What to do in Spain

The magnificent architecture in Barcelona is one of its biggest draws, although you’ll find impressive buildings throughout the country. Here, the highlight is the work of Antoni Gaudi, including Parc Guell with its remarkable stone structures and fantastical works like a dragon with vibrantly colored tiling and a garden complex which features a series of dynamically designed buildings, including Gaudi’s House. The Gaudi House Museum contains furnishings and objects that were designed by Gaudi himself. Sagrada Familia is one of his most famous buildings, fusing Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. While some consider it to be a ‘glaring example of waste’ others call is the greatest achievement in Catalan building with vivid colors, hyperboloids, and unconventional animal representations such as turtles, chameleons, and pelicans which are said to epitomize the architect’s belief that the divine and nature were inextricably linked. There are many other buildings worth checking out like Palau de la Musica.

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Las Ramblas is a wide, shady boulevard that travels through the heart of Barcelona for nearly a mile from the large square called Placa de Catalunya to the waterfront harbor, Port Vell. The lively, tree-lined pedestrian promenade is the most animated artery in the city and one of the best places for people-watching in Spain. It’s also a place to watch street performances like human statues that transform themselves into famous figures from history or mythical creatures, a bicycling skeleton, and the more usual mimes, dancers, and musicians. Some of the best restaurants and cafes can be found in and around Las Ramblas, including terraces where you can see it all from above. It’s worth heading to the 165-foot-high Mirador a Colom with its crowning sculpture of Columbus. By taking the elevator to the top you’ll get a panoramic view of the city and Las Ramblas.

You can’t leave Spain without catching a flamenco performance as it’s such a big part of Spanish culture. Many of the top performers come to Madrid to show off their skills in places like Tablao Flamenco Cardamomo and Café de Chinitas. Seville, known as the ‘City of Flamenco’ is worth traveling to for immersing yourself in flamenco culture. It’s home to many venues for authentic live performances like Casa de la Memoria which hosts nightly traditional shows incorporating singing, guitar, and dancing in an intimate environment. Casa del Flamenco is a gorgeous venue where the show is held on an interior patio of a building in the Santa Cruz neighborhood – it’s one of the few where no microphones or other amplification is used featuring a variety of flamenco singing, dancing, and guitar styles. Tablao Flamenco El Arenal has been called one of the world’s top venues for flamenco performances and also serves authentic Andalusian fare.

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Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, Granada is most famous for the Alhambra, a stunning sight to see. Dating back to the late 9^th-century, it forms the city’s medieval area, towering above the modern lower town below. The only preserved palatine city from the Islamic period, it’s made up of the palace, castle, fortress, and the enclosed town, which are spread across two adjacent hills. It’s considered one of the finest examples of Nasrid art in both architectural and decorative aspects. There are lots to explore here, including the grounds. The snow-capped Sierra Nevada provides a magnificent backdrop for the oasis of tall trees, flowers, and dancing fountains. Wander through tranquil courtyards and intricately decorated rooms with the most impressive expression of the Alhambra found at Palacios Nazaries, built in the 13^th-century as the home of the Nasrid Dynasty of Sultans for 200 years.

Spain is renowned for its cuisine and some of its cities offer some of the world’s best foodie scenes. With its rich tapas culture and Mediterranean fare, including fabulous regional offerings, you’ll be spoiled for choice. San Sebastian was named one of Europe’s two cities of culture for 2016, located along the northeast coast as part of the Basque Autonomous Community. You’ll find everything from pintxos bars to Michelin-starred fare including local Basque favorites like Idiazabal cheese, hearty stews, and salt cod paired with Txakoli wine. Barcelona is another top foodie spot with local bodegas that serve wine straight from the barrel along with ham and cheese, markets with fresh local products, and Michelin star restaurants. Chocolate lovers will be in heaven with its many chocolate spots and there are plenty of beachside eateries serving high-quality seafood. As Spain’s capital, Madrid offers a little bit of everything from around the country.

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