Start your trip in Barcelona, Spain's vibrant and bustling city located on the Mediterranean coast. Spend the day exploring the historic Gothic Quarter, visiting Antoni Gaudi's iconic Sagrada Familia, and drinking local wine and eating tapas at one of the city's many restaurants.
Today, visit the famous Park Guell, originally designed by Gaudi as a residential area. Stroll through the beautiful mosaic-filled gardens and take in the stunning views of the city. Afterwards, visit La Barceloneta beach and relax by the water with a cold beverage in hand.
Take the high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid, Spain's capital city. Spend the day exploring the beautiful Royal Palace, wandering through the Retiro Park, and taking in the beautiful artwork at the Prado Museum.
Visit the iconic Plaza Mayor and indulge in some delicious Spanish cuisine at one of the many cafes surrounding the square. Afterwards, head to the beautiful and historic Mercado de San Miguel and try a variety of local foods and drinks.
Take a day trip to nearby Toledo, a picturesque city known for its beautiful medieval architecture and narrow cobblestone streets. Visit the stunning Toledo Cathedral and the medieval castle known as the Alcazar of Toledo.
Travel between Barcelona and Madrid can easily be done by taking the high-speed train, which takes approximately 2.5 hours and costs around 90 EUROS. Getting around within each city can be done by public transportation, including buses and trains, which range from 2 EUROS to 10 EUROS per ride.
If you have more time, consider visiting other nearby cities in Spain such as Valencia or Seville. If you have less time, you can shorten the trip by eliminating a day in either Barcelona or Madrid. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes and clothing for lots of walking and exploring.
The main airports in Spain are Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) and Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). Barcelona-El Prat Airport is located about 12 km southwest of the city center and can be reached by train or bus in approximately 30 minutes. Madrid-Barajas Airport is located about 12 km northeast of the city center and can be reached by metro or bus in approximately 45 minutes.