A Week in Spain: A Perfect Blend of Culture, Cuisine, and Architecture

From the bustling streets of Madrid to the architectural wonders of Barcelona, this week-long journey through Spain promises to be a blend of history, culture, and gastronomic delights.

Day 1: Arrival in Madrid

Kickstart your Spanish adventure with a stroll through the city’s iconic Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s main square. While there, marvel at the Ayuntamiento, San Pedro, San Francisco el Grande, and don’t forget to wander down the historic Calle de Cuchilleros.

Evening:

Browse through Mercado de San Miguel food market near Plaza Mayor to savor various delicious tapas Spain is famous for.
Save some space for sweets! Head over to Chocolateria San Ginés, founded in 1894, for their famous churros you can dip in chocolate.

Day 2: Madrid – The Capital’s Treasures

Morning:

Start the day by heading over to Royal Palace. It offers a fantastic view from the beautiful El Campo del Moro Garden and an adjacent visit to the Almudena Cathedral, which is free to enter.

A short walk away is the Temple of Debod, ancient Nubian temple dismantled and rebuilt in Madrid.

Afternoon:

Discover the grandeur of Spanish architecture at Plaza de Cibeles. Walk along Gran Via from Calle de Alcalá, close to Plaza de Cibeles, to Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s lively central square, to soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere and have lunch. (There’s a spot there that’s marked as the center of the whole of Spain.)
Discover Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art Museums, comprising the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza. These museums are home to masterpieces by renowned artists like Velázquez, Goya, Picasso, and Dali. Pick one or two depending on time and energy.

Evening:

Enjoy an evening stroll at El Retiro Park and admire the marble monuments and landscaped lawns.
Book ahead for a dinner with flamenco dance show.

Day 3: Madrid to Seville via Córdoba – A Journey Through Time

Morning:

Take an early morning train to Córdoba, a city where Muslims, Jews, and Christians once lived harmoniously. You can store your luggage across the train station.
Explore the breathtaking Mezquita, one of the world’s greatest works of Islamic architecture, and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a testament to the city’s rich history.
Don’t forget to check out the Roman Bridge, or Puente Romano, dates from the 1st century BC.

Afternoon:

Take a lunch break and wander along Calleja de las Flores for beautiful photos with Feria de Los Patios (patios decorated with flowers).
Catch a train to Seville. It takes about 2.5 hours and a chance to rest. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation to leave your luggage and dive straight into the city’s enchanting ambiance.
Explore Seville’s historic centre, featuring the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, the Catedral de Sevilla & Giralda and the Real Alcázar Palace.

Evening:

Walk 10 minutes to Plaza España & Parque de Maria Luisa for a taste of 1929 World’s Fair grandeur.
Have dinner at La Bartola. You may have to wait in line for a table but it is so worth it! Try one of Seville’s most popular summer drinks — tinto de verano, a Sangria-like mix of red wine and lemonade served over ice.

Day 4: Seville to Barcelona

Morning:

Start your morning at the Metropol Parasol, world’s largest wooden structure with honeycombed roof. Go up to the top for panoramic views of Seville.

Afternoon:

Take a river cruise along the Guadalquivir River or climb the Torre del Oro for stunning views of the city if time allows.
Later, indulge in local flavors with a visit to Barrio Santa Cruz, where you can savor jamón ibérico and salmorejo, Seville’s classic tomato soup.
Board a flight to Barcelona.

Evening:

Wander down Las Ramblas to La Boqueria, Barcelona’s famous farmers market, and immerse yourself in the city’s Gothic Quarter, Barri Gòtic.

Day 5: Barcelona – Gaudí’s Masterpieces and Old City Charm

Morning:

Awaken in the vibrant city of Barcelona and set off to explore the Old City, home to the iconic Sagrada Familia Church and the Picasso Museum.

Afternoon:

Spend the afternoon at the monumental Park Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Gaudí.
Explore the Eixample district to marvel at Antoni Gaudí’s architectural wonders, such as La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.

Evening:

Savor delicious tapas at Vinitus.

Day 6: Barcelona – Montjuïc Hill and Tibidabo Mountain

Morning:

Take in the sweeping city views from Tibidabo Mountain, the highest point in Barcelona, and explore the Expiatory Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Afternoon:

Head to La Barceloneta Beach for a relaxing afternoon on the beach.

Evening:

Ride the harbor cable car for panoramic views of the city or enjoy the sunset from Montjuïc Hill, home to the Castell de Montjuïc and the Spanish village.
Conclude your day with a visit to the Magic Fountains near Plaza España, where you can catch a mesmerizing water and light show.

Day 7: Departure from Barcelona

On your final day, indulge in some last-minute shopping on Passeig de Gracià Blvd or explore the Roman ruins beneath the Barcelona History Museum. As you bid farewell to Spain, reminisce about your unforgettable week filled with culture, cuisine, and architectural wonders.

Transportation Tips

For hassle-free travel around Barcelona, consider purchasing a Barcelona Travel Card, offering unlimited public transportation for 2-5 days.

Accommodation Recommendations