What are the can't miss sites in Spain
 

We will be in Spain 7/22-8/2 (Madrid, San Sebastian, then Barcelona)What are a few sites we must have on our list to do? We are a couple in our 30's, like good food and wine, fun atmosphere, people-watching, art, eclectic shops, etc.

I can only make suggestions for Barcelona. If you like good food, you have to check out La Boqueria market. There are several kiosks where you can eat as well (although I don't recommend Kiosk Universal - we had a bland meal there). The port is a good place to go people watching, as is La Rambla.

In Madrid,

I found the Palacio Real a mind-blower. I thought it was more impressive than Versailles. But that may be because I went first thing in the morning and there were only about 20 other people there instead of the hundreds at Versailles.

I also thought the Museo Cerralbo a very nice glimps into the life of a late 19th century collector and his home.

And for people watching, Plaza Mayor, is a great place.

Since you are leaving in 4 days, have you look over a guidebook? What are you going to Spain? Are you driving/train/bus/tour?

You listed 3 cities that represent 3 distintive regions. You are also leaving out the one region of Spain first timers ought to do first....which is a good thing because summer in Spain (more so the South) is close to torture. Be that as it may, if you like art, the museums in Madrid, Barcelona and San Sebastian will take up your 10 days; don't even bother overextending yourself. Any guidebook will list the ones not to miss (Prado, Reina Sofia, etc...)

Viajero, what IS the area of Spain that first timers should do first? Seville?

Andalucia.

San Sebastian is sooo beautiful! We had a great time exploring that city. We also took a day trip over the french border to St Jean de Luc (?) and the other way to Bilboa and the Guggenhiem.

For amazing food make reservations at Arzak and/or Kursaal. And don't forget to spend a lot of time pinxos hopping in the old quarter- lots of people watching to be had there!

GBbabe said:
"I found the Palacio Real a mind-blower. I thought it was more impressive than Versailles"

Hi, in fact the Madrid Royal Palace building is much bigger than the French one. And if you look from Versailles gardens directly to the building it will remind you inmediatly to Madrid. The 'grandeur' of Versailles is the garden itself, incredible gardens, and 'that presence of Louis XIV'.

I'm sure you'll be delighted.

I could go nuts on Barcelona suggestions, but if you just want the must-sees, I say:
Casa Milà (aka La Pedrera) on the corner of Passeig de Gràcia and Provença. Go inside the show apartment.

Palau de la Música off of Via Laietana has beautiful mosaics and the interior is breathtaking.

Plaza Catalunya at night is a favorite of mine.

The Call (Jewish Quarter) in the Gòtic has tiny streets and you can visit the synagogue (pretty recently discovered).

The Cathedral is on everyone's list, but the scaffolding is still over the façade, which takes away from its luster.

Montjuïc has the best sundown view of the city and of the beach, and the gardens are really nice in the early evenning.

If you look under the "moving back to Barcelona" thread, you will find my BCN hotlist.

Claire

bookmarking for my upcoming Spain trip.