The English newspaper The Telegraph has published a list that includes cities like Florence, Italy, Paris, France, New York City, United States, Athens, Greece, and Lisbon, Portugal, naming them some of the world's best urban destinations for 2022.

Two Spanish cities are also included in The Telegraph's ranking: Bilbao, in the Basque Country, and Barcelona, ​​in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia.

All the cities, between Europe and the United States, were selected as the ideal destination for an "urban getaway" for a weekend or a trip no longer than seven days. 

To choose these destinations, The Telegraph considered not only the commercial and cultural activities, but also the environment that surrounds them, such as vineyards, or other places to practice mountain sports such as skiing.

What to see in Barcelona?

Barcelona is a favorite destination for anyone spending holidays in Europe. 

It is ready to receive tourists and proof of this is that 83% of those who visit it come from other countries, according to the local tourist office.

In addition to its world-famous tourist landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, the Joan Miró museum, Montjuic (with a panoramic view of the city), Barceloneta and the Casa Milá (find more here), Barcelona organizes many events to host thousands of international tourists. Among them are the 2024 America's Cup, and the 2024 Manifesta Art Biennial.

The authors of The Telegraph ranking also recommend extending the stay in Catalonia to visit Sa Tuna, in the province of Girona.

What to see in Bilbao?

Bilbao is considered one of the largest cities on the north coast of Spain. The Telegraph decided to include it in its list because it is a good example of "urban regeneration."

A visit to Bilbao must include a boat ride on the estuary, the Vizcaya bridge (also called Portugalete Suspension Bridge), the Guggenheim Museum, and the Begoña Basilica, a temple in honor of the Virgin of Begoña associated with the sea.

The British publication also suggests the Indautxu neighborhood and more specifically, the Azkuna Zentroa Cultural Center.

In addition to its history, Bilbao is an amazing place to taste good food because the Basque Country is one of the territories with the largest number of Michelin Star restaurants in the world.

Don't miss an opportunity to try the pintxos, a symbol of this area of ​​Spain.

Added to these Bilbao attractions is the charm of its surroundings, such as beaches or the cliffs of Getxo, where visitors can reach by metro.