What is Spain known for? From food to flamenco, here are 8 things to love

Perched above Granada, the Alhambra is one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks. This fortress was the Moorish sultans’ last stronghold in Spain. You can admire intricate tiles, stucco work, geometric patterns, and ornate vaulted ceilings that preserve Spain’s layered past. Wander through arched courtyards with bubbling fountains and stroll through serene gardens of roses, myrtle, and orange trees that perfume the air year-round.

Insider tip: The best time to take in the Alhambra’s grand complex is during the cooler months of fall and spring. Visit on our Off-Peak Spain: Madrid, Granada & Seville tour to fully embrace your visit.

This ancient, UNESCO-protected building in Seville is the oldest royal palace in use in Europe, with centuries of design layered into every arch and alcove. The Royal Alcazar showcases Mudejar architecture—where Islamic artistry meets Christian grandeur. Ornate stucco walls, coffered wooden ceilings, and patterned tiles unfold in room after room. From its sun-dappled courtyards to its lush, palm-lined gardens, this royal residence feels like a dream etched in stone.

Step inside Cordoba’s Mezquita and you’ll find yourself in a forest of red-and-white arches—an awe-inspiring blend of cultures under one soaring roof. Originally built as a mosque in the 8th century and later transformed into a cathedral during the Reconquista, this architectural marvel is a testament to Andalusia’s layered history. Its serene symmetry, intricate mosaics, and juxtaposition of a central Christian altar and a Mecca-facing mihrab create a space that’s both sacred and spellbinding. Visit on our Off-Peak Spain: Madrid, Granada & Seville tour for a more exclusive feel without summer’s crowds.

The Prado is Spain’s crown jewel of classical art. Inside Madrid’s elegant museum, you’ll find a treasure trove of European masterpieces—from Diego Velázquez’s “Las Meninas” to Francisco Goya’s Black Paintings, including the haunting “Saturn Devouring His Son.” With works spanning the 12th to the early 20th century, the Prado captures the soul of Spanish history through its most iconic artists.

Just a short stroll from the Prado, the Reina Sofia brings Spain’s modern era into focus. Its piece de resistance? Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica”—a powerful anti-war statement that still echoes today. The museum also houses works by Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and other 20th-century pioneers of Spain’s most provocative and visionary decades.

Born in the heart of Andalusia, flamenco weaves together centuries of influence from Romani, Moorish, Jewish, and Andalusian cultures. Through haunting guitar melodies, percussive footwork, and impassioned vocals, flamenco tells stories of love, loss, resistance, and resilience. When intense emotion takes hold of the performers and they create a vulnerable, spiritual-like shared moment with the audience, it’s known as “duende.” Flamenco becomes more than art when duende is present—it becomes a visceral, transcendent experience.

In Madrid, the Mercado de San Miguel is a great spot for solo travelers to mingle with people at different stalls and sample a variety of tapas. “My favorite part of Spain was trying all kinds of foods and meeting all kinds of people at the incredible markets,” said staffer Lauren. “Every city in Spain has one, and they’re all perfect in their own way. If you’re ever in Spain, try to go to at least one. You’ll thank me later.”

Explore Spain’s market of San Miguel with our insider tips →

San Sebastian is one of the premier foodie destinations in Spain, and pintxo-hopping from bar to bar is a cultural pastime. In fact, it's one of the six things we thing should top your Spain bucket list. It’s also a great way to explore the city and taste different flavors without filling up on one big dish. The Mercado San Martin is a great one-stop-shop to taste it all as you make your way from stall to stall. Or, if you’d prefer to see the city as you snack on these bite-sized delights, opt for the San Sebastian Pintxos Walking Tour excursion on our France & Spain: Paris, Bordeaux & Madrid tour.

• Paella: Originally from Valencia, this classic dish combines rice, saffron, vegetables, and typically chicken and seafood, all cooked together and served in one pan. Traditionally, it was enjoyed straight out of the pan with wooden spoons.
• Tapas: This isn’t just one food, but a variety of small, savory dishes, like Spanish tortilla, patatas bravas, Iberian ham-topped toast, and croquettes. People eat tapas as shared appetizers, snacks, or even full meals.
• Pintxos (or pinchos): These small, tapas-like bites made of fish, meat, or vegetables atop a piece of bread are typically served in bars in northern Spain, particularly in Basque Country. Their name means “spikes” referencing the toothpick that holds them together.
• Churros: This Spanish pastry hits the sweet spot between donuts and choux pastry. These long, sugar-doused sticks of fried dough are even more delicious when dipped in thick, melted chocolate.

Spain’s mainland beaches—especially along the famed Costa del Sol—offer more than just sun and sand (though there’s plenty of both). With over 300 days of sunshine a year, this southern coastline lives up to its name, which translates to “Coast of the Sun.” Picture golden beaches backed by whitewashed villages, tapas bars just steps from the water, and a Mediterranean breeze that makes even the hottest days feel just right. Whether you’re wandering along Marbella’s chic promenades, swimming off Nerja’s hidden coves, or savoring seafood in Malaga, the Costa del Sol combines Andalusian charm with effortless seaside living.

Football (what we know as soccer) is a huge part of Spanish culture. Spain has some of the biggest club teams, like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, and a very talented FIFA national team. Stop by any bar or cafe while a game is going on and let the sport and excitement entrance you.

“I don’t even like sports, and I couldn’t help but feel invested while I watched the game and cheered with the rest of the crowd,” said staffer Lauren. If you’re visiting during an important game, join the crowds gathering in front of giant screens in city centers or around Real Madrid’s stadium, Santiago Bernabeu. The main phrase to know: “¡A por ellos, oe!” Translation: Let’s beat them!