Ever since studying a unit on Spain in high school Spanish class, I’ve been fascinated with the country and its history. Hearing stories about the iconic landmarks and the unique culture of its different regions, I couldn’t wait to experience it for myself in person. During the pandemic, I even went through a phase of binge watching Spanish period dramas to brush up on my language skills (highly recommend adding Gran Hotel and Velvet to your watch list!). This, of course, only added to my wanderlust.
This spring, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to go on a one week vacation in Spain with family. But with so many possible places to visit, it was hard to narrow down an itinerary. As the eldest daughter (😜) and default planner of the family, it was up to me to create a memorable trip that made the most of our week together. Ultimately, I landed on city highlights as a nice introduction to the country.
For first-timers, exploring Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville is the perfect way to spend a week on the ground in Spain. We broke down our trip as follows to optimize sightseeing:
- Barcelona: 2 days
- Madrid: 2 days
- Seville: 3 days (including a day trip to Granada)
Keep on reading for travel tips on how to maximize your week in Spain!
Day 1: Barcelona
Morning: Mercado de la Boqueria
Your Spanish adventure begins in Barcelona, a city known for its vibrant culture and beautiful architecture. Start your day with a visit to Mercado de la Boqueria, one of the oldest and most famous markets in the city. Located along Las Ramblas, this bustling market offers stalls and stalls of colorful fruits, fresh seafood, cured meats, and treats. Grab a fresh juice or a tapas snack as you wander through the stalls!
Midday: Parque de la Ciutadella & Arc de Triomf
Next, head to the Parque de la Ciutadella, a peaceful park perfect for a relaxing stroll. Take in the sights of the beautiful lake and fountains. You can even rent a boat if you’re feeling adventurous! Just outside the park, you’ll also find the iconic Arc de Triomf.
Afternoon: Sagrada Familia
No visit to Barcelona is complete without experiencing the Sagrada Familia, the masterpiece of architect Antoni Gaudi. This monumental basilica is an absolute wonder in real life. Many people have told me that they’ve cried upon stepping inside! Marvel at its intricate facades and stunning interior, which is inspired by natural forms and religious symbolism. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Golden hour is especially lovely with the sun beaming through the colorful stained glass windows.
Day 2: Barcelona
Morning: Gothic Quarter
On your second day, immerse yourself in the historical Gothic Quarter. We went on a free walking tour which was a great way to learn more about Barcelona’s history. Wander through narrow, winding streets that reveal hidden squares, medieval architecture, and small boutiques. Don’t miss a visit to Patisserie Hoffmann to savor some of Barcelona’s best croissants and pastries. The mascarpone croissant was so decadent and the perfect treat to start the day.
Midday: Casa Batlló
Next, head to Casa Batlló, another of Gaudi’s masterpieces. Fun fact: I wrote a paper about this building for an architecture course I took in college! This modernist building stands out with its whimsical design, featuring undulating curves and vibrant colors inspired by natural elements and the sea. Explore its interior to learn about Gaudi’s unique architectural vision, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the rooftop. We did the traditional audio tour, but I hear the VR tour is really cool and worth checking out.
Afternoon: Park Güell
Finish your day with a trip to Park Güell, a public park designed by… you guessed it… Gaudi. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its colorful mosaics and spectacular views over the city. This place can get extremely crowded so it’s wise to book your tickets in advance. We went around golden hour and it was magical!
Day 3: Madrid
Morning: Royal Palace & Cathedral
Take a morning train to Madrid, Spain’s capital, so that you can have a full day of exploring. I have to admit, I almost considered skipping Madrid because so many people told me they found the city underwhelming. However, I’m so glad I didn’t listen because I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it. In fact, my whole family liked Madrid better than Barcelona!
Begin your exploration at the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. While it is no longer used for day-to-day living, the palace is open to the public and offers a glimpse into Spain’s royal history. You can also check out Almudena Cathedral right across the square.
Midday: Plaza Mayor & Mercado de San Miguel
Take a stroll through Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s grand central square, lined with cafes and shops. Visit the nearby Mercado de San Miguel, a vibrant food market where you can sample a variety of tapas, cheeses, and more.
Afternoon: Puerta del Sol & Chocolatería San Ginés
After lunch, treat yourself to churros con chocolate (an iconic Spanish treat) at Chocolatería San Ginés. Once you’re fueled up, check out Puerta del Sol, a vibrant square, where you’ll find many landmarks.
Evening: Tapas at Juana La Loca
End your first day in Madrid with tapas at Juana La Loca, a cozy spot known for its inventive tapas. This place is quite popular and can get crowded, so I recommend getting there on the earliest side or booking a reservation if you can.
Day 4: Madrid
Morning: El Retiro Park
Begin your second day in Madrid with a peaceful walk through El Retiro, Madrid’s most famous park. Its serene atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and large lake make it a perfect place to unwind. I especially loved the Crystal Palace and Great Pond!
Midday: Prado Museum
Madrid is home to some of the world’s best art collections, and a visit to the Prado Museum is a must for art lovers. After grabbing some lunch, spend a few hours wandering the galleries at this world-class museum and admiring the works of artists like Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
Afternoon: Gran Via & Metropolis Building
Take a stroll along Gran Via, Madrid’s grand boulevard, lined with theaters, shops, and restaurants. Admire the architecture, especially the Metropolis Building, and do some shopping!
For dinner, you can’t go wrong with one of the many restaurants in the area. End your night at a rooftop bar and enjoy a drink and views!
Day 5: Seville
Midday: Enjoy a local meal for lunch
Take a morning train from Madrid to Seville for the final leg of your journey! We were quite tired at this point in our travels, so enjoying a decadent lunch was the perfect way to boost our energy. We had a delicious lunch at L’Orangerie, a traditional family owned restaurant known for their Basque cuisine. You can’t really go wrong with anything, but we got custom recommendations from the chef’s son and it certainly did not disappoint. Trust me when I say that these were the biggest portions of food in my entire life — and they were absolutely delicious. He kept feeding us more food, we couldn’t stop laughing!
Afternoon: Real Alcazar & Palacio de las Dueñas
Once you’re all fueled up, explore the Real Alcazar, a beautiful Moorish palace surrounded by lush gardens. The details in the architecture are so intricate and I loved seeing all the different cultural influences in the architecture. Afterward, head to Palacio de las Dueñas for even more history and architecture. While I didn’t get a chance to go here, my friend said it was her favorite place in Seville and highly recommended it!
Evening: Flamenco Show
No visit to Seville is complete without experiencing a flamenco show! Visit Casa de la Memoria, a venue known for its intimate and authentic flamenco performances. The dances, music, and storytelling are sure to leave an impression. Follow it up with a delicious dinner in the area!
Day 6: Seville
Morning: Parque de Maria Luisa & Plaza de España
Start your day with a stroll through Parque de Maria Luisa. As a New Yorker I’m a hardcore Central Park girlie, but I must say, Parque de Maria Luisa sure is something else. I loved admiring all the beautiful plants, flowers, and trees scattered throughout the park. Make your way over to Plaza de España, a grand plaza featuring a large fountain and stunning tile work that represents different regions of Spain. The bridges are so picturesque and you can even row a boat down the canal! Plus, if you’re lucky, you may even catch a flamenco show in the plaza.
Midday: Seville Cathedral & La Giralda
Visit the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Climb the Giralda Tower for panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into Seville’s rich history. I loved the vibes in this area and it’s a great place to take a lunch break, with many cafes lining the square. Be sure to take a stroll through Plaza del Cabildo, a charming square with beautiful tiles, and then cool off with gelato from Olmo Heladería.
Evening: Dinner at Castizo
End your day with dinner at Castizo, a modern tapas restaurant that offers a contemporary twist on traditional regional dishes. Get some rest tonight, since tomorrow will be a day trip!
Day 7: Granada
On your final day, take a day trip to Granada, the last stop on your Spanish journey. To make your day more efficient and planning easier, I highly recommend booking a guided tour with transportation provided. We booked through Viator and having all the logistics taken care of made the day so much more enjoyable. Our first stop was the Albaicín neighborhood, a whimsical labyrinth of narrow streets and fascinating culture. We grabbed lunch here before heading over to explore the magnificent Alhambra. I wasn’t expecting much, but oh my goodness, this place is SO impressive. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Alhambra’s grounds are massive, with Moorish architecture, stunning gardens, and so much history. We had a dedicated tour guide lead us through the grounds, explaining the significance and history behind it all. Even though it was a long travel day, seeing the Alhambra made it so worth it and was a highlight of our trip.
Summary
A week in Spain offers a perfect blend of art, culture, history, and cuisine, every day an opportunity to discover something new and exciting. As a first timer, visiting Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville is a great introduction to the country. With an efficient and connected train system, you can easily customize the order in a way that meets your needs. By following this itinerary, I hope you’ll have an unforgettable Spanish adventure!
