Admission

Admission is a suggested donation of EUR 2, and includes a guided tour.

Opening hours

The church is open Monday to Thursday from 10am to 1:30pm, and Friday from 11am to 1:30pm. It is closed on holidays and during the month of August.

Calle de Vázquez de Leca 1, Seville, Spain

Mon–Thurs: 10am–1:30pm; Fri: 11am–1:30pm; closed Aug

EUR 2

From $ 54

Coll Baix Beach (Playa Coll Baix)

The island of Mallorca is known for its turquoise waters and scenic natural beauty, and Coll Baix Beach is no exception to this. What makes this secluded beach special, aside from its idyllic surroundings, is the fact that it is protected and often deserted. Because it is difficult to reach, crowds are nearly nonexistent and you may even have the beach to yourself.

Opening out into a wide sea inlet, the soft and sandy beach is surrounded by tall, rocky cliffs and Mediterranean forest. It is hard to imagine clearer or more vibrantly colored waters. The stunning beach is most popular with those who love the outdoors and don’t mind some hiking — as it is only accessible by boat or foot. Those who go will undoubtedly agree that the trek is worth it. Boat operators often lead tours from town. It’s quietest in the morning and evening.

Practical Info

Coll Baix is located on the northern coast of the island, about seven kilometers from Alcúdia old town. The best way to get there is with a car — you’ll drive the Cami del Mal Pas out of town. Once you reach the closest part by car, it’s about five rocky kilometers on foot before you reach the beach. Though its off-shore waters are relatively shallow, you’ll want to take care when swimming as there is no lifeguard on duty.

Platja des Coll Baix, Balearic Islands 07400, Spain

Open 24 hours

From $ 250