8-Day City Experiences in Spain: Exploring Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, and Seville

  • Day 1: Barcelona
    Barcelona Cathedral (10 minutes from La Sagrada Familia)

    Begin the day at the beautiful La Sagrada Familia, an unfinished temple designed by the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. Next, visit the impressive Barcelona Cathedral with its stunning Gothic architecture. Don't forget to stroll down the famous street of Las Ramblas and visit the famous La Boqueria market.

  • Day 2: Madrid
    Puerta del Sol (20 minutes from Museo Nacional del Prado)

    Start the day at the Museo Nacional del Prado, one of the world's top art galleries, with an impressive collection of Spanish art. Then, visit the iconic Puerta del Sol, the heart of Madrid, and the famous Plaza Mayor with its stunning architecture. End the day at the beautiful Retiro Park for a relaxing stroll.

  • Day 3: Granada
    Alhambra (10 minutes from Granada Cathedral)

    Begin the day at the breathtaking Alhambra, a palace complex and fortress, that dates back to the 13th century. Next, visit the beautiful Granada Cathedral, the fourth-largest cathedral in the world, with its stunning Gothic-Renaissance architecture. Don't forget to explore the charming Albayzin neighborhood, the center of Moorish culture in Granada.

  • Day 4: Seville
    Real Alcazar (15 minutes from Seville Cathedral)

    Start the day with a visit to the stunning Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, which also happens to be the burial site of Christopher Columbus. Next, visit the incredible Real Alcazar, a former Moorish palace turned into a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its intricate tilework and lush gardens. End the day by watching a traditional Flamenco dance show.

  • Day 5: Madrid
    Cibeles Palace (20 minutes from Museo Nacional del Prado)

    Begin the day by continuing your exploration of Madrid with a visit to the beautiful Cibeles Palace, a grand neoclassical building located in the heart of Madrid. Next, visit the Mercado de San Miguel, a historic marketplace, that offers a variety of delicious Spanish cuisine. End the day with an evening tour of the Palacio de Cibeles, a gorgeous Beaux-Arts building that has recently been transformed into a cultural center.

  • Day 6: Seville
    Triana Neighborhood (10 minutes from Seville Cathedral)

    Begin the day by visiting the beautiful Plaza de Espana, with its grand architecture and beautiful fountains. Then, explore the charming Triana neighborhood, known for its colorful streets, delicious tapas, and rich pottery history. End the day with a visit to the lovely Barrio Santa Cruz, the former Jewish Quarter of Seville, featuring beautiful winding streets and hidden plazas.

  • Day 7: Barcelona
    Park Guell (20 minutes from Casa Batllo)

    Begin the day by visiting the stunning Casa Batllo, a gorgeous landmark featuring Gaudi's famous architecture. Next, visit the incredible Park Guell with its iconic colorful mosaics, and breathtaking views of Barcelona. End the day with a visit to the stunning Magic Fountain, a nighttime fountain show that features music, lights, and water.

  • Day 8: Madrid
    Gran Via (10 minutes from Puerta del Sol)

    Begin the day with a visit to the beautiful Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple that was donated to Spain. Next, visit the iconic Gran Via, Madrid's famous boulevard, that features grand architecture, theaters, and shops. End the day with a visit to the incredible Museo Reina Sofia, which features modern art and Pablo Picasso's famous painting, Guernica.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • La Sagrada Familia (1-2 hours, €20-€40)
  • Barcelona Cathedral (1 hour, €7-€12)
  • Museo Nacional del Prado (2-3 hours, €15-€20)
  • Puerta del Sol (30 minutes, free)
  • Plaza Mayor (30 minutes, free)
  • Retiro Park (1-2 hours, free)
  • Alhambra (3-4 hours, €14-€40)
  • Granada Cathedral (1-2 hours, €5-€10)
  • Albayzin neighborhood (2-3 hours, free)
  • Seville Cathedral (1-2 hours, €9-€10)
  • Real Alcazar (2-3 hours, €12-€15)
  • Flamenco show (1-2 hours, €20-€50)
  • Cibeles Palace (30 minutes, free)
  • Mercado de San Miguel (1-2 hours, €10-€20)
  • Palacio de Cibeles tour (1-2 hours, €5-€10)
  • Plaza de Espana (30 minutes, free)
  • Triana neighborhood (2-3 hours, free)
  • Barrio Santa Cruz (1-2 hours, free)
  • Casa Batllo (1-2 hours, €25-€30)
  • Park Guell (1-2 hours, €7-€10)
  • Magic Fountain (1 hour, free)
  • Templo de Debod (30 minutes, free)
  • Gran Via (1 hour, free)
  • Museo Reina Sofia (2-3 hours, €10-€15)

  • Total Estimated Costs: €196-€387

Transportation

Transportation options in Spain include buses, trains, and taxis. The most cost-effective option is public buses, which are affordable and offer extensive routes. Trains are slightly more expensive but offer faster travel times and more comfort. Traveling by taxi is also available but can be expensive. While traveling between cities, trains are the most efficient and affordable choice.

Estimated costs for transportation within cities range from €1.50-€3.00 for a single bus ride, €15-€30 for a taxi ride, and €4-€8 for a metro ride.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add additional day trips from Barcelona or Madrid, such as Montserrat or Toledo, respectively. Additionally, if you have extra time in Seville, consider visiting the nearby cities of Cadiz or Jerez de la Frontera.

If you have less time, consider cutting out some of the less popular sightseeing spots in each city, such as the Templo de Debod or the Mercado de San Miguel.

Airports

The main airports in Spain are the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), located 12km from Madrid city center, and the Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), located 12km from Barcelona city center. Seville has the Seville Airport (SVQ) located 10km from the city center, and Granada's Federico García Lorca Airport (GRX) located 17km from the city center.

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