The Best Spanish cities for a Spanish course in Spain

The ideal destination to continue learning Spanish is Spain, but which city should you choose?

Throughout the length and breadth of the country, you will find cities that stand out for their gastronomy, museums, activities or traditional festivals so that learning Spanish in Spain is a complete immersive adventure. Although it is difficult to decide on a specific city, you should consider your preferences and tastes, but also other aspects.

Finding the perfect place to take a Spanish course in Spain is complicated but think that Spain offers you places full of a very diverse culture, rich, varied and with a fascinating history. The Spanish schools also have a high-quality teaching system and activities to complement your language learning in the classroom.

It is important to surround yourself with the language completely and to have several options in which to learn Spanish in Spain outside of the academic environment, because practising Spanish in informal and social settings is one of the most effective ways to improve.

Here are seven perfect Spanish cities to learn Spanish in Spain without limits.

1. Madrid

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The capital of Spain is an excellent choice for learning Spanish. The heart of the country is in Madrid, a city that is home to some of the country’s most prestigious educational institutions, both Spanish language schools and universities.

Madrid will allow you to surround yourself with an active, fast-moving life and a nightlife that you will love. Not to mention all the cultural activities you can do in the city: visit the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía or the National Museum of Natural Sciences; let yourself be carried away by the music in the bars or nightclubs; and don’t miss the diverse theatre plays, from musicals, dramas, comedies to monologues.

The opportunity to practice and learn Spanish in such a dynamic and cosmopolitan environment as Madrid offers is unbeatable.

2. Barcelona

The city of Barcelona is another popular destination for learning Spanish in Spain. Barcelona offers a unique perspective to students due to its bilingualism with Catalan, the second official language. But don’t worry, you can practice your Spanish anywhere you go.

Barcelona is famous for monuments such as La Sagrada Familia and other Gaudi masterpieces that you will find in every corner of the city. Visit Parc Güell, Montjuic, spend a day at the beach or ride the cable car. You’ll be able to practise your Spanish anywhere with the locals, who will be happy to help you and with whom you can talk in more informal settings.

3. Salamanca

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Known for being the choice of national and international students, Salamanca is another perfect destination for learning Spanish in Spain. There you will find a more neutral Spanish and meet thousands of students just like you who are polishing their Spanish.

La Ciudad Dorada or “Golden City”, because of the colour of its sandstone, is famous for its Spanish language courses for foreigners and for having one of the oldest universities in Europe: The University of Salamanca.

The university atmosphere and its impressive Plaza Mayor offer an ideal environment for linguistic and cultural immersion. In addition to all the young people who are studying languages or have a university degree, Salamanca is a small city, far from all the hustle and bustle of Madrid or Barcelona, but ideal for never getting bored.

4. Granada

If you are looking for a smaller city, not as crowded as Madrid and Barcelona, with a quieter life and less hustle and bustle, Granada is the city for you.

Granada is a city that combines a rich Moorish history with a vibrant culture. Famous for the Alhambra, a palace and fortress that is one of the most emblematic monuments in Spain, Granada has a youthful atmosphere, and students fill its streets every weekend.

In addition, Granada offers a lively nightlife, and you can’t leave without tasting its tapas, because you can enjoy a free tapa with every drink you have in bars or restaurants. A perfect option to practice, learn new vocabulary and live an immersive experience in Spanish.

5. Seville

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Also in Andalusia, you can opt for Seville, the capital. A city brimming with tradition and culture around every corner. The birthplace of flamenco, in Seville you will be surrounded by events and traditions that you cannot miss.

The Feria de Abril and Semana Santa are two events that you must experience in the city because their deep tradition and celebration will make you better understand its way of life and the Spanish culture.

Seville also has a unique Spanish accent, a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere from the locals to make you feel welcome as soon as you arrive in the city. The perfect place to improve your Spanish and get to know colloquial expressions unique to Seville.

6. Valencia

If you prefer to experience the Mediterranean Sea, live in a warm climate and taste delicious food, Valencia is the city you are looking for. A big city, but not as noisy as Madrid and not as touristic as Barcelona, located on the east coast and where the country’s star dish, paella, originated.

Valencia is known for its Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) and its beautiful beaches, where you can learn and immerse yourself in Spanish 24 hours a day. The city offers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for students, with numerous cultural and leisure activities.

Another festival not to be missed is Las Fallas, a unique festivity that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. The good climate and the hospitality of its inhabitants make Valencia a very attractive destination for you to study Spanish.

7. Malaga

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Also located near the sea, on the Costa del Sol, you will find Malaga, known for its warm climate and stunning beaches. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso has an incredible cultural offer, such as the Picasso Museum or the Pompidou Centre.

Malaga offers a relaxed and friendly mood, ideal for those who wish to combine their Spanish course with activities by the sea and the sun. Surround yourself with like-minded students and explore the city to discover all the hidden treasures.

Each of these Spanish cities offers a unique experience to learn Spanish, find the one that best suits your tastes and preferences. In Spain, you will find a huge variety of destinations that ensure a complete immersion in the Spanish language and culture. Choosing the right city is in your hands.

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Manuela WillboldEditor in Chief

Blogger and Educator by Passion | Senior Online Media & PR Strategist at ClickDo Ltd. | Contributor to many Education, Business & Lifestyle Blogs in the United Kingdom & Germany | Summer Course Student at the London School of Journalism and Course Instructor at the SeekaHost University.