Costa del Sol landscape
Your Spain rail pass will take you to some of the most exciting places to visit in Spain. You’ll experience a unique blend of old-world history and new-world charm. Music, art and architecture form the backdrop, food and drink provide the flavor, but it’s the people of Spain that will win your heart.
Voluntary insomnia in Madrid
Madrid has so much to offer, you shouldn’t be surprised if you forget to sleep. Spend your days in the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace (Palacio Real), the Royal Botanical Gardens (Real Jardin Botanica) or one of the 73 museums. Feast on tapas in the evening, and dance the night away in one of the countless nightclubs that make this city famous. All the while, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most fascinating architecture in the world. More things to do in Madrid
The Royal Botanical Gardens are a 10-minute walk from train station Atocha. The famous Parque del Retiro is just across from the Botanical Gardens entrance.
Bustling brightness in Barcelona
Known for its modern, forward-thinking style, Barcelona is one of the most progressive cities in Spain. The capital of Catalonia offers music, museums, sun and shopping. A popular attraction is Sagrada Familia, a temple designed by Antoni Gaudi. Its construction began in 1882, and is still underway. Gaudi’s influence is unmissable in Barcelona – from Park Guell to Casa Batlló, one of the most unique residences in Spain.
It’s easiest to get to Sagrada Familia by bus or subway from any major railway station. The temple has its own stop.
Centuries of style in Seville
Seville (Sevilla) captures the sexy Spanish lifestyle, but business and finance are also part of the mix. Tour the city on foot, by bus or by bike. Parque de María Luisa and Plaza de España give a taste of Seville’s nature. The Sevilla Cathedral gives a feel of the Muslim and Christian influence. A steamy nightlife, flamenco dancing and delicious tapas, completes the adventure.
Seville train station Santa Justa is about a mile northeast of city center.
Sizzling sun in Valencia
Bask in the sunlight along the Costa Blanca (the White Coast) before heading into town for some memorable sightseeing. Once in town, don’t miss the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, which contains an oceanic aquarium, scientific museum, IMAX theater, covered gardens & more. Want to do a bit of shopping? The more than 1,000 stalls at the Mercado Central offers a host of colors, scents and flavors for the modern shopaholic.
From train stations De El Cabanyal en Del Norte city busses and metros can bring you to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
Quaint and peaceful Spain in Bilbao & Pamplona
Want to see some of the smaller, more quaint Spanish towns? The coastal city of Bilbao offers the famous Guggenheim Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry and recognized as a work of architectural genius. Further south, Pamplona may be known for the Running of the Bulls (July 6-14), but for the rest of the year, this little town is a fabulous place to explore, eat, and enjoy a dazzling nightlife.
From Station Bilbao-Abando, you can take a subway directly to the Guggenheim Museum. The museum has its own subway stop.
Best time to go to Spain
So, when is the best time to travel Spain by train? Even though it’s very hot, July and August are most popular for international visitors. Temperatures in May, June, even September and October are still nice, but without the overbearing heat and crowds.
Events
- Fiesta de Verano (Malaga): Arrive the second Friday of August to participate in this annual festival .
- Bull running in Pamplona: Every year in July you can witness this stunning way to honour the cities' patron saint, San Fermin.
- Vilanova International World Music Festival: Enjoy this multicultural festival of music, workshops and conferences, every year at the end of July, in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Catalonia.
