spanish speaking places to visit

20 Of The Most Impressive Spanish-Speaking Cities You Need To Visit

The Spanish language has given birth to some of the most enchanting and exotic locations in the world.

Spanish is one of the most romantic languages on Earth. Something about the way it’s spoken, the conjugation of its verbs, and inherent passion that oozes from each syllable seems to give it a life and, in that life, a culture. All over the world, we find cultures born and thriving in the Spanish language. In fact , it’s one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world. It actually has the second largest population of native speakers in the world.

At the heart of this culture lies Spain with its beautiful sprawling cities stuffed with the vibrant culture, the architecture, and art, but the Spanish style and influence also inhabit much of Latin America. In the Americas, you’ll find a unique mix of the old colonial Spanish tradition infused and remade by the surrounding land and the indigenous customs. Many of the cities on our list have such an amazing clash of old-world and new-world traditions and sights that create their own special flavors, each unique in its own way. From the mountains of the Andes and across the ocean to the coast of the Mediterranean, the Spanish language has given birth to some of the most enchanting and exotic locations in the world. Dancing, exploring, food, nature, history, these cities have it all and then some. So, brush up on your Spanish because when you’re done with this list of the 20 Of The Most Impressive Spanish-Speaking Cities You Need To Visit, you’ll want to hop on a plane and get going.

20 Bogota, Colombia - Worth The Visit For The Art Culture

Bogota is a beautiful sight. Nestled in the thick, lush green hills to the east of the famous Andes, the city rests on the plateau Bogota savanna and stands out as a beaming beacon of Colombia, surrounded by the breathtaking landscape. Unfortunately, Colombia at large gets a bad reputation from the general population. Its long history of crime during the country’s most troubled times has made travelers wary of visiting Colombia. But the country has done a lot over the past few decades to grow and become a true international destination for all kinds of travelers. Crime rates are down and the country is turning around for the better, so yes, Colombia is safer now than it has ever been and is a must-visit for anyone who wants to visit some of the most beautiful Spanish-speaking cities in the world. Bogota is one of the leading cities in South America when it comes to art. The art culture was born out of the political and social chaos in the county’s recent past and has resulted in a unique style. The food, too, is something to behold. There are organized food tours that will take travelers around the city and expose them to the unique cuisines of Bogota. One dish of note is Colombia’s famous dish, the Bandeja Paisa, which is a plate of rice, beans, and chicharron with an avocado on top of a fried egg.

19 Mexico City, Mexico - Not Only For Tacos And  Margaritas

Mexico City has an impressive amount of things to see. In fact, it might be one of the most condensed areas of sights and attractions in any city in the world. Museums, historical sights, churches, government buildings, you name it. Mexico City has one or maybe two.

This is not the kind of trip to Mexico most people envision—margaritas, tacos, bars, beaches. Mexico City is in the heart of the county to the south and at an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet.

In reality, this is one of the major metropolitan cities in the world. The population is huge, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find some open space. Just outside the city, you can visit Teotihuacán where you’ll find some of the largest pyramids of ancient Mexico. These unique structures are some of the most famous in the country and are iconic symbols of the ancient lifestyle here pre-Columbus. Another stunning place to visit in the heart of the city is the Plaza de la Constitucion, a public square where major religious holidays are observed. Like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, this is the place people go to see when they visit Mexico City.

18 Granada, Nicaragua - Spacious Hotels With Indoor Pools

It was difficult to decide which city in Nicaragua should be included. There’s a fascinating history between Granada, Managua just above it and Leon to the far north. Leon and Granada have been rival cities for a long time, both vying to be Nicaragua’s cultural and political capital, which was what led to the neutral site of Managua being named the capital. What made us choose Granada, despite Leon’s excellent reputation and Managua’s growing tourism industry was the old-world beauty and solitude of Granada. A major colonial city, Granada has the classic cobblestone streets and brightly-lit buildings that make Latin America such a treasure. Like many must-see cities in Latin America, Granada has a cathedral from its colonial times that is quite exquisite. The hotels in the area are beautiful with spacious open-air flooring and indoor pools. There’s also a delectable Garden Cafe for you to dine at and a beautiful central park. Granada also lies on the northern coast of Lake Nicaragua and has many small islets you can visit by boat which are stunning and beautiful to see. Boat tours will take you carving through the small channels between the islands and snap some amazing pictures of their lush green shores. Some call them the Hollywood of Granada.

17 Montevideo, Uruguay - Under The Radar

As far as capital cities go, Montevideo is a fairly easy city to navigate considering that a large portion of Uruguay’s capital is condensed into this coastal city. Uruguay seems to be an under-the-radar destination for South American travelers. Typically, places like Brazil and Chile garner the most attention, but Uruguay has some wonderful experiences to offer any traveler. Because it’s easy to navigate, we recommend taking a walk along the Rambla, a stretch of road dividing the city from its dazzling beaches. You can use that to get anywhere from the suburbs all the way to the financial district. Another interesting destination is Mercado del Puerto. This steel structure was originally built to be a major market place for the area but has since evolved into a one-stop shop for not just market goods, but also tasty restaurants that serve mouthwatering local cuisine.

Of course, the beaches in Montevideo are a must-see stop, with some of the best being near old town.

The Museum of Fine Arts is also an excellent stop, but for a uniquely Uruguayan experience, we recommend visiting the Teatro Solís, one of South America’s largest theaters where you can see some spectacular plays, concerts, and operas.

16 Santiago, Chile - Bohemian  Neighborhoods

Situated in the center of the country, making it ideal for exploring Chile in its entirety, the city of Santiago de Chile (typically shortened to Santiago) is a sprawling mecca of Chilean culture. The city itself is picturesque against the backdrop of the snow-capped Andes where you can go skiing. The surrounding area is perfect for nature lovers who want to hike and soak in the fresh South American air. Life is vibrant in Santiago where cultural festivals of color and sound happen all the time...and flavor, if you’re lucky. Santiago is a city full of contrasting and diverse neighborhoods that blend together and give the major city a special flavor. However, one of the most beautiful and iconic neighborhoods in Santiago is Bellavista. Between the Mapocho River and San Cristóbal Hill is the barrio of Bellavista which is considered the bohemian neighborhood of Santiago and features many quality restaurants, boutiques, shops, art galleries, and clubs. The nightlife comes alive in Santiago, but even during the day, this beautiful neighborhood is perfect for strolling and exploring all that Chile has to offer. Other neighborhoods of note include Providencia and Las Condes which appeal to a richer taste and house some of the grandest hotels and restaurants in the city.

15 Malabo, Equatorial Guinea - Thinking Outside The Box

Because these lists are compiled of prompts that attempt to reach specific audiences and encourage you to both think outside the box about your next vacation as well as find the exact kind of trip for you, we tend to double dip from time to time. We’ll carry over a city from one list that we just can’t leave off another. We don’t copy the entry word for word, but sometimes, a place just works too well to be left off. So, we included the port city of Malabo from a former list. Malabo makes this list because it’s the only entry that represents Africa. Most of the other cities are either in the Americas or in Europe, but Spanish is the official language of Equatorial Guinea and Malabo is the capital city, at least for now .

Located on the northern tip of the island of Biko just off of Africa’s western coast lies the city of Malabo, a city draped in European influence and styled with colonial architecture.

Not only does it have Spanish and Portuguese influences, but the city also has a strong French influence, which makes it perfect for dining on French cuisine. You can also explore the Pico Basile National Park just south of the main city.

14 Caracas, Venezuela - Ocean Proximity

Like many of the cities on this list, Caracas is a capital city. Therefore, it has many of the attractions and amenities that make traveling and sightseeing a delightful experience. Caracas and Venezuela, in general, tend to fall under the radar when it comes to being a tourist destination. Many people tend to overlook Venezuela with Brazil and Colombia to the south, but Venezuela is a beautiful country, and its capital city is a lovely sample of that beauty.

Situated just a stone’s throw away from the Caribbean sea, the city is nestled under the lush green mountain sides of Mount Avila. This mountain lies inside of a national park which we recommend you visit for the hiking and the view.

You can take a cable car from the base of the city up into the smoky hills and see an aerial view of the skyline. The valley here is considered irregular because of its proximity to the ocean, but it makes Caracas unique because you can enjoy the sunny warm Caribbean sun while the high altitude of the city cools off the hot air. In the city itself, we recommend you check out the colonial architecture so iconic to Venezuela, the most prominent being what you will find in Plaza Bolivar where many of the city’s famous buildings are.

13 Buenos Aires, Argentina - The Paris Of South America

Buenos Aires is one of the most culturally-diverse cities in South America, one that features a unique mixture of influences from both Europe and South America. Some say the ambiance of the downtown area is reminiscent of the French cafes in Paris, earning the city a reputation as being the Paris of South America. For those who enjoy sipping coffee in the downtown streets of a sprawling metropolis, it can’t get much better than Buenos Aires. Situated at the western shore of Rio de la Plata, Buenos Aires has a number of activities for any traveler. Soccer matches (or football, if you prefer) at the famous stadiums Boca Juniors and River Plate are a must for those looking for a special Argentinian experience. Another special Argentinean experience is strolling through La Boca, the capital neighborhood along the waterfront. It’s there that you’ll find Vuelta de Rocha, a triangular plaza where Caminito begins, an area full of colorful and vibrant murals and glimmering metal houses that shine in the sun. Buenos Aires is also a perfect destination for those who love the nightlife as this city is considered as one of the best when it comes to late nights of dancing and drinking. The city has many nightclubs open into the early hours of the morning.

12 Asuncion, Paraguay - Off The Beaten Path

There are some underrated cities in South America, and it’s not necessarily anyone’s fault. The climate in South America has been volatile in the recent history of the world and many travelers are weary of veering too far off the beaten path, so they stick to the places they know like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro (for those of you wondering why there’s no Brazil on this list, they speak Portuguese there).

Asuncion, Paraguay is one of the greatest victims of tourist hesitation in South America, and because it’s landlocked and right on the Argentinian border, most people don’t think about visiting Paraguay’s capital. However, the city is starting to gain some traction with the traveling community.

Located along the eastern bank of the Paraguayan River, Asuncion is one of South America’s oldest cities. Many of the original buildings are crumbling colonial style and are really amazing to behold. This is a great city to explore by foot starting with the Democracy Plaza where locals and younger visitors tend to congregate. In that same area, you’ll find the Panteón Nacional de los Héroes, which houses many former presidents and pays tribute to fallen warriors. The presidential palace is also a beautiful building to visit.

11 Barahona, Dominican Republic - One Of The Most Isolated

Along the southwestern coast of the Dominican Republic, you’ll find an entry on our list that holds a special place in this countdown. Many of the cities on this list are capitals with sprawling metropolitan areas, thick dense crowds, and more tourist attractions than you could see in a week, much less a day. Others are cultural havens and national heritage sites teeming with history and old-world energy. There is a romantic air about Spanish-speaking cities. Perhaps the language itself lends to it, but the energy can be tiring. So many people flock to be a part of it that Barahona makes our list because it not only lacks many of the major historical and cultural landmarks of other entries on this list, but because it’s one of the more isolated places on this list, and we always like to feature one or two of those for the readers who enjoy peace and quiet off the beaten path. You go to Barahona for the beaches. Weather it’s El Quemaito or San Rafael, the beaches here are some of the best, especially if you enjoy surfing or boogie boarding. The coast has earned a reputation as being the Deep South of the Dominican Republic as well as the Pearl. And you know that anything that has earned more than one nickname has does something right. This place also has some delicious seasonal seafood that definitely can’t be missed.

10 Guadalajara, Mexico - For All You Art Lovers

This city in the east of central Mexico is sometimes referred to as Mexico’s Second City. That isn't just because it’s the second largest city in the country, but more so because the city of Guadalajara is famous for being the birthplace of some of the most iconic aspects of Mexican culture. Another aspect of the city that makes it such a hotspot to visit in Mexico is that it perfectly blends the modern technology of today with the stunning history of Mexico without missing a beat.

You can walk through the city and soak up the beautiful European-inspired architecture at places like the historical and cultural centers, as well as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Spread out all across the city are stunning pieces of art by one of Mexico’s most famous artists, José Clemente Orozco.

His works give the city a unique style that is a must-see for art lovers. Guadalajara is also home to one of Mexico’s largest market places. Mercado Libertad is a great chance to live and breathe the city. As for its significance in Mexico’s cultural history, Guadalajara is the capital city of Jalisco which is the home of tequila. Just outside of Guadalajara, you’ll find the quaint town of Santiago de Tequila where you’ll see the beautiful blue agave fields and can sample some of the highest-quality tequila in the world.

9 Arequipa, Peru - Unique (Mouth-Watering) Flavors

We’re starting to see a common thread among these gorgeous picturesque cities and the images of volcanoes and mountains set in the backdrop. Arequipa, Peru is no exception, surrounded by three dormant volcanoes. In fact, much of the gorgeous European-inspired architecture of the city’s old town are made from volcanic rocks, which give the buildings that unique chalky complexion. While there is wonderful Lima along the northern coast and the stunning Cusco not far away, Arequipa has earned itself the distinguished reputation of being the most beautiful city in the country. There are many breathtaking cathedrals and monasteries to visit in the city, one of the most popular being the beautiful red Santa Catalina Monastery, or the wonderful arches of Yanahuara. To get to Yanahuara, you can take a fresh scenic walk along the River Chili and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.

While the usual Peruvian dishes are available and delectable in this city, Arequipa also has some delicious Indian-inspired dishes with that unique curry flavor that is so mouthwatering.

Arequipa garners so much international attention as a travel destination because of its proximity to the Chilean border and the famous Colca Canyon where you can see majestic condors take flight. It’s possible to do this in a day, but it’s better to take a few to really appreciate the beauty.

8 Madrid, Spain - Do We Need To Say More?

What list of go-to Spanish cities around the world would be complete without the capital city of Spain itself? Every single city on this list has been touted for its beauty and splendor, its colonial architecture, and Spanish influence, so we decided to include the city where all of that influence originated from. Madrid is not only the capital of Spain, but it is also one of the largest cities in the European Union when it comes to population, so you know you’re going to get that big city experience here. Its art and museums rival the best in the continent. The best of these great destinations is the Prado, one of the world’s most famous art museums. There, you will find works by some of Spain’s most famous artists such as Goya and Velazquez. Another stunning sight within walking distance of the Prado is the Retiro Park where you can see the lush overgrowth of swamp trees and cypresses along the Grand Pond. For buildings, the Royal Palace is a must for all visitors. The palace also holds a royal collection of art. Another building to visit, not for history but for entertainment, is the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. That is where one of the world’s most iconic soccer clubs plays, Real Madrid.

7 Havana, Cuba - Colors, Colors And More Colors

Cuba has a unique rich flavor all to its own. It’s hard to say what the exact combination could be–the tropical island beaches, warm water, the open-air bars and dancing, the colorful cars, and old mission-style buildings–but

you’ll recognize that Cuban flavor when you see it, and nothing epitomizes the flavors of Cuba quite like its capital and port city of Havana.

In the past, the relationship between Cuba and America made it difficult for the country to truly benefit from the tourism industry. Although it’s a perfect place to travel and spend time away from the world, it wasn’t always easy to get there. Things change and relationships evolve, and now it’s easier than ever to experience Havana. For exploring the city, we recommend visiting the former presidential palace constructed in that late 1910’s and now a Museum of Revolution, perfect for learning about a different political system and culture. One of Havana’s most iconic locations is the seaside strip known as Malecon where many travelers go to see the colorful seaside buildings and bask in the beautiful coastline. It’s a place where many poets, writers, and general lovers of life love to frequent. And you can actually ride in those vintage colorful cars because many taxi companies use them.

6 Maracaibo, Venezuela - Massive Aqua Park

Maracaibo is Venezuela’s second largest city and rests on the western shore of the straight which connects the Gulf of Venezuela to Lake Maracaibo. The city is a sprawling metropolis but not nearly as overwhelming in size and things to do as somewhere like Mexico City or Barcelona. Still, there are plenty of historical sites you can visit, including the Santa Barbara Church where you’ll find a plaza that’s home to the Virgin of Chiquinquira, a 60-foot-tall marble statue. The plaza is also surrounded by many other stunning works of art. There is also the San Carlos Castle built right on the shoreline which provides a perfect photo opportunity to catch crashing waves in the foreground of the main castle.

An interesting attraction in Maracaibo is a result of the tropical weather. The Aquaventure Water Park is one of the most entertaining in all of Latin America and one so famous that it makes most lists of things to do when visiting the city.

That alone speaks to its popularity in a city with so much going on. Lake Maracaibo itself is something that needs to be seen. It’s considered one of the largest lakes in Latin America, as well as one of the oldest in the world.

5 Antigua, Guatemala - The Cuisine

Compared to Guatemala’s capital, Guatemala City, the small town of Antigua is relatively small, but it’s one of those places you that just have to go to if you want a full immersion into another culture and another world. Not only that. Because the entire town is a heritage site, the experience is more akin to traveling back in time to visit another world entirely. The rich extravagant Spanish-influenced architecture of the town is alive and well and makes up a majority of the buildings. The faces are painted a rich yellow, and strolling through them will give you the impression of living in another time. Like many other cities on this list, Antigua is set against the romantic and incredibly photogenic image of a looming misty mountain. For Antigua, that would be the Volcan de Agua, and you can’t take a picture of the city without including its beautiful neighbor.

One fun activity that sets Antigua apart and makes it a unique travel destination is the cuisine. In fact, cuisine is such an important part of the culture that you can find a number of cooking classes deigned for foreigners to take.

There’s nothing more culturally immersive than learning the tastes and styles of food firsthand from the locals themselves.

4 Ambergris Caye, Belize - One Of The Most Breathtaking Views In The World

There might be some of you out there reading this list and getting sick of beautiful cityscapes and looming mountains ranges in the background. You might be rolling your eyes each time you read about another old-world city with beautiful architecture. And if you read one more thing about amazing cuisine or cultural beauty, you’re going to close the page. Although we can’t imagine anyone getting sick of any of the beautiful cities, we included Ambergris Caye on this list because it’s got something a little different than most of the other cities on this list. Ambergris Caye is an island right of the eastern shore of the small country of Belize. It has all of the beauty of a Caribbean Island but with much more of a South American flavor. Anything you want to do on a beach can be done. Snorkeling, diving, fishing, lounging, you name it. And south of the islands, you’ll find the Belize barrier reef which is one of the most breathtaking views in the world, the second largest coral reef system in the world . And while you may find all of the joys of island living while on Ambergris Caye, you can also visit some ancient Mayan ruins (sorry, we had to; Latin America’s history is too cool).

3 Quito, Ecuador - Located Near One Of The World's Largest Active Volcanoes

The capital city of Ecuador, Quinto has one of the highest elevations for any capital in the world which speaks to the diversity of the land since the country is also located near the equator and the city is fairly close to the Pacific Coast. In the eastern slopes of the Andes, Quinto is located in Guayllabamba river basin.

It’s also situated near one of the world’s largest active volcanoes in Cotopaxi, which can be seen on a crystal clear day looming over the skyline with snow tops. Visiting Quinto allows travelers a jumping-off point for anyone who wants to explore the country in its entirety.

One of the biggest attractions to Ecuador is the Galapagos Islands that are world-famous for their unique biodiversity. For things to do inside the actual city, Old Town provides the ambiance of old Ecuador frozen in time. This national heritage site has beautiful winding cobblestone walkways that undulate with the hills and dazzling colonial-style architecture infused with the vibrant energy of Ecuador. Old Town also has many shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore. And because of its unique location, you can travel to the center of the world and take a tour of the local museum educating visitors about the line which divides the hemispheres. A fun thing to do is getting a passport stamp for the trip.

2 San Juan, Puerto Rico - Decade-Old Streets

San Juan, Puerto Rico may feel a little bit like a cheat to some of you out there. Yeah, sure, they use kilometers for distance and liters for gas or Spanish as their language, but it is an American territory and you can use the dollar there. Even still, San Juan is every bit a Spanish-speaking city as the rest on the list, so you can breathe a sigh of relief on this one and go enjoy the beaches and beautiful colonial architecture of the city. The port and capital of the island of Puerto Rico has some really neat forts, some of the most attractive in the Caribbean. In Old San Juan, you’ll find both the Castillo San Cristobal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Both are exquisite and dripping with historical intrigue. Old Town itself is a scenic place to stroll through since most of the buildings and streets have been preserved throughout the decades to maintain that old time feeling. Of course, San Juan also has some really nice beaches for you to lay out on and soak in the sun. Other than that, it also has a great nightlife full of dancing and fun bars to visit. We also recommend a banana boat ride or a visit to the bio-luminescent bay. At night, the bay comes alive with tiny organisms which glow a bright neon when they come into contact with objects. At night, it’s really something to see, and it’s also been named the brightest lagoon in the world.

1 Barcelona, Spain - Spanish Designs

You can’t simply visit one city in Spain and say you’ve experienced all the country has to offer. Barcelona may perhaps be just as big of a traveling destination as the capital of Madrid. While Madrid is centrally located within Spain, Barcelona lies along the eastern coast of the country facing the Mediterranean.

It’s one of the most visited cities in the world because of its vibrant city, festivals, architecture, and atmosphere, so seeing the city and visiting in its entirety can be fairly difficult to accomplish. Still, for such a big city, Barcelona is a perfect place for those of you who like to roam and explore on foot.

The sights you should keep an eye out for include the Ciutadella Park where you can find zoos, museums, and sprawling green landscapes. Another thing to look out for is the amazing architecture. A style of note are the buildings designed by famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí who has a unique one-of-a-kind style that continues to dazzle locals and visitors to this day. One of his most notable works is the Sagrada Família temple. A similar experience to the one we recommended in Madrid would be seeing yet another iconic Spanish soccer club. FC Barcelona plays at Camp Nou in the eastern area of the city.

The 7 Best Spanish Speaking Countries To Visit (and the WORST)

We ranked the worst and the best spanish speaking countries to visit (other than spain). here is it..

PS: After reading this interesting article about Spanish speaking countries to visit, check also our Youtube channel .

During my career in the transportation and tourism industry (a career that now spans over more than a decade), I was lucky to travel to over 50 countries.

Many of those were Spanish speaking – something convenient for me since it is one of the languages that I am fluent in.

And maybe it is exactly the language one of the reasons why so many people look specifically for countries that speak Spanish when planning holidays.

But the familiar official language and familiar language is not the only attraction that the former colonies of the Spanish empire have to offer. From Machu Picchu to Chichen Itza and Mayan ruins, from the Andes mountains to the Caribbean sea and some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, traveling to a Spanish-speaking country means natural beauty at the touch of your hands.

All that while you can put your language skills to work and improve your Spanish.

In this rank we didn’t include Spain since it is already covered by many other pieces we published, and Puerto Rico, which is not really a country. 

But before we jump to the list, it is important to revise the criteria that we used to rank the top Spanish-speaking travel destinations.

The Criteria to Rank the Best Spanish-Speaking Countries to Visit

We used 4 factors to rank the best Spanish-speaking countries for your next vacation.

1st – The number of international tourists each country receives per year.

The number of international tourist arrivals per year is a good proxy statistic to measure the touristic infrastructure and attractiveness of a country because it is a measure of how many people are interested in visiting a country.

• It is a measure of demand:  The number of tourist arrivals is a measure of how many people want to visit a country. If a country receives millions of visitors every month, it is likely a nice place to visit (unless it is really overcrowded).
• It is a measure of supply: This is a good indicator of the availability of tourism attractions and services (like hotels and transportation) in a country.
• It is a measure of satisfaction:  The number of tourist arrivals is also a measure of the satisfaction of tourists with their experience, especially when we consider recurring travelers (those that come back after their first visit).

While there are exceptions to this rule, a higher number of international tourist arrivals indicates that a country has a more developed tourist infrastructure and is more attractive to tourists.

2nd – The Numbeo Cost Index

The Numbeo cost index is a tool that helps travelers compare the cost of living in different cities around the world. The index is based on a survey of prices for goods and services in different cities, and it is updated regularly.

The Numbeo cost of living index is useful for travelers because it can help them to budget for their trip. By knowing how much things cost in their destination city, travelers can avoid overspending. The index can also help travelers choose a city that is within their budget.

The index uses as a basis the costs of New York City in the US, which has a baseline number of 100. So if a given nation or city has an index of 50, it means its prices are in average 50% of the price you would expect in New York. 

Talking about costs, we have 2 very good articles for anyone interested in saving money while traveling: one is about the cheapest cities to fly into Europe and the other is about 3 inexpensive (but wonderful) cities to visit in Europe during winter .

3rd – The Homicide Rate

The homicide rate (sourced from Statista ) is a good proxy statistic to measure violence because it is a relatively easy statistic to collect and it is a good indicator of the overall level of violence in a country. It is represented by the number of homicides per 100,000 people in a country. 

While there are exceptions (eg: countries that have a very high number of assaults or burglaries but almost no homicides), in general, a higher homicide rate indicates that a country is more violent.

And let’s admit: nobody wants to spend holidays worrying about safety.

If you want to know some really dangerous cities, check our articles about the most dangerous cities in Europe and about the most violent city in each of these 18 European countries .

Table with all the data collected

4th – the personal opinion of the author after travelling to these countries.

I had been to the majority of the countries ranked below . While numbers, statistics, and other factual data are often useful to paint a general scenario of a certain holiday, human reviews are still important.

That is why we often check the opinions of other guests and customers when selecting a hotel, for example.

Of course, my opinion is not the most important factor here, but only one of the 4 that compose this entire analysis, and I am open to any criticism or disagreement (feel free to write it in the comment section).

And talking about personal opinions, check later this article about the most (and the LEAST) beautiful European capitals .

The Worst Spanish-Speaking Country to Visit in 2023: Venezuela

Check the third column in the table a few paragraphs above. A generally acceptable number there is below 20. A desirable number would be in the single-digit.

But pay attention to the whooping value for Venezuela.

This once rich and prosperous South American country is now one of the most violent in the entire world.

Venezuela is violent. It became so dangerous that the number of murders and kidnaps in this country would make war zones look peaceful .

Still, even violent countries like Mexico manage to keep relatively peaceful zones that are attractive for international travelers (the touristic hotspots of Mexico are way safer than the rest of the country, except for Acapulco).

But this is not the case in Venezuela. If the enormous violence was not enough, the country went downhill in many other aspects. 

The infrastructure in Venezuela is also in a state of decay. The country’s roads, bridges, and airports are in poor condition. There are also frequent power outages and water shortages. The decaying infrastructure makes it difficult to get around Venezuela and to access basic necessities.

In addition to the high homicide rate and decaying infrastructure, there are other reasons why Venezuela is a bad place to visit. Currency controls, for example, make it difficult to change back to US dollar any Bolivar that you didn’t use during your trip.

The 7 Best Spanish-Speaking Countries to Visit

7th – the dominican republic.

Number of international tourists per year: 7.4 million

Reasons why the Dominican Republic deserves a place in this ranking:

• Beautiful beaches:  The Dominican Republic has some of the most beautiful beaches on the continent. I had been to the white-sand beaches of Punta Cana, and it is really world-class (that explains why so many wealthy pensioners often chose this place ).
• Friendly people:  Dominicans are known for their warm hospitality and friendly smiles. You will be welcomed with open arms wherever you go.
• Affordable prices if you are traveling with a family:  The Dominican Republic is a very affordable travel destination for families. Local resorts have special packages for couples with kids, and the little ones will have plenty of entertainment. It is also a great honeymoon destination. 

In addition to all of these reasons, the Dominican Republic also has a unique Spanish dialect that is worth experiencing. Dominican Spanish is known for its fast pace and its use of slang. If you are a Spanish speaker, you will have a lot of fun trying to understand the locals.

If you are looking for a beautiful, friendly, and well-connected by-air destination, the Dominican Republic is a great option.

6th – El Salvador

Number of international tourists per year: 2.5 million

Despite its turbulent history and decades of civil war (something already on the past), El Salvador has made significant strides in recent years to enhance its tourism sector and attract visitors from around the world.

Notably, El Salvador has experienced a significant decrease in violence over the past two years. This positive trend has contributed to creating a safer environment for both residents and visitors, allowing tourists to explore the country’s attractions with a greater sense of security.  We wrote an entire article about the fantastic decrease in criminality in El Salvador .

One of the primary reasons to visit El Salvador is its stunning natural landscapes. The country is blessed with picturesque beaches along its Pacific coastline, which is renowned among surfers for their consistent waves.

Inland, the country offers lush national parks like El Imposible, providing opportunities for wildlife encounters and nature enthusiasts.

El Salvador’s rich cultural heritage is another compelling reason to explore the country. Its charming colonial towns, such as Suchitoto and Concepcion de Ataco, offer visitors a glimpse into the nation’s history, with well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and colorful houses.

El Salvador has its own distinct Spanish dialect, known as Salvadoran Spanish. Compared to some other Spanish-speaking countries, Salvadoran Spanish is considered relatively straightforward and easy to understand for learners, making it an ideal place for language enthusiasts to practice their Spanish skills.

5th – Peru

Number of international tourists per year: 4.5 million

One of the main draws of Peru is its archaeological treasures, notably the legendary Machu Picchu. This ancient Inca citadel nestled in the Andes Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the World’s New Seven Wonders.

Despite having a gorgeous coastline, the amount of cultural attractions in Peru makes it one of the great destinations for people that hate beaches .

Peru’s cities also offer a unique charm.

• Lima, the capital , showcases a fusion of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and a vibrant culinary scene. The Peruvian capital has Michelin-star restaurants enough to rival any European capital.
• Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, boasts cobblestone streets, Inca ruins, and a lively atmosphere.
• Other cities like Arequipa and Trujillo feature stunning colonial architecture and historical sites that highlight Peru’s rich past.
• If you are a surfer, a must-see is the wavy, sandy beaches situated just south of Máncora.

The Peruvian accent is generally considered clear and easy to understand, making it favorable for language learners. Peruvians are also known for their friendly and warm approach, making interactions with locals a delightful experience.

4th – Chile

Number of international tourists per year: 7.2 million

One of the main reasons to visit Chile is its breathtaking natural landscapes, from Patagonia in the south to the Atacama Desert in the north. It is also tops the list of the best countries to live in Latin America , and that says something.

Additionally, Chile boasts the awe-inspiring Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, with its majestic mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. The country also offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking and skiing (I learned to ski there, in the resort of El Colorado, very close to the capital Santiago).

Since many of our readers wanted to know more about this country, we wrote an entire article about living in Chile . But now, let’s open space for some polemics: if you are still in the first stages of learning Spanish,  maybe Chile is not the best place for you. Not at least to practice your Spanish.

Chilean Spanish is characterized by its rapid speech, unique pronunciation, and a variety of local slang words and expressions. Chileans often use distinctive vocabulary and pronunciation, making their Spanish dialect, not the easiest to understand. For example, they tend to drop the final “s” in words and use specific idiomatic phrases.

3rd – Costa Rica

Number of international tourists per year: 3.1 million

Probably there is no country in the world that mastered the art of harnessing tourism for beneficial purposes while conserving its natural landscape like them. Yes, in this matter, Costa Rica is really an example to be followed.

In addition to its natural beauty and language, Costa Rica is committed to sustainable tourism and conservation. The country has dedicated a significant portion of its land to protected areas, ensuring the preservation of its unique ecosystems. Visitors have the opportunity to engage in eco-friendly activities, such as rainforest hikes, wildlife tours, and educational experiences that promote environmental awareness.

Costa Rica also became a place to go for digital nomads due to the low costs.

Costa Ricans, commonly referred to as “Ticos,” have a friendly and welcoming nature, and their Spanish dialect reflects that. Tico Spanish is characterized by a gentle and melodic rhythm, with a tendency to use diminutives and colloquial expressions. Compared to other Spanish-speaking countries it is generally considered clear and easy to understand for learners.

2nd – Mexico

Number of international tourists per year: 39.6 million.

Mexico is one of the most visited countries in the world. That statement is self-explanatory when we debate how attractive is this country for your next holidays.

Since in this ranking we are not considering Spain, likely many readers would expect Mexico to top the list, so instead of writing about all the obvious strong points of Mexico as a popular travel destination, we will explain why it took the 2nd, and not the first place.

In the most touristy zones of Mexico, likely will not hear much of the Spanish language. You can have a great time visiting Cancun, Tulum, or the ancient Mayan ruins in the middle of the jungle but it is not the best place to practice your language skills. Mexico also attracts expatriates willing to retire abroad , especially from the US.

That was my experience at least. Since every service in the hotel zone of Cancun is targeted at American and other foreign tourists, nearly everyone speaks English and most things are written in English.

Additionally, due to its proximity to the US, Mexico is not really a cheap place to visit during the high season – especially if we compare Mexico versus the first place in this ranking, which is incredibly inexpensive .

Concerning safety, Mexico has had its share of security challenges in certain areas ( we wrote about the Mexican murder capitals here ), particularly near the border. However, popular tourist destinations and cities that heavily rely on tourism, such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Los Cabos, have well-established security measures in place, making them relatively safe for travelers. These areas often have a significant police presence and prioritize the safety of visitors.

The Best Spanish-Speaking Country to Visit in 2023: Argentina

Number of international tourists per year: 7.6 million per year.

Stunning landscapes, epic architecture in the capital Buenos Aires, and some seriously delicious food. From the mind-blowing glaciers in Patagonia to the insane Iguazu Falls (I spent part of my honeymoon there!), this country ( once an escape for war criminals ) will leave you speechless.

And I say that as a Brazilian (we were supposed to have some rivalry with our Argentinian neighbors, but I will not deny that their country is gorgeous).

The food, the landscape, the culture… all that would be enough to put Argentina in this top 7.

But here is what really raised them to the 1st place: it is ridiculously cheap to visit Argentina right now.  Their currency is  very devaluated against the dollar or euro.

Due to the devaluation of the Argentine peso, the country and its capital Buenos Aires have become incredibly affordable destinations for international travelers. With the exchange rate favoring foreign currencies, visitors can enjoy excellent value for their money.

This means that accommodation, dining, transportation, and entertainment can be more budget-friendly compared to other destinations. It is your chance to stay in a 4* star hotel for the price of a hostel bed in Europe .

Argentina is a huge country and therefore has multiple dialects. In the capital Buenos Aires, it is characterized by its unique pronunciation and vocabulary, influenced by Italian and European immigrants who settled there. Meanwhile, in areas like Misiones, it carries indigenous influences.

If you enjoyed this article about travel spots where Spanish is the official language, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

The 7 Countries With The Worst Work-Life Balance in The OECD

The Best Cities for Remote Workers in 2023

Levi Borba is the founder of   The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of  the channel The Expat , and  best-selling author . Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transactions.

Related Posts

Floripa: the best place for expats to live in south america in 2023.

How Much Is the Average Salary in Poland in 2023?

Homesickness While Living Abroad: Read If You Feel Homesick

The Ultimate Moving Abroad Checklist For Expat Relocation (2023)

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Subscribe ( for free! ) and you'll get the ebook 20 Essential Hacks for Saving Money While Travelling.

Learn how to save up to 74% on your next international trip!

All 25 Spanish-Speaking Countries, From Worst to First

25 best spanish-speaking countries.

The Hispanic culture can be exciting — the food, the colorful art and the rhythmic tunes that urge you to dance. Plus, many of the countries where Spanish is the predominant language are found in warm-weather destinations, often filled with wide, sandy beaches, palm trees and heavily forested mountains.

Combining the culture and the scenery is enough to make anyone want to travel to these Spanish-speaking countries. So, it got us thinking: Which ones are the best?

Looking at the 21 countries where Spanish is the official language plus four where it is a majority and strong minority language, we ranked these 25 Spanish-speaking countries from worst to first based on a variety of factors. Like the fact that some places simply aren't safe, while others are beyond fabulous for their cuisine, natural surroundings and attractions. This way you know exactly where and where not to put your language skills to the test. (Don't hate us.)

25. United States

Capital: Washington, D.C.

Area: 3.8 million square miles

Population: 382.2 million 

Number of Spanish Speakers: 41 million

Number of Visitors: 76.9 million

How the United States Compares

Of course, the national language of the United States isn't Spanish, but tell that to the 41 million people in the country that speak it. Nearly 40 percent of Californians, 30 percent of Texans, 25 percent of New York City alone and 20 percent of Floridians speak Spanish — with a whopping 60 percent of Miami's population fluent in the language. Miami even holds the nickname "Latin American Capital."

Plus, Puerto Rico, a territory of the U.S., is a Spanish-speaking island in the Caribbean. Turquoise waves lapping against beaches, historic districts that predate the U.S. and lush rainforests ripe for adventure are actually pretty darn great and should land the island higher on the list, but the U.S. hasn't done a very good job of helping the island recover from Hurricane Maria, which hit in 2017 and cost $90 billion in damage. It's bouncing back but isn't 100 percent yet.

So, ranking the U.S. above countries where Spanish is the native language seems laughable — especially when this is the same country that suggested building a wall between it and its Spanish-speaking neighbor, Mexico. Sorry, U.S., but you're really the worst for anyone looking to get an authentic taste of that Hispanic flavor.

24. Venezuela

Capital: Caracas

Area: 353,841 square miles

Population: 28.9 million 

Number of Spanish Speakers: 21.5 million

Number of Visitors: 429,000

How Venezuela Compares

Venezuela has not been the most stable country in recent years. Two presidents claimed they controlled the country. One of them was charged by the U.S. for drug trafficking, civil unrest and military brutality, corruption, crime and drugs. These are not selling points.

Even before the pandemic hit, the South American country was listed on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" list.  It doesn't help that the capital city, Caracas, has one of the highest murder rates for a major city in the world.

23. Equatorial Guinea

Capital: Malabo

Area: 10,830 square miles

Population: 1.3 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 878,000

Number of Visitors: Data unavailable

How Equatorial Guinea Compares

Twenty years ago, Equatorial Guinea struck it rich with the discovery of oil. Rather than use the money to build up the African nation the way the United Arab Emirates did in the Middle East, the leaders of the nation pocketed the wealth through money laundering and corruption.

This has left the Sub-Saharan country poor. No wonder it is the sixth least-visited country in the world.

22. Bolivia

Capital: Sucre

Area: 424,200 square miles

Population: 11.35 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 8.5 million

Number of Visitors: 1.13 million

How Bolivia Compares

The political scene has been a mess in Bolivia since 2019, and human rights are struggling. In August 2020, the embassy alerted Americans, asking them to avoid the country due to ongoing demonstrations.

That's really a shame because the South American country is an underrated hiking destination and is considered the "Tibet of South America."

21. El Salvador

Capital: San Salvador

Area: 8,124 square miles

Population: 6.42 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 6.4 million

Number of Visitors: 2.6 million

How El Salvador Compares

The 1970s and '80s were not kind to Latin America where coup after coup seemed par for the course. For decades, travelers were a bit put off about visiting, and countries had to work to regain trust.

That's not hard to do in El Salvador, where you'd be amazed to discover it has its own "Pompeii" in Ceren, a town buried for 1,400 years beneath volcanic ash. There are also Mayan pyramids, dormant volcanoes with crater lakes and cities with lower crime rates than some American cities.

So why is El Salvador not higher on our list? This year's "attempted coup" the current president was accused of gives us flashbacks.

20. Dominican Republic

Capital: Santo Domingo

Area: 18,704 square miles

Population: 10.65 million 

Number of Spanish Speakers: 10 million

Number of Visitors: 6.5 million

How Dominican Republic Compares

The Dominican Republic (DR) was a real hot spot for tourism. Punta Cana alone is filled with beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts with excursions into the nearby jungles for ziplining and ATV adventures.

And, hey, we were right there with the rest of them loving the Caribbean nation — that is until tourists began dying mysterious deaths . All signs pointed to drugged drinks that left travelers passed out in their hotel rooms to be robbed. As a result, the U.S. State Department’s 2019 travel advisory designated the country as a Level 2 destination, advising visitors to “exercise increased caution.”

All of this resulted in the DR's tourism numbers dropping by 80 percent, leading the nation to work harder on making travel safer. And that's a good thing because World Heritage Sites such as the charming Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, along with Parque Nacional del Este, are must-see travel spots. The white-sand beaches of Punta Cana are also begging for your bare feet to take a stroll, and the quieter, less-visited La Romana area can provide some serious R&R. 

19. Colombia

Capital: Bogota

Area: 440,800 square miles

Population: 49.7 million 

Number of Spanish Speakers: 46 million

Number of Visitors: 2 million

How Colombia Compares

Colombia once led the world in having the most kidnappings, scaring off any potential traveler who heard of rebels fighting in the jungles and drug cartels making it a very dangerous country. But the FARC Rebels and the Colombian government made peace, and kidnappings have fallen by 92 percent since 2000.

Colombia is working hard to redeem itself, and tour groups are entering the rainforests once again to explore. The walled city of Cartegena is deemed safe — just stay inside and enjoy the more traditional Colombian hospitality amidst the cobblestoned streets and colorful buildings that date back to the 16th century. You can even enjoy the Caribbean Sea beaches from the city as well.

Travelers have caught on that Colombia is a place to be, with tourism in Colombia growing by more than 260 percent since 2002. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, travel to Colombia increased by nearly 10 percent in 2015 alone.

18. Paraguay

Capital: Asunción

Area: 157,050 square miles

Population: 6.96 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 6.05 million

Number of Visitors: 1.18 million

How Paraguay Compares

Until 1989, Paraguay was not a democratic country. [Insert scary South American dictator name here.] The corruption that came with democracy was embarrassing and reached the top. Two different presidents were indicted for corruption.

But fast-forward three decades, and the country is truly thriving. The landlocked nation is home to South America's second-largest river, the Paraguay River, and acre upon acre of rainforests that are filled with jungle wildlife and make ecological travel a driver for tourists.

Show them how it's done, Paraguay!

18. Honduras

Capital: Tegucigalpa

Area: 43,533 square miles

Population: 9.6 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 9.3 million

Number of Visitors: 865,000

How Honduras Compares

In Spanish, Honduras translates into "great depths," and boy, does Honduras have depth.

It received this name from Christopher Columbus for the great depths in the waters off its coasts, translating into modern-day superb diving locales. The country is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef in the world, and people come from around the world to explore the sea in Utila, Roatan and Guanaja.

On land, there are uncrowded stretches of sandy beaches, Mayan ruins and nature parks just ready and waiting.

Capital: Havana

Area: 42,426 square miles

Population: 11.34 million 

Number of Spanish Speakers: 11 million

Number of Visitors: 4.8 million

How Cuba Compares

Apart from the long-standing ban on Americans traveling to Cuba that was only recently lifted (with many restrictions), you have a country that is stuck in time due to its politics. And that's a big part of its charm!

Here you can eat authentic Cuban food, salsa in the streets, swim in translucent aquamarine water and bring money to a grateful tourism industry that was once the jewel of the Caribbean. Plus, the classic cars from mid-century America slowly rolling down the streets in bold colors is hauntingly cool.

What's old is new again.

Capital: Mexico City

Area: 761,600 square miles

Population: 126.2 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 119.89 million

Number of Visitors: 13 million

How Mexico Compares

One of the most popular destinations for American travelers is just south of the border in Mexico. Here, Cancun, the Riveria Maya and Puerto Vallarta are filled with all-inclusive resorts making a vacation simple: Eat, drink, enjoy the pools, water sports and nightly entertainment, and repeat.

Thankfully, there are also destinations near popular vacation spots that get you off the beaten path and give you a more authentic Mexican experience. One favorite is Riviera Nayarit outside of Puerto Vallarta, where Sayulita provides a Boho beach vibe.

And, if you skip the beach, Oaxaca is filled with ancient temples and is considered the gastronomic capital of Mexico. Mmm ... mole sauce!

14. Gibraltar

Capital: Gibraltar

Area: 2.625 square miles

Population: 34,000 

Number of Spanish Speakers: N/A but most bilingual

Number of Visitors: 11 million

How Gibraltar Compares

Gibraltar, of the famed rock (pictured), is a territory of Britain, but its location off of Spain lends to its Spanish-speaking population.

Forget the British, who only want this land to control the entryway into the Mediterranean. This was the land of the Moors or Spaniards, and the evidence of both are found across the very small territory.

Another neat "attraction?" Gibraltar boasts the only population of wild monkeys in Europe. (But be careful, they like to steal from backpacks!)

13. Andorra

Capital: Andorra la Vella

Area: 180.7 square miles

Population: 77,006

Number of Spanish Speakers: 53,904

Number of Visitors: 10 million

How Andorra Compares

It's small enough to fit inside of London three times, yet Andorra is filled with charm 10 times over.

Nestled between Spain and France, you'll find influences from both countries, including incredible food. Its Pyrennes Mountains location not only makes it the highest country capital in Europe, but it is also a skiing mecca with more than 180 miles of ski slopes.

Yes, it's secluded (there isn't an airport), but perhaps hiding away in the mountains with great food is why the country has one of the world's highest life expectancy rates?

12. Philippines

Capital: Manila

Area: 115,831 square miles

Population: 1.07 million 

Number of Spanish Speakers: 439,000

Number of Visitors: 7.1 million

How Philippines Compares

A fraction of the population of the Philippines speaks Spanish, but here's a fun fact: Spanish was the official language of the archipelagic nation until 1987, even though the people had won their independence back from the Spanish in 1565. Although the language was made unofficial, it is a voluntary and optional auxiliary language, and schools offer it as a subject. Still, its decline as a popular language is what keeps the Philippines out of the top 10.

But look at this picture! It alone is enough to highlight the pure awesomeness of the Philippines.

There are more than 7,600 islands that make up the country, and these are surrounded by beautiful aquamarine waters and topped with lush forests. Not only is it an outdoor lover's paradise, but its capital city is also a combination of modern skyscrapers coupled with colonial, baroque 16th-century architecture found within walled Old Manila.

11. Guatemala

Capital: Guatemala

Area: 42,042 square miles

Population: 17.25 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 11.21 million

Number of Visitors: 1.78 million

How Guatemala Compares

Often overlooked as a destination perhaps due to its Latin American location, it shouldn't be. Guatemala is one of the best countries to visit in Central America.

Why? How about more than 30 volcanoes — including the tallest in Central America — three different World Heritage sites, some nice beaches and the lush, jungles surrounding Lake Atitlan.

All of this with fewer tourists than other nearby countries? Yes, please!

14. Argentina

Capital: Buenos Aires

Area: 1.074 million square miles

Population: 44.49 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 44.05 million

Number of Visitors: 5.5 million

How Argentina Compares

Argentina's expansive country provides nature and city settings, sharing awe-inspiring Patagonia with Chile and featuring South America's most-visited city, Buenos Aires.

Catch a feisty hot tango, sample some of the best steak of your life at a Churrasco Argentino Parrilla and soak in the energy of the business capital that is Buenos Aires. Then, leave the city behind to see the glaciers, mountain peaks and scores of wild penguins at the southernmost tip of South America. 

Love, love, love!

Capital: Panama City

Area: 29,157 square miles

Population: 4.18 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 3.88 million

Number of Visitors: 1.8 million

How Getty Images Compares

Panama's canal makes it easy for ships to sail between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans without having to travel around Cape Horn. This timesaver has made Panama a big player in the business world. (The canal itself generates a third of the country's economy!)

Because of this, Panama City is a thriving city of ex-pats. But Panama is so much more than its capital. The San Blas Islands, for one, are ripe for diving, snorkeling and sailing adventures.

Capital: Belmopan

Area: 8,867 square miles

Population: 383,071

Number of Spanish Speakers: 114,921

Number of Visitors: 503,177 million

How Belize Compares

Other Spanish-speaking countries get far more visitors than tiny Central American Belize. This is great news because it means those who go get the uninterrupted beauty of a country committed to its natural surroundings.

The Belize Barrier Reef and the Great Blue Hole beckon divers with some of the world's best underwater scenery. On land, the landscape is made up of jungle and beaches with nearly 1,000 Mayan sites sprinkled about the country.

But because Belize was a British colony for 200 years, its official language is actually English, so it can't be in the top five.

7. Nicaragua

Capital: Managua

Area: 50,193 square miles

Population: 6.47 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 5.81 million

Number of Visitors: 1.96 million

How Nicaragua Compares

Poor Nicaragua. It's really misunderstood. Blame a revolution during which the government was overthrown by a dictator.

For more than a century, the country was off-limits, and its people were poorly treated.

Nicaragua quietly made a comeback, and it's almost a shame to share the secret that this is a backpacker's heaven. Surfers love it, too, especially for its unique volcano surfing. That's right, you can ride down the side of an ancient volcano on the fine, graveled slopes of Cerro Negro.

Capital: Santiago

Area: 292,260 square miles

Population: 18.73 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 18.6 million

Number of Visitors: 4.32 million

How Chile Compares

It's proximity to Antarctica plus the towering Andes Mountains and otherworldly Patagonia make this country a stunner.

With Antarctic travel on the rise, people have been pleasantly surprised by their time in Chile, which includes checking out more than 80 geysers at El Tatio, walking about a moonscape-like desert known as Valle de la Luna, hiking on the active and snow-covered Villarica volcano and visiting Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of the continent.

Capital: Lima

Area: 496,200 square miles

Population: 31.99 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 26.87 million

Number of Visitors: 4 million

How Peru Compares

What do you do when tourism increases 700 percent to your one-of-a-kind temple in the sky? Do you erect more hotels and turn it into a bigger-than-Disney attraction? Or do you put limitations on visitors?

The latter is exactly what Peru did in an attempt to save and preserve Machu Picchu. Since reaching 1.3 million visitors in 2013, the country has limited access to the site to 2,500 per day, tour groups must be 20 or fewer people, and just 500 permits for hikers are available. (More than half of the permits go to the guides and porters.)

Way to go, Peru!

4. Costa Rica

Capital: San Jose

Area: 19,730 square miles

Population: 4.99 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 3.49 million

Number of Visitors: 1.7 million

How Costa Rica Compares

There are just five places in the world designated Blue Zones, and Costa Rica is one of them.

Blue Zones are places where people live the longest, and it's easy to see why Costa Ricans fare so well. It's literally a tropical paradise, and the people are active and live off the land and sea.

Gorgeous rainforests covering rolling hills, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east ... no wonder so many want to visit (and often relocate to) this amazing country.

Capital: Quito

Area: 109,483 square miles

Population: 17.08 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 15.88 million

Number of Visitors: 3 million

How Ecuador Compares

How can anyone complain about a country that cares for its environs the way Ecuador does? This country on the Equator is home to the world-famous Galapagos.

Charles Darwin developed his theories of evolution on these islands that are both in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. This place is about as pristine as you can get — no invasive species, no development, just a clean environment that is home to an array of wildlife.

We should be thanking the Ecuadorians for taking such good care of the islands.

Capital: Montevideo

Area: 68,037 square miles

Population: 3.45 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 3.41 million

Number of Visitors: 3.9 million

How Uruguay Compares

It may be one of South America's smallest countries, but the humble people of Uruguay don't mind. Who needs the limelight when you're focused on caring for your people?

Not only is Uruguay the least corrupt of Latin American countries, but the country also sends more troops to support the United Nations than others, church and state are entirely separate, the government handed out free laptops to all of its students to improve education, and even one of its presidents was so humble he lived on a farm instead of a mansion and donated 90 percent of his salary to charity.

All we can say is ... wow!

Capital: Madrid

Area: 195,364 square miles

Population: 46.94 million

Number of Spanish Speakers: 46.47 million

Number of Visitors: 83.7 million

How Spain Compares

Why wouldn't the place that started it all be the best Spanish-speaking country? 

Spain is a fabulously beautiful country with delicious food and wine. And it offers so many choices of places to see and things to do. Will it be Barcelona's artistically inspired architecture, the cosmopolitan Madrid, the culture of Seville, the hiking trails in the mountains, a pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago, dancing until sunrise on the island of Ibiza?

Maybe the question should be what won't you do when you visit Spain.

Which Language Do You Want to Learn?

• Inside Babbel
• Babbel Bytes

ARTICLES ABOUT

Top spanish-speaking countries to visit that aren’t spain.

The best way to gain confidence in your ability to speak a new language is to practice with native speakers. And the best place to access native speakers is, of course, in a country where the language is widely spoken. Spain is already a very popular travel destination and the obvious choice in this scenario, so we decided to compile a list of other Spanish-speaking countries around the world where you can take your language skills for a test drive.

Traveling to Peru is all the rage lately, and with stunning attractions like Machu Picchu and a plethora of wildlife (like llamas!), this South American country’s popularity is no surprise. Peru is home to about 25 million Spanish speakers, so it’s a great place to practice your Spanish.

Located at the northern tip of South America, Colombia is known for its trendy cities, lush rainforests and delicious coffee. Approximately 46 million Colombians speak Spanish, making it the South American country with the most Spanish speakers.

This one isn’t technically a country, but rather a principality wedged between France and Spain and co-governed by their leaders (along with its own parliamentary democracy). Andorra is popular among tourists, mostly because of its high-quality ski resorts in the Pyrenees Mountains. Spanish is widely spoken in the country, though its official language is Catalan.

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

If you’re a nature lover, this trip is for you. Ecuador, a Spanish-speaking South American country located on the equator (hence the name), has it all: a Pacific coastline, a section of the Andes Mountains, a chunk of the Amazon and, perhaps most beautiful of all, the Galapagos Islands — a volcanic archipelago that’s home to an incredible amount of biodiversity.

Known primarily for its eponymous rock, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory situated just south of Spain at the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula. In addition to its gorgeous seaside cliffs, Gibraltar is known for being a tax haven (AKA paradise for shoppers and companies with offshore bank accounts). English is the official language of the British territory, but Spanish is widely spoken there due to its proximity to Spain.

Mexico has the largest population of Spanish speakers in the world — about 121 million native speakers. It’s also relatively affordable to visit, which makes it an ideal place to practice your Spanish skills. Whether you explore the history and culture of Mexico City or relax on the beaches of Cancun or Tulum, our neighbor to the south should certainly be on your travel radar.

The Philippines

When you think of Spanish-speaking countries, the Philippines probably doesn’t come to mind. But because the country was under Spanish rule from the 16th to 19th centuries, and Spanish was an official language there until 1987, you can find a significant number of Spanish speakers still there (about 3 million). Come for the Spanish practice, stay for the beaches — which are breathtaking.

This South American country has everything you could want in a vacation: historic cities, pristine beaches, sprawling vineyards and one of the liveliest Carnaval celebrations outside of Rio. Uruguay also has the distinction of being ranked on our list of the world’s most LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations. The vast majority of the country’s population speaks Spanish — just over 3 million native speakers.

Equatorial Guinea

Another potentially surprising entry on this list is the African nation of Equatorial Guinea, where Spanish is one of the three official languages. About 787,000 native Spanish speakers live in Equatorial Guinea, which is a majority of the population. The country is made up of the mainland and five volcanic islands, and features such highlights as tropical forests filled with primates and elephants and beautiful beaches inhabited by butterflies.

Tucked between Nicaragua and Panama, this tiny Central American country is home to lush rainforests and tranquil beaches, and is a great place to visit if you’re into outdoor adventure. It’s also one of the most biodiverse nations on the planet. Most of Costa Rica’s population, which is just shy of five million , speaks Spanish.

Argentina is an enormous South American country (the eighth largest in the world), bordered by the Andes Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Because of its size, Argentina encompasses a wide variety of environments, including the modern city of Buenos Aires, snow-covered mountains, lakes, forests, wetlands and deserts. It’s also known for introducing the world to Tango dancing. About 42 million Argentines speak Spanish natively.

7 Spanish-speaking destinations for your next vacation

Looking to vacation in a Spanish-speaking getaway destination? Spanish is the official language of the following 20 countries, so if you're a native speaker (or even trying to practice the language), there are many great places to travel. There are 450 million native speakers of Spanish in the world, according to Babbel , making it the second most spoken language in the world.

Here are seven vacation destinations where Spanish is the official language. Not all of them are spanish-speaking countries with beaches, but they all have many HomeExchanges, so you can travel affordably and live like a local on your vacation in nature or in the city center.

Spanish-speaking countries to visit: Costa Rica

Vacation in costa rica.

Costa Rica has something for everyone, and is a great family vacation destination. If you're up for adventure, try ziplining, rafting, or horseback riding. If nature destinations are your style, enjoy hot springs and volcanoes. Costa Rica is also one of the spanish-speaking countries with beaches from this list, if you simply want to relax under the sun. Pack your sunscreen and mosquito repellant and enjoy a well-deserved break in this rainforested Central American country.

To save money and enjoy an affordable Costa Rica vacation, stay in a HomeExchange. You'll save thousands on accommodations and stay in a real, fully-equipped home, living like a local. Here are just some of the beautiful HomeExchanges in Costa Rica where you might find yourself!

Costa Rica vacation home alternatives

April's home

Patrick's home

Ruben and Catrine's home

Spanish-speaking countries to visit: Mexico

Vacation in mexico.

If you crave a warm, beach getaway, Mexico may be the spot for you to vacation! Long stretches of virgin beaches, white sand and coastal sunsets await, plus of course authentic Mexican food and margaritas! Enjoy the rich culture, history and relaxation, whether snorkeling in Cozumel, taking in Chichen Itza, or exploring bustling Mexico City. Find more things to do in Mexico here.

HomeExchanger Nancy recommends Mexico's Parque Estatal Cañón de Fernández: "The dream of hiking lovers. It is a protected, semi-desert park with lots of vegetation. You can observe local and migratory birds. It is close to a dam for fishing and it is possible to camp. In addition to observe cave paintings."

With 700 home exchanges in Mexico , you're sure to find the one that's perfect for your family vacation.

Affordable Mexico vacation home alternatives

Alan and Jill's home

Alvaro's home

Mary Jane's home

Spanish-speaking countries to visit: Peru

Vacation in peru.

Machu Picchu, the 15th-century Inca citadel, was reopened on November 1, so don't miss the iconic landmark during your visit to Peru . Marvel at ancient ruins, enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine, and spot colorful wildlife.

Traveling to Peru can be expensive. Between transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities, the list can become too long to budget for while keeping everyone in the family happy. But with a HomeExchange membership, for just $220 per year, you have the opportunity to go on unlimited exchanges in any of our 230,000+ homes around the world. You can save up to 80% on your vacation accommodation budget and use the opportunity to travel further away and to stay longer.

Family-friendly Peru vacation home alternatives

Dalia's home

Patricia's home

Andrew and Maureen's home

Spanish-speaking countries to visit: Argentina

Vacation in argentina.

Located in the southern half of South America, Argentina has a diverse natural landscape. From glaciers to rainforests, this country has something for everyone! There are many unusual attractions to ensure you have a vacation you won't forget.

HomeExchanger Natalia recommends Argentina's Villa la Ñata for its natural beauty. She said, "It feels like the delta but you get there by car, only 15 minutes from the Tigre Train station. Pure nature and a nice walk for the day. There is the Xul Solar museum and good restaurants."

Where to stay in Argentina on a budget

Marina's home

Carlos' home

Spanish-speaking countries to visit: the Dominican Republic

Vacation in the dominican republic.

If the Dominican Republic with its beaches, waterfalls, and rich culture is calling you, vacation with HomeExchange . If lounging on the beach is your idea of a perfect romantic getaway, visit La Romana, Dominican Republic , to enjoy beautiful white sandy beaches edging crystal clear water, with dining and shopping minutes away.

While the average hotel can be pricey and full of germs (the average hotel elevator button has 737 times more germs than a household toilet seat, according to a study !), HomeExchange allows you to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. In the HomeExchange community, having a safe, secure, clean accommodation is part of our fundamental principles. 98% of exchanges are rated 4 stars or more for cleanliness.

Vacation homes in the Dominican Republic

Elizabeth's home

Pauline's home

Fanny and Jose Luis' home

Spanish-speaking countries to visit: Puerto Rico

Vacation in puerto rico.

If you don't have a passport but still want to experience another culture, plan a vacation in Puerto Rico ! US citizens don't need a passport for this tropical getaway in a US commonwealth.

Marvel at Puerto Rico's varied landscape of mountains, waterfalls, and rainforest. Stop by the Isla Verde area for beach bars and casinos, or head to El Morro and La Fortaleza to witness the centuries-old fortresses. For a beach vacation, spend time in San Juan or go to Vieques for secluded beaches and its bioluminescent bay.

HomeExchanger Lynette recommends visiting Old San Juan for "the colonial architecture, fortresses, good gastronomy, and trendy night life."

Home exchanges in Puerto Rico

Victoria and Chan's home

Sandra's home

Spanish-speaking countries to visit: Colombia

Vacation in colombia.

Beaches, festivals, historical landmarks, and delicious food— Colombia has it all and makes an excellent choice for a trip to South America. The official language of Colombia is Spanish, so Spanish speakers will feel right at home!

HomeExchanger Daniela recommends visiting Villa de Leyva while in Colombia: "Small village next to Bogotá with delicious restaurants and different activities to do in the surroundings, wether going to a museum with dinosaurs remains or you can go to see a house that seems like a giant piece of pottery."

Daniela also suggests a day trip to Caño Cristales. "It's a river in Colombia with seaweeds of different colors that grow in a certain period of the year giving the illusion of seeing purple, yellow and green water," she said.

Where to stay in Colombia on a budget

Anamaria's home

Simon R.'s home

Marcela's home

How to get started with HomeExchange

The principle of home exchanging is simple: swap your home with someone else and enjoy the wonders of each other's city! HomeExchange also has a points exchange system, offering even more flexibility to members and facilitating non-reciprocal exchanges. Learn more about GuestPoints here.

Signing up for HomeExchange is free, so you can start communicating with members as you organize your next vacation. You are only required to pay the annual membership fee when you're ready to finalize your first exchange.

With the membership, whether you are a host or a guest, you can be sure that you will be supported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and covered in the event of unforeseen events with our guarantees. Don't wait any longer and enjoy these spanish-speaking vacation spots by home exchanging!

Protect Your Trip »

Best places to visit in spain.

Spain's dynamic metropolises, breathtaking beaches and cultural offerings are second to none, making the country an undisputed stop on many travelers' European vacation itineraries. With so many varied destinations, each with its own celebrated sites and unique hidden gems, it may be hard deciding which cities are worth visiting. U.S. News factored in sights, culture, seasonality and expert opinion to come up with the best places to visit in Spain for all types of travelers – from city slickers to beach bums to outdoorsy types. Have an opinion? Vote below to influence next year's ranking.

Santiago de Compostela

Costa brava, san sebastian, canary islands.

In addition to being one of Europe's top travel destinations , Barcelona is without a doubt Spain's cultural capital. The Catalonian city's urban sprawl is dotted with Antoni Gaudí's whimsical architecture, including Basílica de la Sagrada Família and Park Güell, as well as museums carrying world-renowned artists, such as the Picasso Museum. You can also explore centuries-old neighborhoods like Barri Gòtic, which dates back to the Roman Empire. Don't forget to take advantage of the city's equally magnificent outdoor offerings, too, including La Barceloneta beach.

The final stop on an ancient pilgrimage route called Camino de Santiago (or Saint James' Way), this medieval city in northwestern Spain attracts hundreds of thousands of travelers every year. With centuries-old architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, Santiago de Compostela is an ideal destination for history buffs and culture hounds. First up on your to-do list should be a tour of the awe-inspiring Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, a massive Romanesque structure said to house the remains of Saint James the apostle. Then, take advantage of the city's number of beautiful parks, museums, restaurants and nightlife.

You won't want to skip this romantic Spanish city about 55 miles northwest of Madrid on your next trip to Spain. See for yourself what makes Segovia special while you stroll through the enchanting Plaza Mayor, home to a mix of restaurants and shops, or soar high above the city on a hot air balloon ride. Can't-miss sights include the two-tiered Aqueduct of Segovia, one of the world's best-preserved Roman aqueducts, and Alcázar De Segovia, a massive, fairy-tale fortress dating back to the 12th century.

Stretching from the idyllic resort town of Blanes all the way to the French border, this coastal region in northeastern Spain offers miles of shoreline along the Mediterranean Sea. After spending the day with your toes in the sand at one of Costa Brava's gorgeous cove beaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at one of the region's many seaside restaurants. But Costa Brava is not just for beach bums. Whether you're touring the unique Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres or exploring the Santa Clotilde Gardens in Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava is a can't-miss destination on any Spain itinerary.

The UNESCO-listed historic center of Cordoba is the stuff of Spanish dreams. Its winding, compact cobblestone streets are lined with whitewashed inns, shops, restaurants and homes that feature stunning Andalusian accents, including wrought-iron balconies, bright blue planters and painted archways. Visitors can also enjoy all of the city's famous historical sites, such as the Castle of the Christian Monarchs and the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, commonly referred to as the Great Mosque, which is one of the best-preserved structures in Spain.

Mallorca's smaller sister island is a solid option for travelers wanting to visit the Balearic Islands without the crowds of Ibiza and Mallorca. Menorca offers the same kind of jaw-dropping beaches (think: white sands overlooking clear turquoise waters) you'd expect to find on other Balearic Islands – travelers say Cala Mitjana, Cala Macarelleta, Cala Turqueta and Cala Pregonda are some of the island’s most popular shorelines. You'll also discover several architectural marvels throughout Menorca. Head to Ciutadella (the island's original capital) to see old-world structures like the Catedral de Menorca and the Convent of Sant Agusti, which houses the Diocesan Museum.

Travelers who want to experience small-town Spain without venturing far from a big city will love visiting Toledo. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, which sits 45 miles southwest of Madrid, is breathtaking thanks to its location on a hilltop overlooking the Tagus River and its historical architecture. For the best views, visit Mirador del Valle, a scenic overlook boasting breathtaking panoramic vistas. Then, get a sense of Toledo's rich history by checking out attractions like Catedral Primada and San Juan de los Reyes Monasterio. Don't forget to try some of the city's famous marzipan before you leave.

Of all the cities in Spain, Madrid is the one that knows how to show travelers the best time. The city's party-hard reputation is really all it's cracked up to be, but that's not all Spain's capital has going for it. Madrid is filled with varied, vibrant neighborhoods, plus stunning parks, enviable shopping and some of the best art institutions in Europe, including the world-renowned Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. Not to mention, the city’s grandiose architecture – showcased by structures like the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor – makes the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.

Mallorca is easily one of Spain's greatest assets. This dreamy island getaway features sun-kissed beaches, picturesque small towns and outdoor pursuits that draw tourists and lovebirds in droves. Revel in the see-through blue waters of Playa de Muro and Cala Llombards, then hop in a car and drive around the striking mountains that make up Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure you spend your downtime taking leisurely strolls along the darling streets of Alcúdia's old town and by the water to admire the awe-inspiring Palma Cathedral (La Seu).

This beautiful Andalusian city in southern Spain is awash with romantic allure. During the day, you'll find outdoor cafes along cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages meandering through pastel-colored plazas. And when night falls, flamenco dancing comes out in full force. Seville is the kind of place you should allow yourself to get lost in, but don’t forget to carve out time for must-see sites such as the Plaza de España, the Real Alcázar and the Catedral de Sevilla, the largest Gothic cathedral of its kind in the world.

Situated along Spain’s northern coast in Basque Country, San Sebastian is one of the most underrated destinations in Spain. Locals understand its majesty and every summer flock to this beach destination for its breathtaking shorelines, hiker-friendly mountains and unmatched foodie scene. For a quintessentially Basque experience, travelers suggest pintxo bar hopping in San Sebastian’s city center, Parte Vieja, or signing up for a pintxos (Basque tapas) food tour. Don’t leave without taste testing San Sebastian’s world-famous anchovies and txuleta, a specialty steak that is made from aged grass-fed beef.

Granada's Arabic influence makes this destination different from the rest of Spain. Thanks to its history as part of the Moorish Empire, Granada is home to tapas bars and flamenco venues that rub elbows with Moroccan tea cafes and Arab bathhouses. This confluence allows you to experience two cultures simultaneously. And you must make time to behold the breathtaking local treasures, including the Alhambra, the white-washed caves of the Sacromonte district and the snow-capped mountains of Sierra Nevada National Park.

A popular daytrip destination for travelers visiting Barcelona, Girona stands out for its medieval architecture and wealth of attractions. From the magnificent Girona Cathedral to the city's famous 12th century Arab baths, travelers are sure to find something to suit their interests in this Spanish city. Spend some time in La Devesa Park, one of the largest green spaces in Catalonia. Don't forget to pack your walking shoes – whether you're exploring the winding, cobblestone streets of Girona's Jewish Quarter or strolling the Passeig de la Muralla path atop Girona's ancient city walls, the best way to enjoy this historic city is on foot.

Rioja is Spain's wine country. Like France's Champagne, winemakers can't label a wine "Rioja" unless it is produced and distributed from the Spanish region of La Rioja. As such, you'll want to sample plenty of vino while you visit, which will be pretty easy to do since there are more than 500 wineries plus many restaurants that serve large selections of Rioja wine. If you're looking for other things to do, take advantage of Rioja's Michelin-starred restaurants and lively tapas bars when you're not hiking or skiing its surrounding mountains.

This northern city in Spain’s Basque Country sits in the middle of a beautiful valley, affording incredible views of the city and its rolling hills. Visit Casco Viejo (the city's old town) for authentic pintxos and to explore Parque Etxebarria, where you'll find some of Bilbao's best vistas. Or, ride the Funicular de Artxanda for even more spectacular panoramas. No visit would be complete without checking out the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and other local cultural institutions, such as the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao.

Plan a trip to this small Andalusian town if you enjoy visiting destinations with unique geography and stunning architecture. Ronda sits atop a striking gorge that separates the town. To cross the gorge, walk across the Puente Nuevo, a beautiful bridge built in the 18th century. Below, you'll get an eyeful of El Tajo canyon and the Guadalevín River. After admiring your surroundings from the Puente Nuevo, visit the Plaza de Toros de Ronda, the historic old town and the Baños Árabes, well-preserved 13th- and 14th-century Arab baths.

Spain’s third-largest city stands out for offering a little taste of both the old and the new. You'll get to experience classic architecture at the Gothic-style Valencia Cathedral and the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, as well as modern sites like the City of Arts and Sciences and the Valencia Institute of Modern Art. After you've gotten your fill of city life, take a detour to breathe in some fresh air at the Albufera Natural Park or unwind at nearby beaches. What's more, with plenty of free attractions to choose from, Valencia is one of Europe's most affordable travel destinations . 

If you live to party, Ibiza is a great place to dust off your dancing shoes. This Spanish island is known worldwide for its nightlife scene, so much so that people often say you must visit during the peak summer months. However, one look at Ibiza's natural offerings and you'll understand how this island stands on its own outside of its party-hardy reputation. Beaches here are so clear that you can see your feet touch the sand as they enter the ocean. Plus, the historical charm found in Dalt Vila, Ibiza's old town, will certainly stop you in your tracks.

This cluster of Spanish islands located off the northwestern coast of Africa is one of Spain's premier beach destinations. In addition to picturesque shorelines, the Canary Islands are also teeming with outdoor attractions that will make any adventurer swoon, including four national parks. In between hiking and relaxing on the beach, take some time to stroll the neighborhoods of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, located on the largest of the Canary Islands, or Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the archipelago's most populated city, to get a taste of local life.

Situated in southwestern Spain, Cádiz is one of the country's most underrated travel destinations. As one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe, travelers can expect a bevy of historic attractions, from the Torre Tavira watchtower to the grandiose Cádiz Cathedral. Plus, there are several beautiful outdoor spaces to explore, including Genovés Park and the laid-back beaches of La Victoria and La Caleta. When you want to wind down, Plaza de España and Plaza de San Juan de Dios are excellent places to people-watch.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Costa del Sol

You May Be Interested In

Best Places to Visit in Europe for 2023-2024

Best places to visit in france.

Best Cheap European Vacations for 2023-2024

Best Honeymoons in Europe for 2024

Best Beaches in Portugal

Best Beaches in Spain

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

Here Are 8 Breathtaking Spanish-Speaking Travel Destinations to Put on Your Bucket List

• April 1, 2019

Whether you’ve just started to learn to speak Spanish or have been speaking Spanish your whole life, traveling to a Spanish-speaking country is one of the greatest ways to practice your language skills. You’ll learn about Spanish culture, get to eat different types of Spanish food, and have conversations with other Spanish speakers (which is a great way to become fluent in Spanish).

Here are our top pics for Spanish-speaking destinations:

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

Needless to say, a visit to the lost Inca city that exists in a mountain valley 2,430 meters above sea level is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.

Not to mention that the vibrant nation of Peru is home to about 25 million Spanish speakers that can help you nail your skills.

2. Buenos Aires, Argentina

The city nicknamed the “Paris of South America” is world-renowned for its culture and diversity.

Take in the European-influenced architecture or stroll in one of the many stunning parks that the city is famous for after, of course, indulging in some of the world’s best steak .

3. Tulum, Mexico

This Caribbean coastal town has gone from a quiet fishing town to a world-class destination in just a matter of years, and with all the natural wonders Tulum has to offer, including the world’s largest underground river, the second largest coral reef system, and a massive nature reserve, it’s easy to see why.

When enjoying this natural paradise, be sure to be mindful of the fragile ecosystem and search out eco-friendly accomodations and reef-safe sunscreen to make sure that this paradise on Earth continues to stay that way.

4. Barcelona, Spain

Why choose between beach, mountain, or urban settings when, in Barcelona, you can have it all?

This world-class destination is renowned for its rich culture and nightlife just as much as its gorgeous natural location.

5. Antigua, Guatemala

This breathtaking “city of ruins” exists in the shadow of no less than three volcanoes.

Antigua is not only one of the most affordable destinations on this list but boasts a haunting array of partially destroyed architecture, a legacy of the city’s uniquely storied history that is like nothing else in the world.

6. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

This world of natural wonders is an adventure traveller’s dream, and the effort it takes to climb the stunning mountain vistas and hike to those pristine lakes is more than worth it.

7. Puebla, Mexico

This rustic Mexican “magic town” is a step off the beaten path from the typical bustling tourist center.

Not only is the quaint city a lowkey hub of foodie culture and some of Mexico’s best Mezcal, but it is also located in the center of a natural oasis, with no less than three national parks, and the volcano that it sits in the shadow of, all within a stone’s throw.

8. San Juan, Puerto Rico

This is the destination on the list that most effectively combines the natural wonder of pristine Caribbean beaches with a party scene like no other.

The island is known for its world-renowned drag scene and gay/queer culture, and taking in the beaches is only half the fun.

It’s one thing to travel to a Spanish-speaking destination, but it’s another to truly learn the language. At Medita Spanish , we want to help you start making that happen today. We believe that learning a second language should be obtainable for everybody. That is why we have developed an innovative meditation app that focuses on the learning process, not the content. Our meditations are designed to help you hack your brain so you can maximize learning potential and finally become fluent in Spanish.

• Tags: become fluent in spanish , eat spanish food , learn to speak Spanish , machu picchu , spanish speaking countries , traveling abroad , visit barcelona

Unlock your learning potential: A Mindset Mastery Meditation for Spanish.

Learn Spanish effortlessly with the right mindset

Share this post with your friends

Let's connect:, sign up for our newsletter to get all the updates.

Medita Spanish © All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Disclaimer

The 8 best places to visit in Spain in 2024

Feb 13, 2024 • 7 min read

From the Catalonian capital of Barcelona to the fascinating mix of cultures in Toledo, here are the best places to visit in Spain © Westend61 / Getty Images

Coming second only to its northern neighbor as the most visited country in the world, Spain is packed with incredible places to visit and experiences to enjoy.

Sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches, World Heritage cities, incredible cuisine, and multi-faceted culture – the only downside is not knowing where to begin with your must-see list. I've done all the hard work for you and gathered together my eight favorite places to visit in sensational Spain in 2024.

Best city for visiting world-class art museums 

The Spanish capital  is a lively city blessed with year-round clear blue skies draped over its vibrant barrios (neighborhoods) , architectural landmarks and famed art museums. There's even an ancient Egyptian temple, the Templo de Debod , right in Madrid's city center. 

Art aficionados could spend days exploring Madrid's "Golden Triangle of Art," composed of three globally renowned museums , the Museo del Prado , Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza , which are home to some of the world's most valuable art collections. They are situated along Madrid's Paseo del Prado (Art Walk) , which has recently been granted UNESCO World Heritage status.

Planning tip:  Madrid has a vibrant street culture that loves its wine-soaked tapas crawls. Cava Baja in the historic La Latina neighborhood is lined with quaint little bars and taverns, making it one of the best streets in the city to join locals hopping from one bar to the next to sample a selection of Iberian hams, charcuterie and cheeses.

2. Barcelona

Best for modernist architecture

Straddling the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees mountains, the Catalonian capital is a visually stunning metropolis with avant-garde architecture, city beaches and a Gothic Quarter that stretches back over 2000 years.

No visit to Barcelona is complete without spending time at the Sagrada Família , the obra maestra of the illustrious Catalan architect and proponent of Modernism, Antoní Gaudí. His influence on the city is everywhere, and it's worth taking time to visit his other architectural jewels, the Casa Batlló , La Pedrera and Park Güell.

Another place where Gaudí has left his legacy is at the Plaça Reial , at the heart of the city's two millennia-old Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) . The public square is lit up by decorative street lamps that were Gaudí's first commissioned public work. This ancient neighborhood is also home to the majestic La Catedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, which was built over two centuries from the 13th to the 15th centuries. At the border of the quarter is Mercat de la Boqueria , one of the oldest markets in Europe.

Planning tip: Have a lunchtime visit to Mercat de la Boqueria – it's when the unassuming places to eat, run by charismatic owners, start to open up.

3. San Sebastián

Best city for gourmet experiences

This alluring Basque coastal city in northern Spain is stunning, characterized by its belle epoque architecture, white-sand beaches that stretch for kilometers, and blue waters of the Bay of Biscay. On a clear day, stroll along the boulevard of La Concha beach to get a feel for the locals' sea-loving culture.

San Sebastián, or Donostia in Basque, has evolved from a traditional whaling town into a world-famous gastronomic capital. It has the greatest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants per square meter in Europe, and gastronomic delights await you around every corner.

Planning tip:  You don't need to have a Michelin-star budget to be able to enjoy San Sebastián's food culture. Head over to the Parte Vieja (Old Quarter), particularly along 31 de Agosto Street. The streets here are lined with restaurants and bars offering dizzying rows of assorted pintxos  – literally translating as "spike." The name describes how these appetizers are presented with skewers or toothpicks for easy picking.

4. Balearic islands

Best for beaches and sapphire-colored waters

Anyone who's been to these outlying islands east of the Iberian Peninsula would recognize the "Balearic blues" — the distinct shades of blue that characterize these Mediterranean waters. This archipelago's four largest islands –  Ibiza , Mallorca , Menorca and Formentera – are blessed with countless beaches and calas  (coves) embraced by white sand coastlines and rugged cliffs.

Among these islands, Ibiza is the most famous one, mainly for its reputation as a 24/7 party destination. Yet Ibiza's clubbing culture is just a tiny slice of this spectacular island on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is fringed with sapphire-colored waters, filled with historic fortified towns, and has a wealth of hidden inlets and charming beachside restaurants and cafes. You can visit the ruins of the ancient Phoenician civilization at Sa Caleta and the Puig des Molins necropolis to get a glimpse of the ancient colonies that inhabited this island long before the clubbers discovered it. 

Best place for cultural sightseeing

The delights of  Seville are in the details – this charming Andalusian capital may give you the sensation of déjà vu, perhaps because its year-round sunny days, resplendent gardens and intricately carved palaces have made it a favored filming location for big productions from Star Wars to Game of Thrones . Its allure lies in its idiosyncratic mix – horse-drawn carriages, flamenco tablaos  (stages), colossal Gothic structures and Islamic stylistic details all blend to create this multi-layered dreamscape of a city.

Seville's rich cultural tapestry is the legacy of its long and varied history, once a Moorish capital, later the seat of the Castilian aristocracy, and then as the European gateway to the Americas after Columbus' journey in 1492. The unique juxtaposition of cultures could not be more apparent when visiting the Seville Cathedral , the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the final resting place of Columbus, and then just a few meters away, the Real Alcázar showcasing the splendor of Mudéjar architecture with Islamic, Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance elements.

Planning tip:  Want to experience a huge celebration? Time your visit for one of the city's great annual festivals , notably the Semana Santa and Feria de Abril.

Best for layers of history

This 2000-year-old walled city occupies a significant place in Spain's history. It was the former capital of the Visigothic Kingdom, a fortress of the Emirate of Cordoba, a Roman municipium, the seat of power of King Charles V, and the former capital of Spain until 1560 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With Jewish, Christian and Islamic influences, Toledo has earned the nickname "The City of Three Cultures." Walk along its narrow cobblestone streets to glimpse the vestiges of this unique cultural melange — ancient Roman structures, Moorish architectural styles, the Catedral de Toledo , the El Tránsito Synagogue and the Cristo de la Luz Mosque .

Planning tip:  Head over to the Mirador del Valle for spectacular panoramic views and a picture-perfect photo of this historic city by the Tagus River.

Best city for Western Islamic architecture

Situated at the foot of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain range is the postcard-perfect Andalusian city of Granada . It is home to the Alhambra palace complex and the ancient citadel of the Nasrid Dynasty, the last Muslim dynasty in the Iberian Peninsula which ruled until the 15th century. Meaning "the Red One," the Alhambra is a stunning architectural masterpiece merging Moorish and Christian decorative elements – it's impossible not to feel transported to a fantasy world with its intricately carved walls and archways, mirror-like pools and colorful mosaics. 

Planning tip:  Continue the visual feast at the Palacio de Generalife right by the Alhambra, a summer palace whose gardens and perfectly orchestrated fountains provided repose for the ancient Nasrid sultans.

8. Santiago de Compostela

Best city for spiritual tourism

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia and the final destination of the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James) pilgrimage, a tradition that stretches back over 1000 years. On any day of the week, you'll see pilgrims from all over the world paying their respects at the Basilica of Santiago de Compostela , the reputed burial place of St James the Apostle. 

Even non-pilgrims can relish the mystical beauty of this northern Spanish city with a distinct Celtic heritage. Its beating heart is the Plaza del Obradoiro , where the luxurious Hostal dos Reis Católicos  stands, believed to be the oldest hotel in the world that was once a hostel for pilgrims.

Planning tip:  Santiago has a rich gastronomic tradition highlighted by its excellent seafood, so be hungry when you visit the city's second most popular attraction after the Cathedral, the Mercado de Abastos food market.

This article was first published Aug 18, 2021 and updated Feb 13, 2024.

Explore related stories

Jun 6, 2024 • 8 min read

From glorious stretches of white sand to secluded rocky coves, here are Mallorca's best beaches.

May 30, 2024 • 10 min read

May 23, 2024 • 17 min read

May 21, 2024 • 10 min read

May 21, 2024 • 11 min read

May 20, 2024 • 5 min read

May 3, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 10 min read

Mar 26, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 25, 2024 • 6 min read

• Top 10 inspiring places in Spanish speaking countries
• The Spanish Language Blog - don Quijote
• Travel in Spanish
• Travel in Spanish in Spain
• Travel in Spain: Barcelona

In spring, nature is reborn and everything about it invites us to renew our ties with the planet. It’s a time that charges us with energy and prepares us for the splendor of summer.

We want to take you to ten landscapes that we think are inspiring, uplifting and full of positive energy: from the glaciers in southern Argentina to the Peaks of Europe, and the Arabic gardens in Granada to the rich history of the Alberca cave… This week we have a special route for you designed to highlight the beauty of Mother Nature and the marvels made by mankind as you renew your interest in living life in Spanish. Let us guide you through our list of TopTen inspiring places in Spanish speaking countries where you will find harmony, balance and beauty that you will never forget.

10 Amazing places where people speak Spanish

1. los picos de europa (peaks of europe).

This majestic mountain range is located in the center of the Cantabrian Mountains in the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula between the Autonomous Communities of Asturias, Cantabria and Leon. A favorite destination for Spanish climbers, El Naranjo de Bulnes is one of the most popular peaks and is often considered as the birthplace of the sport of rock climbing in Spain. With over 64,000 hectares of unforgettable landscapes, we recommend the Picos de Europa to anyone who wants to get just a little closer to heaven, in all aspects.

2. The Generalife Palace

Located in Granada, the Spanish city where the splendor of the Muslim culture reached its highest levels. The Generalife , a royal summer getaway hidden away behind the massive Alhambra Palace , is a haven of tranquility and balance with its sprawling gardens, beautiful buildings and paths that run throughout the complex. Stroll through the fresh and serene scenery while losing yourself in the sound of the moving water and the sweet aroma of the ubiquitous plants and flowers…

3. Iguazu Falls

In the junction between Argentina and Brazil and very close to the Paraguay border are some of the most impressive natural falls imaginable. With 275 different waterfalls, the roar of falling water can be heard from miles away. It is no surprise that this magical place has been recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Iguazú National Park , located in both Argentina and Brazil, offers protection to this unique ecosystem that exemplifies the strength and power that Mother Nature hides within.

4. Perito Moreno Glacier

Located in Los Glaciares National Park on the southern tip of Patagonia, Argentina , near the town of El Calafate, is one of the world's most impressive glaciers. This huge river of ice is five kilometers wide and reaches a height of over 60 meters above sea level, where massive icebergs break off of the huge glacier and produce intense sounds. The location is in a privileged area of the world where one can observe whales and other cetaceans in one of the largest fresh water reserves on the planet.

5. Montserrat

About 50 kilometers to the south of Barcelona we find a surprising place: the mountains of Montserrat (In Castilian, "Monte Serrado" due to the aspect that years of erosion have caused). It is the most representative mountain in Catalonia and home to a sacred monastery dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat, a pilgrimage center of the Catalan people. The Black Madonna (Moreneta), patron saint of Catalonia, is a Romanesque carving that, according to legend, miraculously appeared there in 880. When an attempt was made to move it from its place, it became so heavy that it was impossible to move. This seemed to prove to those who found it that it was the Virgen's will to stay there, where a chapel was built that would eventually evolve into the monastery that we see today.

6. Altamira Cave

This cave was inhabited for 35,000 years, and much later it was discovered by a hunter in 1868. It showcases the most impressive cave art of the Upper Paleolithic period. Many have called Altamira "the Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art" due to its beauty, complexity and shear amount of pictures located inside. These prehistoric paintings inspire us to pay homage to our ancestors, an experience well worth the trip through the lovely landscapes of the Cantabrian town Santillana del Mar , where the cave is located. Visit Altamira Cave and enjoy the harmony of these cave paintings, where you'll experience the memory of a primitive age through the artwork of its people.

7. The Wind Cave

The On the volcanic island of Tenerife, near the city of Icod de los Vinos, we can find an impressive example of the telluric force of the volcanoes that formed the Canary archipelago. The Wind Cave , over 17 kilometers long, is the longest lava tube in the European Union and the fourth in the world. Upon entering the interior of the volcano you observe Mother Nature's majestic engineering work, which makes you shudder as you imagine the roar of liquid lava that once passed through the very spot where you stand now in perfect silence, in the heart of the Teide, where the only melody heard is that of your breathing and your excitedly beating heart...

8. Enchanted City

Near Valdecabras, in the province of Cuenca (Spain), at an elevation of about 1,500 meters is the location of our next site, the Enchanted City . Carved out of the rocky ground from years of rain and wind erosion, these natural formationswere declared a Natural Site of National Interest in 1929. The rock formations transport you to a magical landscape where anything is possible and your imagination finds hidden animals and monsters within the rocky shapes. It is here, next to the Tormo Alto formation that is the symbol of the city, that Viriatus, the Spanish leader of the resistance against Roman rule, was cremated.

9. Doñana National Park

This natural park extends nearly 105,000 hectares, occupying parts of the provinces of Huelva, Seville and Cadiz. The name originated from the name "Doña" (Mrs.) Ana de Silva, wife of the seventh Duke of Medina Sidonia, original owner of the land which he used as private hunting grounds. The natural enclave is home to marshes and dunes, an important stopping point in European bird migration to and from Africa in the winter and spring. This wildlife sanctuary hosts annually more than 300 species of birds, as well as some of the most important Spanish animals, including the highly endangered Iberian lynx. Also located in the park is the site of one of the most important religious celebrations in Spain: El Rocío. In the village of Almonte, the event attracts more than a million pilgrims each year as they converge upon the village from various different controlled routes to pay homage to the Virgin of El Rocío .

The Peña el Cabrelillo, just behind town hall, is one of Andalusia's longest standing flamenco institutions, a place full of love, faithfulness and a passionate interest to safe guard el cante in its purest form. In the city of Ubeda, the Tablao casa-museo andalusí, next to the Parador, offers the unique opportunity to enjoy flamenco in a gorgeous building on calle Narváez.

10. La Alberca

In a busy world of Internet and globalization in which being in a hurry has become a normal part of life for most of us, La Alberca , located in the northern part of the province of Salamanca , is a peaceful haven of history where traditions have been carefully preserved. The village feels like a living museum with its unique architecture. Surrounded by thick impressive forests, the village is like an island of peace that makes visiting it a must for anyone who finds themselves in the proximity of Salamanca.

Photo thanks to: Max Westby , Granadadian Weirdo , Cadampol , Adry , Yishac , Turismo de Tenerife , Machbel , Rlasaosa , Fernando Cuenca , Turistas x Naturaleza

Let's talk! Browse our offer and let us help you create your own budget.

Interesting stories delivered straight to your inbox every month.

• The Most Beautiful Countries on Earth
• The Worst People to Travel With
• Great Countries to Travel Alone
• Popular Spots That Kinda Suck
• The Best Countries to Go Hiking
• Travel Hacks and Tips to Try
• Luxury Hotel Perks We All Love
• The Most Essential Hotel Amenities
• Ranking the Top Hotel Chains
• Amazing Cheaper Travel Destinations
• Where to Plan a Girls' Trip
• The Top Luxury Hotel Chains
• Destinations for Group Vacations
• Budget-Friendly Hotel Chains
• Great Tour Groups for Solo Travel
• Where to Go Hang Gliding
• Best Cruise Ships for Families
• Insane Resorts Around the World
• Hotel Hacks to Save You Money
• Social Networks for Travelers
• Travel Accounts to Follow on Instagram
• Mythological Places to Visit
• Meanwhile, on TripAdvisor...
• Great Photos of Dads on Vacation
• The Best Luxury Cruise Lines
• Awesome Places to Take a Cruise
• Important Things in a Vacay Spot
• How to Avoid Getting Scammed on Vacation
• Why Cruises Are Surprisingly Expensive
• The Best Travel Shows on Netflix
• Excellent TV Shows About Travel
• Crazy Drunk Snacks Around the World
• Ranking the Best Luggage Brands
• Top Travel Sites for Saving Money
• Maps of Public Transportation
• Words to Learn Before You Go
• The Best Travel YouTubers

The Best Spanish Speaking Countries to Visit

This is a list of the best Spanish-speaking countries to visit . One of the major advantages of visiting a country where the main spoken language is Spanish is that you can immerse yourself into the culture completely. Any expert will tell you that there’s no better way to learn a language than surrounding yourself with it for an extended amount of time. If you visit a Spanish-speaking country, you can learn the language better in a few weeks than you would in a class for a whole semester. Plus, Spanish class doesn’t have access to the amazing beaches, delicious authentic food, and access to the best cultural celebrations in the world.

If you’ve been wondering, “What are the best Spanish-speaking countries for vacation?” this list offers many options for tourists. These countries are welcoming to people from all over the world, whether they are fluent in Spanish or are beginning learners.

The countries on this list are not only great places to immerse yourself in the Spanish language, but they are also perfect vacation spots for every type of traveler. Whether you like to experience a culture through food, art, and dance or prefer your vacations stretched out on the beach, there’s something for everyone.

Puerto Rico

Equatorial Guinea

El Salvador

• Spanish Language
• Places/Travel

Lists for those with wanderlust.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Most Interesting Destinations

Your travel guide to the world's most unique places

Top 10 Spanish Speaking Travel Destinations in Latin America

November 20, 2022 by Chris Blecha Leave a Comment

If you’ve been learning Spanish and are looking to try it out in real-life, Latin America has an incredible variety of Spanish speaking destinations to choose from. From glistening Caribbean seas to breathtaking artifacts from antiquity, the diversity of Latin America offers some of the best travel destinations on the planet. Here are some of the best Spanish speaking countries to visit.

10. Bolivia

Nicknamed ‘the Tibet of Latin America’,  land-locked Bolivia  is one of the continent’s most isolated countries. With stunning scenery nestled amidst the high altitude of Bolivia’s mountains, the country offers stunning scenery unlike anywhere else on the planet.

American sanctions have created something of a time-warp in Cuba, with 1960s automobiles still riding the roads and ATMs being non-existent. Nevertheless, the largest Caribbean island is unique and has plenty to offer, from beautiful beaches to Havana’s famously fabulous nightlife.

The long, narrow country of  Chile  straddles the land between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains. Running from a southern desert to northern glacial fields, an incredible wealth of natural attractions can be found along its length. Naturally, the entire length of this coastal country boasts  superb beach resorts .

7. Dominican Republic

Sharing the Caribbean island of Hispaniola with Haiti, the  Dominican Republic  couldn’t be more different from its troubled neighbor. Tourists from across the world flock to the Republic’s beautiful beaches and a sizeable five star tourist industry has evolved to cater to their needs. It is also home to historic treasures like the  Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo .

6. Venezuela

With the longest Caribbean sea coastline of any nation,  Venezuela‘s beaches are plentiful and spectacular. Further inland, visitors can discover the juxtaposition of well-preserved colonial architecture and gleaming modern structures in Venezuela’s city centers, as well as a large swathe of Amazonian rainforest and  Angel Falls, which is the world’s tallest waterfall .

5. Colombia

Despite its dangerous reputation, if you sensibly plan your trip in advance,  Colombia  makes for a truly amazing destination. Did you know Bogota hosts the world’s largest theatre festival, or that Cali is regarded as the South American salsa capital? Cartagena is home to one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, the  Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas . Colombia is a beautiful country filled with surprises waiting to be explored.

4. Argentina

From the architectural perfection of the square city La Plata to the breathtaking natural beauty of Salta,  Argentina  is a huge and diverse country with much to offer tourists. Famed for fantastically tasty beef and wine, Argentina is likely to impress you so much that you’ll never want to leave!

The heart of the ancient Incan civilization and  home of the incomparable Inca trail  and  Machu Picchu , Peru is amongst the worlds most incredible Spanish speaking destinations. Besides its historical wonders, Peru offers fantastic nightlife and incredible diversity of wildlife, all of which help place it high on this list.

From world-beating beach resorts to the incredible history of sites such as  Teotihuacan  and Chichen Itza,  Mexico  is one of the world’s very best travel destinations. There’s much to explore and enthrall you all year round, but if you visit during a festival such as the Day of the Dead, you can guarantee yourself a completely unforgettable experience.

1. Costa Rica

Latin America’s most popular travel destination,  Costa Rica  earns its place at the top of the list thanks to its incredible diversity of attractions. You can find everything from stunning beaches to incredible rainforest scenery to volcanic springs within its borders.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

17 of the best places to visit in Spain

• Share on Facebook

Spain is a wonderfully diverse country with so many amazing places to visit! Spain is the second largest country the EU, with 5000 miles of coastline.

Whether you like beaches or cities, old or new, tourist attractions or non-touristy places to visit in Spain, you won’t bet disappointed! You’re only problem might be choosing where to visit first.

So, if you are planning to explore more of this fantastic country, take a look at our suggestions of 17 of the best places to visit in Spain…

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase via one of these links.

Interesting fact about Alicante: Alicante is the sunniest city in Europe with an average of 349 hours of sunshine per month.

First up on our list the best places to travel to in Spain and to start off your Spanish ‘bucket list’, we’ve picked our nearest city of Alicante.

Alicante is a coastal town on the Costa Blanca in the South East of Spain. As well having 14 beaches and coves to choose from, there are so many things to do in Alicante including a visit to the Santa Barbara castle , a walk through the old town of Barrio de la Santa Cruz, plenty of places to shop, and some great bars to eat tapas on the seafront.

There are plenty of museums to visit including the Archaeological Museum of Alicante and the MACA Contemporary Art Museum, as well as those dedicated to the fiestas.

Alicante is also a great base if you want to explore some of the other great towns and villages along the Costa Blanca as the tram from the centre of the city will take you right up the coast.

You can get a bus to Alicante from Benidorm, Madrid, Murcia or Valencia.

Interesting facts about Valencia: The first ever paella is believed to have been cooked by Valencian farmers.

Valencia is a port city on the Costa Blanca, on the South Eastern coast of Spain, and quickly became one of our favourite places in Spain so far.

There is something for everyone in Valencia, from the Ciutat Vella (Old town) full of history, narrow streets, tapas bars, and street markets, to the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of arts and sciences) with it’s futuristic buildings housing a planetarium, oceanarium, and 3D cinema.

The Turia Gardens cut through the middle of Valencia, with a fantastic park following the riverbed 9km down to the coast. Here you will find playparks, skateparks, fountains, paths for cycling and walking, and plenty of green space to relax.

Valencia also has some fantastic golden sandy beaches, alongside a long promenade full of restaurants, bars, and cafes.

A great way to see Valencia is by bike and you will find lots of places to hire bikes around the city, or alternatively you could join a 3 hour bike tour . If you prefer to walk, this Free Tour of Valencia is a great option to see some of the most important historic monuments and learn more about the city.

If you want to book a bus to Valencia you can do so from Barcelona, Madrid, Zaragoza and Alicante.

Interesting fact about Cartagena: Cartagena is one of the most important Roman sites in Spain with more discoveries constantly being uncovered.

This port city and naval base is located on the Costa Calida, 30 minutes away from Murcia, and there are lots of great things to do in Cartagena . You can book bus tickets to Cartagena from Murcia, Madrid, Granada and Alicante.

This Roman city was founded by the Carthaginians around 220 B.C and as such there is a lot of history here to learn about. The 2,000 year old Roman amphitheater which you can visit was only discovered in 1988, underneath the ruins of a cathedral destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. You can book tickets to the Roman Theater Museum here .

The 100 year old town hall, Palacio Consistorial , in the centre of Plaza del Ayuntamiento hosts tours around the building, including a visit to the Mayor’s office. The building has been restored well, but if you take a closer look you can see bullet holes on the outside from the Civil War.

Being a port city there is also lots to do by the water including a boat trip to Fuerta de Navidad (Christmas Fort), the ARQUA Marine Archaeology Museum, and the popular Cala Cortina beach.

Some great ways to see this historic city include the tourist trai n , the open bus sightseeing tour , or a Free Walking Tour .

Interesting fact about Granada: Granada in Spanish means pomegranate. The city was named because Catholic Monarchs took the pomegranate as a symbol of their final victory over the Moors of Al-Andalus.

We first visited Granada around 15 years ago while on holiday in the South of Spain, and spent the day at the amazing Alhambra Palace . Granada is definitely one of our favourite Spanish cities and you can’t have a list of amazing places to visit in Spain without Granada!

Granada is a city in the South of Spain in the region of Andalucía, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

As well as the sprawling fortress of the Alhambra Palace ( book your tickets here ), Granada is also famous for its Moorish history, cave houses in the Sacromonte neighbourhood, tapas, and flamenco shows.

If you have time, we’d also recommend a visit into the Sierra Nevada mountains. You can book the bus from the main bus station in Granada , and if you are visiting in the winter months you will get to see more snow than you’d ever expect to see in Spain!

If you really want to explore Granada to it’s fullest, then this Granada History and Culture Tour is a great option. Other ways to explore include a Private Tour around Granada , Free Walking Tour , and the Tourist Train.

Interesting fact about Barcelona: Barcelona has been voted the “Best Beach City” in the world, even though its beaches are artificial.

A place with a very special space in our hearts is Barcelona, it was the destination for our first holiday together as a couple and a few years later was also the location of our marriage proposal!

Barcelona is the cosmopolitan capital of the Catalonia region, on the North Eastern coast of Spain. Famous for it’s art and architecture, there are so many amazing and unique things to see in Barcelona.

Gaudí’s buildings, including the Sagrada Família and Casa Mila along with Park Guell, are a must visit – you won’t see anything like them anywhere else in the world. If you want to see and learn about them all, you can join a Gaudi Attractions Tour .

Art lovers will have plenty to keep them entertained with the Picasso Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art amongst many of the museums and galleries on offer.

You can save up to 50% on Barcelona attractions with Go City.

You can also enjoy a walk through the Gothic Quarter, a visit to the Camp Nou football stadium, lunch on Las Ramblas, and a walk along the beach and port.

Some great ways to see Barcelona include the Hop on, Hop off tourist bus , a tapas tour , a Free Walking Tour , or a 3 hour Segway Tour of Barcelona .

Interesting fact about Madrid: Madrid is one of the greenest cities in Europe with its green space occupying 6,400 hectares of land.

As the capital of Spain and the second largest city in the EU (behind Berlin), as well as home to the Spanish Royal Family, Madrid should definitely be on any Spanish bucket list. However, it is also the most populated city in Spain, so be warned that it’s going to be busy!

On your trip to Madrid you can spend hours looking at art in the Prado Museum , visit the markets at Matadero Madrid , see Spain’s only Egyptian temple, take in free art shows at La Casa Encendida , or visit the Royal Palace .

If you want something a bit quieter to do in Madrid, you can visit El Retiro park, one of the largest parks in Madrid. The park was a retreat for the Spanish Monarchy until the late 19th century, when it became a public park. There’s a large artitifical lake where you can hire rowing boats, the Crystal Palace made entirely of glass, and lots of beautiful gardens to explore.

You can save up to 50% on Madrid attractions with Go City.

Some fun ways to explore Madrid include joining the ‘Secret Madrid’ Tour , renting an electric scooter , joining a Free Walking Tour , or joining a Graffiti Tour .

If you’d prefer not to drive, you can book a bus to Madrid from most cities.

Interesting fact about Seville: The highest temperature ever recorded in Europe was in Seville in 1881 at 50°C!

Next up on our list of amazing places to visit in Spain is Seville , the capital and largest city of the region of Andalucía, in the South West of Spain, and the birthplace of flamenco.

When in Seville you can visit the incredible Royal Alacazar Palace , still used by the King and Queen of Spain, and admire the Princess Bath and the beautiful palace gardens.

Other must-visit attractions in Seville include the cathedral (the largest Gothic cathedral in the world), Real Maestranza bullring, Plaza de España , Maria Luisa Park botanical garden, the pretty streets of the former Gypsy quarter Triana , and the historic Jewish neighbourhood of Santa Cruz .

Make sure you book tickets for Seville Cathedral and Alcazaba upfront so you don’t risk that there are no more tickets on your travel date.

To discover the culinary delights of Seville you can join a Tapas Lovers Tour , or a Market Lovers Tour .

And don’t forget to make time to watch a flamenco show , after all Seville is where it all started!

Interesting fact about Cordoba: Cordoba has the most World Heritage awards in the world, with four UNESCO declarations.

The city of Cordoba is located in southern Spain, and can be reached in just 2 hours from Madrid if you take the fast train.

The most famous attraction in Cordoba is La Mezquita , the Old Mosque, where you will be impressed by the red and white columns and decorated doors. From there you can take a walk down the cobbled streets of the Jewish quarter, to see the lovely white washed houses and Jewish synagogue.

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you won’t want to miss the city’s famous Roman Bridge and defensive fortress Calahorra Tower which you will no doubt recognise. Join a Free Tour of Cordoba and you will get to see all of this and more.

While you are in Cordoba you also have to search out the pretty patios and courtyards decorated with flowers, plants and fountains – the best one gets a prize from the townhall so the locals go all out. To make sure you see the best ones, you can join a guided tour of the patios .

Check out this post for more great r easons to visit Cordoba .

Interesting fact about Ronda: Spain’s oldest bullring can be found in Ronda, built c.1785

If you’re looking for a location with dramatic scenery, you must add Ronda to your Spanish bucket list. Ronda is a mountaintop city in the province of Malaga, and is set dramatically above a deep gorge called El Tajo , separating the city’s new town from its old town.

The spectacular Puente Nuevo stone bridge offers some amazing views over the gorge and joins the old town to the new town. You can also take a walk down into the gorge along the Camino de Los Molinos , and if you visit in the spring you’ll be lucky enough to see the whole valley floor covered in flowers.

The Real Maestranza bullring is one of the oldest and most picturesque in Spain, and here you can visit the museum and also take a guided tour around the bullring.

Ronda is also home to Arabic Baths, the Mondragon Palace, the Plaza Duquesa de Parcent town square, and the Cuenca Gardens.

Ronda can be done as a day trip from either Malaga or Marbella, and also as a day trip from Seville . You can join a Free Walking Tour , a Guided Tour , and even join an organic olive oil tasting experience .

If you want to make your own way to Ronda you can book tickets with Busbud from Malaga, Seville and Cadiz.

Interesting fact about Tarragona: The Roman walls around Tarragona have been named a UNESCO Heritage site, but not the rest of the town.

Tarragona is a port city in North Eastern Spain, just over an hour away and 100km inland from Barcelona. The city is a mix of an old Roman with a lively port, and home to 500 metres of stunning beaches.

On the way into Tarragona you can see the impressive Ferreres Aqueduct , built by the Romans to supply water to Tarragona. You can explore the aqueduct from the bottom and also cross the bridge, or join a Roman Heritage Guided Walking Tour .

In Tarragona itself, you’ll find the well preserved Roman Wall, the Tarragona Amphitheater, the cathedral , and plenty of museums to learn more about the archeological finds in the city.

Interesting fact about Toledo: Toledo’s nickname is the Glass City because of its historic innovation in many aspects of the glass industry such as windows, bottles, light bulbs, solar energy equipment and more.

Toledo is an ancient city in central Spain, set on a hill above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha, an hour South of Madrid and can be done as a day trip from Madrid with bus or train tickets from Busbud.

Toldeo is known for the medieval Arab, Jewish and Christian monuments in its walled old city, and is known as the City of the Three Cultures.

If you are interested in Spanish history, there is so much of interest in Toledo. The historical attractions include the gothic Catedral Primada de Toledo , Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes , Puente de San Martín Medieval bridge, and La Juderia Jewish quarter.

You can join a tour of the cathedral , visit the Palace of Galiana , or be transported back in time at the amazing Puy Du Fou Park .

For some fantastic views of Toldeo you will want to head to the Mirador del Valle viewpoint where you’ll be able to see the river, the winding streets, and the cathedral. You can see all of this and more on a Free Walking Tour of Toledo .

Interesting fact about Segovia: Segovia is famous for cochinillo asado, a traditional roast suckling pig dish .

Segovia is a World Heritage City, North West of Madrid, in the Castile and León region. It’s only a small city, but definitely one of the more interesting places to visit in Spain. This is another location that can be done as a day trip from Madrid .

The city is famous for its historic buildings which include three main landmarks – the Roman aqueduct, the cath edral , and the castle, which apparently served as one of the templates for the Disney Cinderella Castle. If you want a real life fairy tale getaway, Segovi a is the perfect choice!

When visiting Segovia you must try the city’s signature dish of Cohcinillo (Roast Suckling Pork), and head to the Old Town which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and features cobblestone streets, ancient alleyways, and charming squares.

Interesting fact about Monserrat: The name Montserrat means “Jagged or serrated mountain” down to the sharp looking peaks of the mountain.

Montserrat is a multi-peaked mountain range in the Catalonia region, approximately 50km from the centre of Barcelona. If you’re staying in Barcelona, you can take the FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) train from the  Plaza España  metro station. This stops at the bottom of the mountain and from there you can either take the cable cars up to the monastery, or take the train.

You can also join one of many Guided Tours of Monserrat from Barcelona .

Montserrat is home to the Monastery of Santa María de Montserrat which is visited by thousands of people every day, who come to make their prayers to the Virgin of Montserrat.

As well as the monastery itself, you can visit the The Montserrat Museum with art from Salvador Dali and Picasso among others, plus a history of the monastery. There are also walks, rock climbing, and some spectacular views.

Interesting fact about Bilbao: Bilbao is famous for its gastronomy, from pintxos to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Bilbao is a port city in the Basque Country is the north of Spain, surrounded by mountains and with a super modern city centre.

Bilbao is famous for the curved Guggenheim Museum Bilbao , with the curvy, titanium-clad building receiving as much attention as the exhibits. If the modern buildings are your thing, you can join a Free Walking Tour of Modernist Bilbao .

There are many other museums, galleries, and fantastic architecture to see in the city, as well as the old town Casco Viejo , La Ribera market, and the funicular cable railway to take to you the top of Mount Artxanda for amazing views of the city.

The Basque Country is also famous for its pintxos bites, small pieces of bread, topped with anything from meat and seafood, to vegetables and cheese, so make sure you check out some pintxos bars while you are in Bilbao or even better join a Food Tour of Bilbao .

San Sebastian

Interesting fact about San Sebastian: San Sebastian has more Michelin Stars per square meter than any other city in the world.

Staying in the Basque Country, San Sebastian is an elegant coastal city, and a must for foodies with the cobblestoned Old Town, Parte Vieja , full of amazing pintxos bars.

You’re spoilt for choice if you want to join a tour with other foodies, there’s a Gourmet Pintxo Tour and an Ultimate Pintxos and Wine Evening tour amongst others.

Some of the amazing landmarks to see in San Sebastian include the Ayuntamiento (town hall) constructed in the 1800s and where you can still see bullet holes on the outside of the building from the Spanish civil war; La Catedral del Buen Pastor influenced by the medieval German and French churches and home to the biggest church organ in Europe; and Palacio de Miramar , a summer home for the Spanish Royal Family in the late 1800s. You can join a Free Walking Tour to see some of the most historic parts of the city.

If you want a beach day while in San Sebastian, Playa de la Concha is a beautiful, shell-shaped cove popular with families, while Zurriola Beach is where the surfers head.

Monte Urgull is home to a castle and history museum, where you will find an amazing view over the coastline, and another place for fantastic views is Monte Igueldo, where you can take a wooden carriage on the antique funicular railway to the top for a 360 degree view across the bay.

Interesting fact about Galicia: One of Galicia’s most important tourism sources is the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage route that ends at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

Galicia, in the northwest of Spain, looks more like Ireland than Spain with it’s wet, green landscapes and Atlantic coastline. The region has a rich Celtic heritage, and locals speak a unique language called Gallego. The best way to travel around Galicia is by car. You’ll be able to discover the whole region from the smallest villages to the most awesome hidden calas. ​

The capital cty of Santiago de Compostela is home to one of the world’s oldest universities and is the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Thousands of pilgrims walk the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage every year, with the longest route taking around 35 days!

This region is famous for it’s Spanish white wine and also for seafood. One of the best places to try the local fish is in the port city of Vigo where the exceptional quality of the town’s seafood is a result of the coastal upwelling phenomenon which makes the waters extremely rich in nutrients.

The Cíes archipelago is located just off the coast of Vigomade and made up of three islands Illa de Monteaguo, Illa do Faro and Illa de San Martiño . The Cíes Islands are also known as Spain’s ‘Carribbean Islands’ because of the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

You can also visit the Santiago de Compostela cathedral and museum or join a Free Walking Tour .

Interesting fact about Almería: Almería hosts one of the most important European film festivals, The Almería International Film Festival.

The city of Almería is located in the region of Andalucía, in the southeast of Spain, and rounds up our list of the best places to visit in Spain. If you are heading to Spain on an Almería city break, there is so much to do in this city and the surrounding area.

It’s the only desert region in Europe and the landscape resembles the American Wild West so much that it was actually used at the location for many classic western movies, including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. You can even visit the Mini Hollywood theme park , originally built as the set for the film For a Few Dollars More, or go on a Horse Riding Tour through the Tabernas Desert.

In the city of Almería itself, you will find plenty of history to explore. One of the most famous attractions is the Moorish walled Alcabaza fortress which can be seen from any part of the city. You can also visit the fortified Castillo de San Cristobal , sat on the hilltop and ringed by the ancient ruins of protective walls built in the 11th century. A different side of the city can be seen in the Almeria Mystery and Legends Tour where you will explore the sinister side of the city.

In the town you’ll find the Cathedral of Almería, the Museum of Almería, the Plaza del Toros bullring, and the Barrio de la Chanca in the old town.

If you’re heading to one of Almería’s coastal towns you’re in for a treat as Almería’s beaches are among the most popular in Spain, with the most well-known beaches being Poniente with its sandy beach and Cabo de Gata with the more wild natural beaches leading into the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. There are lots of lovely towns near Almería to visit, with Mojacar among some of the prettiest towns in Almería.

And that’s the end of our list of the best places to visit in Spain, though there are of course plenty more towns and cities to explore.

How many of these places have you already visited? Which ones will you be adding to your Spain travel planning?

Ready to book your holiday to Spain?

If you’re ready to starting booking your Spanish holiday, these links may help…

• Find great value flights and accommodation at Expedia
• Prebook your airport transfer at HolidayTaxis
• Check hotel reviews at TripAdvisor
• Book your tours and excursions at GetYourGuide

Pin for later:

Similar Posts

Fun things to do on the Costa Blanca when it rains

Share on Facebook Tweet it Pin it Email We have had some awful weather here on the Costa Blanca recently – March was the rainiest month since 1927, and so far April has been a bit hit and miss. When you come to Spain on holiday, you’re not usually prepared for rain and we have…

8 of the best things to do in Mojácar

Share on Facebook Tweet it Pin it Email Sometimes we decide to get away from the Costa Blanca and explore other areas in Spain, and the region of Andalucía is a beautiful part of Spain. One of the best places in Andalucía to visit is the beach town of Mojácar. We’ve visited Mojácar in Andalucía…

Torrevieja’s Pink Salt Lake – Everything you need to know before visiting

Share on Facebook Tweet it Pin it Email In Torrevieja is one of the most unique natural attractions that you’ll find in Europe, if not the whole world! You may have seen photos of the pink lake in Spain, and if you find yourself near Torrevieja then you’ll be pleased to know you’re not far…

10 great places to visit on the Orihuela Costa and nearby

Share on Facebook Tweet it Pin it Email Spain’s Orihuela Costa is a very popular region for both those visiting on holiday as well as expats looking for a place to settle permanently – you may have seen the area featured many times on Channel 4’s A Place In The Sun! Although it’s located in…

9 places to visit within a 3 hour drive of Alicante

Share on Facebook Tweet it Pin it Email There are so many amazing places to visit in Spain, and if you’re lucky enough to based in Alicante, whether permanently or on holiday, there are plenty of fantastic destinations within a three-hour drive. To give you some inspiration for your next trip we’ve listed below some…

10 of the best things to do in Denia

Share on Facebook Tweet it Pin it Email If you’re spending time on the Costa Blanca you really will be spoilt for choice with amazing places to visit. We still have lots of places to explore in the region, but the ones we have visited so far haven’t disappointed. We recently spent a few days…

One Comment

I have so far made it to all of your suggestions in the southern regions of Spain, but haven’t ventured any more north than Madrid (apart from Barcelona). Looks like I need to head north at some point!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Top 5 Spanish Speaking Travel Destinations

We all plan our trips differently. Some plan their travels based on trendy places they see pop up over and over again on Instagram or Pinterest. Some others plan their trips based on their budget. And there are some others who plan their trips based on a skill they are looking at improving. For example, if you are looking at improving your dancing skills, many will tell you to go to Cuba or Jamaica. Do you want to learn the art of baking? You should probably go to France. Are you interested in learning more about beer? Germany is the place to go without a doubt. Or want to learn Spanish? Join us on an immersion retreat there.

So, where do you go if you want to practice or learn Spanish? Well, you have quite a few options. Here is a list of all the places in the world where you can go to practice your Spanish and immerse yourself in the culture of over 400 million people worldwide. In the following countries and territories Spanish is either the official language, the most commonly used by the locals, or one of the main languages spoken there.

Top 5 Spanish Speaking Travel Destinations Based on Number of Speakers

Mexico is the most populated Spanish speaking country in the world with a population of over *119,530,753. The capital of Mexico is Mexico City, and this is also the biggest city in the country. Some of the best things you can do in the country are: Visit ancient ruins, learn about the process of tequila in Tequila, Jalisco, swim in the cenotes of the Riviera Maya, and enjoying the amazing food of this country.

2. The United States:

Are you surprised? Although Spanish is not the official language of this country, neither is English. The US doesn’t have an official language, but the number of Spanish speakers in the US makes it the second largest Spanish speaking country in the world (only after Mexico).

The Southern US was once Mexican territory and it is estimated that over 52 million people in the US speak Spanish (42 million speak it as a native language and the other 11 million are bilingual).

If you want to experience the Latino culture without leaving the US you can visit the states of California, New Mexico, Florida ( check out Little Havana in Miami ), Arizona, and Texas. . These states have huge Spanish speaking communities which will make you feel like you are right in Mexico or Latin America. Or come visit us in Puerto Rico , where Spanish is the de facto first language.

3. Colombia:

This country has a population of *48,400,388 and it holds the fourth largest economy in Latin America. The capital and biggest city of this country is Bogotá. Colombia is one of the most ecologically, linguistically and ethnically diverse countries in the world. Some of the best things to do in Colombia are: learn about how coffee is grown and processed, enjoy some of the best coffee in the world, trek through its tropical forests and national parks, and appreciate the street art in Bogotá.

Spain’s population is slightly smaller than that of Colombia with *47,737,941 inhabitants. The capital city of Spain is also the largest city in the country, Madrid. Must see and do attractions include: The Alhambra (so famous and beautiful you have to buy tickets at least 60 days prior to your visit), seeing the Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona, and enjoying a glass of sangria and tapas.

5. Argentina:

With a population of *43,417,000. The capital city of Argentina is Buenos Aires, which is also the biggest city in the country. Some of the best things to do in Argentina are: visiting the Garganta del Diablo (The Devil’s Throat Waterfalls), exploring the Parque Nacional los Glaciares (The glaciers National Park), and going to Teatro Colón (Colon Theatre) a 110 year old theatre, considered one of the top five best in the world.

*According to a 2015 census.

We are looking forward to visiting all of these in the near future. We want to capture as much as we can from the culture, the people and the landscapes of these 5 places and motivate you to visit them, too.

Have you been to any of these? Which one is in your list of places to visit this year? Let us know in the comments. We love reading from you. ¡Hasta la próxima!

Want to hear some examples of the different Spanish accents you can hear in Spanish speaking countries? Check out our article of the different Spanish accents around the world.

Related Posts

Spanish Immersion Retreat in Guanajuato: A Personal Experience

Video: Swimming with Sea Turtles in Akumal

All About Mexican Pesos (MXN) – Getting Used to Mexican Money

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

21 Spanish Speaking Countries: Ultimate Guide to Spanish language with Maps and Cultural Insights

Hablar español — speaking Spanish — connects you with different cultures across the globe. As the official language of 20 countries and 1 unincorporated U.S. territory, the Spanish language is not only a bridge between nations but also a gateway to countless historical, artistic, and culinary treasures. According to Wikipedia, Spanish language is a global language spoken by more than 500 million native speakers, and millions more speak Spanish as a second language. Spring Spanish has a great video on whether you have to live in a Spanish speaking country to learn Spanish?!

This ultimate guide will transport you through the 21 Spanish-speaking countries, with maps and cultural insights that reveal the identities of each Spanish locale. Click the arrow on the right side to open the table of contents with all of its content or browse through the 21 Spanish speaking countries one by one!

1. Spanish speaking country in Europe

Spain: the european bastion of spanish language.

Spain stands alone as the European bastion of the Spanish language. Spanish is spoken here with a diversity that respects the country’s regional languages like Catalan, Galician, and Basque, but it is the Castilian dialect that has spread its influence across the world.

This standard Spanish is regulated by the Real Academia Española (Royal Spanish Academy) , which makes sure that the language that gave us Don Quixote remains the pride of Spain.

Cultural Insight

The Spanish passion for life is evident in the nation’s festivals, like La Tomatina and Running of the Bulls.

2. Spanish speaking country in North America

Mexico: the largest population of spanish-speaking people.

Mexico boasts the largest population of Spanish speakers in the world. Mexican Spanish carries the legacy of ancient civilizations such as the Aztecs and the Maya, along with the imprint of its colonial past. The result is a variant of Spanish that is both melodic and expressive, rich with indigenous vocabulary.

Mexico’s Day of the Dead ( Día de Muertos ) is a UNESCO-recognized celebration that honors the deceased.

3. Spanish speaking countries in Central America

Costa rica: the philosophy of ‘pura vida’.

“¡Pura Vida!” is a phrase that describes the essence of Costa Rica – a philosophy that promotes living a “pure life”. The Costa Rican Spanish is famous for its clarity, with a rhythm that introduces the laid-back nature of its society. As eco-tourism flourishes, so does a growing interest in the Spanish language that’s full with green mountains and pristine beaches.

Costa Rica’s commitment to conservation is connected with its culture, where Spanish terms related to biodiversity and sustainability are common in everyday conversation.

Cuba: Official language spoken with an unmistakable rhythm

Cuba is sometimes considered part of the Caribbean, but often included in the geopolitical definition of Central America.

Cuban Spanish dances to the beat of son and salsa! This variations is known for a rhythm that is unmistakably Caribbean. Its pronunciation is quite special: the dropping of syllable-final ‘s’ and a fast tempo.

Cuban music is of diverse influences, known worldwide for genres such as Son, Mambo, Cha-cha-cha, Salsa, and Rumba.

Dominican Republic: Historically linked with Central America

The country is located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, but culturally and historically linked with Central America.

The Dominican Spanish variant is fast, with an interesting pronunciation that sets it apart from its Caribbean neighbors. It’s a Spanish that carries the legacy of Taino, African, and Spanish heritages in every sentence.

The Dominican love of baseball has introduced terms like “ jonrón ” (home run) into colloquial speech, exemplifying the cultural fusion present in the Dominican Republic.

El Salvador: Spanish is spoken with local expressions

In El Salvador, Spanish is spoken with the Salvadoran people’s hospitable nature. It has many standard features, but Salvadoran Spanish is also full with local expressions, a product of its indigenous and Spanish roots.

El Salvador’s traditional dishes like “ pupusas ” have influenced Salvadoran Spanish, with culinary terms often used metaphorically in everyday speech.

Guatemala: History of the Spanish language with Mayan heritage

Guatemalan Spanish is connected to the nation’s rich Mayan heritage, with many indigenous words added into its vocabulary. The Spanish spoken here varies across different regions.

The colorful textiles of Guatemala are not only a visual feast but also a linguistic one, with Spanish terms for various fabrics and patterns derived from local Mayan languages.

Honduras: Influence of Garifuna and Miskito populations

Honduras is home to a Spanish that is characterized by its clear pronunciation, making it one of the easier variants for non-native speakers to understand. The influence of the country’s Garifuna and Miskito populations can be heard in the Spanish spoken along its Caribbean coast.

Honduran folklore, with its tales of “ La Llorona ” and other legendary figures, is shared in a Spanish that is both descriptive and evocative of the country’s folklore.

Nicaragua: Spanish as an official language with inland dialects

Nicaraguan Spanish is expressive and influenced by the country’s geography, with distinct coastal and inland dialects. The use of “ vos ” instead of “ tú ” for informal second-person singular is a hallmark of Nicaraguan speech.

Nicaragua’s poets, such as Rubén Darío , have shaped the Spanish language with their literary contributions.

Panama: Famous for Carnival in Panama (A Colorful Celebration of Music, Dance, and Culture)

Panama is sometimes considered part of South America due to its geographical location on the isthmus connecting the two Americas.

Panama’s Spanish is as diverse as its history as a crossroads of the world.

The annual Carnival of Panama is a celebration where Spanish becomes a colorful canvas for expressions of joy and the shared histories of those who call this isthmus home.

4. Spanish speaking countries in South America

Argentina: the land of the tango.

The Argentine variant of Spanish is easily distinguished by its Italian-inflected cadence, a result of massive Italian immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Phrases like “ Che, ¿cómo andás? ” are emblematic of the unique Rioplatense Spanish spoken by Argentinians.

Argentina’s tango is not just a dance but a language of poise and passion, shown in the Spanish lyrics that tell stories of love, sorrow, and survival.

Bolivia: Full of official languages

Bolivia’s Spanish is as diverse as its topography, with more than 30 co-official languages. Bolivian Spanish is distinctive for its voseo — the use of ‘vos’ instead of ‘tú’ for the informal ‘you’ — and for the richness it derives from the blend of indigenous and Hispanic cultures.

The famed Bolivian ‘Carnaval de Oruro’ is a religious and cultural festival where Spanish is mixed with Quechua and Aymara terms to celebrate the multicultural fabric of the nation.

Chile: One of the most challenging dialects

Chilean Spanish is often thought of as one of the most challenging dialects to understand due to its rapid pace and unique slang, known as ‘chilenismos’ . The country’s geographic isolation by deserts, mountains, and ocean has fostered a distinctive accent and vocabulary.

The poetic works of Nobel laureates Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda have helped to shape the Chilean Spanish, embedding it with a richness and depth that mirrors the country’s dramatic landscapes.

Colombia: Diverse dialects

Colombia, famous for its cumbia and coffee, is often touted for having one of the clearest and most neutral forms of Spanish. The accent varies from region to region, but the overall clarity of Colombian Spanish makes it a favorite for those learning the language.

Colombia’s rich storytelling tradition is integral to its culture, and events like the Hay Festival in Cartagena celebrate the Spanish language’s literary heritage.

Ecuador: Country of four worlds

Ecuador offers a variety of Spanish accents , influenced by the Andean highlands, the Amazon rainforest, and the coastal plains. Kichwa, the Ecuadorian Quechua language, enriches the Spanish spoken here with its loanwords.

The indigenous influence on Ecuador’s culture is evident in the Otavalo Market, where Spanish merges with local languages to bargain and trade traditional crafts and textiles.

Paraguay: The heart of South America

Paraguayan Spanish lives side by side with Guaraní, an indigenous language that also holds official status. Most Paraguayans are bilingual, and the intermingling of these languages can be heard in everyday Spanish conversation .

‘Jopara’ is a form of Spanish mixed with Guaraní that embodies Paraguay’s cultural fusion, manifesting in both language and traditions such as the Paraguayan polka.

Peru: The country of Peruvians

Peruvian Spanish is as multifaceted as the nation’s history, with Andean and Amazonian influences presenting a patchwork of regional dialects. The ancient Inca language also provides a layer of complexity to the Spanish spoken in the highlands.

Peru’s gastronomic renaissance has brought terms like ‘ceviche’ and ‘pisco’ into the global Spanish culinary lexicon, showcasing the country’s diverse flavors and traditions.

Uruguay: The Sky Blue country

Uruguay shares much of its linguistic heritage with neighboring Argentina, including the use of ‘vos’ and a similar intonation influenced by past Italian immigration. Its Spanish is colloquial and approachable, with a rhythm that’s both gentle and inviting.

Football is integral to Uruguayan culture, and the language around the sport — from the stadiums to the streets — reverberates with passion and local jargon: their national football team is called ‘La Celeste’ which translates to The Sky Blue.

Venezuela: The Land of Grace

Venezuelan Spanish is lively and, like its people, full of warmth. The Caribbean influence is evident in its melodious tone and the prevalence of local expressions.

Music is a fundamental part of Venezuelan culture, and genres like ‘joropo’ have influenced the Spanish spoken, weaving stories of local life into the fabric of the language.

5. Spanish speaking country in the Caribbean (U.S. Territory)

Puerto rico: island of enchantment.

In the unincorporated U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, Spanish language is the thread that connects its American and Caribbean influences. Puerto Rican Spanish is energetic and marked by a melodic intonation, with a unique vocabulary that includes Taíno, African, and American English elements.

The island’s music, including reggaeton and salsa, has catapulted Puerto Rican Spanish onto the global stage, illustrating how language and culture are linked.

6. Spanish speaking country in Africa

Equatorial guinea: the only country situated in africa in which spanish is an official language.

Equatorial Guinea, the only Spanish-speaking country situated entirely in Africa, shows a version of the language that is flavored with local African languages such as Fang and Bubi. This small nation carries the legacy of Spanish colonization in an otherwise French and Portuguese-dominated continent.

In Equatorial Guinea, Spanish serves as a unifying language in education and media.

7. Speak Spanish and learn more about Spanish-speaking countries with Conversation Based Chunking

Using the Conversation Based Chunking method, learners can learn the language in context, rather than isolating vocabulary and grammar. This technique encourages the use of natural language ‘chunks’ in conversation, allowing learners to communicate with greater confidence and fluency.

Believe me when I tell you: mastering Spanish opens up a world of opportunities. If you explore the diverse regions where Spanish thrives, you will appreciate the historical and cultural richness that each Spanish-speaking country brings to the global community.

So, equip yourself with an open mind and an eager tongue, for Spanish is not just a language — it’s a portal to understanding the heartbeats of – at least – 21 nations.

Lukas is the founder of Effortless Conversations and the creator of the Conversation Based Chunking™ method for learning languages. He's a linguist and wrote a popular book about learning languages through "chunks". He also co-founded the language education company Spring Languages, which creates online language courses and YouTube content.

Similar Posts

A Spring Spanish Interview with Co-Founder Lukas Van Vyve: How did I learn Spanish?

In 2020, I co-founded a language education company called Spring Languages, where we teach languages through Conversation Based Chunking on YouTube and in our Academy….

Spanish Conjunctions: The Ultimate Guide with Audio (When to Use + Example Sentences)

If you want to have fluent conversations and tell a coherent story in Spanish (and any language, for that matter), conjunctions are essential.  Conjunctions? Yes. Words like y,…

How to talk about sports in Spanish: ultimate Spanish sport vocabulary

Sports play a significant role in Spanish-speaking countries. It can help you to start casual conversations in any Spanish-speaking country. Take a look at this…

8 Best Spanish Radio Stations to Learn Spanish While Listening

Learning Spanish is a great journey and thanks to new technological advancements, you can learn Spanish basically anywhere, anytime. You can watch the best Spanish…

7 Different Ways to Say Happy Fathers Day in Spanish (Dia del Padre Phrases to your Father with Audio)

Families gather together to celebrate their fathers and father figures on this special day: Dia del Padre or Father’s Day in Spanish. Children make handmade…

Complete guide to the Spanish alphabet: Pronunciation of 27 letters

¡Hola! Are you ready to learn Spanish? Well, what better way to start this journey than to learn the ABC (el abecedario) of the Spanish…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Plan a Trip to a Spanish-Speaking Country

Do you want to planear un viaje ( plan a trip ) to a país hispanohablante ( Spanish-speaking country )?

Planning a trip can be really fun. Some even say it can be more fun than actually taking a trip! Keep reading and allow yourself to indulge in the excitement of planning a trip to an enchanting, exotic, or culturally rich país hispanohablante .

Did you know that Spanish is one of the official languages of Equatorial Guinea, a small country on the west coast of Africa? Or that the Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador? Before choosing a Spanish-speaking destination, click here to learn which countries in the world speak Spanish, their capitals, and some interesting cultural facts about each country.

Here are five easy steps for planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country:

1. Choose a Destination

Choosing a destination is the first step in planning a trip. Here are some things to consider when choosing a destination:

Your Travel Style/Interests

¿Prefieres pasar las vacaciones en la playa o en las montañas? ( Do you prefer to spend your vacation on the beach or in the mountains? ) When choosing a destination, consider what type of trip you want and go from there. Check out this article to find Spanish-speaking destinations that match your travel personality.

Budget and Trip Duration

Are you going away for una semana ( a week )? Un mes ( a month )? Un año ( a year )? Before you can figure out how much money you’ll need for your dream vacation, decide on the length of your trip, and research the prices of food and lodging at your destination.

The number one rule for traveling on a budget is slow travel is generally cheaper than fast travel . The more you move around, the more you spend. Let’s take a look at some Spanish-speaking destinations categorized by budget:

It’s important to note that this table is just an estimate. Of course, you can spend as little—or as much!—as you want, no matter your destination.

Before deciding on a destination, make sure to research what the weather will be like. The weather can make or break your experience.

Mexico and Spanish-speaking countries in Central America and in the Caribbean have two principal seasons: rainy and dry. The peak travel season coincides with the dry season, but don't count out the rainy season! Traveling during the rainy season will not only save you money, but it is also a great way to avoid crowds and experience the breathtaking tropical scenery. Just avoid hurricane season if you're traveling to the Caribbean!

If you don’t like the rain and you want to save money and avoid the crowds, travel during shoulder season! Shoulder season is the travel period between the peak season and off season.

South America is huge, so the seasons vary greatly depending on the country and its regions. In Peru, for example, the changes in altitude are so extreme that you could be sweltering on the coast today and shivering in the mountains tomorrow.

Remember that, in the southern hemisphere, summer falls between November and February, and winter between June and August.

Spain enjoys four seasons, and the weather varies throughout the country. The best time to visit Spain is in the late spring, before it gets too hot and before the local tourist season begins.

2. Research Things to Do

Grab your laptop and find yourself a comfortable chair because now it’s time to research things to do! We recommend using a mix of online guides, blogs, and social media platforms to find the perfect activities for your trip. Make a list of all the cities, sights, and activities at your destination that interest you. If this list gets too long, accept the fact that you can’t see it all, and narrow it down. Consider how much time you’ll need to travel between activities and sights. For example, it would not be feasible to explore Santiago, hike Torres del Paine, and watch an Atacama sunrise from a hot air balloon in a one-week trip!

Before finalizing your itinerary, make sure the pace is right for you. Leave room for unforeseen events and unplanned activities.

3. Make Flight and Hotel Reservations

At this point, you will probably have already looked at flight prices for your destination. However, you shouldn’t book your flights until you know exactly where you are going. If you book a flight before finalizing your itinerary, you will probably end up spending more on transportation in the long run.

Do you want to stay in a bungalow on a beach in Manuel Antonio National Park? How about a hostel in downtown Medellín? Spanish-speaking countries offer a wide range of accommodations, from budget to luxury. Personal recommendations are always the best, so join a Facebook travel group or read a few blogs to find the perfect place to stay. Don’t forget to research how you are going to get around before you book.

4. Get Your Ducks in a Row

This part is not so fun, but it is super important! Here is a checklist of things you need to do leading up to your trip.

• Do you need a visa to enter the country that you are visiting? Make sure to double check the requirements for your destination.
• Visit the CDC website to find recommended vaccinations, medications, and a list of health risks for your destination.
• Don’t travel without proper travel insurance! It is affordable and easy to get, so there is no reason not to!
• Tell your bank that you are traveling so they don’t freeze your card. Also, travel with a backup debit card in case an ATM machine eats your card!
• Several Spanish-speaking countries require an IDP (International Drivers’ Permit) to rent a car. This is also easy to get, but make sure to apply well in advance.

5. Practice your Spanish!

Last but not least, practice your Spanish! You are traveling to a Spanish-speaking country, so there's no better time to practice.

Focus on practicing Spanish for everyday situations, such as going to the market or dining at a restaurant. Here is a list of useful links to help you!

At the Market

At the Restaurant

At the Hotel

At the Airport

If you want to go above and beyond, learn how to sound like a local at your destination by learning slang words and colloquialisms.

How to Sound like a Local in Argentina

How to Sound like a Local in Ecuador

How to Sound like a Local in Colombia

How to Sound like a Local in Costa Rica

How to Sound like a Local in Chile

How to Sound like a Local in Peru

How to Sound like a Local in Spain

Making educational experiences better for everyone.

Immersive learning for 25 languages

Marketplace for millions of educator-created resources

Fast, easy, reliable language certification

Fun educational games for kids

Comprehensive K-12 personalized learning

Trusted tutors for 300+ subjects

35,000+ worksheets, games, and lesson plans

Adaptive learning for English vocabulary

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

StoryLearning

Learn A Language Through Stories

67 Essential Spanish Travel Phrases Every Traveller Needs To Know

Spain. Mexico. Argentina. Peru. Colombia.

If you're learning Spanish , the mere the mention of these countries can leave you daydreaming about your next trip abroad.

And although there are many incredible things to do and see in Spanish-speaking countries, what really makes these places special are the local people.

So before you pack your bags and jump on a plane, why not learn a little Spanish to help you make the most of your trip?

In this post, you’ll learn 67 Spanish phrases for travel that can help you survive in the language during your trip abroad. And who knows, they might even help you make a few new friends too!

To make it easier for you, I’ve divided the phrases up into different categories:

Table of Contents

Take the time to learn a few of these key Spanish travel phrases and you’ll be able to mix with the locals, get by in various situations and have a much more enjoyable and authentic experience during your trip.

By the way, if you want to learn Spanish in time for your trip, my top recommendation for language learners is my Uncovered courses, which teach you through StoryLearning®.  Click here  to find out more and try out the method for free.

Press play on the video below to learn Spanish travel phrases thanks to a story. Otherwise, keep scrolling to discover all 67 Spanish travel words and expressions.

First Things First: Greetings To Use On Arrival

Knowing how to greet people is the most basic thing you can learn in a foreign language. And yet its importance shouldn't be underestimated.

Even if you aren’t fluent enough to hold a long conversation, a simple ¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?  (Hello, how are you?) can make all the difference.

You'll be able to use these expressions as soon as you arrive at your destination, whether it's at the airport, the train or bus station, or the hotel.

People appreciate it if you make an effort to speak their language when you visit their country, even if it’s only a few words.

Spanish-speaking countries are especially polite and greeting people correctly will go a long way towards endearing you to the locals, be they friends, people you meet in shops or on the street.

• ( BWAY-nos DEE-as)
• (BWAY-nas TAR-des)
• (BWAY-nas NOH-chays)
• (KOH-moh eh-STAH)
• (KOH-moh eh-STAHS)
• (bee-EN  GRA-thee-as [Spain] / GRA-see-as [Latin America])
• (KOH-moh te YA-mas?)
• (May YA-moh… )
• (MOO-choh GOO-stoh)

And of course, let’s not forget common courtesy!

• (por fa-BOR)
• (GRA-thee-as [Spain] / GRA-see-as [Latin America])

If you get stuck in your Spanish conversation, you can always fall back on these next two phrases to get you out of trouble.

• (yo no en-tee-EN-doh)
• (Ab-la in-GLAYS)

Get What You Want On Your Trip With The Verb Querer 

Once you’ve finished greeting someone, you’ll need to be able to move on to the crux of your conversation and to do that you’ll need to learn a couple of common verbs.

There are hundreds of Spanish verbs to learn and, to make your life more difficult, these verbs conjugate (change form).

This means learning a verb is never as simple as learning one word; you have to learn multiple different forms.

Having said that, you might be surprised by how far you can get only knowing one simple verb: I want .

It may not make you the most sophisticated Spanish speaker but 9 times out of 10 it will get you what you, well, want .

The verb in question is querer (to want) and in the first person form, it becomes quiero (I want).

Let’s take a look at how you can use it:

• (yo kee-EH-ro oon me-NOO)
• (YO kee-EH-ro oon taxi)
• (yo kee-EH-ro OO-na ser-BAY-za)

If you’d like to be a bit more polite (which is usually a good idea), you can also use:

• (kee-see-EH-ra…)

Asking For & Understanding Directions On Your Trip

Whether you’re looking for the toilet in a restaurant or trying to find a hotel to stay at, you’ll inevitably need to ask for directions at some point during your trip.

The simplest way to ask where something is, is to use ¿Dónde está? followed by the noun you are looking for:

• (DON-day es-TAH el BAH-nyo?)
• (DON-day es-TAH el BAN-koh?)
• (DON-day es-TAH la KA-yay de al-cal-AH?)

When travelling in a foreign country, if you're asking someone on the street for directions, don’t forget your manners! To get someone’s attention, start by saying:

• (Dis-KUL-pay)
• (Con per-MEE-soh / Per-DOH-nah-may)
• (eh- stoy per-DEE-doh)

Asking for directions is one thing but it’s pretty pointless if you don’t know how to understand the directions that are given to you!

Memorise these phrases to help you understand what the friendly locals are trying to tell you when you ask for their help:

• (A la de-RE-cha)
• (A la iz-kee-ER-da)
• (De-RE-cho)
• (En la es-KEE-nah)
• (a OO-na KWAD-rah)

Getting Around Spanish-Speaking Countries

If you’re not keen on walking everywhere, you'll need to be able to find out about local transport options to find your way around wherever you are.

Here are a few simple phrases you can use to locate a bus, train or taxi and get to wherever you need to go:

• (DON-day PWAY-doh en-kon-TRAR oon taxi?)
• (DON-day eh-STAH la pa-RAH-dah de ow-to-BOOS mas ser-KA-nah?)
• (DON-day eh-STAH la es-tah-see-ON de ferro-carr-EEL mas ser-KA-nah?)
• (KWAN-to KWES-ta oon bee-YET-ay PA-ra …)
• (oon bee-YET-ay PA-ra … por fa-BOR)

At A Restaurant On Your Travels

Each Spanish-speaking country has its own unique flavours and cuisine for you to try when you travel!

Food is definitely one of the big attractions to cities like San Sebastian in Spain and Buenos Aires in Argentina , so you'll need to make sure you have a basic grasp of food vocabulary ahead of your journey!

To start with, you need to be prepared to hear and understand certain questions in restaurants, such as:

• (kee-EH-res AL-go PA-ra koh-MER?)
• (kee-EH-res AL-go PA-ra beh-BER?)
• (KAY kee-EH-res koh-MER?)

When you read the menu, you'll see the available food grouped into different categories, just like in an English menu:

• (oo-na en-TRA-da)
• (oon PLA-toh prin-si-PAL)
• (oon POS-tray)
• (OO-na beh-BEE-da)

When you're ready to order, use either  quiero (I want) or  quisiera (I would like) with the items on the menu to tell the waiter what you'd like. For example,  quiero…

• (OO-na SOH-pah)
• (OO-na en-sa-LA-da)
• (el POY-oh)
• (la CAR-nay)
• (oon AG-wa)
• (oon BEE-noh TIN-toh / BLAN-koh)
• (OO-na ser-BAY-sa)
• (oon ka-FAY)

So, for example, to order that ice-cold beer you're looking forward to at the end of a long day, you'd say  quiero una cerveza.

If you're not sure what to try, you can always ask your waiter for a recommendation:

• (kay may re-kom-ee-EN-dah?)

In most restaurants in Spanish-speaking countries, the staff will be more than happy to suggest a particularly tasty local dish for you to try.

If you're a vegetarian or you have dietary complications, these next two phrases are essential:

• (soy be-he-tah-ree-AH-noh/nah)
• (TEN-go al-ER-hee-ah a las noo-EH-ses)

Finally, let's learn a couple of quick phrases you can use to ask about prices and pay the bill.

• (KWAN-to KWES-ta? )
• (la KWEN-ta por fa-BOR)

Key Spanish Question Words For Your Trip

Over the course of your journey, you'll almost certainly find yourself asking lots and lots of questions.

You might not have a huge Spanish vocabulary to draw on, but if you know the basic question words, you'll be able to get by in almost any common situation you might find yourself in.

Here are some key Spanish question words you need to know:

• (KWAN-doh?)
• (A kay AW-ra?)
• (KWAN-toh?)
• (KWAN-tohs)
• (kah-dah KWAN-toh?)
• (por KWAN-toh tee-EM-poh)

Once you’ve got these question words in your memory bank you’ll start noticing the patterns in Spanish grammar which will help you to move away from the basic Spanish phrases every tourist is using.

As you learn new words on your trip, you'll be able to combine them with these question words to start forming your own sentences and questions!

Get Ready For Adventure With These Spanish Travel Phrases!

Take the time to memorise these key Spanish travel phrases and you'll have everything you need to get the most out of your journey.

With just a few words of Spanish, I'm sure you'll meet lots of amazing people and have plenty of life-changing experiences along the way.

Who knows, perhaps spending some time visiting a Spanish-speaking country will motivate you to strive for fluency?

If this article has inspired you to both travel and to learn Spanish, then I've got something to get you started on your Spanish learning journey. 

I'm a big believer in the power of story to enable you to learn a language. That's why I've created an entire beginner course dedicated to learning Spanish by immersing yourself in an engaging story.

It's my Spanish Uncovered course, and it's designed to take you from beginner to B1 Intermediate level.

Click here for more information on the course, test it out for free and to find out how it'll help you.

Language Courses

• Language Blog
• Testimonials
• Meet Our Team
• Media & Press

Our website uses cookies to provide you the best experience. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our use of cookies. For more information, read our Cookie Policy .

Download Your Free StoryLearning® Kit!

Discover the world famous story-based method that 1,023,037 people have used to learn a language quickly…, not interested.

What can we do  better ? If I could make something to help you right now, w hat would it be?

Which language are you learning?

What is your current level in [language]?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level]  [language] tips…

Where shall I send them?

We will protect your data in accordance with our data policy.

Download this article as a FREE PDF ?

What is your current level in Swedish?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Swedish tips…

Where shall I send the tips and your PDF?

What is your current level in Danish?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Danish tips…

What can we do better? If I could make something to help you right now, w hat would it be?

What is your current level in [language] ?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] [language] tips, PLUS your free StoryLearning Kit…

Download this article as a FREE PDF?

Great! Where shall I send my best online teaching tips and your PDF?

Download this article as a FREE PDF ? 

What is your current level in Arabic?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Arabic tips…

FREE StoryLearning Kit!

Join my email newsletter and get FREE access to your StoryLearning Kit — discover how to learn languages through the power of story!

Download a FREE Story in Japanese!

Enter your email address below to get a  FREE short story in Japanese and start learning Japanese quickly and naturally with my StoryLearning® method!

What is your current level in Japanese?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Japanese StoryLearning® Pack …

Where shall I send your download link?

Download Your  FREE   Natural Japanese Grammar Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Natural Japanese Grammar Pack and learn to internalise Japanese grammar quickly and naturally through stories.

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Natural Japanese Grammar Pack …

What is your current level in Portuguese?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Natural Portuguese Grammar Pack …

What is your current level in German?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Natural German Grammar Pack …

Train as an Online Language Teacher and Earn from Home

The next cohort of my Certificate of Online Language Teaching will open soon. Join the waiting list, and we’ll notify you as soon as enrolment is open!

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Portuguese tips…

What is your current level in Turkish?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Turkish tips…

What is your current level in French?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the French Vocab Power Pack …

What is your current level in Italian?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Italian Vocab Power Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the German Vocab Power Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Japanese Vocab Power Pack …

Download Your  FREE Japanese Vocab Power Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Japanese Vocab Power Pack and learn essential Japanese words and phrases quickly and naturally. (ALL levels!)

Download Your  FREE German Vocab Power Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my German Vocab Power Pack and learn essential German words and phrases quickly and naturally. (ALL levels!)

Download Your  FREE Italian Vocab Power Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Italian Vocab Power Pack and learn essential Italian words and phrases quickly and naturally. (ALL levels!)

Download Your  FREE French Vocab Power Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my French Vocab Power Pack and learn essential French words and phrases quickly and naturally. (ALL levels!)

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Portuguese StoryLearning® Pack …

What is your current level in Russian?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Natural Russian Grammar Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Russian StoryLearning® Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Italian StoryLearning® Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Natural Italian Grammar Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the French StoryLearning® Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Natural French Grammar Pack …

What is your current level in Spanish?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Spanish Vocab Power Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Natural Spanish Grammar Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Spanish StoryLearning® Pack …

Where  shall I send them?

What is your current level in Korean?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Korean tips…

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Russian tips…

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Japanese tips…

What is your current level in Chinese?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Chinese tips…

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Spanish tips…

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Italian tips…

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] French tips…

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] German tips…

Download Your  FREE   Natural Portuguese Grammar Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Natural Portuguese Grammar Pack and learn to internalise Portuguese grammar quickly and naturally through stories.

Download Your  FREE   Natural Russian Grammar Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Natural Russian Grammar Pack and learn to internalise Russian grammar quickly and naturally through stories.

Download Your  FREE   Natural German Grammar Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Natural German Grammar Pack and learn to internalise German grammar quickly and naturally through stories.

Download Your  FREE   Natural French Grammar Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Natural French Grammar Pack and learn to internalise French grammar quickly and naturally through stories.

Download Your  FREE   Natural Italian Grammar Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Natural Italian Grammar Pack and learn to internalise Italian grammar quickly and naturally through stories.

Download a FREE Story in Portuguese!

Enter your email address below to get a  FREE short story in Brazilian Portuguese and start learning Portuguese quickly and naturally with my StoryLearning® method!

Download a FREE Story in Russian!

Enter your email address below to get a  FREE short story in Russian and start learning Russian quickly and naturally with my StoryLearning® method!

Download a FREE Story in German!

Enter your email address below to get a  FREE short story in German and start learning German quickly and naturally with my StoryLearning® method!

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the German StoryLearning® Pack …

Download a FREE Story in Italian!

Enter your email address below to get a  FREE short story in Italian and start learning Italian quickly and naturally with my StoryLearning® method!

Download a FREE Story in French!

Enter your email address below to get a  FREE short story in French and start learning French quickly and naturally with my StoryLearning® method!

Download a FREE Story in Spanish!

Enter your email address below to get a  FREE short story in Spanish and start learning Spanish quickly and naturally with my StoryLearning® method!

FREE Download:

The rules of language learning.

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Rules of Language Learning and discover 25 “rules” to learn a new language quickly and naturally through stories.

Download Your  FREE Spanish Vocab Power Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Spanish Vocab Power Pack and learn essential Spanish words and phrases quickly and naturally. (ALL levels!)

Download Your  FREE   Natural Spanish Grammar Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Natural Spanish Grammar Pack and learn to internalise Spanish grammar quickly and naturally through stories.

Free Step-By-Step Guide:

How to generate a full-time income from home with your English… even with ZERO previous teaching experience.

What is your current level in Thai?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Thai tips…

What is your current level in Cantonese?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Cantonese tips…

Steal My Method?

I’ve written some simple emails explaining the techniques I’ve used to learn 8 languages…

I want to be skipped!

I’m the lead capture, man!

Join 84,574 other language learners getting StoryLearning tips by email…

“After I started to use your ideas, I learn better, for longer, with more passion. Thanks for the life-change!” – Dallas Nesbit

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] [language] tips…

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level]   [language] tips…

Find The Perfect Language Course For You!

Looking for world-class training material to help you make a breakthrough in your language learning?

Click ‘start now’ and complete this short survey to find the perfect course for you!

Do you like the idea of learning through story?

Do you want…?

• Destinations

The Most Important Phrases Tourists Should Know In Spanish Before Visiting Spain

Traveling to a country when you don't speak the language can be an exhilarating experience. It's fascinating to see how much we communicate without words, and which ones we really need to know to get around. Though you certainly don't have to be fluent in a country's language to visit, learning as much as you can is a gesture of respect for the trip you're on, people who live in the country, and just a generally nice thing to do. It can also help you to get what you ask for, where you're trying to go, and making things easier on the local person you're speaking with. 

If the beautiful country of Spain is where you're headed, there are some important Spanish words and phrases for you to know before you go. There are, of course, the usual things to learn like greetings and "please" and "thank you." Then there are things you need to know if you have any special requests — like if you're a vegetarian traveling in Europe , for example — or how much something costs if it's not listed. We've got the most important words and phrases for you to learn as well as a few tips for other ways to make yourself understood. 

Phrases that will be very useful in Spain

Here are some words and phrases to start with. "Yes" is "sí" (see) and "no" is simply, "no." To say "hello," you say "hola," (oh-lah). "Buenos días" (bwen-ohs dee-ahs) is "good morning," "buenas tardes" (bwen-ahs tar-dehs) is "good afternoon," and "buenos noches" (bwen-ohs no-ches) is "good evening." "Goodbye" is "adios" (ah-dee-ohs). "Thank you" is "gracias" (grah-thi-us). To ask how someone is doing, say, "Cómo está usted" (coh-moh es-tah oo-sted), which is the formal way of asking. If you're asked in response and you want to answer "well," say "bien" (bee-ehn) or "muy bien" (moy bee-ehn) for "very well." 

You say "por favor" (poor fah-vor) for "please" and "perdon" (pehr-don) for "excuse me." "Lo siento" (low see-en-to) is "sorry." To ask where something is, you say, "dónde está" (don-deh es-tah) and then the thing you're looking for. If you want to ask how much something costs, say "cuánto cuesta eso" (kwan-to kwes-tah es-oh), and you can mime writing it down if you don't know Spanish number words. 

Another really important thing to know is "puede ayudarme" (poo-eh-deh eye-you-darm-ay) which is how you ask someone to help you if you need it. If you would like something, say, "me gustaría" (mee goo-stah-ree-ah) which means, "I would like." If you can't eat fish, for example, you say, "no como pescado" (no coh-moh pes-kah-doh). "Habla inglés" (Ah-blah in-glays) means, "Do you speak English?" 

Getting directions and more Spanish tips

To ask how to get somewhere, say, "Cómo llego a —?" (Komo yay-go ah ...) or, again, "dónde está." Knowing the words you may hear in response matters as well. "Ve a la izquierda" (vay ah liz-key-air-dah) means "go left." "Ve a la derecha" (vay ah lah der-ay-cha) means "go right." "Ve recto" (vay reck-toh) means "go straight on." If they're speaking quickly, say, "Puedes hablar más?" (Poo-eh-des ahb-lahr mahs) or "Can you speak slowly?" You can also tell people, "Hablo un poco de español" (Ah-blo uhn poh-coh deh es-pan-yol) which means, "I speak a little Spanish," and if it's really only these words, make a hand gesture to indicate something really tiny.

That's a big thing when traveling as well. We communicate with more than our voices. We use our faces, hands, and posture to indicate things. Think about someone who speaks only Spanish and a few words of English asking you for something. They can get a point across with gestures like hand to the mouth to indicate eating, or a wave for help. In a pinch, tourists traveling abroad can either try various language teaching tools and apps or especially  the Google Translation app for a stress-free trip . With that, you can have live translation of a conversation as it's happening, use the camera to hover over signs and labels for instant translation, and simply look up what you want to say.

Recommended

How Many Countries Have Spanish As Their Official Language?

• Origins Of Spanish
• What's An Official Language?
• Where Is Spanish An Official Language?
• Confusion Over Spanish-Speaking Countries

Where in the world do people speak Spanish? If you sat down to make a list, you’d notice right away that the number of countries you can add to it is pretty substantial. Spanish is one of the most prevalent languages in the world, as it’s spoken not only in Spain and Mexico but also throughout North, Central, and South America and the African continent. 

So, exactly how many Spanish-speaking countries are there? And where is Spanish the official language? Come along as we break down those facts and more about one of the world’s most popular languages.

Where did Spanish originate?

Spanish originated on the Iberian Peninsula, the section of land at the southwest corner of Europe that’s home to Spain and Portugal. The specific dialect of Spanish that first developed in Spain is also called Castilian , and it evolved as a continuation of Vulgar Latin mixed with Arabic from the Moors who once conquered parts of the region. 

Spanish is one of the Romance languages , a group of languages that all developed around the same historical time period and as offshoots of Vulgar Latin. The family of romance languages also includes French, Italian, Romanian, and Portuguese.

As Spanish has spread throughout the world, several different dialects have developed. For example, Caribbean Spanish is characterized by omitted final consonants and an aspirated -r sound. Meanwhile, Argentinian Spanish is spoken with an intonation that’s similar to Italian. Spanish is as diverse as the millions of people who speak it.

Ever swatted a mosquito ? Consider yourself  savvy at something? Get to know English words like these and others that came from Spanish.

What is an official language?

Spanish is spoken by nearly 500 million people worldwide, but just because a lot of people in a given country speak a particular language doesn’t mean it’s that country’s official language. 

Official means “authorized or issued authoritatively.” So, an official language is usually one that has legal status in a particular state or country, like a legislative declaration recognizing it as the national language. This is the case for Spanish in countries like Argentina or Honduras.

But there are plenty of countries where a large number of people speak Spanish, yet it’s not the official language. The United States is a good example. The US is home to more than 41 million Spanish speakers, according to the US Census Bureau , but the country doesn’t have a designated official language. Instead, Spanish is one of several predominant languages spoken in the US, meaning it’s prominent and used by a large number of people.

Go Behind The Words!

• By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy policies.
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

So, where is Spanish an official language?

There are 20 countries where Spanish is the official language. They include:

• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea

You might notice that some countries you assumed are Spanish-speaking are missing from this list. Why is that? Allow us to explain.

Spanish is the official language of a handful of countries in the Caribbean. Learn more about the region from every angle.

The confusion over official Spanish-speaking countries

If you’ve ever tried to pin down the exact number of Spanish-speaking countries in the world, you might notice the lists vary depending on which source you choose. Some lists say 23, while others might say 19, 20, or 21. There are a few reasons why this question can be complicated to answer.

First, it’s really easy to confuse official and predominant languages. 

Sometimes people assume Spanish is the official language in a particular place, when it actually isn’t. In Belize, about 56.6% of the population speaks Spanish, according to the 2010 census. Given that it’s located in Central America and has a large Spanish-speaking population, it’s easy to assume Spanish is the official language—but it isn’t. English is actually the official language of Belize.

In addition to the US and Belize, other places where Spanish is predominant but not official include Andorra, Curacao, The Virgin Islands, Aruba, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Second, some countries have more than one official language.  

Spanish is often cited as the official language of Mexico. But, while it’s true that more than 90% of Mexican residents can speak Spanish, Mexico actually has 69 recognized official languages, including Nahuatl , Maya, and other Indigenous languages. Some official language lists may include Mexico since Spanish is one of the official languages, but others may leave it off since Spanish is not the only official language.

Lastly, some Spanish speaking nations are also territories.

Spanish is the official language of Puerto Rico and a predominant language throughout Gibraltar and Western Sahara; however, these places are recognized as unincorporated territories of the US and the UK, so they frequently are not listed as independent Spanish-speaking nations.

Spanish is a complex and diverse language that gains more speakers every day. You can easily find people who speak Spanish in several parts of the world, and the language continues to evolve. In the future, it’s not hard to imagine that the official list of Spanish-speaking countries will get longer and longer.

Learn some cool Spanish words to impress the people of the Spanish-speaking world.

Trending Words

[ in-ter- dij -i-teyt ]

• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Plan Your Lyubertsy Holiday: Best of Lyubertsy

Explore Lyubertsy

Essential lyubertsy.

Lyubertsy Is Great For

Eat & drink.

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 18
• Very Good 9
• All languages ( 43 )
• Russian ( 37 )
• English ( 4 )
• German ( 1 )
• Italian ( 1 )

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

D’la Para Pica Pollo

Hours updated 2 weeks ago

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

151 Nagle Ave

New York, NY 10040

Thayer St & Fort George Hill

Washington Heights

You Might Also Consider

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Dan H. said "Today the line was moving pretty quickly, I went in during rush and the line was long and I did wait on the line waiting for my sandwich to come out. When I got to the register there was really one girl working it and I would like…" read more

in Salad, Fast Food, Sandwiches

4.2 miles away from D’la Para Pica Pollo

Introducing Caramelized Garlic Steak at Sweetgreen

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

Nothing special Food is very fresh chicken is very small. Tostones were the best I ever had. They do not have salsa picante (yet?) or the mojito (garlic and vinegar).The House special fried rice(chaufa chifa chaulafan) should be kept hotter. It just didn't wow me but obviously from the crowd it must be a well loved establishment Chicken is super crunchy but not much flavor. The line from what others told me gets very long so I imagine the locals love this style of chicken (Dominican) Service is as fast as they can be and friendly. Speak a little Spanish to make your visit go smoothly (use a translator online if you must)

See all photos from Taxi G. for D’la Para Pica Pollo

Chicken was undercooked! How can you undercook fried chicken? Ordered the 10 piece with tostones, supposed to come with salad, they had no salad! Ask to check the bill before you pay! The cashier tacked on an additional cost, when I inquired about it she said the price on the menu had not been updated.

Food is overly expensive for the same quality chicken at a least price as Johns Fried chicken same taste!!! More $.. Cold tostones...

Tostones Done, cold hard.

Bowlero Times Square

Jane E. said "My husband and I along with another couple spent 2 hours here this evening. The one thing I want to stress is the customer service here is top notch. From the first phone call setting up our reservation, to the end of the evening,…" read more

in Venues & Event Spaces, Arcades, Bars

Negril Village

Alyca S. said "Came here with girlfriends while on a girls' weekend in NYC. This place is about 25 mins from Times Sq by train with minimal walking.. just don't keep making wrong turns like we did :-) Walked in around 8pm and were seated right…" read more

in Lounges, Caribbean

Collections Including D’la Para Pica Pollo

By Brandon C.

People Also Viewed

John’s Fried Chicken

Restaurante Lechonera & Pollo Sabroso

La Isla Cuchifrito

Yoly Restaurant

Sweet Mama’s Soul Food Restaurant & Salad Bar

La Nueva Espana

El Pabellon De Oro

Flavas International Grill

Tropical Rotisserie Chicken

Best of New York

Things to do in New York

Other Places Nearby

Find more Chicken Shops near D’la Para Pica Pollo

Find more Chicken Wings near D’la Para Pica Pollo

Find more Dominican Restaurants near D’la Para Pica Pollo

Browse Nearby

Puerto Rican Food

Dining in New York

Search for Reservations

Book a Table in New York