written by
UNBLND

Top 5 Best student cities in Spain

student cities 5 min read , August 5, 2023

Spain is a treasure trove of cultural riches, including bullfighting (Corrida De Toros), the fiery beats of Flamenco, and the enticing world of Tapas! Now, let's turn our attention to another aspect and explore the top student cities in this enchanting nation. Nestled in Southern Europe and embraced by the expansive Mediterranean Ocean, Spain not only offers a sunny climate but also boasts captivating beaches that magnetize hundreds of European tourists every year.

best student cities in Spain
Best student cities - Beach in Spain - Photographer: Enes | Source: Unsplash

Spain situates historically famous universities. Therefore, annually two million foreign students visit Spain to fulfill their dynamic academic interests. Which cities are the most popular for students in Spain?

Best 5 Student Cities in Spain:

1. Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital city of Catalunya, boasts a unique cultural identity. People in Barcelona speak a distinct language called Catalan. Moreover, it is renowned as the home of FC Barcelona and the birthplace of Gaudi, who stands as one of the most celebrated architects globally. The city itself is enveloped by a collection of fabulous Gaudi-designed buildings and parks, including iconic landmarks such as Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Mila.

Best student city in Spain Barcelona
Best student cities - Sagrada Familia - Source -Photographer: Ken Cheung | Source: Unsplash

Barcelona's stunning beach is a standout feature. The presence of seafood restaurants, cozy pubs, and charming cafes adds to its allure. This vibrant atmosphere adds a special touch to your student experience in Barcelona. Get ready to connect with fellow students, share swims and drinks, and create memorable moments at Barcelona's inviting beach!

Best student cities - Barcelona Beach- Source - Photographer: chan lee | Source: Unsplash

The University of Barcelona is renowned for its exceptional academics, consistently ranking among Spain's top universities. Backed by a robust team of 5,000 researchers and technicians, it has a history dating back to the 15th century. The university is composed of 17 faculties, providing students with ample opportunities to delve into their academic passions. Noteworthy among these faculties are Anatomy and Psychology, which shine brightly.

Best student cities  in Spain University of Spain
Best student cities - University of Barcelona - Source: University of Barcelona

2. Madrid

Madrid is the capital city of Spain. It is the home ground of Real Madrid CF which has won 13 UEFA Champions League. All the famous football players have dedicated themselves to these great achievements, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Mesut Özil.

Real Madrid in the best student city in Spain
Best student cities - Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Real Madrid CF) - Source: realmadrid.com

Explore a diverse range of Spanish cuisine and enjoy the delightful taste of Spanish wine at San Miguel market (Mercado de San Miguel). This lively market is always bustling, drawing tourists worldwide to relish fresh seafood, Jamon (Spanish Ham), and a variety of fruits. When you want a study break, a visit here is a tasty treat. The unforgettable blend of Jamon and sweet melon will surely make a lasting memory.

San Miguel market
Best student cities - San Miguel Market - Source -Photographer: Victor | Source: Unsplash

Curious about where to study in Madrid? The city's student scene thrives with about 30 universities and business schools. Among them, two stand out as the most historic: National Distance Education University (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia) and Complutense University of Madrid (Complutense University of Madrid). These universities are both the oldest and largest in Europe.

Best university Complutense Universitiy of Madrid in the best student cities  Madrid
Best student cities - Complutense University of Madrid - Source: ucm.es

3. Valencia

Where is the third-largest city after Madrid and Barcelona? It is Valencia! Valencia is on the Iberian Peninsula and is surrounded by the deep-blue Mediterranean coast. It has also a famous football team, Valencia FC and it is a historic port city. It was the center of the silk trade with Asia, Arabic countries. Moreover, Valencia is known for being packed with refined Romanesque and Gothic-style architecture such as La Lonja de la Seda, Cathedral Valencia (Catedral de Valencia), etc.

Valecia best student cities in Spain
Best student cities - La Lonja de la Seda - Source: fedepesca.org

The University of Valencia (Universitat de València Estudi General) is one of the oldest existing universities, founded in the 15th century. It has produced numerous famous researchers in the field of Mathematics, Physics, and Economics. Its buildings are all over the city, so you can also explore the city while searching for the lecture rooms.

University of Valencia in the best student cities  in Spain
Best student cities - University of Valencia - Source: uv.es

4. Salamanca

Where is Spain's oldest university found? Salamanca, situated in western Spain, boasts the tranquil flow of the Tormes River through its heart, offering a splendid cityscape. A Unesco World Heritagesite itself, Salamanca is adorned with significant Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance, and Baroque landmarks.

Salamanca the best student cities in Spain
Best student cities - Old city Salamanca - Source: Rentalia

Founded in 1218, the Unversity of Salamanca holds the title of Spain's oldest university. With its rich academic history, it draws over 30,000 international students each year. Particularly known for Linguistics, Laws, and Economics, this Unesco World Heritage city is a promising choice for studies.

5. Granada

Situated in southern Spain, in Andalusia province, Granada carries a strong Islamic heritage. This draws many tourists due to its cultural sites and architecture.

Granada
Best student cities - Granada - Source: Study abroad

Especially, Alhambra palace was the citadel of Nasrid, an Arab dynasty. Its grandness and sophisticated architecture have made it designated as a World Heritage site by Unesco. University of Granada has also a long history. It was built in the 15th century, and it is one of the beloved universities for Erasmus students.

Alhambra de Granada the best student cities in Spain
Best student cities - Alhambra Palace - Source: Photographer: Dimitry B | Unsplash

Why don’t you come to Granada, enjoy Mediterranean sunlight with an Islamic cultural atmosphere?

Are you interested in other best student cities in Europe? Check our articles about UK and Germany and other European student cities.

Do you wanna afford a cheap train pass to travel all around Europe? Interrail offers you a train pass at a very reasonable price, which is a fairly cheap price for students! Check out below for more information.

Get a train pass with Interrail!

We've seen Spain's great student cities, promising a wonderful student life. Want to meet folks to explore and share Sangria with in these vibrant places?

If you are new in the city or want to meet more like-minded people, check out UNBLND app. You can choose your location and your interest, and meet awesome people based on your specific interest. Moreover, the best thing part of UNBLND is that this app is free of charge! Search UNBLND in Google Play Store or App Store.

Unblnd
Explore Best student cities with UNBLND
interests buddies travel students student life student cities best European student cities friends
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter