Here’s a list of famous landmarks in Spain you should not miss during your visit!
Step into the captivating world of the most famous landmarks in Spain with me.
Having lived in Spain for over a decade, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring its most iconic sights firsthand.
From the stunning coastline to the majestic mountains, Spain offers a wealth of history and culture waiting to be discovered.
Join me as we uncover the stories behind travel Spain‘s most famous landmarks, each a testament to the country’s rich heritage and enduring beauty.
Get immersed in the awe-inspiring wonders that make Spain genuinely unforgettable.
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Table of Contents
Overview: Most Famous Landmarks in Spain
1. Sagrada Família – Barcelona
Ask any European to mention three names of famous Spanish buildings.
And, I bet my entire travel journal that you’ll hear almost every single one mention Basilica de la Sagrada Familia.
This massive church has almost become synonymous with the city of Barcelona.
And, yes, just like everyone else, this was the first ever landmark I stopped by in Spain!
Seeing the slender spires of this intricate building and its interior, which is rich with holy symbolism, ignited my curiosity about how this church came to be.
So, I decided to dig a little deeper into the history of Sagrada Família and was really glad that I did so!
I found out that this church was built as far back as 1882, purely on donations, and even after over 140 years, it’s only expected to wrap up its construction in 2025!
I’ve been so used to seeing buildings pop up in less than 5 years, so you could probably guess how this lengthy construction process surprised me. Also, read what to wear in Barcelona here.
Of course, I can’t talk about the beauty of Sagrada Família without mentioning Antoni Gaudi, the genius behind its design.
This renowned, highly religious architect is credited with over a dozen renowned structures throughout Barcelona, most of which are also famous sites in Spain.
No worries, I’ll talk more about him later.
Want to visit? Get tickets here.
2. Alhambra – Granada
Want to take a momentary journey to the 13th century? Drop by the Alhambra Palace, one of the most significant historical landmarks in Spain.
Visual-wise– this expansive fortress is stunning.
Despite being considered a masterpiece of Moorish design during its construction, this palace’s interior was eventually rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 1500s.
When it suffered damages later on, it was repaired in the 1800s, and continuous restoration efforts were undertaken up to the 21st century.
Very complex history, I know. So, you can just imagine how this single structure encapsulates the complexities of multiple generations of architectural styles.
But wait– Alhambra isn’t just about its stunning buildings.
Apart from enjoying the Nasrid Palaces, I was also in awe when I toured the Generalife Gardens, which dates back to the 14th century.
We visited in spring, so it was the perfect time for the garden to bloom fully.
Trust me, seeing the vibrant colors of nature and the backdrop of old architecture just hits differently.
Even among the most famous landmarks in Spain, Alhambra remains to be one of my top favorites.
3. Park Güell – Barcelona
Still remember the famous architect Antoni Gaudi?
Well, the imaginative Park Güell, which is brimming with colorful mosaic tiles, fantastical sculptures, and very extensive greenery, is one of his creations.
Fun fact: this park was initially intended as a residential area exclusive to the “well-off” families, but due to a lack of plot buyers, it eventually became a public park.
In no time, Park Güell worked its name towards becoming one of the most famous landmarks in Spain for kids and adults alike!
Just a tip: Make sure to purchase the park tickets in advance.
Because in peak seasons, they sell out like hotcakes.
While you’re in the city, make sure to explore other famous buildings in Barcelona. They’re unlike any other building in the world.
Want to visit? Book tickets here.
4. La Rambla – Barcelona
La Rambla is more than just one of the most famous places in Spain.
Many travelers, including me, consider visiting this pedestrian-only street a “rite of passage” for first-time visitors to Spain.
Wondering how a simple street achieved a spot among the most famous landmarks in Spain?
Well, the thing is– this 1.2 km street is everything but simple.
Located at the center of Barcelona city, La Rambla is a tree-lined street packed with bustling crowds, street performers, and local markets.
This is where you can find the renowned La Boqueria Market, which opened in the 1840s and now hosts about 300 market stalls!
Trust me, if you want the perfect stroll afternoon among locals, La Rambla is the place to go.
Just make sure to bring some cash because I personally wasn’t able to resist buying way more than expected when we explored this street!
5. Prado Museum – Madrid
Let’s talk about one of the most-visited museums in Madrid, the Prado Museum.
With works dating from the 6th century BC up to the late 19th century, this landmark will not disappoint any art enthusiast.
Prado Museum is often referred to as “a museum of painters, not of paintings.” Because, unlike most museums that feature, say, one or several works of certain artists.
Prado Museum has some of the largest collections of the artists it represents, with some having over 100 pieces in this museum.
Now, Imma be totally honest: I’m not the biggest art nerd.
But let’s just say that after touring this Prado Museum with the help of its digital audio guide, it felt like I knew artists like Titian, Goya, or Bosch by heart.
If you have extra time to fill before or after visiting Prado Museum, tour around.
This museum is located in Paseo del Prado, one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Madrid, so you’ll surely find other entertaining attractions nearby.
6. Puerta del Sol – Madrid
If you love strolling through busy hubs like I do, add Puerta del Sol to your Spain itinerary.
This lively, pedestrian-packed plaza is surrounded by picturesque architecture (as expected of Spain), home to many shops, and displays various renowned statues.
This is also where you can find the iconic zero km sign, which marks the exact center of Madrid, the neon Tiop Pepe sign, and the statue of King Charles III.
Once you’re in Puerta del Sol and you’re starting to wonder what to eat in Madrid, just follow one of its offshoot streets!
Guaranteed, you’ll find various restaurants and cafes, making your tummy just as happy as your eyes.
Just keep your belongings in check when visiting this square, though.
Locals warned us that pickpockets are a bit prominent in the area.
7. Guggenheim Museum – Bilbao
It’s pretty clear by now that there are more or less endless numbers of cool buildings in Spain.
But still, it’s worth mentioning Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, an architectural masterpiece crafted by architect Frank Gehry.
This man’s not just any regular architect.
He’s credited with designing various iconic buildings worldwide, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA, Biomuseu in Panama, and Vitra Design Museum in Germany!
Based on these renowned names alone, surely, you can already picture how impactful the design of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is.
Even better, though, the large collection of contemporary art inside this museum is just as captivating as its exterior!
Honestly, I wasn’t overwhelmed by the museum’s permanent collection (my partner strongly thought otherwise, though).
But I fell in love with the spectacular temporary exhibition we saw on the second floor during our visit.
Want to visit? Join tours here.
8. Catedral de Sevilla – Seville
Holy, surreal, and breathtaking – that’s the Seville Cathedral if I were to describe it in three words.
I’ve always known that this cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Spain.
But, upon seeing it in person, it was way more breathtaking than I initially imagined.
From the huge, beautifully ornamented facades to intricate interior decorations depicting the life of Jesus, every step around or within this building is like stepping into a museum.
Expect to see lots of artwork, woodwork, and gold.
Just like you imagine– the entire experience of touring the Seville Cathedral was unforgettable.
But, the highlight of our visit to this landmark was, no doubt, visiting the tomb of Christopher Columbus, which is held up by four figures representing the four old kingdoms of Spain.
Climbing up the iconic La Giralda bell tower’s ramps was also my favorite.
Sure, it took a bit of effort, but the views of the city made it totally worth it—no wonder some movies set in Spain were filmed in Seville.
9. Plaza Mayor – Madrid
Plaza Mayor, also regarded as Madrid’s Central Square, is another popular hangout spot in Madrid.
Right off the bat, I noticed this landmark’s vibe is very similar to Puerto del Sol.
So I wasn’t so surprised when I discovered that even though they are only minutes apart, both places are often compared.
Immediately after walking into the square, you’ll notice that Plaza Mayor doesn’t disappoint in showcasing the beauty of the buildings of Spain.
It’s surrounded by vibrant residential and commercial buildings that trace back to Plaza Mayor’s roots in the 15th century.
See, Plaza Mayor was the town’s main market space centuries ago.
At present, it’s considered one of the main hubs for street artists, public art, and statues in Madrid.
You can easily find plenty of snacks from Spain from the surrounding shops.
Still don’t know what to eat in Spain? Definitely try patatas bravas, leche frita, and everyone’s classic all-time favorite, paella.
10. City of Arts and Sciences – Valencia
We spent 3 days in Valencia, Spain, and like everyone else who visits this city, we had to check out the City of Arts and Sciences.
The City of Arts and Sciences is a complex composed of the best man made landmarks in Spain.
This is where you can find remarkable architectural wonders, such as the biggest aquarium in Europe and the visually striking L’Assut d’Or bridge.
But wait—that’s just the tip of the iceberg of the Valencia City of Arts and Sciences’ surprises.
If you want a sensory, enriching, and unique experience when visiting this complex, I highly recommend visiting the Science Museum.
Its philosophy is “Not touching is prohibited,” so yes– this won’t be as “boring” as other science museum trips you’ve taken back in high school.
You also shouldn’t miss the Oceanografic, the huge aquarium I mentioned earlier.
And, if you’re a big film lover like me, make sure to experience watching movies as you’ve never done before by visiting Hemisfèric, a 3D cinema with a 0.9 km concave screen.
Want to visit? Get tickets here.
11. Montserrat – Barcelona
Hands down, Montserrat is one of the most beautiful places in Spain.
When I finally visited this gem, it was very refreshing to see a nature-focused landmark. After all, it’s pretty evident that the country’s popularity often lies in its distinctive architecture, resulting in many unique places to visit in Spain.
So, what can you expect from Montserrat’s touch of nature?
This natural park boasts spectacular rock formations that weave through the greeneries of the forest.
Not only that, but Montserrat also has huge religious significance. Here, you can find the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat.
It houses the ancient, religious wooden statue of the “Virgin and the Child” found in the 880s, which was carved by St. Luke and brought to Spain by St. Peter themselves.
The monastery’s building itself wasn’t particularly striking. But peak outside its windows, and you’ll find a view you’ll never see anywhere else.
12. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is also one of the most famous monuments in Spain.
Known to be the final resting place of Apostle St. James, this cathedral is the final stop for thousands of pilgrims who follow the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage every month.
Of course, as someone who always yearns for a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, I had to try one of the Camino de Santiago routes myself.
I personally followed the Camino Frances, the most popular trail, which takes about 5 weeks to finish. (Yup, I’m that committed).
Once you reach the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, you’ll be welcomed by a religiously rich cathedral with an impressive artifacts-filled library, museum, and gaze-worthy exterior.
It’s completely free to enter the cathedral itself.
However, I highly recommend paying for the rooftop tour, which will give you an expansive view of the surrounding landscape.
This is a heads-up, though—you’ll be walking on the actual roof tiles, so watch your step!
If you need a relaxing place to stay after touring the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, I highly recommend Parador de Santiago—Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos, one of the most popular Paradores in Spain.
Want to visit? Book tours here.
13. The Aqueduct – Segovia
When we made our day trip from Madrid to Segovia, our first stop was the Segovia Aqueduct.
This aqueduct was built over 2000 years ago to bring water from the river to the city, using only stones and no drop of cement or mortar.
So, it was very surreal to witness and touch this landmark in person.
Despite its age, the Segovia Aqueduct is so well-preserved that parts of the original aqueduct system are still in use today.
To truly enjoy the spectacle of this structure, try to view it both up close (to observe its intricate details) and farther away (to get a gist of its massive size).
The Aqueduct of Segovia deserves a spot among the most famous landmarks in Spain.
14. Old Town – Ibiza
Ibiza’s Old Town, locally known as Dalt Villa, is one of the most popular towns in Spain.
One mention of this town and most locals picture a sleepless, all-night clubbing and lively beach excursions.
But, before it became a hotspot for partygoers, Ibiza’s Old Town was already renowned for its cultural importance.
Named as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, this well-preserved town has over 2,500 years of history.
Featuring centuries-old castles, cobbled streets, and cathedrals that make every minute of your exploration worth it.
We wandered through the entire town on foot, and despite walking for hours, we barely felt fatigued because every street was entertaining!
Our experience with the locals here was so homey that we extended our original one-night stay to three.
So, if you’re still wondering where to stay in Spain, I’d confidently recommend Ibiza’s Old Town.
Join an Ibiza walking tour here.
My final thoughts on the most famous landmarks in Spain
Every time someone asks me, “What is Spain known for?” I take less than a second to answer that it’s none other than its most famous landmarks.
From cathedrals, thousands of years old structures, all-day lively plazas, and rocky mountains– this country indeed doesn’t run out of attractions for you to see.
And the best part about visiting these landmarks is you’ll not only experience the present culture of Spain.
You will also be transported to Spain’s very rich history—decades, hundreds, or even thousands of years ago.
As a seasoned traveler, I’m no stranger to appreciating the beauty of off-the-beaten paths.
But, as someone who has lived in four different cities in Spain as well, I must say that visiting the most famous landmarks in Spain is a must-try for everyone who visits the country.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
