If you’re scouring the internet for inspiration on the best places to visit in Spain as a solo traveler, this post is for you!
While Barcelona and Madrid typically steal the spotlight, there’s a whole world of hidden gems waiting to be explored. From the historic streets of Toledo to the fairytale vibes of Segovia, we’ve rounded up some of the top places in Spain that are perfect for solo travelers.
Keep reading to discover where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of your solo adventure in España!
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Table of Contents
Barcelona
Why we love it: There’s so much for solo travelers to explore on their own! For starters, there’s the iconic Sagrada Familia and the colorful Park Güell, both designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter and El Born equate to hours upon hours of wandering around.
Barcelona is perhaps the most popular city in Spain, known for its truly unique architecture (Gaudí all day!), rich history, and an ALWAYS lively atmosphere.
One of its most famous landmarks here is the Sagrada Familia, the unfinished masterpiece of architect Antoni Gaudí. While you’re here, you absolutely must spend a morning exploring Park Güell — another of Gaudí’s creations — featuring colorful mosaics and whimsical sculptures.
The city’s Gothic Quarter is another highlight. It’s a maze of narrow streets lined with medieval buildings, leading to the iconic Barcelona Cathedral.
Top 5 things to do in Barcelona
- Visit the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell to admire Gaudí’s architectural brilliance. Better yet, take a Gaudí walking tour! It’s one of my favorite things to do — I’m a huge Gaudí fan!
- Take a stroll along the bustling Las Ramblas, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.
- Explore the Gothic Quarter, home to historic landmarks like the Barcelona Cathedral and the Picasso Museum.
- Relax on the city’s beaches, such as Barceloneta Beach, and enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine!
- Indulge in Catalan cuisine at the Boqueria Market, sampling ALL the local delicacies like jamón ibérico and seafood paella.
How many days to stay in Barcelona? I think 4 days should be the bare minimum for Barcelona, not including day trips to places like Montserrat, Sitges, or Figueres! On my first solo trip through Europe, I stayed in Barcelona for a whole week and never ran out of things to do.
What else is near Barcelona?
Barcelona pairs well with day trips to nearby cities such as Girona, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, and Sitges, a charming coastal town with beautiful beaches and a happening arts scene.
Seville
Why we love it: There’s so much to see by just strolling around the city all day. I love spending alone time at Plaza de España, getting lost in the winding streets of the historic Santa Cruz neighborhood, experiencing the passion of flamenco music and dance, and gorging on all the perfectly-sized tapas at local bars and restaurants!
Seville (Sevilla), the capital of Andalusia, is easily one of the most picturesque towns in Spain. If you can imagine a Spanish town that oozes romantic vibes, it’s Seville.
This city is world-famous for its Moorish architecture, flamenco music, and a blend of activities that are perfect for solo travelers.
The city’s most iconic landmark is the Alcázar of Seville, a royal palace that has gardens as lush as can be and intricate tilework all throughout. The Cathedral of Seville, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, is also a must-visit for its impressive architecture and the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
My favorite place to spend a few hours in Seville? Plaza de España. Don’t miss the most scenic stroll through Parque de María Luisa to get there!
Top 5 things to do in Seville
- Explore the Alcázar of Seville, marveling at all the architecture and beautiful gardens.
- Visit the Cathedral of Seville and climb the Giralda Tower for panoramic views of the city.
- Experience flamenco at one of Seville’s traditional tablaos, such as La Casa del Flamenco or El Palacio Andaluz.
- Wander through the charming streets of the Santa Cruz neighborhood, filled with whitewashed houses, orange trees, and hidden squares.
- Enjoy tapas and drinks in the lively neighborhood of Triana, known for its traditional bars and flamenco clubs.
How many days to stay in Seville? I think 3 days should be the bare minimum for Sevilla. The city is too pretty to not take your time wandering through!
What else is near Seville?
Seville is ideally situated for day trips to historic cities like Córdoba, with its magnificent Mezquita (mosque-cathedral), and Jerez de la Frontera, renowned for its sherry wine and equestrian tradition.
Córdoba
Why we love it: Córdoba makes a great stop en route to Sevilla. You’ll pass through the town by train anyway, and it has convenient luggage storage if you don’t plan on staying the night (I’d recommend an overnight stay though!).
Córdoba, located in the Andalusian region of Spain, is an ideal overnight destination for solo travelers looking to go off the beaten path just a little bit to immerse themselves in history, culture, and architecture.
The city is known for its magnificent Mosque-Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends Moorish and Christian architecture. While you’re here, take the time to walk around. I especially love the historic Jewish Quarter!
Top 5 things to do in Córdoba
- Visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, one of the most impressive examples of Islamic architecture in the world.
- Explore the historic Jewish Quarter, known as the Judería, and wander through its narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses and flower-filled courtyards.
- Admire the beautiful Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a medieval fortress with lush gardens and great views of the city.
- Discover the Roman Bridge of Cordoba, spanning the Guadalquivir River and offering panoramic views.
- Experience the high energy at Mercado Victoria, a food market offering a wide variety of local delicacies and traditional dishes.
How many days to stay in Córdoba? I personally think 1 night will do for Córdoba if you’re in a rush. If slow travel is more your thing, 2 nights will be perfect!
What else is nearby Córdoba?
Córdoba pairs well with day trips to nearby cities such as Seville, known for its rich history, romantic parks and streets, and lively culture. Granada is also close by, home to the must-see Alhambra Palace.
Granada
Why we love it: The Alhambra is easily one of the prettiest landmarks we’ve seen all across Europe. The Moorish influence makes it so unique!
Granada, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is famous for its Alhambra palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is hands-down one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks — countrywide.
The city’s Moorish heritage is evident in its historic Albaicín neighborhood, home to a labyrinth of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and picturesque squares.
Solo travelers will love getting the chance to relax in the beautiful Jardines del Generalife (Generalife Gardens) and enjoy sunset views of the city from the Mirador de San Nicolás.
Top 5 things to do in Granada
- Visit the Alhambra palace complex, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture with stunning gardens, palaces, and fortifications. This is a MUST for first-timers in Spain!
- Explore the Albaicín neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Moorish architecture, medieval streets, and great views of the Alhambra.
- Wander through the historic streets of the Realejo neighborhood, home to beautiful churches, charming squares, and hidden courtyards.
- Experience a traditional flamenco show in one of Granada’s intimate tablaos, such as La Casa del Flamenco or Venta El Gallo.
- Go on an adventure! Hike or take a scenic drive through the Sierra Nevada mountains, enjoying views of the surrounding countryside and snow-capped peaks.
- BONUS: Relax with an Arab bath (aka a hammam) at one of the many spas/bathing facilities in town.
How many days to stay in Granada? 2 to 3 days should allow you to see all the sights in Granada. The city is very picturesque, so if you enjoy wandering the streets and enjoying local coffee shops, make it 3 full days.
What else is near Granada?
Granada pairs well with day trips to nearby cities such as Córdoba (mentioned above), and Malaga, a coastal city with beautiful beaches and lots to see and eat!
Segovia
Why we love it: Fairytale-like castle? That’s said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle? Enough said.
Despite the name of this town sounding straight out of The Princess Diaries, there is no relation. (Is it just me that had this thought?)
Segovia, located in the Castile and León region of Spain, is perfect for solo travelers who thrive on exploring small towns located off-the-beaten-path. The city is famous for its iconic Roman aqueduct, one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Spain. It also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can explore the medieval streets of the Old Town, visit the majestic Alcázar fortress (said to be one of the inspirations for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle), and marvel at the awesome views of the city from the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos.
Top 5 things to do in Segovia
- Visit the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, an unbelievable feat of ancient engineering and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
- Explore the Alcázar, a medieval fortress with a rich history and beautiful architecture, including a fairytale-like tower and picturesque gardens.
- Wander through the historic Old Town, with its charming cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and quaint squares.
- Visit the Segovia Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with pretty stained glass windows and a majestic interior.
- Enjoy a traditional Segovian meal! You need to try the city’s famous roast suckling pig at one of the many restaurants and taverns in the city.
How many days are needed for Segovia, Spain? The main points of interest are close to each other, so you’ll easily be able to cover the city on foot and see a lot in just one day. However, if you have more time available, I’d suggest 2 full days so you can enjoy the city at a more leisurely pace.
What else is near Segovia?
Segovia pairs well with day trips to nearby cities such as Ávila, known for its well-preserved medieval walls, and Madrid, listed below! In fact, you’ll find lots of day trips to Segovia (and Toledo) from Madrid:
Madrid
Why we love it: If you love museums, Madrid is for you. Madrid also has so much good food and nightlife — and is an actual city. That means getting the chance to see/interact with lots of everyday locals.
Madrid is the capital of Spain! Known for its rich history, world-class art museums, lively street life, and tons of nightlife, this major city has so much to see and do. It’ll definitely keep you busy the whole time.
The city is famous for landmarks like the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by artists like Velázquez and Goya, and the Royal Palace, a grandiose royal residence with lavish interiors.
You can explore the bustling Puerta del Sol square, the historic Plaza Mayor, and the elegant Retiro Park, a sprawling green oasis in the heart of the city. And while you’re here, your non-sightseeing focuses should be churros, tapas, and catching a flamenco show!
Top 5 things to do in Madrid
- Visit the Prado Museum to admire its impressive collection of European art, including works by Spanish masters like Velázquez and Goya.
- Explore the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family, and marvel at its opulent rooms, grand halls, and beautiful gardens.
- Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Malasaña and Chueca, known for their funky shops, trendy cafes, and poppin’ nightlife!
- Enjoy tapas and drinks in the historic neighborhood of La Latina, home to some of Madrid’s best tapas bars and traditional taverns.
- Experience the lively atmosphere of the San Miguel Market, a foodie paradise offering a wide variety of Spanish delicacies and gourmet treats.
How many days to spend in Madrid? If you choose to add Madrid to your itinerary, do yourself a favor and give yourself at least 4 days to explore! That doesn’t include all the day trips you could do, either.
What else is near Madrid?
Madrid pairs well with day trips to nearby cities such as Toledo, which we’ll cover below, and Segovia, also mentioned above (the fairytale-like castle).
Toledo
Why we love it: The genuine medieval feel of the city makes it a real gem in Spain.
Toledo, known as the “City of Three Cultures,” is celebrated for its super medieval vibes, rich history, grand architecture, and cultural heritage.
Perched on a hill overlooking the Tagus River, the city is home to a wealth of historic landmarks, including the imposing Alcázar fortress and the magnificent Toledo Cathedral.
Toledo is super unique because it has an interesting blend of Moorish, Catholic, and Jewish influences in its architecture. Expect the historic streets to be almost like a winding maze, with streets lined with medieval buildings, synagogues, and mosques, reflecting all the influences of its past.
While you’re here, check out all the gift shops selling medieval swords and knives! Even if you’re not interested in buying, it sure is fun to peruse.
Top 5 things to do in Toledo
- Visit the Toledo Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture, and marvel at its beautiful interiors and intricate artwork.
- Explore the Alcázar of Toledo, a medieval fortress with amazing views of the city and surrounding countryside.
- Wander through the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter, discovering hidden squares, synagogues, and artisan workshops.
- Admire El Greco’s masterpieces at the Museo del Greco, housed in the former home of the renowned painter.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the city walls for panoramic views of Toledo’s historic skyline and the surrounding countryside. These views are definitely worth checking out. You can even zipline across the river!
What else is near Toledo?
Toledo is conveniently located for day trips to nearby cities like Aranjuez, known for its magnificent royal palace and gardens, and Segovia, as noted above.
How many days to stay in Toledo? If you’re short on time, Toledo can be done as part of a day trip from Madrid. If you’ve got more time, a 1-night stay should do just fine.
So, which cities in Spain got you the most excited??? If I had to narrow it down to just two cities (which I actually did on my first solo trip across Europe), I’d choose Seville and Barcelona.
Having experienced other Spanish cities over the years, I would still pick Seville and Barcelona! These two cities are amazing in so many ways.
No matter which cities you decide on, you should try to watch a flamenco show and eat as many tapas as you can! Happy travel planning!
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