Things to do in Spain with family? Oh, where to begin! Picture paella picnics by the beach. Kids dancing flamenco in the streets. Castles? Spain’s got them by the dozen. Tapas? More like ‘top-as’ for family feasts. Ever chased after a tomato fight? Or cheered at a local football match? Spain isn’t just a destination; it’s a family adventure waiting to unfold. Ready to dive into the fiesta?
Spain is one of the most visited cities in the world. It is a beautiful country with so many attractions to visit both solo and as a family. Thereâs so much to do in Spain, from visiting world heritage sites to enjoying delicious Spanish cuisine and exploring stunning landscapes.
If you are off traveling with family, here are the top 10 attractions to visit in the country.
1 Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Firstly, Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is a significant landmark in Barcelona, Spain, that sees many visitors annually. The young and the old need to visit this church devoted to the Holy Family. Itâs one of Antonio Gaudiâs famous works and has been under construction since 1882. Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours exploring this structure, which has UNESCO World Heritage Status. Book your tickets online for $18.12 to skip the lines at this popular attraction. Its opening times are from 8 am to 6 pm, so ensure you get there as early as possible to avoid crowds. The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is open throughout the year. Itâs best to visit it between April and September when the weather is pleasant. You can directly fly to Barcelona from most major cities worldwide and start your trip from this attraction.
2 Mercat de la Boqueria, Barcelona: Spain attraction
Mercat de la Boqueria is a former monastery now converted into a food market along Barcelonaâs La Rambla stretch, popular with tourists. It is the largest food market in the city, dating back to the 13th century. The streets are lined with numerous stalls selling sweets, cold cuts, meats, vegetables, and many more food items. The market is open daily from 8 am to 8.30 pm, and you can easily spend 1 to 2 hours checking out the many stalls. Itâs best to go to the market in the morning when it is less crowded, and there is fresh and abundant food. You can easily take a cab or bus from Basilica de la Sagrada Familia to the food market, as the distance is approximately 4 km.
3 The Magic Fountain, Barcelona
The Magic Fountain is a famous landmark in Barcelona where you can watch a display of a combination of water, light, and music. There are shows every half an hour between 8 pm and 10 pm, and it is free of charge. You can easily fit into your schedule things to see and do in Barcelona.
4 Gothic Quarter, Barcelona
The Gothic Quarter is the historic center of medieval Barcelona and stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana. It consists of critical political buildings and is one of the places where you can experience gothic architecture in Spain. The Barcelona Cathedral is an important tourist attraction site in the area. Make sure to get there early to skip the long queues and experience the old town beauty of Barcelona. Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the entire area with your family.
5 Plaza de Espana, Madrid
You can take a speed train from Barcelona to Madrid, which will take anywhere between 2.5 to 3 hours. Plaza de Espana is a large city square located in central Madrid. It is a significant attraction in the city and features skyscrapers, including the two tallest buildings in Madrid. Several stone sculptures display the skills of craftsmen in early Spain. Also, the square is freely available for anyone to visit, and you can spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the area.
6 Parque del Retiro, Madrid: Spain attraction
Parque del Retiro in Madrid is the ideal place to spend time with family. Itâs in a relaxing and calm environment centered around a serene lake. You can laze around for up to 3 hours in this picturesque location, admiring the beauty of nature. Morning time is the best to visit as it is less crowded. Park is free for all and is open to the public every day. Itâs one of my favorite places to visit when I visit Madrid with my kids.
7 Real Alcazar de Sevilla, Seville
It is a unique site in Spain and a must-visit with family. Seville is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes from Madrid if traveling by train. This Islamic palace exhibits a fusion of Christian and Islamic architecture. The ticket fee is $13.86 for people aged 8 and above and free for others. Further, it is open daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm from October 29th to March 31st and from 9.30 am to 7 pm from April 1st to October 28th. You can spend 1 to 2 hours exploring Real Alcazar de Sevillaâs beautiful architecture with your family.
8 Oceanogrà fic València, València: Spain attraction
From Madrid, you can take a high-speed train to reach València just short of 2 hours. The OceanogrĂ fic València is a must-visit attraction in Spain, especially when traveling with kids. Besides, itâs Europeâs largest aquarium and is a place that is committed to reproducing vital marine ecosystems. Expect to spend about 2 hours exploring marine life here and watching amazing shows like the dolphin show, which is the most popular one. The park is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm, costing $34.00 for people 13 years and above and $25.37 for children between 4 and 12 years. Get there early to avoid the crowds and have an enjoyable experience witnessing the best marine life in Europe.
9 Bioparc València, València
Bioparc València is a unique zoo in Spain. In this zoo, visitors are surrounded by recreations of the natural habitats of various animals. Visitors can see different types of animals either in groups or in separation. You can also learn about what they feed on by exploring the surrounding vegetation and other foods for predators. The zoo is open from 10 am to 6 pm, and there is so much to see for 3 to 4 hours or even longer. Itâs better to start early to experience fewer crowds and see more animals awake and engaged in their daily routines. Entrance to the zoo costs $28.60 for people 13 years and above and $22.30 for children between 4 and 12 years.
10 Central Market of València, València: Spain attraction
The Central Market of València is Europeâs largest fresh produce market and is a place you must visit when traveling with your family. You can even purchase cheese, meat, nuts, spices, and seafood, based on your preferences. Moreover, the colorful market smells fresh food and is a favorite among locals and tourists. Itâs open from Monday to Saturday from 7.30 am to 3.00 pm, and you can easily spend 1 to 2 hours going from one stall to another.
Do you know of other Spain attractions you can visit with your family? Let us know in the comments below.