Planning a trip to Spain and unsure about how to make the most of your time? This Spain travel itinerary for 7 days will guide you through an unforgettable journey in two of Spain’s most beautiful cities, Barcelona and Madrid.
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Spain Travel Itinerary 7 Days
Day 1: Arrive in Madrid
Take some time to adjust to the new time zone and explore some nearby attractions. We personally don’t do anything big on our first day. We took public transit from the airport with no issues, but if you’d rather skip the hassle after a long flight, we always recommend booking a Welcome Pickups transfer instead.
If you have time, spend the evening around Puerta del Sol. This square is great for shopping and dining, with plenty of spots for people-watching over tapas and sangria. Just know that dinner runs late in Spain; we once tried a popular restaurant near the square at midnight and got turned away because it was full.
Day 2: Madrid (Top Sights)
Hopefully, you’re ready for the day after a long flight. Luckily, Madrid is a town that stays up late and sleeps in (most places aren’t open until 10 or 11 am), so you should fit right in.
Today, you’ll want to catch some of the top sights in Madrid. Visiting the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family is a great way to start your trip. It’s one of the largest royal palaces in Europe, and the opulent interior makes for an impressive morning stop.
On the same property is the gorgeous Catedral de la Almudena, worth a quick look for its striking neo-Gothic exterior and colorful, modern painted ceilings inside. Just a short walk away is the Egyptian Temple of Debod, an actual ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain.
End your day by exploring the vibrant nightlife of Madrid in the bustling Gran Via area, known for its grand early-20th-century architecture, theaters, and endless bars and restaurants.
Day 3: Madrid (Park & Museum)
Today, you’ll want to visit the gorgeous Retiro Park, a beautiful and expansive park in the city center. You can find the Great Pond of El Retiro, where you can row the cutest little boats for around €6 on weekdays (€8 on weekends). Don’t miss the Palacio de Cristal, a stunning 19th-century glass-and-iron structure originally built to house exotic plants, now used as a striking exhibition space for contemporary art.
Just near the park are some of the best museums in Spain. The Prado Museum is a must-visit for art lovers, home to one of the finest collections of European art. Don’t miss the Reina Sofia Museum, where you can see Picasso’s famous Guernica. Dine in the cool evening air in one of the many patio restaurants throughout town.
Day 4: Madrid (Food and Culture)
On your third full day in Madrid, immerse yourself in the city’s food and culture. Start with a visit to the historic Mercado de San Miguel for a breakfast of Spanish tapas. Next, explore the trendy Malasaña district, known for its vintage shops and hip cafés.
In the afternoon, visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which complements the Prado and Reina Sofia with its historic and modern art collection. Finish your day with a flamenco show at one of the city’s traditional tablaos.
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Day 5: Travel to Barcelona
Begin your journey to Barcelona from the stunning Madrid Atocha Train Station. This station is gorgeous in and of itself, with a botanical garden right in the center of the station, creating a relaxing environment. You can reach the station by metro, taxi, or bus from various points in the city. We recommend taking a later train, as the station is beautifully illuminated during the day, offering great photo opportunities (or so we heard, we booked the 7am train and it was pitch-dark!).
The journey to Barcelona will be on a high-speed AVE train, which you can catch from Madrid Atocha to Barcelona Sants Station. The trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, providing great views of the Spanish countryside along the way. Upon arrival at Barcelona Sants Station, you can easily get to your accommodation via metro, taxi, or bus.
Day 6: Barcelona (Top Sights)
Photo courtesy of Casa Batlló
Since we only have a few days in Barcelona, you’re going to fill your first day with all the top sights. Start your day at the iconic Sagrada Familia, the stunning basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí. From there, head over to Park Güell, another Gaudí masterpiece, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Next, make your way to Casa Batlló, one of Gaudí’s most unique buildings in Barcelona. Its colorful facade and creative architecture make it a great stop just as you’re passing by, but going inside is worth it. The interior is just as striking as the facade, with a blue-tiled light well that almost makes you feel like you’re underwater, a simple but utterly unique attic, a rooftop with a dragon’s back, and more.
To explore the inside yourself, you can Buy Casa Batlló tickets here.
Spend the rest of your day exploring the historic Gothic Quarter, with its narrow medieval streets and beautiful squares. Don’t miss the Picasso Museum, which houses an extensive collection of the famous artist’s works. End your day with a stroll down Las Ramblas, a vibrant street lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Day 7: Barcelona (Beach Day)
Spend your last day in Spain relaxing at one of Barcelona’s famous beaches. Start your day early and head to Barceloneta Beach, the city’s most popular beach, to secure a good spot. Spend the morning bathing in the Mediterranean sun and enjoying the waters.
If you’d rather skip the crowds, Barcelona has a few easy alternatives just along the coast. Bogatell and Nova Icaria are quieter, more local spots great for a relaxed swim, while Mar Bella has a livelier, younger crowd and is popular for windsurfing and kayaking.
For lunch, try some fresh seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants. Stroll along the seaside promenade in the afternoon and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Day 8: Depart for Home (or onward)
Unfortunately, the week is over. It goes by so fast! You’ll likely be flying out from the Barcelona airport. This is a great hub for flying internationally, whether you flying back home or continuing on with more European travels. This is also a great port of call for many Mediterranean cruises!
Best Time to Visit Spain
The best time to visit Spain largely depends on your preferences for weather, cost, and crowd levels. Generally, the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) offer the most desirable combination of pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices.
We traveled during October and found it to be an ideal time with mild weather, fewer tourists, and more affordable accommodations and flights. The summer months (July and August) can be hot and crowded, particularly in popular destinations like Barcelona and Madrid. On the other hand, winter (December to February) is less crowded but the weather can be quite chilly, especially in the northern regions.
Transportation in Spain
Spain boasts a well-developed and diversified transportation network which makes it easy to travel around the country and explore various cities.
Flights in spain
Spain has numerous airports spread across its major cities, making it possible to take domestic flights to cover larger distances in a shorter time. The cost of domestic flights varies depending on the airline, the time of booking, and the distance. However, you can generally expect to spend around $50 to $150 for a one-way ticket between major cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
Train in spain
Trains are another popular option for traveling within Spain. The country’s high-speed AVE trains connect major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, offering a comfortable and scenic journey. A one-way ticket for an AVE train can range from $40 to $120, depending on the distance and the class of service. Our preferred method of travel is by train, as it usually takes less time than flying. Additionally, it’s an inexpensive way to enjoy the scenery along the route.
Rental Car in Spain
If you prefer driving, rental cars are widely available in Spain. Renting a car can provide more flexibility and the opportunity to explore more remote areas. The cost of car rental depends on the type of car and the rental period, but you can expect to pay around $20 to $50 per day for a compact car. Remember to take into account additional costs such as fuel and tolls when budgeting for your trip.
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