The best one-week Spain itinerary including Barcelona and Madrid

Detailed itinerary by date and location

Day 1: Madrid

Arrive in Madrid and check into your hotel.

05:00 PM: Explore the famous Puerta del Sol square, which is considered the center of Spain and is a bustling square filled with street performers and locals.

06:00 PM: Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, a stunning palace that was once the residence of Spanish royalty. It is known for its beautiful interiors, ornate halls, and impressive art collections.

08:00 PM: Have dinner in a local restaurant and try some of Madrid's famous dishes like "Tortilla Espanola" which is a traditional Spanish omelette made with potatoes, onions, and eggs or "Gazpacho", a cold soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and bread.

Day 2: Madrid

09:00 AM: Visit the Prado Museum, one of the world's largest collections of European art. It is home to masterpieces by artists like Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch.

12:00 PM: Visit the Retiro Park, a beautiful park with scenic gardens and lakes. Take a stroll through its gardens and enjoy a relaxing picnic by the lake.

02:00 PM: Visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, a museum of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. It has a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

06:00 PM: Have dinner in a local restaurant and try dishes like "Cocido Madrileño" which is a traditional stew made with chickpeas, meats, and vegetables or "Callos a la Madrileña" which is a spicy sausage and tripe dish.

Day 3: Seville

Take a train to Seville, the capital of Andalusia.

02:00 PM: Arrive in Seville and check into your hotel.

04:00 PM: Visit the Alcázar of Seville, a stunning palace that was once a Moorish fortress. It has beautiful gardens, ornate courtyards, and stunning interiors.

06:00 PM: Visit the Seville Cathedral, a stunning cathedral that is the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. It is known for its ornate stained glass windows, grand choir, and ornate altarpiece.

08:00 PM: Have dinner in a local restaurant and try dishes like "Gazpacho Andaluz" which is a cold soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and bread or "Pescaíto Frito", which is a dish of fried fish typically served with a side of lemon and garlic aioli.

Day 4: Seville

09:00 AM: Visit the Plaza de España, a stunning square with a picturesque canal and beautiful gardens. It is a popular spot for photos and picnics.

12:00 PM: Visit the Metropol Parasol, a wooden structure that offers panoramic views of the city. It is a modern architectural masterpiece.

02:00 PM: Visit the Barrio Santa Cruz, a charming neighborhood filled with narrow, winding streets and beautiful courtyards. It is known for its vibrant nightlife and unique boutiques.

06:00 PM: Have dinner in a local restaurant and try dishes like "Salmorejo", which is a cold tomato soup similar to gazpacho or "Jabugo Ham", which is a cured ham from the Jabugo region of Spain.

Day 5: Barcelona

Take a train to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

02:00 PM: Arrive in Barcelona and check into your hotel.

04:00 PM: Visit the La Sagrada Familia, a stunning basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona and is known for its stunning towers, intricate carvings, and unique architecture.

06:00 PM: Visit Park Güell, a park designed by Antoni Gaudí that is filled with colorful mosaics, sculptural elements, and beautiful views of the city.

08:00 PM: Have dinner in a local restaurant and try dishes like "Paella Valenciana" which is a rice dish made with saffron, chicken, and seafood or "Canelons de Pollastre" which is a dish of baked pasta stuffed with chicken, tomato sauce, and béchamel.

Day 6: Barcelona

09:00 AM: Visit the Gothic Quarter, a charming neighborhood filled with narrow, winding streets, and historic buildings. It is known for its beautiful squares, medieval churches, and vibrant atmosphere.

12:00 PM: Visit the Picasso Museum, a museum dedicated to the work of Pablo Picasso. It has a large collection of his early works and is a must-visit for art lovers.

02:00 PM: Visit the La Rambla, a busy boulevard that is lined with street performers, cafes, and shops. It is a popular spot for people-watching and shopping.

06:00 PM: Have dinner in a local restaurant and try dishes like "Botifarra amb Mongetes" which is a dish of sausages and white beans or "Fideuà", which is a dish of thin noodles similar to paella.

Day 7: Barcelona

09:00 AM: Visit the Casa Batlló, a stunning building designed by Antoni Gaudí. It is known for its unique architecture, intricate carvings, and beautiful views of the city.

11:00 AM: Visit the Casa Mila, another stunning building designed by Antoni Gaudí. It is known for its undulating façade, intricate carvings, and beautiful views of the city.

01:00 PM: Have lunch in a local restaurant and try dishes like "Crema Catalana", which is a creamy dessert similar to crème brûlée or "Mel i Mató", which is a sweet cream cheese served with honey.

03:00 PM: Visit the Gothic Quarter one last time for some last-minute shopping and to take in the sights and sounds of this historic neighborhood one last time before departing Spain.

3 places you must visit in Madrid

1. Prado Museum

The Prado Museum is one of the largest and most important art museums in the world, with a collection that spans from the 12th to the 19th centuries. Its collection includes masterpieces by Spanish artists such as Diego Velázquez, Francisco de Goya, and El Greco, as well as works by European masters such as Hieronymus Bosch, Rubens, and Titian. Visitors can spend several hours exploring the museum's various galleries, which are arranged chronologically, to get a sense of the evolution of European art and culture. The museum also offers audio guides, tours, and workshops for visitors to enhance their experience.

2. Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is a magnificent building that was the official residence of the Spanish monarchy until the mid-19th century. The palace is now open to the public, and visitors can admire its ornate interiors, grand halls, and impressive art collection. Some of the highlights of the palace include the Throne Room, the Royal Chapel, and the Room of the Great Cross. Visitors can also explore the palace's beautiful gardens and courtyards, which are a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

3. Retiro Park

Retiro Park is a large park located in the heart of Madrid and is one of the city's most popular attractions. The park features a tranquil lake, several gardens, and several buildings, including the Palacio de Cristal, a stunning glass palace. Visitors can take a relaxing stroll along the park's paths, relax by its tranquil ponds, or rent a paddle boat and enjoy the lake. Retiro Park is also a popular spot for picnics, sunbathing, and people-watching, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. In addition, the park is home to several monuments and sculptures, including the Fountain of the Fallen Angel and the Monument to Alfonso XII, which are worth seeing.

3 places you must visit on your trip to Barcelona

1. La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is a Roman Catholic church that was designed by Antoni Gaudí and is considered one of his most famous works. Construction on the church began in 1882 and is still ongoing, with the expected completion date being 2026. The church is known for its unique architecture, which combines elements of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, as well as its intricate details, including sculptures, stained glass windows, and carved stone facades. Visitors can take a guided tour of the church to learn about its history and design, and can also climb to the top of one of the towers for panoramic views of the city.

2. Park Güell

Park Güell is a public park located on a hill overlooking Barcelona, and was also designed by Antoni Gaudí. The park features a mix of natural and man-made elements, including colorful mosaics, sculptures, and organic-looking structures that blend seamlessly into the landscape. Visitors can explore the park's various terraces, gardens, and pathways, and can also visit the Gaudi House Museum, which was the home of the architect and is now a museum showcasing his life and work.

3, Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter, also known as Barri Gòtic, is one of the oldest parts of Barcelona and is located in the center of the city. The neighborhood is known for its narrow, winding streets, medieval buildings, and charming squares, and is a popular destination for visitors. Some of the highlights of the Gothic Quarter include the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, the Plaça del Rei, and the Picasso Museum, which houses a collection of works by the famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Visitors can explore the Gothic Quarter on foot, stopping at cafes, boutiques, and historic sites along the way. The quarter is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants that stay open late.

What you need to bring for your trip to Spain

When traveling to Spain, it's important to pack appropriately for the weather and activities you have planned

Clothing

Pack comfortable, lightweight clothing for warm weather, such as t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses. For cooler or cooler evenings, bring a light jacket or sweater. If you plan to visit religious sites, be sure to pack modest clothing that covers your arms and legs.

Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring Spain's cities and sights, and a pair of sandals or flip-flops can be useful for beach visits.

Sun protection

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun during outdoor activities.

Toiletries

Pack your usual toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any necessary medications.

Electronics

Bring a camera to capture your memories, a phone charger, and a travel adapter if necessary.

Money

Spain uses the Euro as its currency, so be sure to bring cash or a debit/credit card for purchases.

Travel documents

Pack your passport or ID card and any other necessary travel documents, such as travel insurance.

Water bottle

Pack a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated while exploring Spain's cities and sights.

Beach items

If you plan to visit the beach, bring a swimsuit, towel, and beach bag.

These are some general items to consider bringing on your trip to Spain. The specific items you should pack will depend on your personal preferences and the specific activities you have planned during your trip.

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