10-Night Backpacking Adventure Through Spain: From Madrid to Barcelona

Day 1: Explore Madrid

Madrid, Spain on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Start your day with the iconic churros and hot chocolate at this famous spot, open from 7:00am to midnight.
EUR6, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Prado Museum

Explore one of the world’s premier art museums, housing masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Open from 10:00am to 8:00pm Tuesday to Sunday.
EUR15, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy diverse Spanish tapas in this lively market with many small stalls, open from 10:00am to midnight.
EUR10-15, 1h

2:00pm

Walk through Retiro Park

Relax in this beautiful green space with a lake, sculptures and gardens, open daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol

Stroll around these iconic squares to soak in Madrid’s history and atmosphere.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at El Tigre

Famous for generous free tapas with drinks, this informal bar is experience-packed and budget-friendly. Open from 1:00pm to 1:00am.
EUR12, 1h30m
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Day 2: Madrid Museums & Culture

Madrid, Spain on May 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Rollerie

Enjoy fresh pastries and excellent coffee in a cosy setting, open from 8:00am.
EUR6, 1h

10:00am

Reina Sofia Museum

Discover modern art including Picasso’s Guernica. Open from 10:00am to 9:00pm Tuesday to Saturday.
EUR10, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Casa Labra

Taste cod croquettes and traditional tapas at this historic tavern near Puerta del Sol.
EUR10-15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour the stunning royal residence and its gardens, open 10:00am to 8:00pm (April to September).
EUR13, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Gran Via

Walk along Madrid’s bustling main street, great for shopping and people watching.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taberna el Sur

Enjoy authentic Andalusian tapas in a warm, friendly environment, open until midnight.
EUR15, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day trip to Toledo

Toledo, Spain on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Fuel up early for the day with quick coffee and toast before the train.
EUR5, 30m

8:30am

Train from Madrid to Toledo

Catch the direct train (approx. 33 minutes) to this UNESCO World Heritage city.
EUR15, 33m

9:15am

Explore Toledo Old Town

Visit the Cathedral, Alcázar, and walk the medieval streets in this historic city.
Cathedral entry EUR10, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at La Abadía

Try traditional Manchego cuisine in this charming restaurant near the Cathedral.
EUR15-20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit El Greco Museum

Learn about the famous painter who lived in Toledo, museum open 10:00am–5:30pm.
EUR3, 1h

5:00pm

Train back to Madrid

Return to Madrid in the early evening.
EUR15, 33m

7:00pm

Dinner at Museo del Jamón

Enjoy traditional Spanish ham and affordable tapas in a favourite local chain, open until midnight.
EUR12, 1h
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Day 4: Travel to Seville

Seville, Spain on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Café Comercial

Classic café with excellent coffee and pastries, open from 7:00am.
EUR6, 1h

9:00am

Train Travel Madrid to Seville

Take the high-speed AVE train (about 2.5 hours) for a comfortable journey south.
EUR40-60, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Brunilda Tapas

Popular with locals and visitors, offering creative tapas in central Seville.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Seville Cathedral and Giralda

Explore Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral and climb the Giralda tower for city views, open 11:00am to 5:00pm (closed Tuesdays).
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll through Barrio Santa Cruz

Discover narrow streets, beautiful squares and lively bars in Seville’s historic Jewish quarter.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at El Rinconcillo

Experience one of Seville’s oldest tapas bars with authentic Andalusian dishes, open until midnight.
EUR18, 1h30m
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Day 5: Seville Culture & Gardens

Seville, Spain on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Confitería La Campana

Try fresh pastries in this traditional bakery, open from 7:00am.
EUR5, 1h

9:30am

Alcázar of Seville

Visit the stunning Moorish palace with beautiful gardens, open 9:30am to 7:00pm.
EUR13, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Eslava

Highly recommended tapas bar known for innovative dishes, open for lunch until 4:30pm.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:00pm

Maria Luisa Park & Plaza de España

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon walking through this beautiful park and the iconic semi-circular plaza.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Metropol Parasol

Explore the modern wooden structure with panoramic city views, open until 11:00pm.
EUR3, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Azotea

A trendy spot serving quality tapas with a twist, open until midnight.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Granada

Granada, Spain on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Lisboa

Start the day with good coffee and light bites, opening from 7:30am.
EUR5, 1h

9:30am

Bus Travel Seville to Granada

Take the direct ALSA bus for a scenic 3-hour ride to Granada.
EUR15-20, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bodegas Castañeda

Famous for local wines and generous free tapas on the side, open all afternoon.
EUR12, 1h

2:30pm

Albayzín District Walk

Explore Granada’s old Moorish quarter with narrow lanes and stunning views of the Alhambra.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Mirador de San Nicolas

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Alhambra against the Sierra Nevada backdrop during sunset.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Ruta del Azafrán

Sample traditional Andalusian dishes with a cozy ambiance, open until 11pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 7: Alhambra & Granada

Granada, Spain on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Finca Coffee

Enjoy specialty coffee and pastries to energise your day, open from 8:00am.
EUR6, 1h

9:00am

Alhambra Palace Tour

Pre-book your tickets to visit the stunning Alhambra fortress and palaces, open 8:30am to 8:00pm.
EUR14, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bar Poe

Casual spot offering tasty and affordable tapas close to Alhambra.
EUR12, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Granada Cathedral

Explore the Renaissance architecture and art inside, open 10:00am to 6:30pm.
EUR5, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at Carmen de los Mártires Garden

Peaceful gardens with views over the city and Alhambra, open until 8:00pm.
EUR3, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at El Mercader

Enjoy innovative Andalucian cuisine in a friendly setting, open until 11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 8: Travel to Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local café

Grab a quick breakfast before heading to the train station.
EUR5, 30m

8:00am

Flight from Granada to Barcelona

Take a morning flight (approx. 1.5 hours) to Barcelona for a time-efficient transfer.
EUR40-60, 2h including airport time

12:00pm

Lunch at El Xampanyet

Famous tapas bar with a lively atmosphere near the Picasso Museum, open until midnight.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Picasso Museum

Explore an extensive collection of Picasso’s works focusing on his formative years, open 10:00am to 7:00pm (closed Mondays).
EUR12, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll through Barri Gòtic

Discover the Gothic Quarter’s narrow medieval streets and plazas.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Can Culleretes

Enjoy Catalan cuisine at Barcelona’s oldest restaurant, open until 11pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 9: Gaudí Highlights

Barcelona, Spain on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Healthy and delicious breakfast options to start your day, open from 8:00am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sagrada Família

Marvel at Gaudí’s iconic unfinished basilica; pre-book tickets to avoid queues. Open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR26, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Paradeta

Seafood lovers’ favourite self-service restaurant near Sagrada Família.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Park Güell

Relax in this colourful park with mosaics and panoramic views, entry open 8:00am to 8:30pm.
EUR12, 2h

4:00pm

Passeig de Gràcia

Walk along this elegant boulevard to see Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera), open 9:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR25 combined ticket or admire from outside for free., 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner in El Nacional

Try various Spanish dishes in this unique multi-restaurant venue on Passeig de Gràcia, open until midnight.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 10: Beach & Local Life

Barcelona, Spain on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Federal Café

Popular café with fresh breakfast options near the beach, open from 8:00am.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Enjoy the sun and sea at Barcelona’s most famous beach. Publicly accessible and open all day.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Can Majó

Renowned seafood restaurant by the beach, try the paella or fresh fish dishes, open 1:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Montjuïc Hill

Take the cable car up to Montjuïc to explore the castle, gardens, and cultural sites; cable car open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
Cable car EUR13 round trip, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tickets Bar

Enjoy the innovative tapas by Albert Adrià; booking ahead essential. Open 7:00pm to midnight.
EUR40+, 2h
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