Spain blends Roman roads, Moorish palaces, Gothic cathedrals, and avant‑garde art into a living museum where you eat as well as you admire. From Velázquez and Goya in Madrid to Gaudí’s dreamscapes in Barcelona, history isn’t just preserved—it’s performed in plazas, markets, and neighborhood taverns.

Expect a deliciously late rhythm: breakfast is light, lunch lingers, dinner starts when the sky turns ink blue, and “sobremesa” (after‑meal conversation) is sacred. Tapas culture is about sharing—order a few plates, stand at the bar, and let the bartender steer you to a local vermut or rioja. Pickpocketing is the most common nuisance in busy zones; keep bags zipped and phones in front pockets.

This 7‑day itinerary focuses on two cities ideally matched for a first (or fifteenth) visit: Madrid’s art, royal squares, and tapas corridors, and Barcelona’s Mediterranean mood and Modernisme icons. Fly into Madrid (use Omio to compare flights), then cruise to Barcelona on the high‑speed AVE train (Omio Trains). Book marquee sights—Sagrada Familia and any day trips—well in advance.

Madrid

Spain’s capital is regal yet playful: boulevards stitched with pocket plazas, museums known as the “Art Triangle,” and tapas bars where history drips from wood‑paneled walls. Fun fact: Sobrino de Botín (1725) claims to be the world’s oldest restaurant, still roasting suckling pig in a centuries‑old oven.

• Top sights: Prado Museum, Retiro Park and the Crystal Palace, Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Gran Vía, Reina Sofía (Guernica).
• Eat & drink: Chocolatería San Ginés (churros), Casa Labra (salt-cod), Bodega de la Ardosa (vermut), La Castela (seafood tapas), La Venencia (sherry bar; no photos).
• Stay (Hotels.com/VRBO):
  • Splurge: The Westin Palace, Madrid — classic Belle Époque grandeur by the Art Triangle.
  • Mid-range: Novotel Madrid Center — roomy, good transport, family-friendly.
  • Budget/Hostel chic: Room007 Ventura Hostel or Hostal Persal — central and social.
  • Browse more: Hotels.com: Madrid | VRBO: Madrid
• Getting there: Compare flights into MAD on Omio. Metro 8 or the Cercanías train connects the airport with the center efficiently.

Day 1: Arrival, Historic Core, and a Tuk Tuk Spin

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Land in Madrid and drop bags. Start with a sweet shot of energy at La Mallorquina on Puerta del Sol (try the “napolitana” pastry). Stroll Sol → Plaza Mayor for arcades and buskers, then duck into Mercado de San Miguel to graze: oysters at El Señor Martín, croquetas at Arzábal, and a glass of cava.

Evening: Get oriented on a fun, private eco‑tuk‑tuk loop past the Royal Palace, Temple of Debod, and Gran Vía lights:

Welcome Tour to Madrid in Private Eco Tuk Tuk

Dinner in La Latina: El Sur de Huertas (Andalusian plates, friendly prices) or La Castela (razor clams, shrimp “gabardina”). Nightcap at Salmon Guru (award‑winning cocktails) or classic 1862 Dry Bar in Malasaña.

Day 2: Art Triangle, Retiro Park, and Flamenco

Morning: Coffee at Toma Café (specialty roasts) and a quick churro at Chocolatería San Ginés if you missed it yesterday. Tour the Prado—Velázquez’s Las Meninas reveals new layers the longer you stare. Walk into Retiro Park: row a boat on the Estanque and step into the glassy Palacio de Cristal for rotating exhibits.

Afternoon: Lunch at Casa Labra (bacalao and croquetas) or La Barraca (paella; book ahead). Continue to Reina Sofía to see Picasso’s Guernica, then wander Barrio de las Letras where quotes from Cervantes and Lope de Vega pave the streets.

Evening: Experience the art of duende at an intimate show near Gran Vía:

Essential Flamenco: Pure Flamenco Show in the Heart of Madrid

Dinner before or after: Casa Lucio (famous huevos rotos) or Sobrino de Botín (wood‑fired suckling pig; historic ambience). For a sherry finish, step into La Venencia—no photos, all charm.

Day 3: UNESCO Trio Day Trip—Segovia, Ávila, and Toledo (Full Day)

Make the most of Madrid’s location with a guided excursion to three medieval gems—Roman aqueducts, walled ramparts, and Toledo’s synagogues and cathedrals—without handling logistics yourself:

Three Cities in One Day: Segovia, Avila and Toledo from Madrid

Expect ~11 hours door to door. Budget roughly €75–€100 per person depending on inclusions. Grab a quick breakfast to-go (La Rollerie near Puerta del Sol opens early). Back in Madrid, treat yourself to late bites at Taberna El Sur or boquerones and tortilla at Bodega La Ardosa.

Barcelona

Barcelona marries the Mediterranean and Modernisme: Roman walls peek out in the Gothic Quarter, while Gaudí turned stone into swirling seas at Park Güell and Sagrada Familia. The Eixample’s golden grid hides wine bars, vermuterías, and pastry counters around every corner.

• Top sights: Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera facades, Gothic Quarter, La Boqueria Market, Montjuïc, Barceloneta beachfront.
• Eat & drink: El Quim de la Boqueria (market breakfast), El Xampanyet (anchovies, cava), Bar del Pla (creative tapas), Bar Cañete (classic Catalan fare), La Paradeta (choose-your-own seafood).
• Stay (Hotels.com/VRBO):
  • Splurge: Hotel Arts Barcelona — sea views, art collection, pool decks.
  • Mid-range: H10 Marina Barcelona — spa, rooftop pool, near the beach and El Born.
  • Budget-boutique: Hostal Grau Barcelona or Generator Barcelona — design-forward and central.
  • Browse more: Hotels.com: Barcelona | VRBO: Barcelona
• Getting there from Madrid: Take the AVE high‑speed train Madrid Puerta de Atocha → Barcelona Sants in ~2.5–3 hours; advance fares often €30–€80. Book on Omio Trains. Budget alternative: coach buses (~7–8 hours) via Omio Buses.

Day 4: AVE to Barcelona, Gothic Quarter, El Born

Morning: Early AVE to Barcelona (aim for 08:00–09:00 departures; light breakfast at the station bakery). Check in or store luggage, then espresso at Nomad Coffee Lab (top microroaster) or Satan’s Coffee Corner (Gothic Quarter).

Afternoon: Explore the Barri Gòtic: Barcelona Cathedral cloister geese, medieval streets, fragments of Roman Barcino by Plaça del Rei. Cross into El Born for boutiques and the striking Santa Maria del Mar. Lunch at Bar del Pla (artichokes, tuna tataki) or Tapeo (oxtail cannelloni).

Evening: Stroll down to the marina golden hour. Dinner at Bar Cañete (book or queue; perfect for jamón, squid, and a Catalan “fricandó”). Classic cocktails at Boadas near La Rambla or a glass of cava at El Xampanyet.

Day 5: Gaudí Day—Sagrada Familia and Park Güell

Morning: Start with the crown jewel—skip the lines and get context only a specialist guide can give:

Sagrada Familia Skip-the-Line Guided Tour and Tickets

Budget ~€55–€80; morning light through the stained glass is magical. After, lunch at La Paradeta Sagrada Familia (pick fresh shellfish at the counter; they cook it to order) or La Taquería if you want something quick and flavorful.

Afternoon: Head to Park Güell for mosaic serpents and city panoramas. Pro tip: reserve timed entry and arrive via the main gate on Carrer d’Olot to see the Hypostyle Room and Dragon Stairway first.

Evening: Dinner in Gràcia—a village within the city. Try La Pepita (signature “pepita” sandwiches and creative tapas) or Gasterea (Basque pintxos). Gelato at Delacrem on the stroll back.

Day 6: Montserrat monastery and Catalan wine country (Full Day)

Trade city streets for serrated peaks and vineyards on a best‑of‑both‑worlds day trip combining the Benedictine monastery with tastings and tapas/lunch:

Montserrat & Cogwheel Train, Gourmet Wine Tasting & Tapas/Lunch

Expect ~7–9 hours including cogwheel train rides, basilica visit (Black Madonna), and winery time. Back in town, light dinner: Cal Pep (bar seats; fast-moving tapas) or Can Paixano/La Xampanyeria (standing cava bar; budget-friendly).

Day 7: Market Breakfast, Montjuïc Views, Departure

Morning: Breakfast inside La Boqueria at El Quim (runny-yolk fried eggs with baby squid) or Pinotxo Bar (if you snag a stool). Ride up Montjuïc for castle ramparts and harbor views; the gardens around the Joan Miró Foundation are tranquil if you need a breather.

Afternoon: Last bites in El Born—Tapeo or the multi-venue El Nacional (seafood bar, meat hall, and a cava corner under one roof). Pick up artisan chocolate at Casa Cacao or a tin of anchovies for home. Head to BCN airport; Aerobús or the R2 Nord Cercanías train from Sants are reliable. Compare flight options on Omio.

Travel Between Cities

• Madrid → Barcelona (Day 4 morning): AVE high‑speed train, ~2.5–3 hours, typical advance fares €30–€80. Book or compare times on Omio Trains. Bus alternative ~7–8 hours via Omio Buses.

Optional Add‑Ons (time permitting)

• Casa Batlló and La Pedrera facades (Eixample evening stroll).
• Royal Palace interior tour in Madrid (grand staircase, Throne Room, Armory).

Booking Pointers (2025): Reserve Sagrada Familia and Park Güell time slots weeks ahead, and Montserrat day trips several days in advance. Many restaurants take WhatsApp reservations; otherwise, arrive right at opening. Keep valuables front-facing on the Metro and Ramblas.

Quick Dining Planner (at a glance)

• Coffee/breakfast highlights: Toma Café (Madrid), La Mallorquina (Madrid), Nomad Coffee (Barcelona), El Quim de la Boqueria (Barcelona).
• Lunch favorites: Mercado de San Miguel grazing (Madrid), Casa Labra (Madrid), Bar del Pla (Barcelona), La Paradeta (Barcelona).
• Dinner gems: La Castela or Casa Lucio (Madrid), Bar Cañete and La Pepita (Barcelona).
• After-hours: Salmon Guru (Madrid), Boadas or Paradiso speakeasy (Barcelona).

Alternate/Seasonal Tours (if your dates align): Madrid holiday lights by e‑tuk‑tuk, special night visits at Casa Batlló, or rooftop choir concerts in Montserrat.

Viator activities included in this itinerary:

• Madrid tuk‑tuk orientation: Welcome Tour to Madrid in Private Eco Tuk Tuk
• Madrid flamenco show: Essential Flamenco
• Barcelona Sagrada Familia skip‑the‑line: Guided Tour & Tickets
• Montserrat day trip with wine: Cogwheel Train + Tasting

In one week you’ll taste Spain’s essential flavors—Madrid’s museum mile and tapas alleyways, Barcelona’s Gaudí skyline and seaside breeze—without rushing. The AVE train ties it together, and well‑chosen tours unlock the stories behind the stones. Salud to a trip that balances art, appetite, and effortless movement.