My First trip to Spain! I am so excited!!!Which cities to visit?

Good luck!

Crime, and civil unrest are on the rise because of their economic situation. Pickpocketting, and armed assaults are common in many (not all, of course) areas in Spain.

Also, two major groups in Spain currently want independence (the Basques for a long time now, actually), which only creates a more hostile and unsafe environment (as opposed to France, U.K., Germany, etc.).

Have fun!

Don't miss Barcelona if at all possible. I spent last summer there studying abroad, and it was a blast. Most people (according to my host mother) speak Catalan at home with their families and Spanish when they are out working and conversing with others. That was my experience too, so if you want to work on your Spanish, it shouldn't be a problem. People are usually really friendly and like to help you learn too, which is awesome!

I always love seeing Gaudi's architecture too. He designed Sagrada Familia, which is absolutely gorgeous, although it is still being built. You can take a tour, which will guide you both inside and outside, giving you a glimpse into the brilliance behind the building. Casa Batillo and Casa Mila are also fantastic, both inside and out.

If you are a fan of art, Barcelona was (and is) a land of artists. The Picasso Museum, the Miro Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art... its endless. And amazing.

If you go during the middle or end of August, don't miss the Fiestas de Gracia; all the people decorate their streets according to a theme and vote for the best to celebrate their love of their city. (Gracia used to be its own city outside of Barcelona, and the pride in their city still remains). It is really amazing.

Have an amazing time, wherever you go. Spain is a great place to be!

How long do you have to spend? I could get you a better itinerary knowing that. What season?

Fly whatever airline floats your boat, has the best fare, best flight sched. for you.

@Ranger: Spain is nothing like the US. "Most" people do NOT speak English. The Alhambra is in GRANADA, not Grenada (a Caribbean Island) or Sevilla, as you imply. And you don't need to order your tickets more than a day or two in advance, but it IS a good idea, of all the places we went, to get your tickets ahead of time. Otherwise, you'll stand in line for hours. We went during off season and stood in line for two hours. You can get them online, with an hour or so leeway for your entry. The Prado, (Madrid) as well, is a good idea to get tickets in advance. Buy them online.

Yes, there IS a winter on the Costa del Sol.

@ TSK, Barcelona is NOT "THE best city", nor is it the safest! But it definitely has its pluses.

I like Spain because it is very much like America in its modern culture. Many people speak English.

Seville is one of my favorite places, but if you are going to go, be sure to get tickets to Al Hambra in Grenada and visit it. You will need to apply for tickets 6 months before you go there.

My favorite place is Costa Del Sol on the Mediterranean. 9 months of summer and 3 months of spring. No winter or fall.

Barcelona is beautiful for tourists.

THE best city is the CATALAN city of BARCELONA...safer, friendlier than Castillian ones......The main language is NOT Castillian but CATALAN there however.....ALL understand Castillian Spanish.....