One Week in Spain: The Perfect 7-Day Itinerary

Spain rewards those who understand that it’s really several different countries in one — Castilian Madrid and Catalan Barcelona are as different from each other as London and Rome. This seven-day itinerary splits time between both cities with a day trip into medieval Castile, giving you the full contrast.

Days 1–2 – Madrid

Day 1: Madrid is one of Europe’s great art capitals. Start at the Prado Museum — two hours minimum, focusing on Velázquez, Goya, and El Bosco’s Garden of Earthly Delights. Walk across to the Retiro Park for a breath of air, then to the Reina Sofía for Picasso’s Guernica (the original — it’s larger and more powerful than you expect).

Evening: explore the Malasaña and Chueca neighbourhoods for dinner and the start of Madrid’s famous night life. Spanish dinner starts at 9pm and the city runs late.

Day 2: The Mercado de San Miguel near Plaza Mayor for breakfast pastries and coffee. Wander the historic centre — Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace (the largest royal palace in Western Europe by floor area), and the Almudena Cathedral opposite.

Afternoon: stroll through the La Latina neighbourhood with its tapas bars on Cava Baja street — order patatas bravas, jamón croquetas, and a cold Mahou beer. These are Madrid’s streets at their best.

Day 3 – Toledo Day Trip

Take the high-speed AVE train from Madrid’s Atocha Station to Toledo (30 minutes, €15–25). This medieval city on a rocky hill was once the capital of the Visigothic kingdom and, later, a place where Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived and worked together for centuries.

The Cathedral of Toledo is one of Spain’s finest Gothic buildings. The Alcázar fortress and El Greco’s masterpieces at the Museo del Greco are equally impressive. The winding streets, sword shops, and marzipan sellers make the whole city a time machine.

Return to Madrid by evening.

Day 4 – Travel Madrid to Barcelona

Take the AVE high-speed train to Barcelona (2.5 hours, €35–80 booked in advance). Check in and walk the Ramblas — touristy but still atmospheric, especially towards the Port.

Explore the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) — narrow medieval streets hiding Roman walls, a 14th-century cathedral, and excellent restaurants. Have dinner at one of the many Catalan restaurants in the Gothic Quarter or El Born.

Day 5 – Barcelona: Gaudí

Devote the day to Antoni Gaudí, the genius who transformed Barcelona into an open-air architectural museum. Start with the Sagrada Família — book tickets weeks in advance, arrive early, and allow 2–3 hours. It’s been under construction since 1882 and it’s still the most extraordinary building under construction anywhere in the world.

After lunch, take a taxi to Park Güell for Gaudí’s mosaic terraces and views over Barcelona — book timed entry online. End the afternoon with a walk past Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) on Passeig de Gràcia — you can admire the facades for free, or pay to tour the interiors (worth it for Casa Batlló especially).

Evening: dinner in Eixample or the Sant Pere neighbourhood.

Day 6 – Barcelona: El Born & Barceloneta

Morning: El Born neighbourhood, centred on the magnificent Gothic church of Santa Maria del Mar. The surrounding streets have excellent brunch spots, boutiques, and a neighbourhood feel missing from the Gothic Quarter.

Visit the Picasso Museum (book ahead — it’s excellent, especially the early works) and the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar (free entry).

Afternoon: walk down to the Barceloneta beach and the regenerated Port Olímpic area. Barcelona’s relationship with the sea was restored for the 1992 Olympics — the waterfront is now one of the city’s great assets. Swim if the weather allows.

Evening: drinks in the El Born cocktail bars, then dinner late — Barcelona’s restaurant scene is excellent.

Day 7 – Montjuïc & Departure

Take the cable car or funicular up to Montjuïc for views over the city, harbour, and coast. Visit the Fundació Joan Miró — one of Europe’s finest modern art museums — and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) for an extraordinary collection of Romanesque art.

Walk down through the gardens for a final look at the city before heading to the airport.

Practical Notes

Train booking: Book AVE trains in advance on Renfe.es for the lowest prices (book 2–4 weeks ahead).

Barcelona tip: Pickpocketing is a serious issue on the Ramblas and in tourist areas. Keep bags in front, avoid phone distractions in crowds.

Language: Castilian Spanish in Madrid; Catalan is co-official in Barcelona. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Eating times: Lunch is 2–4pm, dinner 9–11pm. The rest of Europe’s schedule doesn’t apply here.