Most travelers dream about Spain and immediately picture Madrid or Barcelona—but if that’s all you see, you’re missing out on so much of what makes this country so special.

When I first visited Spain, I quickly realized that the real magic is often found in the cities that don’t always make the headlines. From colorful coastal towns to foodie paradises in the north, Spain is full of destinations that will surprise you in the best of ways.

If you’re looking for things to do in Spain beyond the basics (although I love Madrid and Barcelona too), here are 7 cities in Spain worth adding to your travel itinerary.

#1: Sevilla

The magic of Sevilla is unlike anything else I’ve experienced. Think: horse-drawn carriages, stunning Moorish architecture, colorful tiles, and spontaneous flamenco performances around every corner.

Why visit Sevilla?
If you love rich flamenco culture, handmade ceramics, charming old streets, and rooftop views—Sevilla is calling your name.

Things to do/see in Sevilla:

• Real Alcázar de Sevilla —recognize it from Game of Thrones?
• Catedral de Sevilla is stunning, and holds the burial spot of Christopher Columbus in the center of the cathedral. Don’t forget to include La Giralda on your ticket for the best views of the city (and a workout)!
• I highly recommend watching the sunset from Las Setas — a modern art installation and rooftop walkway.
• Visit Plaza de España for the iconic architecture and to catch a flamenco dancer/singer in the afternoons. You can also take a boat ride through the plaza, adding to its charm!
• The Triana neighborhood across the bridge is known for the best handmade ceramics. If you have enough time, you can actually take ceramics classes there too!
• La Carbonería is my personal recommendation for the best local flamenco experience. It’s a really neat bar where flamenco dancers and musicians go and perform for free before they “make it big”. The bar is cash only, so be prepared!

The best time to visit is in Spring during La Feria de Sevilla, the local festival where you’ll see beautiful flamenco dresses, street parties, music and paella. Know that it gets extremely hot during the summer, so it’s best to avoid July and August.

#2: Málaga

Málaga has a great mix of culture, nightlife, beautiful beaches, and amazing seafood. It has a lot to offer for any traveler, and I find it to be very English-friendly.

If you’re planning a trip to Málaga, don’t miss the Picasso Museum, Castillo de Gibralfaro, a walk down Calle Larios, and a glass of wine by the port. When visiting during the summer, plan for a beach day and grab a bite at a chiringuito on Playa de la Malagueta! And lastly if you’re traveling with your pup like we did, note that most beaches are dog-friendly. Whether or not a beach is dog-friendly depends on the season, so make sure to check for the rules online before you go!

Pro tip: Use Málaga as a base for exploring Costa del Sol (Marbella, Nerja, Estepona, and more)!

P.S. — who better than Charlie to show you the must-see spots!

#3: Valencia

This city has it all. In Valencia, you’ll find beautiful beaches, blossoming orange trees, a balance of modern architecture and classic European feel, and best of all — paella. Need I say any more?

It struck me as a younger, family-oriented city but still rich with nightlife and things to do, making it perfect for any type of traveler.

Things to do/see in Valencia:

• City of Arts and Sciences — take an afternoon to visit the aquarium (largest in Europe)!
• Head to Malvarrosa Beach for a beautiful day in the sun.
• Grab a gelato and people watch in Plaza de La Virgen.
• Visit Atenea Skybar for the best rooftop views (especially if you go during Las Fallas).
• Go to Mercat Central for a quick snack and enjoy the architecture.
• Have a long lunch over paella (yes, I said lunch, not dinner)!
• Try Agua de Valencia with fresh squeezed orange juice — it’s like a mimosa on steroids.

While Valencia is great to visit any time of year, they have Las Fallas in March making it a great time to visit! This is an almost month-long celebration including nightly fireworks and a ceremonial burning of the “monumentos falleros” at the end of the celebration. It’s a really beautiful tradition if you’re able to check it out, but know that between the DJ setups in the street and firework shows, it will be loud at all hours of the night.

#4: San Sebastián

San Sebastián is known as one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, making it a foodie paradise. Top it off with stunning beaches and gothic architecture, and it creates a really unique and special travel destination.

Things to do in San Sebastián:

• The iconic half-moon shaped La Concha Beach.
• Visit Urgull Park for the best views of the city.
• Go to Monte Igueldo amusement park and take the water boat ride for amazing views!
• Take a pintxos crawl in the Old Town and see how many Michelin stars you spot.
• Walk down Portu Kalea for tons of incredible restaurants.

Like many European destinations, summer gets really busy, so shoulder season is the ideal time to take your trip. It can be a bit colder in the winter since it’s on the north tip of Spain and right on the ocean, so come prepared!

#5: Bilbao

Just an hour train ride from San Sebastián is the basque capital Bilbao. It’s such a unique city with a blend of modern art, amazing food, and basque culture. Plus, did you know that their language, Euskera, is one of the only languages with no known roots? While they do still speak Spanish, it makes for a very one-of-a-kind experience.

My favorite thing to do in Bilbao is just walk through the streets and enjoy the art and beautiful architecture, but here’s a list of things to consider doing on your trip:

• Guggenheim Museum — this is a must if you’re visiting the city. Look for the Art After Dark event where you can enjoy a drink and music at the museum after hours! They usually do this on the last Friday of the month, but check the site linked above for the latest updates.
• Take a walk by the river and look at the artwork outside the Guggenheim, and don’t miss a photo opp at the famous flower puppy!
• Wander through Casco Viejo and stop for pintxos.
• Visit the impressive Mercado de la Ribera and peruse all the different stalls.

Bilbao is a great spot if you’re looking for a very different Spanish experience than what you’ll find in the south. Perfect for foodies, art lovers, and cultural explorers!

#6: Asturias

I know Asturias is a region and not a city, but it has so much to offer especially for nature lovers. Known for its lush green landscapes, small towns, sidra, and rugged coast, Asturias is (in my opinion) the most picturesque region of Spain.

When visiting Asturias, you can visit beautiful cities like Oviedo and Gijón, or go to the country and see Covadonga Lakes or Picos de Europa — which I highly recommend. After your hike, stop at a local sidrería (cider house) for a bite and a glass of Asturian cider!

Pro tip: You’ll want to rent a car to get the most out of your visit to Asturias.

#7: Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a slightly lesser known Spanish city that offers a very rich history. Founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago and the current capital of the province of Aragon, you can visit many Roman ruins and historic sites within the city.

Things to do/see in Zaragoza:

• The impressive Basílica del Pilar, said to be the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
• Aljafería Palace which has beautiful Muslim architecture and rich history.
• People watching in Plaza de los Sitios in the city center.
• Plus, take a wine tasting and tapas tour without the crowds of other Spanish cities.

This city is great for history buffs and makes for a good pit stop on your way between Madrid and Barcelona.

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FAQs: Things to do Spain Outside of Madrid and Barcelona

1. What are the best cities to visit in Spain besides Madrid and Barcelona?
Some of the best cities to visit outside of Madrid and Barcelona are Sevilla, Valencia, Malaga, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Asturias (region), and Zaragoza. Each city offers its own charm—whether it’s coastal beaches, incredible food, or rich history!

2. Which Spanish city is best for food lovers?
If you’re traveling for food, you can’t beat San Sebastián for world-famous pintxos or Sevilla for authentic tapas. Valencia is also a must if you want to try the original paella!

3. What is the best time of year to visit these Spanish cities?
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are ideal for most cities, with sunny weather and fewer crowds. If you’re visiting Bilbao or Asturias, summer is perfect for beach days and mild northern weather.

4. How many days should I spend in each city?
I recommend 2–3 days per city to really soak up the local vibe. Sevilla and Valencia can fill a long weekend, while spots like San Sebastián or Zaragoza can be covered in a day trip.

5. Are these cities good for first-time visitors to Spain?
Absolutely! While most first-timers head straight for Madrid or Barcelona, these cities give you a more authentic Spanish experience—and often without the massive crowds.

Final Thoughts

Spain is one of those diverse countries where you can have such a unique experience in each region or city you visit— and honestly this list just scratches the surface. Sure, Madrid and Barcelona are incredible, but the cities beyond them are where you really start to get a taste of Spanish life.

Whether you’re sipping sidra in Asturias, wandering through Zaragoza’s Roman ruins, or watching the sunset from Las Setas in Sevilla, I hope this guide shows you that there’s more things to do in Spain than you may have realized.

To round out your trip, make sure to check out my blog about what to eat and what to drink when you’re in Spain (and how to make your favorite recipes at home)!

So, which city are you adding to your Spain itinerary? Drop it in the comments or send me a message, I’d love to hear!