7-Day Relaxation, Nature, and Foodie Itinerary for Madrid and Barcelona

Day 1: Explore Madrid

Madrid, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Start your day with a delicious breakfast overlooking the Royal Palace, enjoying traditional Spanish tostada with tomato and olive oil.
Take Metro Line 5 to Ópera Station.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Stroll through Retiro Park

After breakfast, meander through the lush landscapes and serene lakes of Retiro Park for a refreshing morning in nature.
Walk approximately 15 minutes from Café de Oriente.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Savor a wide array of tapas in this vibrant market, sampling local delicacies like jamón ibérico and gambas al ajillo.
Walk 20 minutes from Retiro Park.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Royal Palace

Explore the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens of the Royal Palace of Madrid, a royal residence with rich history.
Walk 10 minutes from San Miguel Market.
EUR12, 2 hours

6:00PM

Tapas and Wine at La Tape

Enjoy a light evening meal at La Tape, indulging in local wines paired with a diverse range of tapas.
Walk 15 minutes from the Royal Palace.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Madrid

Madrid, Spain

8:30AM

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Relish the famous churros with chocolate, a quintessential Spanish breakfast experience.
Metro Line 1 to Sol Station.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Art at the Prado Museum

Explore the masterpieces of Spanish art at the renowned Prado Museum, including works by Goya and Velázquez.
Metro Line 2 from Sol to Banco de España.
EUR15, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Casa Lucio

Taste the famous huevos rotos in a traditionally decorated restaurant loved by locals.
Take a short taxi ride (10 minutes) from Prado.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Retiro Park's Crystal Palace

Return to Retiro Park to enjoy the beautiful glass structure and art exhibitions often held inside.
Walk 20 minutes from Casa Lucio.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening Tapas Crawl in La Latina

Discover the bohemian atmosphere while hopping between bars, sampling an assortment of tapas and wines.
Metro Line 5 to La Latina Station.
EUR25, 2 hours
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Day 3: Nature Escape

Madrid, Spain

7:30AM

Breakfast at Pan con Tomate

Enjoy their freshly baked pastries and coffees before your nature adventure.
Quick taxi ride to the café.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Day Trip to the Sierra de Guadarrama

Travel to the stunning mountains for a day of hiking through breathtaking landscapes.
Rent a car or take a guided tour bus from Madrid; car ride approximately 1 hour.
EUR50 (transportation), Hiking Free, All day

5:00PM

Return to Madrid

After a satisfying day connecting with nature, make your way back to Madrid.
Drive or take the tour bus back.
Included in earlier transport cost, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Have dinner at one of the oldest restaurants in the world, famous for its roast suckling pig.
Walk 20 minutes from your accommodation.
EUR40, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Mallorquina

Indulge in delicious pastries and coffee while gearing up for your trip.
Metro to Atocha Station.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

High-Speed Train to Barcelona

Board the AVE train, enjoying comfortable seating and great views as you travel to Barcelona.
Atocha Station to Sants Station in Barcelona.
EUR70, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria

Dive into the colorful market to experience fresh local produce and tapas.
Metro Line 3 to Liceu Station.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Check-In and Relax at Park Güell

Check into your hotel and then take a soothing stroll through Gaudí’s whimsical park.
Taxi to Park Güell.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at La Fonda

Savor authentic paella in a lively atmosphere, perfect for your first evening in Barcelona.
Walk 20 minutes from Park Güell.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Art and Culture

Barcelona, Spain

8:30AM

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Enjoy their legendary hot chocolate and homemade pastries to kickstart your day.
Metro to Catalunya.
EUR8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit La Sagrada Familia

Marvel at Gaudí’s monumental basilica, an architectural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Metro Line 2 to Sagrada Família Station.
EUR26, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Nacional

Experience a modern take on Catalan and Spanish cuisine through various tapas stations.
Taxi ride to El Nacional.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Gothic Quarter

Wander through the narrow medieval streets filled with shops, cafés, and hidden gems.
Walk 15 minutes from El Nacional.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Tapas at Bar La Plata

Enjoy a casual snack at this beloved local bar, famous for anchovy tapas and cold drinks.
Walk 10 minutes from Gothic Quarter.
EUR15, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner and Flamenco Show at Tablao Cordobes

End your cultural day with an authentic flamenco performance and a traditional Spanish dinner.
Metro to Catalunya, then walk 10 minutes.
EUR60, 2.5 hours
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Day 6: Coastal Relaxation

Barcelona, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at El Suquet de l’Almirall

Delight in fresh pastries and coffee while enjoying views of the harbor.
Walk 20 minutes to Barceloneta.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Beach Time at Barceloneta

Relax on the sandy beach, sunbathing and swimming in the Mediterranean waters.
Walk 5 minutes from breakfast.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Xiringuito Escribà

Savor seafood paella with ocean views, a delightful dining experience right on the beach.
Walk 10 minutes from Barceloneta.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Montjuïc Hill

Venture to Montjuïc for stunning viewpoints and the picturesque gardens of Montjuïc Castle.
Metro Line 3 to Paral·lel, then take the funicular.
EUR10 (funicular ticket), Free to explore gardens, 2 hours

5:00PM

Tapas at Quimet & Quimet

Conclude your day with a casual tapas experience at this renowned bar known for its creative offerings.
Funicular back to Paral·lel, then short taxi ride.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Final Day in Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at Ocaña

Start your day with an elegant brunch in this eclectic setting located in the heart of the Raval district.
Walk 15 minutes from your accommodation.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Picasso Museum

Explore one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th-century artist Pablo Picasso.
Walk 20 minutes from breakfast.
EUR12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Paradeta

Enjoy a unique dining experience with fresh seafood, choosing your meal straight from the market display.
Walk 10 minutes from the museum.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Ciutadella Park

Savor your last afternoon in Barcelona with a relaxing stroll or a paddle boat ride on the pond.
Metro Line 1 to Arc de Triomf Station.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Farewell at Can Paixano

Celebrate your trip with a toast and a selection of jamón and other tapas in this famous shrine of local bites and bubbles.
Walk 15 minutes from Ciutadella Park.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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