Ultimate 11-Day First-Time Spain and Portugal Adventure: Barcelona, Madrid & Portugal Highlights

Day 1: Barcelona Arrival & Gothic Quarter

Barcelona, Spain on September 10, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Start your day with traditional Catalan pastries and coffee in this historic café open since 1870. It's a perfect introduction to Barcelona's culinary culture.
EUR12, 1h

10:30am

Explore the Gothic Quarter

Wander the narrow medieval streets, visit the Barcelona Cathedral, and absorb the rich history of this ancient part of the city. It's open all day for walking tours.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Boqueria Market - El Quim

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced tapas and seafood inside the bustling market. A must-visit spot for authentic flavors and lively atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Picasso Museum

Explore one of the most extensive collections of Picasso’s work, reflecting his formative years. Open 10:00am - 7:00pm daily.
EUR12, 1h30m

4:30pm

Stroll La Rambla

Experience the vibrant street life, performers, and local shops on Barcelona’s most famous boulevard.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cervecería Catalana

Enjoy a lively dinner with a wide array of traditional Spanish tapas, perfect for sharing. Opens at 1:00pm and busy in evenings, reservations recommended.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Gaudí & Park Güell

Barcelona, Spain on September 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Federal Café

Relax with specialty coffee and healthy breakfast options in a modern, airy setting.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Visit Sagrada Familia

Marvel at Gaudí’s masterpiece basilica. Book tickets for a timed entry ahead. Open 9:00am - 6:00pm.
EUR26, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at nearby Café Milano

Enjoy Italian and Mediterranean dishes just a short walk from Sagrada Familia to recharge for the afternoon.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Park Güell

Wander Gaudí’s colorful park with fantastical sculptures, mosaics and panoramic views of Barcelona. Open 9:30am - 7:30pm.
EUR11, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Passeig de Gràcia

Walk along this elegant avenue lined with modernist architecture including Casa Batlló and La Pedrera; perfect for photos and window shopping.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at El Nacional

Dine at this upscale food hall offering a variety of Spanish regional specialties in a stunning ambiance.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Montjuïc & Museums

Barcelona, Spain on September 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake by the Sea

Enjoy delicious, Instagram-worthy breakfast dishes minutes from the beach.
EUR18, 1h

9:30am

Cable car ride to Montjuïc

Take in panoramic city and sea views on the funicular and cable car up to Montjuïc hill.
EUR14, 1h

10:30am

Visit Montjuïc Castle

Explore this historic fortress with spectacular views over the harbor. Open 10:00am - 8:00pm.
EUR5, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Martínez Restaurant

Savor Mediterranean cuisine and seafood with views of the sea at this popular Montjuïc restaurant.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)

Discover Catalan art spanning centuries housed in a magnificent building with city views. Open 10:00am - 6:00pm.
EUR12, 2h

5:00pm

Magic Fountain Show

Witness the magical nighttime water and light show. Check times as it varies seasonally; in September usually on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at La Fonda

Traditional Catalan dishes served in a cozy setting near Plaça Reial. Open until 11:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Beach & Picasso Museum

Barcelona, Spain on September 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Federal Café

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee to start your day along the beachside.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Morning at Barceloneta Beach

Relax or stroll along the sandy beach, enjoy the seafront atmosphere, and watch local life.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Can Majó

Savor Paella and seafood dishes in this well-known beachfront spot open for lunch.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Hop on train to Madrid (Approx 3.5h journey)

Take the high-speed AVE train from Barcelona Sants station to Madrid Puerta de Atocha for your Madrid stay.
EUR70, 3h30m

6:00pm

Check-in and dinner at Mercado de San Miguel

Explore this lively market offering gourmet tapas and drinks, a great first dinner in Madrid.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 5: Madrid Royal Sites

Madrid, Spain on September 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Murillo

Start with a classic Spanish breakfast close to the Prado Museum, open from 8:00am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour Europe’s largest royal palace with its stunning interiors and gardens. Open 10:00am - 8:00pm.
EUR14, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Botín

Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant famed for its roast suckling pig and lamb, a historic culinary experience.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol

Experience Madrid’s bustling central squares, great for sightseeing and shopping.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Museo del Prado

Explore one of the world’s premier art museums with masterpieces from Velázquez, Goya, and more. Open 10:00am - 8:00pm, closed Mondays.
EUR15, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Taste traditional Spanish dishes in this charming historic setting, staying open until late.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Art & Parks

Madrid, Spain on September 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mama Framboise

Enjoy artisanal pastries and coffee at this chic bakery, perfect for a leisurely start.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Reina Sofía Museum

Home to Picasso’s Guernica and other modern art works. Open 10:00am - 9:00pm, closed Tuesdays.
EUR12, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at El Brillante

Try the famous calamari sandwiches, a Madrid staple near the Atocha station.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Retiro Park

Stroll or rent a boat on the lake in this beautiful, expansive park right in the city center.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Shopping at Gran Via

Explore Madrid’s bustling shopping avenue with both international and Spanish brands.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Vaca y La Huerta

Relish farm-to-table local cuisine focusing on fresh produce and quality meats.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Travel & Lisbon Introduction

Madrid to Lisbon, Portugal on September 16, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick, light breakfast before departure.
Included in hotel, 0h30m

8:00am

Flight Madrid to Lisbon

Take a short 1h15m flight to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city.
EUR50, 1h15m

10:30am

Check into Lisbon accommodation

Settle into your Lisbon hotel or Airbnb close to the city center.
Varies, 1h

11:30am

Brunch at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Enjoy specialty coffee and light bites in Lisbon’s trendy café scene.
EUR15, 1h

1:00pm

Walk through Baixa and Rossio Squares

Explore Lisbon’s downtown, admire its tiled buildings and grand plazas.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Elevador de Santa Justa

Ride this iconic elevator for panoramic views of Lisbon's skyline.
EUR5, 1h

4:30pm

Explore Chiado neighborhood

Delight in the vibrant cafés, bookshops, and galleries of this cultural district.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Time Out Market

Sample dishes from some of Lisbon’s best chefs all under one roof.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 8: Belém & History

Lisbon, Portugal on September 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Padaria Portuguesa

Start with traditional Portuguese pastries and coffee at this popular chain.
EUR6, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Jerónimos Monastery

Explore this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, open 10:00am - 5:30pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

10:45am

Tour Belém Tower

Discover this historic fortification along the Tagus River, open 10:00am - 5:30pm.
EUR6, 1h

12:00pm

Taste Pastéis de Belém

Try the famous egg tart pastries at the original bakery, a must-do in Lisbon.
EUR5, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at À Margem

Dine at this riverside restaurant with traditional Portuguese dishes and great views.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology

Explore contemporary exhibitions housed in a striking modern building. Open 11:00am - 7:00pm, closed Mondays.
EUR9, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Lisbon center & rest

Relax before dinner and enjoy a casual walk along the riverside.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Ramiro

Experience one of Lisbon’s best seafood restaurants, specializing in fresh shellfish.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 9: Alfama & Fado

Lisbon, Portugal on September 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Mill

Enjoy great coffee and Australian-style breakfasts in this popular Bella Vista café.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Explore Alfama district

Wander the oldest neighborhood’s winding alleys and visit the Lisbon Cathedral and viewpoints.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pois Café

Cozy spot for casual dining with fresh and tasty sandwiches and salads.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit São Jorge Castle

Tour the historic castle providing panoramic views over Lisbon, open 9:00am - 7:00pm.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Rest and evening leisure

Return to your lodging, freshen up and relax before dinner.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner and Fado at Clube de Fado

Enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine alongside soulful Fado music in the heart of Alfama.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 10: Day Trip Sintra

Sintra, Portugal on September 19, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Lisbon hotel

Have a light breakfast before the day trip.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Train to Sintra

Catch the 40-minute train from Lisbon Rossio station to Sintra.
EUR5 round trip, 1h

9:30am

Visit Pena Palace

Explore the colorful Romanticist castle set atop Sintra’s hills. Open 9:30am - 7:00pm.
EUR14, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Enjoy regional Portuguese tapas close to the palace.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Quinta da Regaleira

Discover the mystic gardens, tunnels, and architecture of this UNESCO site. Open 10:00am - 6:00pm.
EUR10, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Lisbon

Train ride back to Lisbon and rest.
Included in round trip ticket, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bairro do Avillez

Dine in this stylish restaurant offering modern interpretations of Portuguese cuisine.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 11: Lisbon Departure

Lisbon, Portugal on September 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Copenhagen Coffee Lab

Enjoy excellent coffee and Danish-style pastries before your departure.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Leisurely walk in Parque Eduardo VII

Relax in Lisbon’s largest park with views over the city and river before heading to the airport.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Transfer to Lisbon Airport

Head to the airport for your onward flight.
EUR10 taxi or metro fare, 1h
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