Spain folds layers of Roman, Islamic, Jewish, and Christian histories into vibrant modern cities. In Barcelona, Antoni Gaudí’s surreal architecture spirals toward the sky, while the Gothic Quarter hides the remnants of medieval El Call. Madrid counters with grand boulevards, world-class art museums, and the pulse of Spanish football at the Bernabéu.

For kosher travelers, Spain is highly doable with planning. Barcelona has several kosher restaurants and markets; Madrid has Chabad-organized meals and kosher products at major department stores. AVE high-speed trains connect cities quickly, and walkable historic centers make sightseeing efficient and rewarding.

This 7-day kosher Spain itinerary focuses on Barcelona and Madrid, with a moving day trip to Toledo’s Jewish Quarter. It includes Sagrada Familia skip-the-line tours, a Montserrat countryside excursion, Madrid’s parks and plazas, and practical kosher dining, coffee, and Shabbat options throughout.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a feast of color and form: Modernisme facades on Passeig de Gràcia, breezy Mediterranean promenades, and Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, still rising after more than a century. In the Gothic Quarter, narrow lanes trace the outline of the medieval Jewish neighborhood, where scholars once debated and merchants traded under Catalan suns.

Food-wise, Barcelona is Spain’s most convenient kosher city, with reliable options such as Restaurant Maccabi (meat; Mediterranean; on La Rambla), BenBen House (Israeli plates near Sagrada Familia), and Shaq Shuq (fast, flavorful Israeli bowls and pitas in Eixample). For groceries, look for labeled kosher products in larger supermarkets; confirm current kashrut certificates as they can change.

Stay central to walk almost everywhere: Eixample (close to Gaudí sights and kosher eateries) or the Gothic Quarter/El Born for history-lovers. Browse stays on VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com. Flying into Barcelona? Check fares via Omio flights. For trains in Spain, use Omio trains.

Day 1: Arrive Barcelona, Gothic Quarter & El Call

Afternoon: Land at BCN and transfer to your hotel (Aerobús to Plaça Catalunya ~35 minutes; metro L9 to L1/L3 transfer ~50 minutes; taxi ~30 minutes). Stretch your legs with an easy orientation walk: Plaça Reial to La Rambla, then duck into the Gothic Quarter’s lanes. Visit the Plaça del Rei and the small streets around Carrer de Sant Honorat to get a feel for medieval El Call, Barcelona’s old Jewish quarter.

Evening: Dinner at kosher-certified Restaurant Maccabi on La Rambla: think grilled meats, chicken skewers, fresh salads, and classic Mediterranean platters—hearty, traveler-friendly, and central. Walk to the waterfront for a breezy Barceloneta promenade. For coffee-only purists (black espresso is typically fine for many kosher travelers), grab a late cortado at Nomad Coffee in El Born; skip food prep and stick to drinks.

Day 2: Gaudí Focus — Park Güell and Sagrada Familia

Morning: Light breakfast with sealed items (yogurt, fruit) from a supermarket, or shakshuka and salads at BenBen House if you prefer a sit-down start. Head to Park Güell early for soft morning light on the mosaic benches and gingerbread pavilions—reserve timed entry. Nearby, stop for a coffee-only break at SlowMov in Gràcia (excellent beans; avoid foods if keeping strict kosher).

Afternoon: Dive into Sagrada Familia with a guided skip-the-line experience that decodes the façades and stained glass.

• Park Guell and Sagrada Familia Tour with Skip the Line Tickets — small group, efficient routing, and context-rich guiding.

  

Evening: Stroll Passeig de Gràcia to admire Casa Batlló and La Pedrera from the outside (blue hour is magic). Dinner at Shaq Shuq in Eixample for Israeli bowls, hummus, sabich, and warm pitas—great post-walk refuel. Dessert tip: pick up packaged, labeled kosher sweets from a supermarket for on-the-go treats.

Day 3: City, Sea, and Montjuïc Views

Morning: Explore the Gothic Quarter more deeply: the Barcelona Cathedral cloister, Plaça Sant Jaume, and MUHBA’s sites that interpret medieval Barcelona (including vestiges linked to El Call). Snack on fruit cups and nuts (check labels) from La Boqueria market while you browse—avoid prepared foods if keeping strict kosher.

Afternoon: Head to Montjuïc: take the funicular and cable car for sweeping harbor views. Visit the Olympic Ring and landscaped paths around the castle. Coffee-only stop at Rekons (near Sant Antoni) if you’re passing through—stick to beverages.

Evening: Dinner at BenBen House near Sagrada Familia: shawarma, schnitzel plates, crisp salads, and kid-friendly options. Consider a flamenco show later (Tablao de Carmen is atmospheric); for a calmer night, watch the city glow from the Port Vell boardwalk.

Day 4: Day Trip — Montserrat Mountains, Wine Country Vibes

Swap the city for serrated peaks and monastery chants on a curated small-group day tour:

• Montserrat & Cogwheel Train, Gourmet Wine Tasting & Tapas/Lunch — breathtaking views, basilica visit, cogwheel ascent, and a culinary component. Bring your own kosher picnic for lunch and enjoy it in a scenic spot.

  

Back in Barcelona, keep dinner simple at Restaurant Maccabi or pick up take-away from Shaq Shuq to enjoy in your apartment.

Alternative Sagrada Familia options if Day 2 sells out:

• Barcelona: Sagrada Familia Skip-the-Line Guided Tour and Tickets

  

• Sagrada Familia VIP Tour Skip the Line with Small Group

  

Madrid

Madrid is Spain’s grand salon—broad boulevards, Habsburg-era plazas, and a trio of powerhouse museums (Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen). By night, terrazas hum with conversation and guitar chords float across Retiro’s lake. It’s a city for walkers: distances look big on the map but feel close under plane trees.

For kosher travelers, plan meals in advance. Madrid’s Chabad organizes weekday and Shabbat meals with booking; El Corte Inglés (Castellana or Goya locations) carries kosher wines, breads, cheeses, tuna, and packaged goods. The Beth Yaacov synagogue area (Salamanca/Chamberí) is practical if you’ll walk on Shabbat.

Stay near Retiro, Salamanca, or Chamberí for safety, quiet nights, and easy walks to museums and parks. Compare apartments on VRBO or hotels on Hotels.com. Train Barcelona→Madrid: AVE 2.5–3 hours (often €25–€65) via Omio trains.

Day 5: AVE to Madrid, Retiro and the Bernabéu

Morning: Depart Barcelona Sants on a morning AVE; arrive at Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena in time to drop bags and snack on your pre-packed kosher bites. Book your seat on Omio trains.

Afternoon: Stroll Parque del Retiro: the Crystal Palace, Rose Garden (seasonal), and a loop around the boating lake. Coffee-only stop: Toma Café or HanSo Café in Malasaña for textbook espresso—stick to drinks if keeping glatt kosher. If art calls, pop into the Prado for Velázquez’s Las Meninas and Goya’s Black Paintings (1.5–2 hours).

Evening: Football fans, this is your moment:

• Bernabéu Stadium Guided Tour With Optional Megafan Upgrade — new museum route, pitch views, and trophy halls.

  

For dinner, choose a prebooked kosher meal through local providers or Chabad; alternatively, assemble a cold spread from El Corte Inglés’ kosher aisle (bread, tuna, olives, hummus, fruit). Evening paseo: Gran Vía to Plaza Mayor for classic Madrid scenes.

Day 6: Day Trip — Toledo’s Jewish Heritage

Give the day to Toledo, a hilltop tapestry of synagogues, mosques-turned-churches, and narrow stone lanes. Go with a private guide who can tailor the focus to Sephardic history:

• Toledo Private Tour with Licensed Local Guide — customize time at El Tránsito Synagogue and the Sephardic Museum, Santa María la Blanca, and Mirador del Valle.

  

Bring a kosher picnic from Madrid. After your tour, browse for Damascene metalwork and marzipan (verify ingredients and supervision). Return to Madrid for a simple dinner from your prearranged kosher source or ready-to-eat packaged items.

Day 7: Royal Madrid, Last Bites, Departure

Morning: Choose between the Royal Palace (ornate state rooms, Royal Armory) or the Thyssen-Bornemisza (great for an art overview in 60–90 minutes). Coffee-only finale at Café Comercial (historic) or a quiet espresso near Plaza de Oriente.

Afternoon: Pick up sealed snacks for the journey and head to the airport or station. For flights, compare fares with Omio flights. For trains elsewhere in Spain, use Omio trains.

Evening (if you have time): A last paseo along the leafy Paseo del Prado, then adiós.

Optional Shabbat in Spain (swap into Days 5–6 as needed): If your 7 days include Shabbat, plan it in Barcelona or Madrid near a synagogue. In Barcelona, stay in Eixample; in Madrid, Salamanca/Chamberí puts you within walking distance of Beth Yaacov. Preorder Shabbat meals via local kosher caterers/Chabad, pick up kosher wine and challah (packaged) from El Corte Inglés, and confirm candle-lighting times and synagogue security requirements in advance. There is no city-wide eruv; plan walks accordingly.

Practical Kosher Tips:

• Restaurants: Always confirm current kashrut certification and hours; some close on Sundays or mid-afternoons.
• Coffee: Many kosher travelers are comfortable with espresso/black coffee at regular cafes. Avoid shared steam wands for flavored drinks and skip food prep areas.
• Picnics: Spain’s parks are picnic-friendly. Stock up on labeled kosher cheeses, crackers, tuna, produce, and nuts; carry a small knife and reusable containers.
• Transport: Barcelona and Madrid metros are extensive and safe; buy 10-ride tickets or day passes. Taxis and rideshares are abundant at night.

Summary: In one week you’ll trace Sephardic footsteps in Toledo, marvel at Gaudí’s Barcelona, and feel Madrid’s grand energy—all while eating confidently kosher and moving easily by high-speed train. With thoughtful meal planning and a couple of standout guided tours, Spain becomes both inspiring and effortless.