Whether you're looking for a beach escape, a history-inspired getaway, or an urban adventure, Spain has you covered. The geographically and culturally diverse country has plenty of stand-out options to choose from, with cities like Barcelona and Madrid at top of mind. But those two aren't the only ones worth visiting, thanks to art- and restaurant-filled enclaves like Bilbao and Granada. To give you some trip inspiration, see six of our favorite city breaks in Spain below.

Barcelona

A perennial favorite, the Catalan capital is beloved for many things: delicious tapas in busy mercats, Roman ruins and the medieval lanes of the Gothic Quarter, sprawling beaches, and dance parties at the city’s many popular nightlife spots. And you can’t forget the architecture of Antoni Gaudí, arguably the city’s defining feature. Most of Gaudi’s work is based in Barcelona—most notably the Sagrada Familia, a towering basilica combining Gothic and Art Nouveau styles that serves as his pièce de résistance. Many artists have found inspiration walking the streets of the city, too, including Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro, both of whom have museums devoted to their work in Barcelona.

Madrid

Once regarded as the buttoned-up sister to Barcelona, Madrid has earned its own space in the spotlight. A new creative class is emerging, bringing with it trendy new boutiques like Mini in Conde Duque and bars like The Passenger in Malasana. Of course, the classics are still alive and well in Madrid. World-class art museums like the Prado showcase works by Velazquez and El Greco while traditional craftsmanship flourishes at old-world shops like Antigua Casa Crespo, where espadrilles have been handmade since 1836. Plus, the world’s oldest continuously open restaurant, Restaurante Botin, has been serving up wood-fired specialties such as roasted lamb since 1725.

Valencia

Chock-full of UNESCO World Heritage sites and boasting one of the largest historic centers in the country, Valencia is a haven for history buffs. But the city isn’t just a shrine to the past—it’s also home to the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex devoted to cultural and scientific research designed by hometown starchitect Santiago Calatrava. Gourmands will find plenty of flavor in the birthplace of paella, and a buzzy selection of bars for nightcaps. Top off the visit with a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the nearby Sierra Mariola Natural Park.

Seville

There’s incredible architecture to be seen in Seville, from the shadowy medieval lanes that wind past a Gothic cathedral to the Alcazar palace complex that hints at the city’s Moorish past. Intimate flamenco clubs seduce with soulful music and sultry moves, while airy plazas buzz with locals enjoying endless tapas at the many small and stalwart restaurants.

Granada

Set at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, this compact city packs a world unto itself within its 34 square miles. The last stronghold of the Spanish Moors proudly displays its cultural and architectural influences. The Albayzin—the historic Arab quarter—teems with teahouses called teterias and kebab shops serving up delicious shawarma. Of course, the crown jewel is the Alhambra, a complex of arabesque-styled palaces and idyllic gardens straight out of One Thousand and One Nights. The lively nightlife can’t be ignored, with a mix of high-end restaurants and cocktail bars serving stand-out drinks.

Bilbao

Natural and man-made beauty go hand-in-hand in this industrial town-turned-cultural hotspot. Art- and architecture-loving travelers come for the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim, a titanium-clad landmark that put Bilbao on the cultural map. The rolling green hills and easy-to-reach coastline with pristine beaches are an additional draw. Here, Michelin-starred restaurants like Zortziko and Azurmendi compete with family-run restaurants to offer their interpretation of Basque cuisine—and nightlife thrives at spots like Euskalduna Palace, a performing arts hall, and the lively live music venue Kafe Antzokia.

Sahar Khan is a London-based lifestyle journalist who specializes in travel. Her work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Smithsonian Magazine, Monocle and Vogue.com, among others. When not on assignment, she can be found exploring all that London has to offer. Her work is available at saharkhan.com.