5-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration of Barcelona and Madrid

Day 1: Barcelona Arrival

Barcelona, Spain on May 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Start your day with delicious and healthy brunch options at this highly-rated café known for creative presentations and fresh ingredients.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit La Sagrada Família

Explore Gaudí’s iconic basilica, famous for its intricate facades and stunning interior. Book tickets in advance to avoid queues. Open from 9:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR26, 2h0m

12:30pm

Walk around Passeig de Gràcia

Stroll this elegant boulevard to admire Modernist buildings including Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera), and enjoy shopping.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Cervecería Catalana

Enjoy tapas and traditional Catalan dishes at this lively and popular restaurant near Passeig de Gràcia.
EUR25, 1h15m

3:00pm

Explore Park Güell

Visit this colorful park featuring Gaudí’s whimsical mosaics and panoramic views of Barcelona. Open till 8:30pm. Tickets recommended.
EUR10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Unwind by the Mediterranean Sea, enjoy the sunset and the beach atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at La Mar Salada

Dine on fresh seafood dishes right by the beach. Reservations suggested.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Barcelona Arts & History

Barcelona, Spain on May 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Granja Dulcinea

Try traditional Spanish churros with hot chocolate at this historic café in the Gothic Quarter.
EUR8, 45m

9:30am

Visit the Gothic Quarter

Wander through narrow medieval streets and visit Barcelona Cathedral. The area is full of history and charming shops and cafés.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Picasso Museum

Discover the art and early works of Pablo Picasso in a beautifully preserved medieval palace. Open 10:00am–7:00pm, closed Mondays.
EUR12, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at El Xampanyet

Tuck into authentic tapas and try cava, a local sparkling wine, in a bustling traditional bar.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Montjuïc Hill

Take the cable car or bus up to Montjuïc to visit the Magic Fountain, Montjuïc Castle, and enjoy spectacular views of the city.
EUR8 for cable car, 3h0m

6:00pm

Explore Poble Sec neighbourhood

Discover trendy bars and small eateries with authentic Catalan ambiance for pre-dinner tapas.
Varies, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Tickets Bar

Experience avant-garde tapas by renowned chef Albert Adrià at this Michelin-starred restaurant. Reservations mandatory.
EUR90, 2h0m
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Day 3: Barcelona to Madrid

Barcelona to Madrid, Spain on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Federal Café

Enjoy a quiet and tasty breakfast with excellent coffee to kickstart your travel day.
EUR12, 1h0m

8:00am

Check out and travel to Madrid by high-speed train

Depart from Barcelona Sants station via AVE train to Madrid Puerta de Atocha. Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours journey.
EUR70, 3h0m

12:00pm

Arrival and lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Explore this vibrant market and sample a variety of gourmet Spanish foods from different stalls.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol

Walk around Madrid’s historic central squares known for their lively ambiance and street performances.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour the lavish official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, open 10:00am–8:00pm, closing at 6:00pm on winter months.
EUR13, 2h0m

5:30pm

Relax at Sabatini Gardens

Enjoy peaceful walks around well-kept gardens adjacent to the Royal Palace.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Botín Restaurant

Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant, famous for its traditional roast suckling pig and lamb.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Madrid Art & Culture

Madrid, Spain on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Start your day with breakfast overlooking the Royal Palace in this elegant café.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Museo del Prado

Marvel at one of the world’s premier art museums showcasing masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and more. Open 10:00am–8:00pm.
EUR15, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Lhardy

Experience traditional Madrid cuisine in a historic setting known for its cocido madrileño (stew).
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Reina Sofía Museum

Head to this national museum featuring modern artworks, including Picasso’s ‘Guernica’. Open 10:00am–9:00pm except Tuesdays.
EUR12, 2h0m

4:30pm

Relax at Retiro Park

Stroll through expansive gardens, visit the Crystal Palace, and enjoy rowing boats on the lake.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Tapas dinner in La Latina district

Explore this lively neighbourhood and enjoy a variety of tapas bars to end your day.
EUR30, 2h0m
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Day 5: Madrid Departure Day

Madrid, Spain on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mama Framboise

Enjoy artisan pastries and excellent coffee at this wide-loved bakery in central Madrid.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Explore a diverse collection ranging from Renaissance to modern art. Open 10:00am–7:00pm.
EUR13, 2h0m

12:00pm

Last-minute shopping at Gran Vía

Shop for souvenirs, apparel, and gifts on Madrid’s main shopping street before departure.
Varies, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Museo del Jamón

Have a casual lunch sampling various Iberian ham and Spanish sandwiches near the city center.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Head to airport for departure

Allow sufficient time to reach Madrid-Barajas Airport and complete check-in formalities.
Taxi EUR30, 1h0m
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