10 Must-See Sites in Spain

Surf, sand, sun, fun—Spain surely has the reputation as being a mecca for partiers and those looking to chill. Yet you hardly have to scratch the surface of this Iberian jewel to find some of the world's greatest architectural and cultural landmarks—in fact, Spain boasts the second most UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the largest number of World Heritage Cities on the planet. Here are 10 sites across the country that you should visit before packing your suitcase and heading back home again.

• Alhambra, Granada

  A breathtaking 14th-century Moorish palace perched atop a hill in the charming town of Granada, the Alhambra once sat as the residence of the Nasrid kings, the last Muslim rulers of Spain. If you prefer to ogle from afar, the district of Albayzín grants the most fantastic views of the structure, especially from the Mirador of San Nicolás.

• Guggenheim, Bilbao

  One of five Guggenheim museums around the globe, the Bilbao location, with its reflective titanium and glass façade, is the most distinctive. Opened in 1997, Frank Gehry's architectural marvel boasts nearly 90 contemporary and modern art exhibits and lights up the Nervión River, besides which it is situated, by night.

• La Sagrada Família, Barcelona

  This prominent Roman Catholic church's claim to fame is actually nothing to be proud of at all: While work on the project began in 1882, it still isn't finished. In fact, it might never be (though 2026 is a rumored completion date). Still, with its vast scale and pinnacles piercing the sky, La Sagrada Família, the brainchild of revered Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, is one of Spain's most visited sites.

• Playa de la Concha, San Sebastian

  One of the world's most photographed stretches of sand, Playa de la Concha also nabs the title of the best city beach in Spain (if not the whole of Europe). The fine grains flow easily through your fingers, the sun beats warmly overhead, the water glimmers aquamarine on the horizon, surfers tackle some of the west coast's more challenging waves just off shore—oh, and the waterfront is never devoid of topless female sunbathers. It's safe to say there's beauty all around.

• Plaza de Toros, Pamplona

  Spectators come from every nook and cranny of the map to witness Pamplona's famous bulls emerge from their pens and barrel through the streets of the city toward the legendary bullring, Plaza de Toros, where they'll challenge a matador in a do-or-die contest. If you're one of the lucky ones attending San Fermín (aka "The Running of the Bulls"), be wary: bulls have a well-earned reputation for ill temper. Running with them is definitely not recommended—and it's plenty exciting enough watching from the right side of crowd barriers.

• Mezquita, Córdoba

  When it comes to religious institutions, the Spanish don't kid around. This mosque, a prime example of Muslim architecture, is no exception. Started in the seventh century in southern Spain's Andalusia region, Mezquita underwent a series of extreme facelifts over the years, its most recent makeover completed in 987. Embodying more than 1,000 columns of granite, marble, jade and onyx, it was once hailed as the world's second largest mosque and today is best-known for its soaring arches.

• Las Ramblas, Barcelona

  A nearly mile-long promenade in the center of Barcelona, Las Ramblas is active at all times of day—and night. Crowded with street performers, florists, vendors and artists galore, you never know what you might find—or whom you might see—during a stroll along the city's most popular street.

• Alcázar, Sevilla

  This fortified palace built by the Moors in 913 served as the residence for monarchs for centuries after its fabrication. In fact, keep your eyes peeled for royalty: The upper levels still house Sevilla's royal family. Fringed by palms, pavilions and fountains, Alcázar is chock full of tapestries, cedar wood sculptures and elaborate tiles that its former residents commissioned over the ages.

• Plaza Mayor, Madrid

  Normally, a spot which draws tourists by the thousands is only popular with those passing through (see: Leicester Square in London, Times Square in New York City). Locals wouldn't be caught dead near them. Plaza Mayor is not that place. Every inch of the city's central square is buzzing, and space is shared between residents and visitors alike. Built during the Habsburg era, Plaza Mayor is flanked by residences, ornate balconies and Spanish flags flying high.

• Parc Güell, Barcelona

  Another product of architect Antoni Gaudí, Parc Güell is a sprawling garden complex with signature Gaudí works interlaced throughout the grounds. Consider a stroll through its confines the equivalent to getting lost in a Dr. Seuss book: It's whimsical, fascinating and simultaneously peaceful, with lush greenery, mosaic-tiled creatures, flowing fountains, life-size gingerbread-looking houses and stellar views of the city below.