The Ultimate Spain Travel Guide: Barcelona, Madrid and More!

When we set out to explore Spain, we knew we were stepping into a country bursting with history, culture, and vibrancy. We didn’t realize just how varied and distinct each city would feel. Spain isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that combines centuries of rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and some of the most incredible food in the world. Our journey took us through five remarkable cities—Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Granada, and Madrid—each offering its slice of what makes Spain unique.

This guide is built on our experiences, with practical tips to help you plan your trip and maximize your time in Spain. Whether you’re a history buff eager to explore ancient palaces, a foodie hunting down the perfect paella, or an art enthusiast captivated by world-famous museums, Spain has something for everyone.

We wanted this Spain travel to balance the iconic attractions with authentic local experiences, so we focused on making the most of each day without feeling rushed. By the end, you’ll have an itinerary to follow and a sense of why Spain is such a beloved destination for travelers worldwide.

We arrived in Barcelona early in the morning and checked into our hotel near Plaça de Catalunya. Staying central made it easy to get around. After dropping off our bags, we headed to the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s most famous work. The basilica opens at 9 AM, and arriving early allowed us to avoid long queues. We spent about two hours exploring the stunning interiors and learning about the ongoing construction.

Next, we took a 20-minute taxi ride to Park Güell, another of Gaudi’s masterpieces. This park is vibrant with mosaics and offers incredible views of the city. We spent about 1.5 hours wandering through the colorful pathways and taking photos. Pro tip: book tickets online to avoid waiting in line.

For lunch, we stopped at a nearby local spot, Can Travi Nou, which serves traditional Catalan dishes. We highly recommend trying their pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) and escalivada (roasted vegetables). After lunch, we walked down La Rambla, the lively promenade. You’ll find street performers, small shops, and cozy cafés. Spend at least an hour here soaking in the atmosphere.

We ended the day at Barceloneta Beach, just a 15-minute taxi ride from La Rambla. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy gelato, and watch the sunset.

Recommendations:

• Stay: Hotel Arts Barcelona for luxury and stunning waterfront views.
• Eat: Tickets for an upscale dining experience, or El Nacional for a variety of Spanish dishes in one spot.

Travel Tip: If you’re visiting multiple Gaudi sites, book your tickets in advance online to save time on your Spain travel.

Check out this thorough list of the top attractions here for more information on Barcelona.

The next morning, we took a 3-hour train ride to Valencia. This city is famous for its futuristic architecture and being the birthplace of paella. Our first stop was the City of Arts and Sciences, a stunning museum complex and aquarium. Plan to spend around three hours here to appreciate the exhibits and explore the grounds. The train ride to Valencia will be a whole three-hour ride. This city is famous for its futuristic architecture and is the birthplace of paella. Our first stop was the City of Arts and Sciences.

For lunch, we went to La Pepica, a waterfront restaurant known for its authentic paella Valenciana. It’s a must-try dish; the seaside view makes it even better.

Afterward, we visited the Valencia Cathedral, located in the old town. The cathedral claims to house the Holy Grail and offers an optional climb up the Miguelete Tower for panoramic views. The climb took us about 20 minutes and was well worth the effort.

End your day with a stroll through Jardín del Turia, a beautiful park built on a former riverbed. We spent about an hour walking and enjoying the peaceful greenery.

Recommendations:

• Stay: The Westin Valencia for a mix of comfort and classic architecture.
• Eat: Casa Carmela for traditional paella.

Travel Tip: Valencia is walkable in many areas, but using public bikes is also a great way to explore.

For an in-depth ranking of the top attractions and more information on the best places to visit in Valencia, the City of Arts and Sciences, click here. 

We took a morning flight from Valencia to Seville, saving us time compared to the train. After checking into our hotel in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, we headed straight to the Real Alcázar. Arriving at 9:30 AM when it opened allowed us to explore this stunning palace without the crowds. The intricate tile work and lush gardens are mesmerizing, so set aside at least two hours for this visit.

We walked to El Rinconcillo, the oldest tapas bar in Seville, for lunch. Their jamón ibérico and tortilla Española were unforgettable.

Next, we walked to Seville Cathedral, about a 10-minute stroll from the Alcázar. The cathedral is massive, and climbing La Giralda Tower is a highlight. The climb isn’t too steep and offers breathtaking views of the city. We spent about 1.5 hours here.

In the evening, we attended a flamenco show at Casa de la Memoria, a small venue known for its authentic performances. The show lasted about an hour and gave us a deep appreciation for this passionate art form.

On our second Spain travel day, we visited Plaza de España, an iconic square with stunning architecture and tiled alcoves representing different regions of Spain. Renting a small rowboat on the canal is a fun way to enjoy the scenery.

Recommendations:

• Stay: Hotel Alfonso XIII for a luxury stay in a historic setting.
• Eat: El Pinton for creative tapas or Eslava for classic dishes.

Travel Tip: The Alcázar can get crowded, so book your tickets in advance and aim to visit in the early afternoon when crowds thin out.

 For more comprehensive insights into Seville: The Essence of Flamenco, explore here. 

Granada was next on our itinerary, and we arrived via a 3-hour train ride from Seville. The highlight of this city is undoubtedly the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets sell out quickly, so we booked our online weeks in advance. The site is vast, so plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here exploring the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, and Alcazaba Fortress.

Lunch was at Bodegas Castañeda, a local favorite known for its tapas and wines. The atmosphere was lively, and the food was reasonably priced.

In the afternoon, we walked through Albaicín, Granada’s historic Moorish quarter. The narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and views of the Alhambra from Mirador de San Nicolás made it a magical experience.

For dinner, we ate at Restaurante Mirador de Morayma, which offers incredible views and delicious Andalusian cuisine.

Recommendations:

• Stay: Parador de Granada, located within the Alhambra complex.
• Eat: Bodegas Castañeda for classic Andalusian tapas.

Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—the Alhambra and Albaicín involve a lot of walking and steep climbs.

Check out here  for more information about Granada: The Alhambra’s Enchantment.

Our final destination on our Spain travel was Madrid, which we reached via a 4-hour train ride from Granada. We started with a visit to the Prado Museum, one of the world’s premier art museums. We spent around two hours here admiring works by Goya, Velázquez, and other Spanish masters.

For lunch, we went to Mercado de San Miguel, a vibrant food market where you can sample everything from seafood to pastries. It’s a great spot to try various Spanish dishes in one place.

In the afternoon, we visited Retiro Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll or renting a rowboat on the lake. We also made time for the Royal Palace of Madrid, about a 15-minute taxi ride from the park. The palace’s opulent rooms and gardens took us about 1.5 hours to explore.

On our last day, we took a food tour that included stops at local markets and bakeries. It was a fantastic way to end our trip and learn more about Spain’s culinary traditions.

Recommendations:

• Stay: Hotel Ritz Madrid for timeless luxury near major attractions.
• Eat: Sobrino de Botín for traditional Castilian dishes.

Travel Tip: Madrid’s metro system is efficient and a great way to get around if you cover a lot of ground.

 For additional information about Madrid, click here for a comprehensive assessment of the finest attractions: The heartbeat of Spain

1. Plan ahead—book tickets to major attractions like the Sagrada Familia and Alhambra weeks in advance.
2. Travel smart. Use high-speed trains for long distances and stay in central areas to minimize travel time.
3. Savor the food. Don’t rush meals—Spain is all about enjoying the experience.
4. Pack comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking a lot on cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces on your Spain travel.

Read our blogs here, for more travel tips when it comes to your next travel destination!

Spain is a country that stays with you long after you’ve left. Each city we visited left its unique imprint on us, from the imaginative architecture of Barcelona to the timeless traditions of Seville, the futuristic vibes of Valencia, the enchanting Moorish history in Granada, and the cosmopolitan charm of Madrid. These destinations offered a perfect blend of past and present, tradition and innovation, relaxation and adventure.

Looking back on our Spain travel journey, what stood out most was how much Spain invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Whether it’s enjoying a long meal of tapas with friends, taking a siesta during the day's heat, or wandering through narrow streets without a fixed plan, there’s a rhythm to life in Spain that feels refreshing and grounding.

For anyone planning a trip to Spain, we hope this guide inspires and equips you to make the most of your time in this incredible country. Plan, but leave room for spontaneity. Dive into the local culture, try the food, and don’t hesitate to explore beyond the big cities if you have extra time.

Spain truly has it all—history, art, nature, and a contagious zest for life. We returned from this trip with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for what makes Spain so special. If you haven’t been yet, we can only say this: go. You won’t regret this. Safe travels!

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo