Spain Itinerary from Doha: Barcelona, Seville and Madrid

Arrival and airport transfer

QR145 lands at Barcelona–El Prat Airport at about 14:40. Allow 60–90 minutes for immigration, bags, and finding your onward transport. A taxi from the official rank is the simplest option, usually around €35–45 to central Barcelona and roughly 25–40 minutes depending on traffic; the blue-and-white taxis accept cards. The Aerobús is cheaper at about €7–8 and takes around 30–40 minutes to Plaça de Catalunya, but a taxi is more convenient with luggage. After checking in, keep the first evening gentle and carry only what you need.

Late afternoon walk

Begin at Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona’s central meeting point and a useful place to get your bearings. Spend about 30 minutes taking in the fountains and broad city avenues, then walk south along La Rambla toward the waterfront. The stroll takes around 45 minutes at an easy pace; stay on the main promenade, keep phones and wallets secure, and politely ignore unsolicited approaches, especially around crowded areas. Stop at Mercat de la Boqueria for fresh fruit, jamón, croquettes, or a small sweet rather than trying to make it a full meal. It generally closes in the evening, with many stalls winding down by around 20:00, so don’t leave it too late.

First-night dinner

Continue a few minutes into Raval for dinner at Bar Cañete, a lively, classic tapas restaurant on Carrer de la Unió. It is a good first-night choice: polished but energetic, with seafood, Iberian ham, seasonal dishes, and vermouth or local wine. Budget approximately €35–55 per person, and reserve ahead if possible; otherwise arriving early, around 19:30–20:00, gives you a better chance of a bar seat. From Mercat de la Boqueria, it is about a 5–10-minute walk. After dinner, take a taxi or walk back only if your hotel is nearby; the narrow Raval streets are atmospheric but best treated with ordinary late-night city awareness.

Morning

Start early at Sagrada Família, aiming for a timed entry around 09:00–09:30 before the interior becomes busiest. Allow about two hours for the basilica, towers if included, and museum; standard admission is typically around €26–40 depending on the audio guide and tower access. Book directly in advance, and remember that shoulders and knees should be covered. From central Eixample, the easiest arrival is by Metro L2 or L5 to Sagrada Família.

Walk five minutes north along Avinguda de Gaudí to Hospital de Sant Pau, one of Barcelona’s finest Modernista ensembles. The former hospital complex usually opens from around 09:30, with admission commonly about €17; allow 1–1½ hours to wander through the pavilions, gardens, tiled corridors, and underground passages. For a light coffee or pastry between visits, BelleBuon on Avinguda de Gaudí is convenient, though you can also simply continue while the morning is still cool.

Afternoon and Evening

Follow Passeig de Sant Joan south toward Arc de Triomf, taking roughly 45 minutes at an unhurried pace. This leafy boulevard is better for a relaxed local walk than for ticking off monuments, with benches, playgrounds, and café terraces along the way. Continue west or take the Metro from Passeig de Gràcia to Casa Batlló for an afternoon visit; reserve a timed ticket and allow about 1½ hours. Admission is usually around €35–45, and the audio-visual rooms are worth taking your time with. Afterward, stroll along Passeig de Gràcia rather than rushing straight to dinner—the façades and shopfronts are part of the experience.

Finish at El Nacional, a large food hall just off Passeig de Gràcia, where you can choose from several Spanish dining counters instead of committing to one long menu. Expect roughly €25–45 per person, depending on drinks and seafood choices. It is popular and can be lively at dinner, so arriving around 19:30–20:00 gives you a better chance of finding a table; Barcelona’s later dining rhythm means you can also eat comfortably after 21:00.

Morning

Begin at Park Güell around 09:00, when the Monumental Zone is cooler and the light is excellent for photographs. Reserve a timed ticket in advance—typically about €18–25—and allow roughly two hours for the serpentine bench, Dragon Stairway, Hypostyle Room, and the Gaudí house exterior. The uphill approach is easiest by taxi; otherwise take the metro to Lesseps or Vallcarca and expect a 15–20-minute walk, with steep sections. From the park, walk or take a short taxi ride down toward Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s first major residential project. It usually opens around 10:00, admission is approximately €20–25, and one hour is enough to appreciate its tiled façade, colorful interiors, and compact garden.

Afternoon

Continue into Vila de Gràcia and settle around Plaça del Sol for about 45 minutes. This is a good place for a coffee and a slower look at neighborhood life—small grocery shops, independent boutiques, and locals gathering around the square—rather than another formal sightseeing stop. For lunch or an early dinner, head to La Pubilla, a well-loved, unfussy restaurant near Plaça de la Virreina serving Catalan home cooking; budget around €20–35 per person. It is popular with locals, so arrive early or reserve, and check its current opening days and service hours before setting out, as traditional restaurants may close between lunch and dinner.

Late Afternoon and Evening

After eating, take a taxi to Bunkers del Carmel—the walk from the nearest metro is long and uphill—or use bus 24 toward Carmel and walk the final section. Arrive about an hour before sunset for views across the rooftops toward the Mediterranean; access is free, but there is little shade and no reliable refreshment service, so bring water. The former wartime battery can become crowded at sunset, so keep valuables secure and leave before it is fully dark. Check the October sunset time on the day and allow 30–40 minutes to return by taxi, or walk down to El Carmel for buses and metro connections.

Morning

Begin in La Ribera with a guided visit to Palau de la Música Catalana, one of Barcelona’s most dazzling Modernisme interiors. Tours usually last about an hour and commonly run from around 10:00, with tickets roughly €20–25; check the exact timetable and reserve ahead, as concert rehearsals can affect access. From there, walk about 10 minutes through the old lanes to Santa Maria del Mar. Allow 30–45 minutes to appreciate its unusually spacious Gothic nave—go before midday Mass or services if scheduled, and keep voices low inside.

Midday and Afternoon

Continue on foot to the Picasso Museum, only a few minutes away. This is the day’s main stop, so reserve a timed ticket in advance—standard admission is generally around €12–17, with reduced or free periods subject to availability—and allow two hours for Picasso’s early work and the museum’s sequence of historic palaces. For lunch, stay in El Born rather than detouring; the small streets around Carrer de la Princesa and Carrer dels Flassaders have plenty of casual tapas options. Afterwards, take a slower hour in Parc de la Ciutadella, entering from Passeig de Picasso and settling near the monumental fountain and lake. It is an easy walk from the museum, but you can also use Arc de Triomf metro station if your feet need a break.

Evening

Walk back toward the Gothic Quarter for dinner at Can Culleretes, Barcelona’s historic restaurant on Carrer d’en Quintana. Expect traditional Catalan cooking—dishes such as cannelloni, stews, and crema catalana—and roughly €30–45 per person before drinks. Book or arrive early, since the dining room is compact and its old-Barcelona atmosphere is part of the appeal. After dinner, take an unhurried walk through the nearby lanes toward Plaça Reial or the waterfront; keep valuables secure in crowded areas, and use a taxi or the metro if you have had enough walking.

Afternoon Arrival and Check-in

Take a morning AVE from Barcelona Sants to Sevilla-Santa Justa, arriving in the early afternoon after roughly 5½–6 hours. From the station, a taxi to your hotel is easiest with luggage; expect about 10–20 minutes depending on where you are staying. After checking in and having a short rest, walk towards Centro and Metropol Parasol, locally known as Las Setas. The paid viewpoint is generally open until late evening, with admission around €5–€15 depending on the ticket type; allow about an hour for the lift, rooftop circuit, and wide views over Seville’s rooftops. Go near sunset if your train arrives on time, though the wooden structure is also atmospheric after dark.

Early Evening and Tapas

From Metropol Parasol, it is roughly a 10-minute walk through the old centre to Iglesia del Salvador. Try to arrive before the evening closing period—hours can vary by season, but it commonly closes around 18:00–19:00, and admission is usually about €5–€6. The interior is a concentrated display of Sevillian Baroque, with gilded altarpieces and richly carved details; keep the visit to 45 minutes and then wander the lanes around Plaza del Salvador. Continue north for about 10 minutes to El Rinconcillo on Calle Gerona, Seville’s oldest surviving bar, where dinner is best taken at the counter or in the traditional tiled rooms. Order a few classics such as espinacas con garbanzos, salmorejo, montaditos, and jamón; allow approximately €25–€40 per person with drinks. It is popular, but arriving around 19:30–20:00 gives you a better chance of finding space before the later local dinner rush.

Morning

Start early at Real Alcázar of Seville, ideally with a timed entry around 09:00. Give yourself about 2½ hours to move from the richly tiled Palacio de Don Pedro through the courtyards and into the gardens, where the shaded paths and orange trees are a welcome escape from the growing heat. Tickets are generally around €15–20, with small supplements for special areas; book ahead through the official website and bring photo identification if required. From your accommodation, walk if you are staying centrally, or take a short taxi to the Patio de Banderas entrance—avoid driving, as the lanes around Santa Cruz are narrow and largely unsuitable for cars.

Walk a few minutes to the Archivo de Indias, usually open from roughly 09:30 to 20:00 Tuesday through Saturday, with free admission. Allow about an hour for its elegant Renaissance building, maps, manuscripts, and concise exhibitions on Spain’s imperial history. Then continue to Seville Cathedral, where a timed ticket is wise; admission is commonly around €12–15, and the visit takes about two hours. The climb up La Giralda is via ramps rather than conventional stairs, but it is still warm and tiring, so take water and go steadily. Check the day’s religious-service restrictions before setting out, as access can occasionally change.

Evening

After the cathedral, wander through the quieter lanes of Santa Cruz toward Bar Las Teresas for an early-evening stop. This small, atmospheric tavern is best treated as a standing or close-packed local experience: order a plate of jamón, perhaps some cheese, and a cold beer or fino sherry, budgeting roughly €10–18 per person. It is a good pause rather than a full dinner, and arriving before the busiest period—around 18:30–19:00—makes finding space easier. Finish nearby at Bodega Santa Cruz “Las Columnas”, a lively, informal tapas bar close to the cathedral. Expect about €15–25 per person for several tapas and drinks; try traditional Andalusian dishes and eat at the bar if tables are full. Everything is walkable tonight, but wear comfortable shoes—the cobbles and tight passages of Santa Cruz are charming but uneven.

Morning

Begin at Plaza de España around 09:30, while the light is soft and the square is still relatively calm. This grand 1920s landmark is free to visit and takes about an hour to appreciate properly: walk beneath the tiled galleries, cross the small bridges, and look for the ceramic alcoves representing Spain’s provinces. From here, simply follow the paths into Parque de María Luisa for an unhurried hour beneath palms, orange trees, and mature plane trees. The park is free and generally open from early morning until late evening; wear comfortable shoes, as the paths are more pleasant than trying to hurry between viewpoints.

Continue to Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares in Plaza de América, housed in the richly decorated Mudéjar Pavilion. Allow about an hour for its collection of Andalusian ceramics, lace, textiles, tools, and traditional household interiors. Opening days and hours can vary, but it is commonly open Tuesday–Sunday from late morning, with admission usually around €1.50–€3; check the official schedule before setting out. The museum is only a short walk across the park from Plaza de España, so there is no need for a taxi.

Lunch and Afternoon

After the museum, take a taxi or walk north-west toward Mercado de Triana—roughly 10–15 minutes by taxi, or about 30 minutes on foot via the riverfront. Cross the Puente de Isabel II and browse the market’s produce, seafood, cheese, and prepared-food counters before having a casual lunch. It is best visited around 13:30–14:00, when stalls are lively but before the hottest part of the afternoon; many vendors close by mid-afternoon, and the market is generally closed on Sundays. Leave time to wander through nearby Triana, especially along Calle Alfarería and Calle San Jacinto, where the neighborhood’s ceramic tradition is still visible in shopfronts and tiled façades.

Evening

Return to Casa Cuesta for an early tapas dinner, ideally booking or arriving around 19:30. This old-fashioned Triana institution is known for classic Andalusian plates, traditional tiles, and a relaxed atmosphere; budget approximately €25–40 per person with several tapas and drinks. After dinner, cross back toward Centro by taxi or on foot and arrive at Casa de la Memoria 20–30 minutes before your flamenco performance. Shows are usually about an hour, with tickets commonly around €20–30; reserve in advance because this intimate venue sells out. Keep phones silent and avoid arriving late—the small, performance-focused setting rewards giving the dancers and musicians your full attention.

Late Morning: Arrive and Settle In

After your morning AVE arrival at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha, collect your luggage and take a taxi directly to your hotel if you have bags; central hotels are usually 10–20 minutes away, depending on traffic. The station is also connected to Metro lines 1 and 3, but a taxi—typically around €10–20—is more comfortable after the train. Leave your luggage, have a quick lunch nearby, and walk back toward the station area for the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Allow around two hours, concentrating on Picasso’s Guernica and the museum’s excellent collection of modern Spanish art. It is generally open from late morning until evening, though hours and free-entry periods vary, so reserve a timed ticket if possible; admission is commonly about €12.

Afternoon: A Quiet Garden Break

From Reina Sofía, it is only a few minutes on foot to the Real Jardín Botánico, entered from Plaza de Murillo beside the Prado district. Spend roughly an hour among the formal terraces, glasshouses, rose beds, and shaded paths—a particularly good pause after the train and museum. The garden usually stays open into the early evening, with seasonal closing times and admission around €4. If you want coffee afterward, walk through the elegant Barrio de Las Letras toward Calle de las Huertas, rather than taking the most direct route; this literary quarter is pleasant for a slow first look at central Madrid.

Evening: Tapas at San Miguel

Head north toward Mercado de San Miguel, either on foot in about 20–25 minutes or by Metro from Atocha toward Sol. The market is best treated as a grazing stop rather than a formal dinner: try a few small portions—croquettes, jamón, seafood, or a rice dish—and compare stalls as you go. Budget approximately €25–40 per person for a generous selection, though drinks can push the total higher. It is popular and lively in the evening, so arrive around 19:00–19:30 for a little more room; afterwards, wander through Plaza Mayor and the surrounding lanes, keeping valuables secure in the crowds.

Morning

Begin at Royal Palace of Madrid around 09:30, when the grand rooms are at their most enjoyable and tour groups are still relatively light. Allow about two hours for the State Apartments, Throne Room, Royal Armoury, and formal galleries; timed tickets are usually around €14–20, with discounts and audio guides available. Enter via Calle de Bailén, and remember that security can add a little time. From the palace, walk across to Almudena Cathedral—it is directly opposite, so there is no need for transport. Give the cathedral around 45 minutes, including the colourful Neo-Gothic interior and crypt; entry is generally by donation or a small fee, and modest clothing is appreciated.

Midday and Afternoon

Continue south through Madrid de los Austrias toward Plaza Mayor, taking roughly 10 minutes on foot via Calle de Felipe III. Spend half an hour beneath the arcades and around the statue of Philip III, but avoid committing to a full meal in the square, where prices are higher. Instead, take a relaxed break at Chocolatería San Ginés, tucked just off the square near Pasadizo de San Ginés. Order the classic churros con chocolate—usually about €6–10 per person—and allow 45 minutes. It is open from early morning into the night, though the small passages can be busy; if there is a queue, the service usually moves quickly.

Evening

As the centre cools, stroll through Calle Mayor and Puerta del Sol toward Casa Labra on Calle de Tetuán, about 10 minutes from San Ginés. This historic tavern is best treated as a standing tapas stop rather than a long formal dinner: try the cod croquettes and a drink, then add a few traditional portions if you are hungry. Budget approximately €20–35 per person, and aim for around 19:30–20:00 to avoid the later Madrid rush. It can be lively and does not generally feel like a reservation-led restaurant, so expect to wait briefly at peak times; the surrounding Sol streets are ideal for an unhurried evening walk afterward.

Morning

Start at Museo del Prado when it opens—normally 10:00, though check the official timetable for your date—and reserve a timed ticket in advance, usually around €15–20. Give yourself about 2½ hours, concentrating on Velázquez’s Las Meninas, Goya’s Black Paintings, El Greco, Rubens, and the museum’s superb collection of Spanish masters rather than trying to see everything. The museum is on Paseo del Prado, easily reached by Metro to Banco de España or Atocha; backpacks may need to be checked, so travel light.

Afterwards, walk a few minutes to Iglesia de San Jerónimo el Real, tucked just behind the museum district. This quiet Gothic church is a pleasant contrast to the Prado’s crowds and usually takes about 30 minutes; entry is often free or by a small donation, although access can be limited during services. For lunch, keep it local and unhurried around Barrio de Las Letras—Casa Alberto on Calle de las Huertas is a good choice for traditional Madrid dishes, with a typical meal around €20–35 per person.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue east toward Puerta de Alcalá, roughly a 15–20-minute walk along Paseo del Prado and past Plaza de Cibeles. Allow about 20 minutes for photographs, especially from the Plaza de la Independencia side, where the gateway’s five arches and neoclassical details are easiest to frame. Then enter El Retiro Park for a relaxed walk toward the lake and Palacio de Cristal area. Set aside around 1½ hours; the park is free, open from early morning until evening, and its broad paths are ideal for slowing down after the museums. If you want a coffee break, Florida Retiro near the park’s northern edge is convenient, though the park kiosks are simpler and cheaper.

For dinner, take a taxi or walk west toward Sobrino de Botín in Austrias, allowing about 20–25 minutes from El Retiro. Reserve well ahead—this is Madrid’s famously historic restaurant, and tables are often booked out. Its roast suckling pig and roast lamb are the signatures; expect approximately €45–70 per person before drinks. After dinner, wander through the nearby Calle Cuchilleros and Plaza Mayor, when the old center is particularly atmospheric.

Morning

Start at Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza when it opens—usually 10:00, though check the timetable and reserve a ticket online, generally around €14–18. Allow roughly two hours for its wonderfully varied collection, which moves from Old Masters through Impressionism and modern art without the exhausting scale of Museo del Prado. It is an easy walk from central Madrid; from Sol, allow about 15 minutes, or take Metro line 2 to Banco de España. Afterward, walk north along the Paseo del Prado for a few minutes to CaixaForum Madrid, where the vertical garden on the façade is worth a photograph before you go inside. Rotating exhibitions usually take about an hour and tickets commonly cost around €6–8, although some programmes are free or differently priced.

Afternoon

For lunch, stay around the Paseo del Prado or walk toward Barrio de Las Letras—El Sur de Huertas is a dependable choice for Andalusian-style dishes and generous portions, while Inclán Brutal Bar is livelier if you prefer creative tapas. Then take Metro line 2 from Banco de España to Noviciado, or walk for about 20 minutes, and spend the afternoon wandering Malasaña. Begin around Calle de Velarde and Calle del Pez, dipping into independent clothing, vinyl, book, and design shops rather than following a strict route. This is a good time to slow down over coffee at Café Comercial on Glorieta de Bilbao, one of Madrid’s old meeting places; allow about 1½ hours for the neighborhood.

Evening

Head to Mercado de San Ildefonso on Calle de Fuencarral in the early evening, ideally around 18:30–19:00 before the busiest dinner period. It is a compact, atmospheric street-food market with international stalls, shared tables, and a terrace; budget roughly €20–35 per person for several small plates and drinks. Keep your meal moderate if you are attending a performance at Teatro Lope de Vega on Gran Vía. Check the theatre’s programme and ticket prices in advance—the show itself is usually about 2½ hours, and arriving 30–40 minutes early is sensible for security, collection, and seating. Walk from the market in around 10 minutes via Calle de Fuencarral and Gran Vía; after the curtain, taxis or Metro line 5 from Callao are the easiest options, though Gran Vía is especially atmospheric on foot at night.

Morning

With a late departure, keep your final morning easy around Ópera. Have breakfast at Café de Oriente, whose terrace and dining room look directly toward the Royal Palace of Madrid. Allow about an hour; breakfast with coffee and juice is generally around €12–20 per person. It is a popular spot, so arriving around 08:30–09:00 gives you a calmer table and plenty of time before the airport transfer.

After breakfast, take a final unhurried photograph in Plaza de Oriente and stroll through the adjoining palace gardens. Give this about 30 minutes rather than trying to fit in another attraction—the open square, clipped hedges, statues, and palace façade make a pleasant last glimpse of central Madrid. From Ópera, return to your hotel to collect luggage; leave enough time for checkout and, if needed, a quick café stop or luggage collection before setting off.

Departure

For Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, a licensed white taxi is the simplest choice with luggage. Expect roughly 30–45 minutes by road in light traffic, but allow 45–75 minutes overall from the hotel, especially during weekday traffic; the fixed central-Madrid taxi fare is usually about €33. The Metro is cheaper—normally around €5 including the airport supplement—but involves stairs and transfers depending on your hotel and terminal. Leave central Madrid at least three hours before your Doha flight, checking the terminal in advance because T1, T2, and T4 are separate airport buildings.