Current Time
Currency
see + do
Spain see + do
The variety of the attractions in Spain means that itineraries can satisfy everyone from the beach bum to the gourmand, the history buff to the design fiend. Most visitors land first in Madrid, the buzzing capital, known for its nonstop nightlife and world-class art museums. From here, you can tour the ancient cities of central Spain like Toledo, Segovia, and Ávila. Or, zip down to Andalucía on the high-speed AVE train for the passionate flamenco and fascinating Moorish architecture of Seville and Córdoba.
Barcelona, Spain's most cosmopolitan city, is a must for lovers of contemporary art and design. The Catalan capital blends Mediterranean charm with looming Gothic steeples, cutting-edge style, and the fanciful architecture of Modernisme (the Catalan interpretation of Art Nouveau). Nearby, you can escape to the ruggedly beautiful coasts of the Costa Brava or the slate-roofed villages of the Pyrenees.
The northwestern swath of the country is "green" Spain, a region of lush mountains, small villages, and incredible coastal scenery that contrasts sharply with the better-known Spanish images of bullfighting and flamenco. Head north for hiking in the Picos de Europa national park or to explore the quiet towns along the Cantabrian coast. Turn your compass east to sample the vibrant Basque Country, where Bilbao's spectacular Guggenheim Museum and the delectable cuisine of San Sebastián await.
Calle Elvira, a street of tapas bars and nightlife hot spots, lies just behind the Gran Vía de Colon—the main artery of the bustling city center....more
see the Granada guideFirst built in A.D. 913, this fortress was expanded and rebuilt countless times by successive Muslim rulers. In the 14th century, Catholic kings took it over...more
see the Seville guideMillions of sightseers flock to Granada for one reason: the extraordinary Alhambra citadel, the most exciting and sensual of all European monuments. It was the...more
see the Granada guideAfter a visit to the Bañuelo, it's likely you'll want to experience the historic baths for yourself. Just across the river you'll find a deceptively large...more
see the Granada guide
Bordered on one side by the glitzy yachts of the Port Vell and on the other by the bronzed bodies basking on the city beaches, this triangle-shaped grid of...more
see the Barcelona guide
As the name suggests, most of the architecture in this neighborhood, in the heart of Barcelona, is Gothic. Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia, where the martyred...more
see the Barcelona guideThough the exhibits are captioned only in Spanish and Basque, this small Casco Viejo museum will still give you a strong sense of the Basque region's history....more
see the Bilbao + Basque Country guideSan Sebastián is home to three terrific swimming and sunbathing beaches, all with golden, powdery sand. La Concha, named for its curved seashell shape, is...more
see the Bilbao + Basque Country guideIn an effort to promote sustainability, Bilbao's city government is launching a program in April 2007 to make free bikes available to tourists. The program will...more
see the Bilbao + Basque Country guide
Even as modern Madrileño culture continues toward yuppiedom, the proud old tradition of the corrida de toros has not died. Yes, young people now make fun...more
see the Madrid guide
RSS Feeds