I plan to go to Spain this year, any suggestions you might be able to share with a first-timer?

Answer 1

I will recommended Barcelona as the first stop (stay at least 5 nights). Barcelona is a beautiful city with lot of history, good food, night life, etc. Is a European city in all the senses. Stay near the Plaza Cataluña or the Paseo de Gracia you can find there reasonable 3 or 4 star Hotels and a lot of places to eat. In one of the corners of Plaza Cataluña is the Corte Ingles and the start of the touristic buses that visit the principal attractions like la Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Parque Guell, Montduic, the Olympic stadiums, the aquarium and the sea port. You can also take the metro and taxis from there. A walk in La Rambla is a most is very picturesque. From la Rambla you can visit the Colon Monument, the Mercado and the Nautical Museum and the Modern Art (this is a nice Museum designed by the American architect Richard Meier but be aware of the area, walk with other peoples). A visit to the Cathedral is also a most. I also like to go to the Zoo is relaxed. Don't miss the Tibidabo, this small amusement park is in a mountain with extraordinaries views to the city. You can get there by the "cremallera" train, take it the ride is a trip.
From Barcelona you can go to other places along the cost, like the Costa Brava, Girona or Tarragona. If you have time take a bus trip to Andorra on the Pyrenees is beautiful.
I also recomend to visit the capital city of Madrid and Valencia. I never visit the south, but Sevilla and Cordova will be in my next travel to Spain.
Like Barcelona, Madrid is also an extraordinarious city but very different. Stay in the center of city the near la Gran Via or Alcala, you can find hotels and places to eat there. The Metro of Madrid is one of the best of Europe and you can go to the principal atractions using it. Visit the museum of El Prado and the Reina Sofia, if you have time. Madrid and Barcelona are cities that never sleep and you can walk day and night and the streets will be crowded, especially in the core of the city. From Madrid you can visit Segovia and Toledo. Toledo is Historic place, one time the Capital of Spain and the "home" of El Greco, but Is to much touristic. A high speed train the "Ave" connect Madrid and Toledo in less than and hour, but buy the thikets in advance. I like Segovia where you can see the Alcazar Castle, the Roman Aqueduct and the Cathedral. The town is really nice and remeber those ones from the Italian countryside. Also the place is famous for the good eating.
If you visit Valencia don't miss La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is a Modern Acropolis of buildings designed by Calatrava and Felix Candela. The Imax theater and the aquarium are really good ones.
Bueno, enjoy your trip and don't forget to take "extra" money Spain can be expensive.

Answer 2

Well... there are so many incredible places to go that you would need like a whole life to see everything. It actually depends on what you are interested in (nature, history, nightlife, beaches...) It also depends on your budget.

Besides, Spain has many regions, so different from each others that actually it is like many countries in only one. If had to choose one I would go with Andalucia (southern Spain)

Talking only about historic main cities I would suggest Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastian, Granada. The best beach area for me is between Tarifa and Cadiz.
The best natural parks are in the North.
The best food: everywhere! but try La Coruña and Cadiz and surrounding villages.

I'd be pleased to chat on messenger about any thing you may be specially interested. Just e-mail me.

Answer 3

Go to any of the major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Travel for a few days, talk to the locals, observe the bus or train stations and see where the most locals travel to for leisure or entertainment. Follow them. I ensure you it will be an excellent trip. In this case, learn basic Spainish, because you might drop into several beautiful towns without English-speakers.

Answer 4

If you don't know the language, it's okay, many people in Europe speak English. Madrid is beautiful. Valencia is a wonderful, laidback city. The beachtowns on the Mediterranean are awesome! Travel around the country a lot--you will not be disappointed. Have fun!

Answer 5

Cadaques on the Costra Brava, easy bus ride from Barcelona, or a gorgeous seaside town where Salvador Dali lived for some time- don't miss it, one of the best places I've ever been to!

Answer 6

Learn the language.

You see folks in America from other countries stumbling around with no clue, and the main reason why is they don't.

Answer 7

They all seem to eat very late and I found some Spanish food to be swimming in oil. Andalucia is great.

Answer 8

It's one of the friendlier countries in Europe, and safer one too. But still, spread out your cash on you when you are out. Especially on weekends.

Have fun. (^_^)

Answer 9

chat w a spaniard online. he can b ur tour guide