4-Day Summer European Escape: Germany or Spain with Beaches, Culture & Dining

Day 1: Arrival & City Introduction

Barcelona, Spain on July 2, 2025

9:00am

Arrival & Hotel Check-in

Check in to a highly-rated 4-star hotel like Hotel Barcelona Catedral, providing comfort and central location, or a top Airbnb apartment in Eixample district for local vibe and good value.
EUR150, 1h

10:30am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Enjoy creative healthy dishes and tasty coffee to start your day near the city center; open from 9am to 4pm.
EUR15, 1h

11:45am

Visit Sagrada Familia

Explore Gaudí’s masterpiece basilica, with intricate facades and stunning interiors; pre-book tickets online to avoid queues. Open 9am to 7pm.
EUR27, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at El Nacional

Dine at this upscale multi-zone restaurant with a variety of Spanish cuisines in a beautiful historic building; open 1pm to 3:30pm for lunch.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:15pm

Stroll down La Rambla & visit Mercat de Sant Josep

Experience the bustling famous street and vibrant market with fresh food stalls and local crafts.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Beach time at Barceloneta

Relax and swim at the nearby city beach, popular and lively. Open all day.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Can Solé

Savor traditional Catalan seafood dishes at this cozy and authentic restaurant by the sea; open 1pm - 11pm.
EUR40, 2h

9:30pm

Drinks at Bar Marsella

Enjoy absinthe and cocktails at one of Barcelona’s oldest and atmospheric bars.
EUR12, 1h
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Day 2: Cultural & Coastal Day

Barcelona, Spain on July 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Federal Cafe

Start with specialty coffee and brunch dishes in a bright modern spot; open 8am-4pm.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Park Güell

Tour this colorful and iconic Gaudí park with panoramic views of the city. Open 8am to 9pm.
EUR13, 1h30m

11:15am

Explore Gothic Quarter

Wander through narrow medieval streets, charming squares, and beautiful Gothic architecture.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tapeo Born

Taste top-notch tapas in a relaxed ambiance in El Born; open 1pm-4pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Travel to Malaga by train

Take a fast AVE train from Barcelona Sants station to Malaga Maria Zambrano, journey approx. 5h30m. Book tickets in advance for best prices.
EUR60, 5h30m

8:00pm

Hotel Check-in and Relax

Check in to a centrally-located 4-star hotel like Room Mate Valeria or stylish Airbnb near Malaga Old Town.
EUR100, 30m

8:30pm

Dinner at El Pimpi

Enjoy traditional Andalusian cuisine and local wines in this iconic Malaga restaurant; open 8pm-11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Beach & Heritage

Malaga, Spain on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Casa Aranda

Famous for churros and chocolate, perfect start near city center; open 8am-2pm.
EUR8, 45m

9:00am

Beach day at Playa de la Malagueta

Relax and swim at this popular urban beach with good facilities; open all day, ideal for morning cooling off.
Free, 3h

12:15pm

Visit Alcazaba Fortress

Explore this beautifully preserved Moorish palace and fort with garden paths and incredible views; open 9am-8pm.
EUR3.50, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at La Deriva

Indulge in contemporary Andalusian cuisine with a modern twist near the port; open 1pm-4pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:45pm

Visit Picasso Museum Malaga

Discover the works of Pablo Picasso in his birthplace’s dedicated museum; open 10am-8pm.
EUR12, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Malaga Old Town and Shopping

Leisurely wander charming streets, shops, and cafes to soak in the local culture.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante José Carlos García

Experience Michelin-starred dining with innovative Andalusian flavors right at the port; open 8pm-11pm (booking required).
EUR70, 2h
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Day 4: Final Exploration & Departure

Malaga, Spain on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dulces Dreams Boutique Hostel Cafe

Enjoy a cozy breakfast in a trendy cafe environment; open 7am-5pm.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Malaga Cathedral

Admire Renaissance architecture and the unfinished 'one-armed' cathedral with rich history; open 10am-6pm.
EUR6, 1h

11:00am

Last-minute shopping or beach stroll

Spend leisure time walking along the beach or souvenir shopping in the historic center.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Enjoy freshly prepared tapas and seafood at market food stalls for authentic local flavor; open 9am-3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Hotel Checkout & Departure to Airport

Prepare for airport transfer and return flight home or onward travel.
EUR30 (taxi), 1h
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