Learning Spanish is not only about grammar and vocabulary – it’s also about discovering culture, history and geography 🌍. And what better way to combine all of these than by exploring cities in Spanish? In this post, you’ll learn how to say ‘city’, discover the capital and some famous places and check out the biggest cities in Spain.
Let's start with the basics 🚀. The Spanish word for city is ciudad. You’ll hear it everywhere if you travel in Spain. For example: Madrid es una ciudad muy grande (Madrid is a very big city).
But wait! In English, we don't only say city... we also say town and village , and Spanish has words for those too👇:
✨ City → ciudad. It is used for big places like Madrid, Barcelona or Sevilla: Barcelona es una ciudad famosa por su arquitectura (Barcelona is a city famous for its architecture) 🏛️.
✨ Town or village → pueblo. In Spanish, pueblo can mean both ‘town’ and ‘village’, depending on size or if it is more rural: Vivo en un pueblo cerca de Valencia (I live in a town near Valencia) 🥘 or Ese pueblo tiene solo 500 habitantes (that village has only 500 inhabitants) 🏘️.
👉 Quick tip: If it’s big and urban = ciudad 🏙️, if it’s smaller or more rural = pueblo 🏡.
Yes, some cities have different names in Spanish compared to English. This often happens with famous places in Europe or the world. For example:🗣️
💂🏻♀London → Londres
🎨Florence → Florencia
🚤Venice → Venecia
And when it comes to Spanish cities, most names stay the same, but with Spanish spelling and pronunciation. For instance:
💃Sevilla, not Seville
🏰 Zaragoza, not Saragossa
🪴Córdoba, looks the same, but don't forget that in Spanish we have marks!
So if you want to sound like a real local 😎, remember to use the Spanish versions of these names.
Let’s take a tour around some of Spain’s most famous cities 🏙️. These cities are full of culture, history, and unforgettable landmarks 🏰. Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious about them, here’s what you need to know!
🏙️ Madrid
The capital city of Spain, Madrid, is where the fun never stops. Famous for its stunning Royal Palace 👑 and the world-renowned Prado Museum 🎨, Madrid is a must-see! It’s also known for its lively Puerta del Sol square and the gorgeous Retiro Park 🌳.
Next stop: Barcelona! This vibrant city by the sea 🌊 is famous for Gaudí's Sagrada Familia ⛪, the beautiful Park Güell, and the buzzing La Rambla street. And don't forget the beach! 🏖️
The magical city of Sevilla is home to the stunning Alcázar Palace 👑 and the Giralda Tower, which offers views over the city. Oh, and let’s not forget the Flamenco dance 💃 – it’s as iconic as the city itself!
Want to see a piece of history? Granada is where the famous Alhambra palace stands 🌹, a symbol of Spain’s rich Moorish past. A visit to this city is like stepping into a fairytale ✨.
Plus, need some recommendations? Check our post on Granada's restaurants and bars 🍻👇
Known for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences 🎭 and beautiful beaches 🏖️, Valencia offers a perfect mix of modern architecture and old-world charm. Don’t miss out on trying the delicious paella here! 😋
And here are some more famous cities in Spain, full of culture, history, and must-see attractions:
Bilbao🖼️ (Guggenheim Museum, Puente Zubizuri)
Málaga 🏖️ (Costa del Sol, Alcazaba, Museo Picasso)
Córdoba 🕌 (Mezquita, patios floreados)
Cáceres 🏰 (Ciudad vieja, Plaza Mayor, torres medievales)
Santiago de Compostela🌲 (Catedral, calles empedradas, marisco gallego)
We know that Spain is full of fascinating cities, each with its own charm and character. From bustling metropolises to small towns rich in history, the options are endless! 🌟 Here, we've put together a list of 26 standout cities, in alphabetical order, so you can explore the best of this vibrant country. 🌍
| 1. Ávila | 13. León |
| 2. Barcelona | 14. Madrid |
| 3. Bilbao | 15. Málaga |
| 4. Cáceres | 16. Murcia |
| 5. Córdoba | 17. Palma de Mallorca |
| 6. Granada | 18. Salamanca |
| 7. Gijón | 19. San Sebastián |
| 8. Gerona | 20. Sevilla |
| 9. Huelva | 21. Santiago de Compostela |
| 10. Jaén | 22. Toledo |
| 11. La Coruña | 23. Valencia |
| 12. Las Palmas de Gran Ganaria | 24. Vigo |
✨ Final thoughts
Exploring cities in Spanish is a fun way to expand your vocabulary while also discovering Spain’s rich culture and geography. 💪🏻 From ciudad to Londres, from Madrid to Málaga, every word you learn brings you closer to speaking like a true local.
📝Interactive practice exercise
Ready to check what you understood? 👇🏻