Travel Tips

Explore 17 travel destinations in Spain and Portugal for UAE residents in 2025. From Lisbon to Barcelona, discover the unforgettable European experiences with Arooha Leisure. 

Traveling to Spain will bring you unforgettable experiences, because this country not just has rich culture but also sprawling attractions, rich and wonders. Planning a trip to Spain, would be a miss if you are not put Portugal on the itinerary. Since Spain and Portugal share borders, travel between Spain and Portugal is not just easy with less travel time but also affordable. Spain and Portugal might have similar culture and language, but you will see them differently. 

Both, Spain and Portugal are part Schengen Visa countries, which means if your nationality is UAE, you do not require to apply for a Schengen visa and you can travel to Spain and Portugal for a short term travel that is up to 90 days within 180 days. However, if you are UAE resident but not holding a UAE passport, you might need to apply for a Schengen visa to be able to travel to Spain and Portugal.  Before you go on a trip to Spain and Portugal this year, these are must visit places that you should put on your itinerary:

Spain

Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Barcelona

There is no trip to Barcelona without witnessing Antoni Gaudi's monumental Basílica de la Sagrada Família. It's a church, but it is not just a church. Basílica de la Sagrada Família is a living work of art and engineering, truly unlike any other church in the world. The sheer scale, the intricate symbolism on its facades, and the breathtaking play of light inside through its vibrant stained-glass windows will leave you in awe. It's a masterpiece of Antoni GaudiIt's that under construction since 1882 until now, and the completion approximately finish on 2026.Basílica de la Sagrada Família’s entrance ticket price in 2025 is €26-€30 or AED 100-120, it's the basic entrance with an audio guide app. We suggest you book the entrance ticket of Basílica de la Sagrada Família online to save you from time waiting in queues. 

Park Güell, Barcelona

Park Güell is another must visit place while you are in Barcelona. Park Güell is a park that was designed by Antoni Gaudi. Originally built for a luxury residential area, Park Güell became a park that opened to the public in 1922. While visit Park Güell, you will enjoy an architectural mosaic in ceramic pieces and green spaces about 17 hectares. Park Güell will bring you a magical experience like you are in a fairy tale world. You will have to purchase a ticket that costs around  € 10 (AED 42), and higher if you want to visit along with the guided walking tour.

Picasso Museum, Barcelona

The Museu Picasso or Picasso Museum is a must visit place, especially if you are an art enthusiast. Knowing the famous Picasso art and visiting his pieces of life. You will view 5,000 pieces from the most comprehensive collection of Pablo Picasso's early work. Museu Picasso entrance ticket will cost around €12-€14 or AED 48-56 for general admission. But you can visit for free on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7 PM to 9 PM, and the first Sunday of each month. You can get the ticket online, 4 days before the time of your visit.

Montjuïc, Barcelona

Montjuïc is another must visit place while you are in Barcelona.Located on a hill, Montjuïc is used by the residents of nearby Ciutat Vella to grow fields and pasture animals. Montjuïc looks like a cherry on the top of the hill, you will get to see breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona and Mediterranean Sea. Montjuïc brings you the blend of natural beauty with cultural history. You can visit Montjuic Castle, Explore the Gardens & Olympic Ring. You can watch the fountain show for free if you are visiting on Thursday and Saturday, you will see the light and water dance that beats with music.You can take the Telefèric de Montjuïc from the funicular station to get a breathtaking scenic views.The average price of a return ticket is €13.50 (around AED 55). 

Puerta del Sol, Madrid

Puerta del Sol in Spanish means Gate of the Sun, which is located in the center of Madrid. It is one of the historical places in Madrid over centuries. Explore the surrounding of Puerta del Sol, you will find Kilometer Zero (Kilómetro Cero), Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (El Oso y el Madroño), and The Clock Tower (Reloj de la Casa de Correos).

Plaza Mayor, Madrid

The Plaza Mayor & Royal Palace of Madrid, which is near Puerta del Sol, is surely a must-see destination in Madrid.  Originally constructed during Philip III's reign, Plaza Mayor is a public square.  Plaza del Arrabal was its original name. Plaza Mayor features 237 balconies spread across three residential structures.  Plaza Mayor was constructed in the 17th century and has seen many events throughout Spanish history, including bullfights, royal coronations, inquisitorial trials, and thriving marketplaces.  It is still a thriving center where both people and visitors congregate, resulting in a vibrant atmosphere ideal for experiencing Madrid at its best.

Royal Palace of Madrid, Madrid

Royal Palaces is one of Western Europe's largest palaces and continues to serve as the King of Spain's royal residence. Though the current royal family does not live there anymore, they use the palace for the state ceremonial and official events. The Royal Palace of Madrid is well-known for its collection of paintings by the well-known artist and is situated in front of the Plaza Mayor. The palace's size and grandeur with an enthralling look into Spain's royal past and imperial splendor is one of beautiful art that is worth visiting.

El Retiro Park, Madrid

El Retiro Park was built by the Spanish kings in the 17th century by King Ohilip IV as a place of leisure, vacation, and spiritual retreat, Retiro Park was once the royal garden of the old Buen Retiro Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers 125 hectares of beautiful gardens. Currently, the oldest tree in El Retiro is an olive tree that is 627 years old and dates back to around 1396. You can rent a bike from one of the local bike rentals if you want to pedal through the park. Around El Retiro, there are also some outdoor cafés and kiosks where you may grab a bite to eat or a drink. 

Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid

Museo Nacional del Prado is the icon of the museum in Spain. It has the finest collections of European Arts, particularly the Spanish painting. Museo Nacional del Prado has collections from remarkable artists like Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and even Bosch and Rubens outside of their home countries. 

Reina Sofía Museum, Madrid

The Reina Sofía Museum began as a hospital in the 16th century before becoming a museum in 1992. It is now more than just a museum; it serves as a library, auditorium, and exhibition space. The museum is located near to the bustling Atocha train station and is a short walk from El Retiro Park and the Botanical Gardens. Before or after your visit, you can take in the lively atmosphere around the museum.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium was first opened in 1946, and the stadium has had a massive renovation since 2019. Santiago Bernabéu is like a temple of football history, especially for Real Madrid. Even if you are not a football enthusiast, visiting this stadium is still worth visiting. You will experience the Real Madrid Museum and the view of this masterpiece stadium. There will be an entry fee to this stadium, typically €35-€40 (approximately AED 140-160), you better secure the entry time by purchasing the ticket online. 

Portugal

Belém Tower, Lisbon

Torre de Belém is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the icon of a country historically moulded by its proximity to the ocean and its maritime discoveries of new worlds. Discoveries by Portuguese navigators transformed Lisbon into the world’s main trade hub in the 15th and 16th centuries. Constructed around 1519, you can experience this architecture with Portuguese Gothic style from the outside. 

Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon

Nearby the Belem Tower, you can find another UNESCO World Heritage site, Jerónimos Monastery. It was constructed to honor Vasco da Gama's victorious journey to India and to praise the Virgin Mary for it. It represents the richness and influence of Portugal's Age of Discoveries. While it costs nothing to enter the cathedral, it costs between €12 to €15 (about AED 48 to 60) to enter the spectacular cloister.

St. George's Castle, Lisbon

St. George's Castle or Castelo de São Jorge is a historical church in Lisbon. Most known for the panoramic views of lisbon. From the 13th to the 16th centuries, it served as the royal palace for Portuguese monarchs. After that, the castle's significance declined in the 16th century when the royal court relocated to a new palace.There is an entrance ticket to visit this castle, the usual price for general admission is €15 (about AED 60). Get your ticket online, to avoid the long queue.

Ponta da Piedade, Lagos

The cliff of Ponta da Piedade is one of the natural features of the Algarve. It is located 3 km to the south of Lagos, you will discover a dramatic limestone coastline that is  formed as the result of millions of years of erosion by wind and waves on the soft limestone. You can enjoy the cliff from the viewpoints for free, or take an adventure by boat tour, kayak tour. 

Dom Luís, Porto

Dom Luís is the icon of Porto, a must visit if you are around Porto. You can enjoy the breathtaking view from this metar arch bridge. It was built in the 19th century and designed by an Eiffel Associate. The Dom Luís Bridge is especially unique because of its double-deck design. 

Benagil Cave, Algarve

Benagil Cave is well known for its famous circular opening in the roof, which was formed after a portion of the cave ceiling collapsed due to erosion, resulting in the "eye" that allows sunlight to enter. Because of this continuous activity, the cave is a dynamic, ever-changing natural wonder. Throughout the visit, you are required to wear personal protective equipment, such as a life jacket and potentially a helmet. During high season, motorized boats may only be allowed to stay for two minutes, but kayaks and other non-powered watercraft may be allowed to stay for up to eight minutes. These stay durations may be slightly more flexible during the off-season.

Quite a list, but worth visiting on your Spain and Portugal trip this year. All the architecture, culture and history in Spain and Portugal will bring an exceptional experience of lifetime. But if you wonder when and how to get this wonderful trip to Spain and Portugal, Arooha Leisure got you covered! No need for stress in planning a trip. All the trip essentials, from the Schengen Visa, flight tickets, accommodation to the attractions ticket are all set to bring your wonderful trip to Spain and Portugal. Wonderful Spain and Portugal are awaiting you, so pack your bags and call Arooha Leisure today!

#Spain #Portugal #SpainPortugal #Madrid #Barcelona #Lisbon #Lisboa #TraveltoSpainPortugal #TravelfromDubai 

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