Things To Do in Spain

There are many, many more, but here are our nominations for the best experiences in Spain.

Getting Caught Up in the Passions of Flamenco in Sevilla: Whether you watch an artful performance at the flamenco dance museum or join the rowdier crowd in a Triana bar, you’ll find yourself walking down the street to a syncopated beat.

Absorbing the Genius of Las Meninas in Madrid’s Museo del Prado: Diego Velázquez revolutionized court painting in Spain’s 17th century Golden Age. Join the crowds gazing at his enigmatic portrait of the Infanta Margarita and her retinue, and marvel at the master’s brushstrokes.

Seeing the Homes of Moorish Royalty and Commoners in Granada: The Alhambra palace was the crowning artistic glory of Islamic Spain. Once you’ve seen how the royals lived, wander the medieval warren of the Albaicín.

Joining a Tapas Crawl Around Madrid’s Plaza Santa Ana: Whole legs of air-dried mountain ham (jamón serrano) hang over every bar. Try that Spanish classic along with bites of smoked trout, anchovies, potatoes with bravas sauce, or nuggets of sausage, on your evening outing.

Gaping at the Gaudís in Barcelona (see above): The Catalan language has the perfect verb to describe seeing the Modernisme buildings of Antoní Gaudí, including his Sagrada Familia basilica. Badar means “to walk around with your mouth open in amazement.”

Celebrating the Basque Renaissance in Bilbao: The bold architecture of the Guggenheim Museum set a new bar for design and sparked a chain of civic improvements. Between the waterfront promenade and the architecture that aspires to Frank Gehry’s achievement, Bilbao struts its stuff with pride.

Sunning on the Beach at the Foot of History at Tossa de Mar: The ruins of a medieval coastal fortress crouch on one of the two headlands that bracket the sandy cove on the often-rocky Costa Brava.

Enjoy a Glass of Catalan Cava: Sample the famous sparkling wine surrounded by the vineyards where the indigenous grapes sprawl in the searing heat. Savor the distinctive Modernista architecture and advertising artwork too at Codorníu’s earth-chilled bodega.

Admiring the Faith of Pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela: For nearly 10 centuries Christian pilgrims have trekked across northern Spain to the holy shrine of St. James, or Santiago. For the devout, walking into the great cathedral is an earthly taste of the gates of paradise.

Top 10 Souvenirs of Spain

1. A tin of saffron. In most countries it is hard to find saffron in anything larger than 1-gram vials. In Spanish markets or specialty shops, you can buy it in containers of 5, 10, 20, and even 50 grams. It's still a splurge, but much less expensive than buying it at home.

2. An embroidered shawl from Andalucía. While you're in Sevilla, observe local women to learn how this accessory can become a major fashion statement.

3. A Basque beret. More structured than the French beret, a Basque beret is usually made of waterproof wool with a soft leather headband. Ideally, it should be purchased in Basque Country from a man who never takes his off.

4. A ceramic olive serving bowl. These bowls have a separate small compartment for placing the pits. Some also have another compartment to hold toothpicks. It will be a great conversation piece at your next dinner party.

5. A beautiful forged kitchen knife from Toledo. Toledo steel has been the standard to swear by since knights carried Toledo blades into battle during the Crusades. Blade makers in Toledo now make fabulous kitchen cutlery. Be sure to pack your purchase into a checked bag to fly home.

6. A bullfight poster. Any souvenir shop will print your name on a generic poster. Instead, go to the gift shop at a major bullring for exquisite reproductions of posters from recent seasons. A proper bullfight poster is a uniquely Spanish art genre.

7. A Lladro porcelain figurine. The firm is a 20th-century invention, but the style harks back to the fine workmanship of 18th-century porcelain.

8. Canvas espadrilles with rope soles. This summer classic never goes out of style, and Spaniards make them in both casual and high-fashion editions.

9. Team jersey from Barcelona FC or Real Madrid. Football (soccer) is practically a state religion, and these two teams are the most popular in Spain and among the best in the world. State your preference with your jersey.

10. Paella pan (see above) It’s so flat and thin that it easily slips into a suitcase. Now you can use that saffron.