Spain rewards the curious. Begin in Madrid, the country’s vibrant capital, where the Prado, Thyssen, and Reina Sofía form Europe’s celebrated “Art Triangle,” and where tapas culture turns evenings into a delicious ritual. Baroque plazas, Belle Époque rooftops, and leafy Retiro Park set the stage for a cultured, convivial start.

Then sail by train to the Basque Country and San Sebastián, a seaside city famed for La Concha Beach, Michelin-starred cuisine, and pintxos—bite-size masterpieces served at bustling bars. Between Belle Époque architecture and surfy neighborhoods, you’ll taste traditions shaped by the sea and the green hills beyond.

Practical notes: Trains in Spain are punctual and comfortable; book advance fares for savings. Expect late dining hours, especially in Madrid. In San Sebastián, prime pintxo bars fill up quickly—arrive early or book a guided tour to unlock the best counters. Always check seasonal hours for funiculars, markets, and museums.

Madrid

Spain’s capital blends royal grandeur with street-level joy. Wander the Habsburg-era core (Austrias), graze through La Latina’s tapas bars, then slip into art temples that shaped European taste. Madrid lives outdoors—plazas hum, terrazas buzz, and the sunset from a rooftop is practically a civic duty.

• Top sights: Prado Museum (Velázquez, Goya), Reina Sofía (Picasso’s Guernica), Thyssen-Bornemisza, Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Retiro Park and the Crystal Palace.
• Food culture: From old-school taverns pouring vermouth to contemporary tapas counters, Madrid’s “ir de tapas” is an edible neighborhood crawl.
• Fun facts: The world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín (since 1725), still roasts suckling pig in a centuries-old oven near Plaza Mayor.

Where to stay: Search well-located stays near Centro, Gran Vía, or Retiro on VRBO Madrid or browse hotels on Hotels.com Madrid.

How to arrive: Fly into MAD (Madrid-Barajas). Compare flight options on Omio (flights in Europe). Express buses, metro, and Cercanías trains connect the airport to the center in ~30–45 minutes.

Day 1: Arrival, Barrio de las Letras stroll, and a tapas welcome

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Stretch your legs in Barrio de las Letras (the literary quarter), reading the writers’ quotes inlaid on the streets. Continue to Retiro Park for the Crystal Palace and a rowboat snapshot on the lake.

Evening: Begin with churros and thick hot chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés (a Madrid ritual since 1894). Then tapas-crawl La Latina’s Cava Baja: try Taberna La Concha (vermouth and gildas), Casa Lucio (famous huevos rotos), and a final bite at Mercado de San Miguel for oysters or jamón. Cap the night with sunset views from the Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop.

Day 2: The Art Triangle, Retiro, and a flamenco night

Morning: Coffee and a “napolitana” at La Mallorquina on Puerta del Sol. Enter the Prado when it opens to see Las Meninas, then cross to the Thyssen for Impressionists and modern masters. If you prefer modern art, swap in the Reina Sofía for Picasso’s Guernica.

Afternoon: Lunch at Sobrino de Botín (reserve; roast meats) or lighter bites at Mercado de San Miguel. Wander past Plaza Mayor to the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. Recharge with specialty coffee at Toma Café or Misión Café.

Evening: Book a true tablao: Corral de la Morería or Cardamomo for a high-caliber flamenco show. Post-show dinner in Chueca: Bodega de la Ardosa (croquetas, tortilla) or StreetXO for wild, Asia-meets-Spain plates. Nightcap at Salmon Guru for inventive cocktails.

Day 3: Morning train to the Basque Country, seaside San Sebastián

Morning: Take the Renfe Alvia from Madrid-Chamartín to San Sebastián/Donostia (usually 4h 45m–5h 30m). Check schedules and book on Omio (trains in Europe) (~€30–€90 if booked early). Budget option: ALSA bus ~5.5–6.5 hours via Omio (buses in Europe) (~€25–€45). There are also short flights MAD–EAS (~1h 15m) on Omio (flights).

Afternoon: Check in, then stroll the La Concha promenade to Miramar Palace gardens for gorgeous bay views. If time allows, ride the vintage funicular up Monte Igueldo for a postcard panorama.

Evening: Warm-up pintxos in Gros or the Old Town (Parte Vieja). Try Ganbara (setas a la plancha with egg yolk), La Cuchara de San Telmo (seared foie, carrillera), and Bar Néstor (legendary tomato salad; arrive early for the tortilla). Pair with crisp txakoli.

San Sebastián

Donostia, as locals say, is a Belle Époque city framed by hills and a perfect scallop of sand. It’s walkable, elegant, and deeply food-obsessed. Between morning swims and late-night bar-hopping, you’ll tune into the Basque rhythm.

• Top sights: La Concha and Ondarreta beaches, Monte Igueldo funicular, Miramar Palace, Buen Pastor Cathedral, Tabakalera cultural center, nearby Chillida Leku sculpture park.
• Tastes to chase: Txangurro (spider crab), kokotxas (hake jowls), grilled turbot, Idiazabal cheese, and the city’s cult dessert, pantxineta.
• Insider tip: Hit popular pintxo bars just before peak hours (around 12:30–13:00 and 19:00–19:30) for elbow room and the freshest plates.

Where to stay: Base yourself near La Concha, Gros (for surfing and cafés), or the Old Town. Search options on VRBO San Sebastián or compare hotels on Hotels.com San Sebastián.

Day 4: Bikes, beaches, and a guided pintxos night

Morning: Espresso and a cardamom bun at Sakona Coffee Roasters (barista-level coffee). Walk the Urumea River to the Kursaal cubes, then cross to Zurriola Beach to watch the surfers.

Afternoon: See the city like a local on an e-bike tour: Small-Group Electric Bike Tour in San Sebastián. You’ll cover the riverfront, beaches, and neighborhoods quickly and pick up great food tips.

Evening: Dive into the city’s edible heart with a guided crawl: San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group Tour. Expect a smart progression—hot grill items, seasonal mushrooms, pristine anchovies—paired with txakoli and Basque cider.

Day 5: French Basque Coast day trip (Biarritz & Saint-Jean-de-Luz)

Full-day: Trade one stunning coastline for another on the Biarritz and French Coast Small Grop Tour from San Sebastian. Stroll Belle Époque Biarritz, taste gateau basque in elegant Bayonne (on some routes), and explore Saint-Jean-de-Luz’s fishing-port lanes where time seems to pause. It’s a gorgeous, culture-rich loop, typically 8–9 hours door to door.

Evening (back in San Sebastián): Dinner in Gros at Bodega Donostiarra (chorizo a la sidra, ensaladilla) or at an asador for wood-grilled fish—Asador Portuetxe is a classic for turbot. For something sweet, share a slice of La Viña’s famous burnt Basque cheesecake.

Day 6: Bay views by boat and farewell bites

Morning: Sail between two bays on a relaxed coastal outing: "2 bays, mornings, afternoons, sunset with a glass of cava. You’ll get local commentary, sea breezes, and a sparkling send-off.

Afternoon (departure): Pick up edible souvenirs at Mercado de San Martín (Idiazabal cheese, tinned bonito) before your train or flight. For onward travel, compare trains and buses on Omio (trains) and Omio (buses), or look at flights from San Sebastián (EAS) or nearby Bilbao (BIO) via Omio (flights).

Extra food and coffee map (save these names): Ganbara (mushroom pintxo), Atari Gastroleku (txuleta and views of the church steps), La Cepa (ibericos), Bar Sport (cod pintxo), Pastelería Otaegui (pantxineta), Old Town’s Bretxa Market (morning bustle). Coffee: Sakona, Old Town; Old-town bakeries for still-warm baguettes.

Alternative experiences if you extend: Monte Urgull hike to the castle and history center, Chillida Leku sculpture park (Hernani), or a Rioja wine country day (wineries around Laguardia and Labastida). If architecture is your passion, consider a Bilbao day for the Guggenheim.

Notes on timing and costs: Madrid–San Sebastián train typically 4h 45m–5h 30m; buses 5.5–6.5h; flights ~1h 15m (plus airport transfers). Pintxos range €3–€6 each; a solid crawl runs €25–€40 per person before drinks. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner; check hours, especially Mondays.

In six days, you’ll savor Madrid’s art and plazas, then trade them for San Sebastián’s tide, hills, and bar counters. From the Prado to pintxos, this route distills Spain’s grand contrasts into one delicious, scenic storyline. Buen viaje—ongi ibili!