Madrid and Barcelona, Spain 8-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrival & Hotel Check-in

Arrive at Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD), transfer to your hotel, and check in.

Take some time to settle in and refresh.

The airport is well-connected to the city center by metro, commuter train (Cercanías), and airport express bus.

Royal Palace of Madrid

Explore the opulent Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, boasting over 2,000 richly decorated rooms.

Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially on a Sunday. The palace is closed during official ceremonies.

Traditional Dinner & Stroll

Enjoy a traditional Spanish dinner in the historic center.

Afterward, take an evening stroll through Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol to soak in the atmosphere.

Many restaurants around Plaza Mayor offer classic Spanish dishes. Be aware that dinner in Spain typically starts later, around 9 PM.

Prado Museum Visit

Immerse yourself in Spanish and European art at the Museo del Prado, home to masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, and more.

Consider purchasing a Madrid Art Pass if you plan to visit multiple museums. Mondays can be busy, book tickets online.

Relax at El Retiro Park

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at El Retiro Park, a beautiful oasis in the heart of Madrid.

You can rent a rowboat on the lake or visit the Crystal Palace.

A perfect spot for a leisurely walk or to enjoy the sunshine. Grab a snack from a park vendor.

Authentic Flamenco Show

Experience the passion and artistry of a traditional flamenco show, a quintessential Spanish cultural experience.

Many shows include dinner or a drink. Book your tickets in advance as popular venues sell out quickly.

Madrid Free Walking Tour

Discover the best overview of Madrid’s history, lifestyle, and tips for your visit with a local guide.

Learn about the city's key landmarks and hidden gems.

While free, it's customary to tip your guide at the end of the tour based on your enjoyment.

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Indulge in a culinary journey at Mercado de San Miguel, a beautiful iron-and-glass market offering a wide array of gourmet tapas, seafood, pastries, and drinks.

A fantastic place to sample various Spanish delicacies. It can get crowded, especially at peak lunch hours.

Explore Gran Vía & Shopping

Stroll down Gran Vía, Madrid's most iconic street, known for its impressive architecture, theaters, shops, and vibrant atmosphere.

Great for window shopping or finding a souvenir. Many landmark buildings offer stunning views from their rooftops.

Dinner in La Latina

Discover the charming La Latina neighborhood, famous for its narrow streets, historic architecture, and lively tapas bars and traditional restaurants.

This area comes alive in the evening. It's an excellent place for 'tapeando' – hopping from one tapas bar to another.

High-Speed Train to Barcelona

Enjoy a scenic journey aboard Spain's high-speed train (AVE) from Madrid to Barcelona.

This is a comfortable and efficient way to travel between the two cities.

Book train tickets in advance for the best prices and seat availability. Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure.

Arrival & Hotel Check-in

Arrive at Barcelona Sants Station, transfer to your hotel, and check in.

Drop off your luggage and get ready to explore Catalonia's capital.

Barcelona Sants is a major transport hub with excellent connections via metro and bus.

Gothic Quarter Exploration

Wander through the narrow, winding streets of Barcelona's historic Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), discovering hidden plazas and ancient Roman walls.

Don't miss the Barcelona Cathedral and Plaça Sant Jaume. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.

Casa Batlló Visit

Experience Antoni Gaudí's fantastical Casa Batlló, a masterpiece of Modernist architecture with a unique dragon-inspired roof and vibrant facade.

Evening visits often offer a different perspective with special lighting. Book tickets online to guarantee entry.

Dinner in Eixample

Enjoy dinner in the elegant Eixample district, known for its grid-patterned streets and upscale restaurants, often close to your accommodation.

Eixample offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional Catalan cuisine to international flavors.

La Pedrera - Casa Milà

Explore another of Gaudí's masterpieces, La Pedrera (Casa Milà), famous for its undulating stone facade and rooftop 'garden of warriors'.

The audio guide is highly recommended to understand the architectural details and symbolism. Book online.

Park Güell & Lunch Nearby

Visit Park Güell, Gaudí's colorful park complex with mosaic-covered buildings, unique sculptures, and panoramic city views.

Enjoy lunch at a local cafe afterward.

The monumental zone requires a ticket, book well in advance as entry is timed. The rest of the park is free to explore.

Sagrada Familia Basilica

Marvel at the unfinished architectural wonder, La Sagrada Familia, Gaudí's most ambitious project, combining Gothic and Art Nouveau forms.

Booking tickets online and choosing a specific time slot is absolutely essential to avoid disappointment. Consider an audio guide or guided tour.

Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar

Visit the beautiful Catalan Gothic Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, known for its impressive architecture and serene atmosphere in the El Born district.

Often considered the finest example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Check for guided tours to the rooftops for great views.

Dinner in El Born

Conclude your day with dinner in the trendy El Born neighborhood, offering a wide range of restaurants and a lively evening ambiance.

Explore the narrow streets for quaint tapas bars and modern restaurants. Perfect for a relaxed evening.

Travel from Barcelona to Seville

Board a high-speed AVE train from Barcelona Sants to Seville Santa Justa.

Enjoy the scenic journey across Spain.

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check into your accommodation in Seville and grab a quick lunch nearby.

Real Alcázar of Seville

Explore the stunning Real Alcázar, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exquisite Mudejar architecture and lush gardens.

This royal palace is a must-see for its historical significance and beauty.

Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially on a Friday afternoon.

Stroll Santa Cruz Quarter

Wander through the narrow, winding streets of the historic Jewish Quarter, Santa Cruz, admiring the charming patios and hidden squares.

Tapas Dinner in Santa Cruz

Enjoy an authentic tapas dinner at a traditional restaurant in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, sampling local specialties.

Authentic Flamenco Show

Immerse yourselves in the passionate world of flamenco with a live performance at a traditional 'tablao' in Seville.

Many tablaos offer dinner and show packages. Book in advance for good seats.

Seville Cathedral & Giralda

Visit the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the Seville Cathedral, and climb the Giralda Tower for panoramic views of the city.

The tomb of Christopher Columbus is also located here.

Entry to the Giralda is included with the Cathedral ticket. Consider an audio guide for a richer experience.

Lunch at Triana Market

Cross the Triana Bridge and enjoy a casual lunch at Mercado de Triana, sampling fresh produce and local tapas.

Explore Triana Neighborhood

Wander through the lively Triana district, known for its ceramic workshops, flamenco tradition, and riverside promenade. Explore its charming streets and artisan shops.

Visit Torre del Oro

See the historic Torre del Oro, a 13th-century military watchtower by the Guadalquivir River.

You can visit its maritime museum for views of the river.

Guadalquivir Riverside Walk

Enjoy a relaxing walk along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, soaking in the evening atmosphere and watching the boats pass by.

Dinner in Triana

Dine at a restaurant in Triana, enjoying the local cuisine and vibrant ambiance across the river from the main city center.

Plaza de España Visit

Explore the magnificent Plaza de España, an architectural masterpiece built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929.

Enjoy a rowboat ride on the canal or admire the intricate tile work representing Spain's provinces.

Entry is free. A boat ride typically costs a small fee. This is a beautiful spot for photos and a relaxed morning.

Stroll Parque de María Luisa

Relax and wander through the beautiful Parque de María Luisa, a historic garden adjacent to Plaza de España, featuring fountains, ponds, and diverse flora.

Farewell Seville Lunch

Enjoy a final Sevillian lunch, perhaps revisiting a favorite tapas bar or trying a new one, before heading to the airport or train station.

Departure from Seville

Travel from your hotel to Seville Airport (SVQ) or Santa Justa train station for your onward journey.