7‑Day Highlights of Barcelona, Madrid & Lisbon

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration in Barcelona

Morning: Arrive in Barcelona, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Take a short walk to get acquainted with the neighborhood.

Afternoon: Stroll down La Rambla, soaking up the vibrant street life, then explore the colorful stalls of Mercat de la Boqueria for a tasty snack.

Evening: Wander to the illuminated Cathedral of Barcelona and dine at a nearby tapas bar, enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter.

Day 2: Iconic Architecture in Barcelona

Morning: Visit the awe‑inspiring Basílica de la Sagrada Família, then head to the whimsical mosaics of Park Güell for panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Explore the modernist masterpieces of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera – Casa Milà, admiring Gaudí’s imaginative designs.

Evening: Experience a concert or guided tour inside the stunning Palau de la Música Catalana, followed by a nightcap at a local bar.

Day 3: Journey to Madrid

Morning: Check out of your Barcelona hotel and travel to Madrid by high‑speed train, enjoying the scenic ride.

Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your Madrid accommodation, then wander through the historic Plaza Mayor and sample delights at the Mercado de San Miguel.

Evening: Walk to Puerta del Sol, the bustling heart of the city, and enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 4: Art & Royal Splendor in Madrid

Morning: Delve into masterpieces at the Museo Nacional del Prado and the contemporary collections of the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

Afternoon: Tour the regal Royal Palace of Madrid and then relax with a leisurely stroll through the lush El Retiro Park.

Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife along Gran Vía, perhaps catching a musical or enjoying rooftop views.

Day 5: Arrival in Lisbon

Morning: Fly to Lisbon, check into your hotel and freshen up before heading out.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Belém Tower and the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Evening: Savor Portuguese flavors at the lively Time Out Market, trying a variety of local dishes.

Day 6: Lisbon’s Highlights

Morning: Explore the fortified Castelo de São Jorge with its sweeping city views, then admire the Lisbon Cathedral nearby.

Afternoon: Wander the grand Praça do Comércio, ride the historic Santa Justa Lift, and browse the creative shops at LX Factory.

Evening: End your trip with a visit to the colorful National Tile Museum and a farewell dinner in a traditional Fado house.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Basílica de la Sagrada Família – 2 h – $30.33
• Park Güell – 1.5 h – $21.00
• Casa Batlló – 1 h – $33.83
• La Pedrera – Casa Milà – 1 h – $33.83
• La Rambla – 1 h – $0.00
• Mercat de la Boqueria – 0.5 h – $0.00
• Picasso Museum Barcelona – 1 h – $17.50
• Spotify Camp Nou – 1.5 h – $32.66
• Cathedral of Barcelona – 0.5 h – $18.66
• Palau de la Música Catalana – 1 h – $21.00
• Museo Nacional del Prado – 2 h – $17.50
• Plaza Mayor – 1 h – $0.00
• Royal Palace of Madrid – 1.5 h – $16.33
• El Retiro Park – 1.5 h – $0.00
• Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía – 1.5 h – $14.00
• Gran Vía – 1 h – $0.00
• Mercado de San Miguel – 1 h – $0.00
• Thyssen‑Bornemisza National Museum – 1.5 h – $16.33
• Puerta del Sol – 0.5 h – $0.00
• Temple of Debod – 0.5 h – $0.00
• Belém Tower – 1 h – $17.50
• Castelo de São Jorge – 1.5 h – $17.50
• Jerónimos Monastery – 1.5 h – $21.00
• Praça do Comércio – 1 h – $0.00
• Santa Justa Lift – 0.5 h – $7.12
• Time Out Market – 1 h – $0.00
• Monument to the Discoveries – 0.5 h – $11.67
• Lisbon Cathedral – 0.5 h – $8.17
• LX Factory – 1 h – $0.00
• National Tile Museum – 1 h – $11.67
• Total Estimated Cost: $367.60

Tips

If you have extra days, consider adding a full day in Barcelona to visit Montjuïc Hill and the Picasso Museum, a second day in Madrid for the Day Trip to Toledo, or a coastal escape to Cascais from Lisbon. To shorten the itinerary, skip the evening concert in Barcelona and the visit to the National Tile Museum in Lisbon, focusing on the must‑see landmarks only.