11 Best Spanish Speaking Cities Abroad for Language Classes

Spanish: a sultry-syllabled speech synonymous with siestas, sangria, and soccer. Definitely the most helpful language to learn, with over 477 million native speakers world-wide in over 21 countries, spanning over 3200 years of culture and over 100 types of chilli peppers.

The Spanish language has great culture, tradition, and most importantly, food!

And what is the biggest advantage of this, other than the chance to make 500,000,000+ new amigos?

The opportunity to study abroad in the most diverse range of any language. From amid Eucalyptus trees in Galicia to sun-drenched beaches in the Canaries, from the site of the earliest recorded writing in Mesoamerica (hint: Mexico) all the way down to “the Paris of the Americas” (BsAs), from oversea US territories rich in salsa dancing to the birthplace of bachata and home of the oldest cathedral in the New World, the landscape for studying Spanish on location is endless. There is a slice of Spanish paradise cut just how you like it: hot, cold, urban, rural, historic, modern, corn-based, aguardiente-infused.

Yet, regardless of which Spanish-speaking cities most entice you, there is uniformity among their differences: hospitality. Sea elevation and flag colors aside, the hearts of Spanish-speaking people are bigger than the fresh coconuts scattered among Caribbean beaches. And between a warm soul and passion for long feasts, the new adopted family (even if you opt out of host families-- though why would you?), friends, and conversation buddies are practically guaranteed. This means that you will come back a fluent hispanophone, no matter which accent and street slang you pick up.

So, where are the most popular Spanish speaking cities?

Where are the most popular Spanish speaking cities?

1. Mexico City

Enjoy cultural parades like this one in Mexico city

Mexico’s capital is a kaleidoscope of activity, much like a never-ending mercado of colourful stalls, rich smells, and unknown delicacies. The 8.5 million inhabitants always find room for one more though, opening their doors to over 150 museums, 130 festivals, 40 parks, and about a bajillion taco stands. Refuge from the constant whirlwind is easy to find in chic neighborhoods dotted with cool fountains and in nearby Aztec archeological sites full of earthy energy. What’s more: this is not just one of the most international Spanish speaking countries, but it operates on the most “pure” Spanish for those that want a sprinkle of formality among their orders of antiojos.

Where? Mexico
Spanish? Latin American Spanish
Recommended program: Lengua y Cultura

2. Barcelona

Watch the sunset over the gorgeous cityscape of Barcelona.

Maybe it’s not Spain’s political capital, but Barcelona is EL place to vivir la vida loca. Among Gaudi’s colourful designs and cathedral spires, student life is rich, extracurricular activities go way beyond flamenco, and social happenings make sangria seem bland in comparison. All of the other European cities are a short RyanAir hop away, but you will probably not even finish exploring the many rocking neighborhoods oozing with rum and Catalan phrases around your university before weekends away appear on the school calendar. As far as Spanish speaking cities go, this flashy gem is for the metropolitan crowd that wants both sea and city, history and the latest trends.

Where? Spain
Spanish? Castilian (bonus: Catalan!)
Recommended program: Go! Go! Espana

3. La Habana

La Habana’s rich cultural history will make it the adventure of a lifetime!

They say time stopped tick-tocking in Cuba, but the hot reggaeton rhythms blasting from abandoned buildings prove otherwise. Commercial brands and wifi spots may not have infiltrated this protected island yet (and you should def check it out before they do!), but the Caribbean spirit is big and bold, and you will soon be stamping your feet and clapping your hands along to the beat. Emphasis is on community, on culture, on people, so if authenticity is up your alley, this is one of the best Spanish speaking cities to dive into. Indulge in ropa vieja (food, not clothes) accompanied with endless Cuba libres, fellow compatriots, and a Malecón that stretches into the era of neon convertibles.

Where? Cuba
Spanish? Caribbean Spanish
Recommended program: Jakera Cuba

4. Buenos Aires

You’ll stroll through cute plazas like these all the time in Buenos Aires.

One of the largest Spanish speaking cities, Buenos Aires still manages to retain its Old World charm, labelled as the Paris of the Americas for her elegance and grace. Sure, there are enough tango classes to fill up every day of the week, but with the highest bookstore/person ratio of any city worldwide, other cultural offers are as diverse as are the wine varieties. For when quaint metropolitan life gets too much, there are gauchos riding around the deserts to the north and penguins in Patagonia regions down south... convinced yet?

Where? Argentina
Spanish? Latin American/Riopltense
Recommended program: Mente Argentina

5. Santo Domingo

Neat little adobe houses and dreamy tropical vibes? Sign us up!

Mayhaps the most popular Spanish speaking city in the Caribbean, Santo Domingo attracts with its picturesque zona colonial, casts its spell with its gentle manners, and gets inside your heart as persistently as merengue beats play on repeat in your head. On an island accustomed to mass tourism, studying abroad offers a glimpse into the homey D.R found outside of luxury resorts. With surrounding postcard beaches, foggy mountains, and no shortage of roadside car washes (definitely not what you think, but we won’t spoil the surprise), this musical capital is shifting between past and future, and you don’t want to miss the dance steps to this rapid transition.

Where? Dominican Republic
Spanish? Caribbean Spanish
Recommended program: Spanish & Dancing: IIC

6. Cusco

Enjoy the city during the week, and hike machu picchu on the weekends!

If Machu Picchu and llamas aren’t enough to attract a study abroad on top of the Andes, we’ll throw in some ridiculously colourful handcrafts, endless vegetarian cafes, and a Pachamama philosophy that flows through everything from the legit massage parlours to the very backbone of almost every local. This gem of spiritual energy is one of the most popular Spanish speaking cities in South America, as much for its chill vibe as its historical wealth and geographic proximity to sacred valleys and magical mountaintops. If organic beet’n’kale smoothies aren’t your preferred recharge, at least indulge in a few Inca Colas to fuel the study sessions and horseback excursions.

Where? Peru
Spanish? Latin American Spanish
Recommended program: Aurora Andina

7. Medellin

Brightly colored streets will become the norm for you in Medellin!

Packed with action, Medellin lands at the top of a lot of travelers' bucket lists, providing the perfect balance of big-city and outdoorsy vibes. It might not be embodiment of wild Colombia (even though there are plenty of adventure opportunities nearby, especially in Paramillo National Park—look out for jaguars), and its high expat population might rise the prices of arepas up a few pesos, but few Spanish speaking cities will make you feel as glamorous while studying abroad.

Where? Colombia
Spanish? Latin American
Recommended program: Valley Spanish School

8. Cadiz

Explore the Spain coastal life in this gorgeous city!

Sunny and spectacular, this coastal city in Andalusia packs a punch. Claimed to be the oldest-inhabited city in Europe, there’s plenty of energy from many cool characters (pirates visited periodically, Lord Byron lived here, and Christopher Colombus sailed out of this port) to keep you company as you discover living history books behind every corner. The gaditanos are always smiling, offering delicious food outings and constantly getting ready for the next Carnaval- the largest after Rio. This tips the scale toward a spring semester abroad, but there are also plenty of local festivals and fairs to keep the music pumping all year long. Alley cat lovers, rejoice among watchtowers and boquerones.

Where? Spain
Spanish? Andalusian
Recommended program: Escuela de Espanol

9. Heredia

If exploring tropical jungles with volcanoes nearby is more your speed, then Heredia in Costa Rica is for you!

Nestled between rainforests, volcanoes, crystal rivers, and coffee plantations, Heredia also boasts to be a mere 10km north of capital city San José, so there is convenient access to both crazy city life and nature galore. This “City of Flowers” is ranks #1 on Costa Rica’s safety ratings, and has the highest concentration of international universities to guarantee excellence within the classroom. The ticos (natives) are a welcoming bunch, the currency is as colourful as breakfast platters, and the eco-diversity promises for a rich outdoor vocabulary after any study abroad session. With a national slogan of Pura Vida, you can’t really expect anything less than a thrilling time though, can you?

Where? Costa Rica
Spanish? Latin American
Recommended program: Tico Lingo

10. Tenerife

As if the beautiful scenery wasn’t enough, the culture of Tenerife is also amazing!

For those that want to study on a mountainous volcanic island off the coast of Africa, but under Spanish rule and with the Scottish flag, Tenerife would be a safe bet. As one of the most touristic places in the world, there’s definitely the presence of resorts and party life, but there are also many hidden treasures for those that stay longer (UNESCO Teide National Park is a good place to start). Also, despite it being Spanish territory, there’s no lisp to Canarian Spanish, and, just like every island in the Canaries has its own microclimate, so do they have their own dialect and lingo. With strong ties to Venezuela, a strong Thai presence, and influence wafting over from Morocco, this melting pot of warm cultures is all about the smiles and plenty of beach breaks between classes. As an added bonus, there are also ancient pyramids and UFO tales to keep things interesting.

Where? Canary Islands (Spain)
Spanish? Canarian
Recommended program: ESL

11. San Juan

You’ll have a blast in the biggest Spanish speaking city in the world.

As the oldest city on U.S. territory, San Juan is also one of the biggest Spanish speaking cities in the world (larger than Greater London, but with only a fourth of the population). Despite American currencies, postal codes, and English language presence, the lifestyle of Sanjuaneros is a world apart. The colonial architecture, grand cathedrals, cliffside fortresses, and Caribbean beaches also help set the mood, while salsa music and mofongo meals drill in the point. Despite recent hurricanes and infrastructure still being rebuilt, both San Juan and the rest of Puerto Rico’s archipelago are ready for business.

Where? Puerto Rico
Spanish? Caribbean Spanish
Recommended program: Language Vacation

Next steps to find & book Spanish language schools abroad

Ready to take the language-leap and commit to fluency? Here's a few logical steps you can take to move closer to your dreams of living abroad:

Pick a language! You might be starting from scratch, picking between a few languages you've taken classes in over the years, or maybe this recommendation is silly because you only have one true foreign language love. Regardless of where you stand, you need to pick a language to focus on so you can later...
Pick a destination! Keen to learn French? Consider France or Canada (or think outside la boîte). Spanish? You have tons of options—from Latin America to Spain (the mother country!). Once you know what language you want, consider the country and further still, the city you want to call "casa" or "maison" or "家" for the next few months.
Choose between the best language schools. Pay attention to past students’ reviews, your school and organization reputation, location, and your ease of getting started at your current level. Some schools or providers may even provide contact info for ambassadors or past participants if you want the REAL dirt. Check this out: The 8 Best Language Schools in the World.
Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and splurge in travel (in addition to program costs and airfare). Do your research to have an idea of how to pay for learning a language abroad.
Get prepared! You've done your research, chosen your language school, saved up the money, and are entering your last weeks of life "at home" before you move abroad to finally GET FLUENT. Well done! Here's our language schools planning timeline/preparation guide to help make this stage more fun and less stressful!

Master your RRRR’s in these famous Spanish speaking cities

You’ll love exploring Spanish culture in your travels abroad!

¡Ay Chihuahua! Hopefully, you’re throwing your sombrero and stilettos/cowboy boots into your suitcase by now, because there is no reason to prolong setting forth to master rolling your RRRR’s in these famous Spanish speaking cities. While classmates will be writing conjugation charts and watching Youtube videos, you’ll be LOL-ing with new lingo in front of famous monuments and helping peel plátanos for improv fiestas. ¿Totes more cool and culturally-enriching, no?

So, whether you want to wind down with llamas in the Andes or hang out with sloths in rainforests, there is a long list of Spanish speaking countries waiting for you with open arms and hot plates of empanadas. All you need to do it embrace the adventure, indulge in the treats, and say bienvenido to a whole new world.