7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Madrid, Barcelona, and a Beach City

  1. Day 1: Madrid's Royal Palace and Puerta del Sol
    Estimated Time: 7 hours by foot (2.1 miles)

    Visit the stunning Royal Palace of Madrid, followed by the famous Puerta del Sol. Stop for a lunch break at Mercado de San Miguel, and finish the day with a family-friendly flamenco show at Corral de la Morería.

  2. Day 2: Park Güell and Gothic Quarter in Barcelona
    Estimated Time: 8.5 hours by public transit (4.4 miles)

    Explore the famous Park Güell, followed by the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla. Stop for lunch at La Boqueria Market, and end the day with a visit to the iconic Sagrada Familia.

  3. Day 3: Montserrat Monastery Day Trip from Barcelona
    Estimated Time: 10 hours by public transit (66.3 miles)

    Take a day trip to the stunning Montserrat Monastery, followed by a funicular ride to the mountaintop to view breathtaking panoramas. Enjoy lunch at the on-site restaurant and relax in the world-renowned beauty of the mountainside.

  4. Day 4: Beach Day in Sitges
    Estimated Time: 6.5 hours by public transit (26.9 miles)

    Relax on the sandy beaches of the quaint coastal town of Sitges. Take a stroll along the charming promenade and indulge in traditional grilled seafood and Spanish paella at La Masía Can Portell.

  5. Day 5: Modernist Art and Chocolate Tour in Barcelona
    Estimated Time: 6 hours by foot (1.3 miles)

    Satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate tour of the best chocolatiers in Barcelona. Visit the Picasso Museum and immerse yourself in the city's modernist architecture, such as the famous Casa Batlló. Enjoy a relaxing picnic in the beautiful Ciutadella Park.

  6. Day 6: Toledo Day Trip from Madrid
    Estimated Time: 9.5 hours by public transit (44.2 miles)

    Take a day trip to the stunning walled city of Toledo. Explore the Alcázar and the medieval Jewish Quarter. Stop for a lunch break at El Trébol and end the day with a visit to El Greco's masterpiece at the Burial of the Count of Orgaz in the church of Santo Tomé.

  7. Day 7: El Retiro Park and Prado Museum in Madrid
    Estimated Time: 6.5 hours by foot (1.1 miles)

    Indulge in the famous masterpieces of the Prado Museum, followed by a relaxing walk through El Retiro Park. Stop for tapas and a refreshing sangria at Mercado de San Miguel.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Royal Palace of Madrid (2 hours, €13)
  • Puerta del Sol (1 hour, free)
  • Mercado de San Miguel (1 hour, €15)
  • Corral de la Morería (2 hours, €50 per person)
  • Park Güell (2 hours, €10)
  • Gothic Quarter (2 hours, free)
  • La Rambla (1 hour, free)
  • La Boqueria Market (1 hour, up to €15 per person)
  • Sagrada Familia (2 hours, up to €30 per person)
  • Montserrat Monastery (4 hours, €30 per person)
  • La Masía Can Portell (2 hours, €20 per person)
  • Picasso Museum (2 hours, €12)
  • Casa Batlló (1 hour, €25 per person)
  • Ciutadella Park (2 hours, free)
  • El Trébol (1 hour, €15)
  • Burial of the Count of Orgaz (1 hour, €10)
  • Prado Museum (2 hours, €15)
  • El Retiro Park (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs (without transport): €277 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Madrid, consider visiting the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum or taking a day trip to Segovia. In Barcelona, check out the colorful Casa Amatller or take a bike tour around the city. For beach lovers, visit Tarragona or Formentera. For a more budget-friendly trip, pack lunch and snacks instead of eating out.

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