Best Spanish Cities for English Speakers (No Spanish Required)

Being a pensioner from Norway, my Spanish isn't exactly tip-top, but it's been good enough to carry me through the entire NIE registration process, so not totally useless either. Also, living in Villafranca del Bierzo probably wouldn't be realistic if I couldn't speak at least "some" Spanish (although the Camino runs straight through this town, so people are probably a little more "international" than the rest of Leon because of that). Anyway, my point is that I started learning Spanish only five years ago and moved here last year, so if I can do it, anyone can. And they should, at least if they plan to live on any semi permanent basis in this country. Basic respect, that is.

Let’s make this clear, if you are a tourist it is ok if you just learn some frases, but if you are planning to stay in a country you have to learn the Language.I am a Mexican living in Switzerland for 14 years and Swiss German is hard , but you have to speak it 😅 whether you like it or not 😅

Once I open my mouth to speak , they (the natives) will know that I'm not a local. But even with my English language "safety net", it's not going to stop me from trying to speak the passionate language of Spanish!

Stuart, first I wanted to say how much I appreciate your decorum, tone and thoughtfulness in the level of effort and dedication you put in your work. Been meaning to mention that for ages as I’ve been a subscriber for at least a year. I think that this video is very well received. Were I to either travel to Spain for an extended stay or move my core programming and beliefs dictate ensuring that to the extent I capable I will learn and use as much Spanish, Catalan, Gallego, or euskera as possible. Language is so rich, vibrant and necessary for a respectful, meaningful and engaging experience. I would also point out that on your Chanel you constantly recommend language aides, guides, support, and learning platforms. My take on this video is that you are NOT suggesting places and cities for non-Spanish speaking “types” (took that to be derogatory by a prior commenter) to travel or move to in order to escape the responsibility to attempt to learn, use and Speak Spanish. On the contrary I feel you intended this list to lay out cities where one could be more comfortable on their lifelong journey to ultimately become fluent and more easily integrated in Spanish culture. Thank you for your excellent context and perspective.

Actually, 85% of the locals who I interacted with in Seville (August 2023) spoke English. I guess that they figured me out to be a tourist! 😂

Valencia is my favourite city in Spain, it has it all.

I’m sure there are people that will be very happy to see a video like this. I wouldn’t tell Stu what he should or shouldn’t include. Perhaps saying that you may have a much richer experience and integrate with locals if you learn the language may be an option.

I was briefly in Barcelona a few days ago. I felt really good. I loved it. I would like to go back someday and spend more time there. Now I'm in Rome. I'll be in Italy for 9 more days. Then Greece. I wish I had more time.