5-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration of Barcelona and Madrid

Day 1: Barcelona Highlights

Barcelona, Spain on May 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Enjoy traditional Catalan breakfast including strong coffee and fresh pastries in a historic café popular with locals.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Visit Sagrada Familia

Explore Gaudí’s iconic basilica, a masterpiece of modernist architecture. Pre-book tickets to avoid long lines.
EUR26, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at El Nacional

Sample a wide range of Spanish cuisine in a beautiful multi-zone venue with tapas, seafood, and grilled specialties.
EUR25, 1.5h

2:00pm

Walk through Park Güell

Visit this colorful public park showcasing Gaudí’s mosaic artistry with panoramic views of the city. Opens 8:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

4:00pm

Explore Gothic Quarter

Stroll historic streets, visit Barcelona Cathedral, and soak in medieval charm with numerous shops and cafes.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Can Culleretes

Dine in Barcelona’s oldest restaurant, savoring traditional Catalan dishes such as escudella and botifarra.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 2: Art & Beach

Barcelona, Spain on May 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

A stylish spot to enjoy creative breakfast options with fresh fruits and organic juices.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Picasso Museum

Discover an extensive collection of Picasso’s early works in a beautifully restored medieval building. Open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR12, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Paradeta Sagrada Familia

Choose fresh seafood and have it cooked to order at this informal eatery near the basilica.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Enjoy some downtime by the Mediterranean Sea at the popular city beach, perfect for a stroll or sunbathing.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Schedule time later to catch the spectacular evening water and light show (typically from Thursdays to Sundays).
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tickets Bar

Enjoy a creative tapas experience by famous Chef Albert Adrià; reservations essential well in advance.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 3: Travel & Madrid Arrival

Barcelona to Madrid, Spain on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Have a light breakfast to prepare for the travel day.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Train to Madrid (AVE)

Take the high-speed AVE train from Barcelona Sants to Madrid Puerta de Atocha; journey approximately 3 hours.
EUR70, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Dive into Madrid’s vibrant food scene with delicious tapas and local specialties in this indoor market.
EUR20, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Prado Museum

Explore one of the world’s finest art museums with works from Velázquez, Goya, and other European masters. Open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR15, 2h

6:00pm

Walk Retiro Park

Enjoy a relaxing walk or boat ride in Madrid’s largest and most famous park, open until late.
Free, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Botín

Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant, famous for succulent roast suckling pig and lamb.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 4: Madrid Cultural Day

Madrid, Spain on May 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

A classic Madrid café with views of the Royal Palace and a lovely traditional breakfast menu.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Explore Royal Palace

Visit Spain’s grand Royal Palace with guided tours through opulent rooms and the Royal Armory. Open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR13, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante Sobrino de Botín

Try traditional Castilian cuisine in this historic setting close to the palace.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit Reina Sofia Museum

Admire modern and contemporary art including Picasso’s Guernica. Open 10:00am to 9:00pm.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Plaza Mayor

Spend some time in this iconic square, perfect for photos, shopping souvenirs, and coffee breaks.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at StreetXO

Experience avant-garde fusion tapas from Chef David Muñoz in a lively ambiance. Reservations recommended.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 5: Leisure & Departure

Madrid, Spain on May 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Mallorquina

Sample some of Madrid’s best pastries and coffee at this famous bakery in Puerta del Sol.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Shopping and stroll Gran Vía

Walk along Gran Vía’s bustling boulevard, shop at flagship stores, and admire impressive architecture.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Casa Lucio

Enjoy the classic Madrid specialty Huevos rotos in this beloved traditional restaurant.
EUR25, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Conclude with a visit to this world-class collection bridging Renaissance to modern art. Opens 10:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR14, 2h

5:00pm

Prepare for Departure

Return to your accommodation or head to airport/train station for onward journey.
Variable, N/A
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