9-Day Cultural Foodie Rail Trip Through Spain: Barcelona to Madrid

Day 1: Exploring Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Kick off your culinary adventure with their famous 'avocado toast' and a freshly squeezed orange juice.
Walk from your accommodation or use public transport.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Sagrada Familia

Marvel at Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, a symbol of Barcelona, known for its ornate facades and towering spires.
Take Metro Line 2 (Purple Line) to Sagrada Familia station.
EUR26, 2 hours

12:00PM

Explore Park Güell

Wander through the vibrant mosaics and whimsical architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take Bus 24 or 92 from Sagrada Familia.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria

Indulge in a tapas feast at the famous market, sampling local delicacies like patatas bravas and jamón ibérico.
Walk from Park Güell or take Bus 24 back.
EUR20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Gothic Quarter

Stroll through the historic heart of Barcelona, discovering charming alleys, shops, and history.
Walking tour through the area, guided recommended.
EUR0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Picasso Museum

Absorb the extensive collection of Picasso's work, showcasing his connection to the city.
A short walk from Gothic Quarter.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Can Culleretes

Taste traditional Catalan food at the oldest restaurant in Barcelona, with favorites like duck with prunes.
A 15-minute walk from the museum.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Art and Architecture

Barcelona, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Granja Petitbo

Enjoy a hearty breakfast of pastries and artisanal coffee at this trendy café.
Walk from your hotel.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Casa Batlló

Appreciate another of Gaudí's stunning works, with its unique facade and interiors that resemble the sea.
Take Metro Line 3 (Green Line) to Passeig de Gràcia.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

Explore this modernist architectural marvel with its organic shape and rooftop views.
A short walk from Casa Batlló.
EUR24, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cervecería Catalana

Savor an array of mouth-watering tapas in a vibrant setting that mixes locals and tourists.
Take a short tram ride or walk from Casa Milà.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit La Rambla and La Boqueria Market

Stroll down the famous boulevard filled with artists, shops, and the vibrant market atmosphere.
Walk from the restaurant.
EUR0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Chocolate Museum Visit

Dive into the sweet history of chocolate and sample some artisanal creations.
Walk a few blocks away.
EUR6, 1 hour

6:00PM

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Unwind on the beach, taking in the sunset and enjoying the coastal atmosphere.
Take a bus from the museum.
EUR0, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Torre d'Alta Mar

Dine with breathtaking views of the city from this elevated, stylish restaurant.
Take a taxi or a cab service from the beach.
EUR77, 2 hours
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Day 3: Modernista and More

Barcelona, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Alsur Café

Savor a classic Spanish breakfast of tostada and café con leche at this cozy spot.
Walking distance from your hotel.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hospital de Sant Pau

Explore this stunning UNESCO site known for its colorful mosaics and unique architecture.
Take Metro Line 5 (Blue Line) to Sant Pau.
EUR15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Palau de la Música Catalana

Admire the architectural beauty of this concert hall, famous for its stained glass and decor details.
A short walk from the hospital.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at El Nacional

Experience a multi-space restaurant offering various Spanish cuisines in an elegant setting.
Take a short tram ride or walk from Palau.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Witness the stunning light show at this evocative fountain, especially captivating in the evening.
Take a bus or a taxi from El Nacional.
EUR0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Rooftop Cocktails at the Ohla Barcelona

Enjoy pre-dinner drinks overlooking the city's skyline.
Take a taxi to the hotel.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Barca del Salamanca

Feast on fresh seafood at this renowned restaurant, just a short walk from the harbor.
Walk from the rooftop bar.
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Madrid

Barcelona to Madrid, Spain

7:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Fuel up with fresh pastries and rich Spanish coffee before departing.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
EUR10, 1 hour

8:30AM

Take the AVE Train to Madrid

Enjoy a comfortable ride on Spain's high-speed train, arriving in just a few hours.
Head to Barcelona Sants station.
EUR60, 3 hours

11:30AM

Arrive and Check-In at Hotel

Settle into your hotel in Madrid, gearing up for the city's delights.
Short walk from the train station.
EUR0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Casa Lucio

Try the renowned 'huevos rotos' at this famous eatery popular with locals and tourists alike.
Take a taxi to the restaurant.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Plaza Mayor

Experience Madrid's historical focal point, bustling with street performers and shops.
Short walk from Casa Lucio.
EUR0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy a culinary haven with diverse tapas and gourmet foods in this historic market.
Walk from Plaza Mayor.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Stroll through Retiro Park

Relax amidst the greenery and beautiful landscapes of this iconic park.
Use a taxi or short metro ride.
EUR0, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the world's oldest restaurant, renowned for its traditional roast suckling pig.
Taxi or walk from the park.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Madrid

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Chinitas

Enjoy fluffy churros accompanied by rich chocolate in this charming café.
Walk from your hotel.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid

Discover the opulence and historic significance of Spain's royal residence.
Take a short taxi ride.
EUR15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Explore the Prado Museum

Immerse yourself in European art, including works by Velázquez and Goya, at one of the world's finest museums.
Short metro ride or walking distance.
EUR15, 2.5 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Restaurante Casa Alberto

Savor delicious tapas and calamari in this beloved traditional Spanish restaurant.
Take a taxi or a short walk from the museum.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Take a Culinary Workshop

Learn to cook traditional Spanish dishes in a hands-on class guided by a local chef.
Walk from lunch to the class venue.
EUR45, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at El Club Allard

Experience avant-garde cuisine with a creative tasting menu in this Michelin-starred establishment.
Take a taxi from the workshop.
EUR100, 2.5 hours
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Day 6: Art and Locals

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Rollerie

Enjoy delightful pastries and hearty breakfast options in this cozy bakery.
Walk from your accommodation.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Reina Sofia Museum

Explore 20th-century art, including Picasso's famous mural 'Guernica'.
Take a short metro ride.
EUR10, 2 hours

11:30AM

Walk through El Retiro Park

Enjoy nature in this beautiful park dotted with sculptures and a stunning lake.
Short walk from the museum.
EUR0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Taberna El Sur

Dig into authentic Spanish dishes in this lively local tavern with a cozy atmosphere.
Take a taxi from the park.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Malasaña District

Discover alternative culture in this trendy neighborhood characterized by its street art and hip shops.
Walk or bike through the area.
EUR0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Mercado de la Cebada

Indulge in delicious local bites while enjoying the casual, local vibe of this market.
Short walk from Malasaña.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Vaca y La Huerta

Relish farm-to-table dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, paired wonderfully with regional wines.
Take a taxi from the market.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 7: Final Explorations

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café El Botánico

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast in this quaint café offering a lovely vibe.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Discover an array of artworks ranging from medieval to modern in this prestigious museum.
Take a short taxi or bus ride.
EUR13, 2 hours

12:00PM

Shopping at Gran Via

Stroll along the vibrant Gran Via, enjoying the mix of shops and street performances.
Short metro ride or walk.
EUR0, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Bodega de la Ardosa

Experience an authentic Madrid wine tavern that serves delicious tapas and local wines.
Short tram ride from Gran Via.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Mercado de San Antón

Explore this trendy market with a rooftop terrace offering amazing views of the city.
A short taxi ride or walk from lunch.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Plaza de España

Unwind at one of Madrid's most iconic squares, perfect for people watching.
Walk from the market.
EUR0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Restaurante El Club Allard

Savor a multi-course tasting menu with creative Spanish dishes in this Michelin-starred gem.
Take a taxi from the plaza.
EUR100, 2.5 hours
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Day 8: Relaxation and Reflection

Madrid, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at Federal Café

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in this hip café with a modern ambiance.
Walking distance from your hotel.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Botanical Gardens

Stroll through the serene surroundings of the Royal Botanical Garden, enjoying its beauty.
A short taxi ride.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Explore Atocha Train Station

Walk through the stunning architecture and indoor tropical garden of this historic station.
Short walk from the gardens.
EUR0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Bar El Penta

Enjoy local favorites like 'tortilla Española' in a casual and friendly atmosphere.
Taxi or walk from the train station.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Final Shopping at Chueca Market

Discover unique souvenirs and local products in this vibrant market.
Short taxi ride or metro.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at El Retiro Park

Spend a few hours lining the lake or visiting the glass palace.
Metro or short taxi ride.
EUR0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Casa Posada

Enjoy local
Walking distance from the park.
EUR25, 2 hours
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Day 9: Departure

Madrid, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a pleasant breakfast before checking out.
Within your hotel.
EUR0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check-out and transfer to Airport

Make your way to the airport for your departure flight back home or onward travel.
Arrange a taxi or shuttle through your hotel.
EUR30, 1 hour
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