Article Author: Ava Sterling FREETOUR.com Brand Storyteller

Baeza is one of Spain's smallest UNESCO World Heritage cities and is known for its impressive Renaissance architecture in the heart of Andalusia's olive-growing region. Often called the "Andalusian Salamanca," it features many 16th-century palaces, churches, and university buildings that turned this former medieval fortress into a Renaissance gem. As you walk along Baeza's honey-colored stone streets, you can see traces of civilizations from the Bronze Age, the Moors, and the Christians. The poet Antonio Machado taught French here from 1912 to 1919 and described it as "a damp and cold town, ramshackle and gloomy, between Andalusian and La Mancha." Today, visitors find Baeza charming, peaceful, and very well preserved.​

San Sebastián, also called Donostia in Basque, is on Spain's northern coast in the Basque Country and is often named one of Europe's most beautiful cities. La Concha Beach, with its crescent shape and views of Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo, creates a striking urban bay. The city is famous for its food, with more Michelin stars per person than almost anywhere else. In the Old Town (Parte Vieja), you’ll find over 200 pintxos bars along narrow cobblestone streets, where locals love to go bar-hopping. Belle Époque buildings line the main streets, cultural festivals happen year-round, and Basque traditions are still strong. You can walk the beachfront promenade, try txangurro (spider crab) at a bar, or watch the sunset from the funicular. This Freetour.com guide will show you the city’s top sights, best food, and hidden gems, plus expert tips for every stop.

Of all the ways to explore a new city during your travels, nothing beats a free walking tour. Visiting landmarks with a rich history, listening to authentic tales, and discovering hidden gems only the locals know allow you to cover a lot of ground and expand your knowledge of a particular city within just a few hours. There are hundreds of tours offered free of charge all over the world, so take advantage of falling in love with each new destination you visit. If you never considered it before, here are 5 reasons why you should join a free walking tour: