Madrid and Barcelona are Spain’s two great cities, and they are very different: Madrid is royal, elegant and inland; Barcelona is creative, colourful and by the sea. The high-speed train links them in about two and a half hours, so one week is perfect to see both.
Days 1-3: Madrid
Spend the first day around the Royal Palace, Plaza de Oriente and Plaza Mayor. The second day is for the Prado Museum and a family afternoon in Retiro Park, with a rowing boat on the lake. On the third day, football fans visit the Santiago Bernabéu, and everyone enjoys shopping on Calle Serrano and Gran Vía.
Day 4: Toledo
One hour from Madrid, Toledo rises on a hill above the Tagus river. Visit the small but precious Mosque of Cristo de la Luz from the year 999, the cathedral and the old lanes, and take the classic photo from the Mirador del Valle.
Days 5-7: Barcelona
Take the morning high-speed train to Barcelona. In the afternoon, walk on Passeig de Gràcia to see Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. The next day is for Gaudí: the Sagrada Família in the morning and Park Güell after lunch. Keep the last day for the beach, the Gothic Quarter and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc in the evening.
Our tip: fly into Madrid and out of Barcelona (or the opposite) to avoid going back. We book the train, the hotels, drivers at each station and all the timed tickets.
With more time
Add Andalusia – Seville, Granada and the beaches of Marbella – for an unforgettable two-week journey through the history of al-Andalus.
Madrid city guideThings to do, hotels we recommend, halal restaurants, tours and tips.
