Which cities to visit?

Well, I've only been to Barcelona in Spain but I heartily recommend it. Barcelona is really amazing. Lots of good walking, good attractions. Can't speak to bike riding or day trips. We had 3 days there and filled every minute of it in town and couldn't find time for day trips although there were a few that interested me. Few cities I travel to make my "return" list, but Barcelona did. I fell hard for the architecture, the cafes, the location on the Mediterranean and the general feel of the city.

At one time or another I've been to all of those cities, though Seville and Granada were a long time ago.

Bilbao has the potential to be cooler and wetter than the others in the fall, if that matters to you. I liked it, but on a first trip to Spain--which I assume this is--it wouldn't be one of my top three. It has a couple of important art museums, a nice historic district, and a downtown with attractive early 20th century architecture (not approaching Barcelona in that regard).

I'd say Madrid is the king of the day-trip. You have Segovia, Avila (less interesting to me), and Cuenca (via fast train toward Valencia). Most people visit Toledo as a day-trip from Madrid, but I was very glad to spend several nights there. On a short trip with only three destinations, I'd probably take the day-trip option myself. Two smaller cities I enjoyed for just wandering around are Chinchon (smaller) and Alcala de Henares (larger); best on a day with decent weather since I don't think either one has too many indoor sights, though AdH probably has some.

Barcelona has a huge variety of things to see and I'd definitely include it. It needs as much time as you can probably spare--many museums and modernista architecture sights, the Gothic Quarter, etc. My top day-trip would be Girona (also worthy of an overnight, but less than an hour by train from Barcelona), which has a very nice historic district, a wall you can walk, an important cathedral, and a lovely small art museum that I highly recommend. The Dali sites in Figueres and outside Cadaques are a bit more of a challenge from Barcelona but could be done if you're a big fan. Cadaques is touristy but very pretty. South of Barcelona, the coastal resort of Sitges is more accessible and has a nice small museum. And there's Montserrat, which is popular but unvisited by me.

Seville has fast-train service to Cordoba (less than an hour), making for a great day-trip possibility. There are other possibilities if you rent a car for a day or two.

I'd choose Barcelona, Madrid and either Granada or Seville.

Edited to add: If by "fall" you mean November or later, check historical day-by-day weather data on wunderground.com and consider spending all your time in the south if you're uncomfortable with what you see. All my time in Spain has fallen between mid-May and August.

I recommend Seville and Madrid among the cities on your list.

Seville: I love the flavor and atmosphere of cities with a strong medieval heritage (while recognizing the Middle Ages were often far from pleasant). Seville is probably the best city with a medieval heritage I have ever stayed in after 12 visits to Europe. Beautiful narrow streets, great atmosphere and beautiful city. I do not consider myself a foodie or obsess about food. When I travel, it's about the history, culture and experiences. With that in mind, the food in Seville was superb. Also, there are great sites (cathedral, Alcazar, bullfight museum). If you go to Seville, go on Concepcion Delgado's tour. Also go to a Flamenco performance.

Another nice thing about Seville is you can use it as a base station while also seeing Cordoba and Granada, though Granada is a bit of stretch. When I was in Seville, I took a day trip to Cordoba to see the Mezquita site and went back.

Madrid: When I was in Spain, I visited both Madrid and Barcelona. I was looking forward more to Barcelona. In the end, I liked Madrid more. (I do not intend to offend residents and-or lovers of Barcelona; I'm merely giving an opinion). In Madrid, I loved the Prado, Centro de Art Reina Sofia, Royal Museum and seeing bullfight. One more word about the Prado: It's my favorite art museum in Europe. I like it even more than the Louvre or the Uffizi Gallery.

If you go to Madrid, you won't be far from Toledo. I regret not visiting it.

Finally, it might be a good idea to put Bilbao on your list for a reason. All the cities you're considering are in central or southern Spain. Because Bilbao is in the north, you'll get a different flavor of Spain. Cheers.

Has anyone not been impressed with Barcelona? We were there for four days this summer, after Seville and Granada. I found Seville having a very Spanish feeling, relaxed etc, Granada a bit less so and Barcelona like any ordinary big city. It had it's sites, but if I were to go back to Spain, Seville would be first on my list.

Thank you for this great input. The RS travel forum never disappoints!

Warren, I like Barcelona quite a bit but it is not like the rest of Spain. It's a big city that seems to be its own thing - Catalan instead of strictly Spanish. So I can easily see why it would be a surprise. I almost think it would be better as its own trip or combined with South France.

I also prefer Seville and Granada. Granada is my favorite but Seville is the most iconic of Spain. I'd do both along with other parts of Andalucia as time allows.

For Granada - there is an Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown episode on it. It's on Netflix, just called Spain but 99% of it is in Granada. Watch it if you have access - I think it captures the feel of the place amazingly well. Some people don't like Granada, but I find it completely mesmerizing. I prefer it to Seville, which is beautiful as well.

Hello,
Here are my three:
Barcelona is a one of a kind place. The language, the food, the art, lets just say "WOW". I did a lot of walking. Getting "lost" in the old town area was fun to do. Day trip ideas: Girona. We explored this places and our teenagers loved it. If you're into Dali, visit Figueres and Portlligat.
Granada is next. Here you have the history with Isabella and Ferdinand and the Moors. I would stay one full day to visit he Alhambra and all its sites. Another day to explore the town.

Then Seville. If your are there during the April Feria (check dates online) that is really special. To me, Sevilla is Spain. Walking, biking are both great here. A day trip to Cordoba is nice from here.

Now if you added Madrid, to me, this is a more modern city. You have the great museums. Some day trips from Madrid that my family has enjoyed are:
Segovia was our favorite day trip - the aqueduct. Salamanca was very historical. Loved the town square, cathedral and university. Toledo is amazing too.
Enjoy your adventure!

I've spent about 8 weeks in Spain in the last 3 years mostly in Madrid, Barcelona and Andalucia. No disappointments, only one or two places that I wouldn't go back to, several that I returned to, several that I hope to return to. I think you can't go wrong no matter what you choose. Just plan carefully. For instance Granada's Alhambra is the number one sight in the country for good reasons, but fitting it into a short trip can be difficult. Read this article about Spanish trains. It will help you immensely in your planning.

You live in/near Seattle.
Get thee to the RS HQ and make an appointment to meet with one of their expert travel counselors (small cost = totally worth it).
Seriously.

My wife and I just returned from Spain yesterday after spending two weeks there. This is our first trip to Spain, and spent first 5 nights in Madrid with one day trip to Segovia and one day trip to Toledo; then took the AVE high speed train to Seville, stayed 4 nights there with one day trip to Cordoba; then took the AVE train again from Seville to Barcelona, stayed in Barcelona for 5 nights.

Of the six cities we visited, we love Seville the best with all the good things other people mentioned, plus its friendly residents, very delicious high quality tapas at almost half the price as at Madrid or Barcelona, and sunny/warmer weather than those northern cities in the fall. Toledo comes in as our second best, and Barcelona the number three. In Madrid, Barcelona and Seville we chose the "Super hosts" in Airbnb with best locations close to all major attractions, and just walked to all of them without using metro or bus at all except to or from the airport/train station.

My best memories are often of the least touristed areas. Do you really want to spend your Spanish vacation surrounded by other American tourists? Here is a great example. (you'll need to click 'show more' three or four times.)

I totally agree with you Going234.... yet sadly (and annoyingly too for those suffering it!) some visitors think they're coming to some sort of Disneyland theme park... they just want "to do" Seville, or Barcelona, or Madrid as if they were riding the Jungle Cruise or visiting the Pirate's Lair or the Haunted Mansion. Tick this, tick that... been there, seen that, next please. But again, traveling means different things to different people, doesn't it? :)