One week in Spain isn’t enough to experience everything the country has to offer. You’ll gain insight into destinations, culture, food, wine, history, and architecture that will leave you wanting to plan another trip.
One of Europe’s most glamorous destinations, Spain is a must-visit for many reasons: football, Antoni Gaudi architecture, tapas, sangria, Moorish colors and fun-loving and friendly Spanish. It’s a place I’d like to add to my list of places. The list is endless.
If you’re traveling for the first time, one of the best ways to explore Spain in one week is with this itinerary.
Because you will visit two big cities, Barcelona and Madrid. Both are rich in culture, food, sights and history.
Plus, Seville and Granada give you a glimpse of southern Spain and you’ll love the region. This itinerary is highly recommended if traveling with children or families.
Great connectivity allows you to comfortably cover Spain’s best sights.
Barcelona is a big city and there are many hotels and hostels scattered throughout the city. Popular regions include:
Most Popular – Old Town around the famous Las Ramblas including the Gothic Quarter and El Born.
Bohemian/Hipster – If you prefer bohemian or hipster neighborhoods, Gràcia and Sant Antoni are perfect. Both have lots of nice cafes, restaurants and bars
Beach – Barcelona beach area and Eixample near Passeig de Gràcia
If you want your first glimpse of the city after a long journey, use this half-day to explore the streets around Las Ramblas. After lunch, start the afternoon from the famous Las Ramblas.
It is lined with shops selling everything from cute souvenirs to exotic foods to beautiful cafes. The streets are bustling with people and are even more beautiful at night when they are lit up. Another attraction can be added immediately if there is time until sunset. At Bunker del Carmel and MUHBA Turo de la Rovira, you can enjoy spectacular views of the sun setting over the Barcelona skyline for free.
From Las Ramblas to the bunker you have two options. For a firmer climb, take the metro line L4 La Pau. Get off at Guinaldo Hospital Sant Pau stop and hike through Guinaldo Park to the top.
This bunker he was an aircraft base built during the 1937 Civil War to serve as an anti-aircraft battery to defend the city.
This deserted place is now he one of the famous gathering places for locals who stay in large groups, especially at night and on weekends. Open 24/7, it’s one of the best places in Barcelona to watch the sunset and enjoy the panoramic views.
Return to Las Ramblas and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants.
Start your day early next day as we explore most of Barcelona’s highlights today. Spain’s most visited monument should be your starting point, so head to the famous Sagrada his Familia, one of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces.
Construction of the church began in the late 19th century, but is still ongoing due to lack of funds, Gaudi’s untimely death, and war.
The unique architecture is very attractive from the outside, but the diverse geometric shapes and designs inside are a natural spectacle, with bright stained-glass windows.
Next, head to the Old Town’s Gothic Quarter, home to the impressive medieval Barcelona Cathedral. Strolling along the cobbled streets will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
After lunch, it’s time to see more of Gaudi’s wonders. There are so many options, but if you don’t have time, I recommend going to Casa Mila and Casa Batllo on Passeig de Gràcia.
Casa Batllo is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be visited on a guided tour, and if possible visit the Gaudi House Museum.
As evening approaches, it’s time to experience a beautiful sunset in another part of the city: Park Guell.
Another of Gaudí’s great works, the park is intended to be a social gathering place for Barcelona’s wealthy upper classes and consists of several unique villas surrounded by large gardens. The project remained unfinished. Now this park is his one of the most famous parks in Spain. Entry to Park Guell is free, but the entrance fee to visit the monumental building is €11. Due to its immense popularity, the park is almost always crowded with long lines to secure tickets.
On your third day in Barcelona, you have several options. Explore Montjuïc, the highest hill in the city, with hop-on hop-off bus tours.
For a hassle-free guided tour with cable car tickets included, we highly recommend this Montjuïc Castle and Cable Car Walking Tour. Available in English and Spanish and easy to book online. Book your tour here.
Montjuïc’s monument was built in 1929 by him to host the World’s Fair and later the Olympic Games. The hilly streets of Montjuïc also set the stage for Spain’s Grand Pics.
Montjuic’s most notable sights include the medieval Montjuic Castle, extensive gardens, the great Palau National Park, the Estadi Olimpic (Olympic Stadium) built in 1936 to host the anti-fascist alternative Olympics, the hill ornate staircase from the foot of the to the top.
For a bird’s-eye view of Barcelona, you can hop on a hop-on bus, walk, or take the cable car to the top of the hill. You can spend half a day or a full day exploring all these sights, ending the evening with a sound and light show at the Montjuic-decorated magic fountain (Font Magica).
Spain has a particularly high number of trains and good connections to the city. The best way to get from Barcelona to Seville is by train. Travel time is approximately 3.5 hours.
Arrive early in the morning to enjoy a full day in Seville. After breakfast, head first to the Royal Alcázar of Seville, one of his three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Seville. One of the most visited monuments, so expect crowds. The best way to save time is to get your tour tickets online in advance here.
The Royal Alcazar is one of the most magnificent palaces with unique Moorish architecture. The intricately decorated walls and roof dotted with blue tiles are very attractive.
In actual history, the palace was occupied by the Christian Spanish invader Peter in the 14th century. Discover the beauty of this palace and don’t forget to visit the beautiful gardens.
Adjoining the cathedral is the most notable structure, La Giralda, Seville’s iconic bell tower. The Giralda tower was originally the minaret of a mosque under Muslim rule here. After the conquest of Seville, it was converted into the bell tower of the cathedral. Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants on the cobblestone streets in front of the bell tower. Many of them serve great tapas and sangria. These two are not to be missed in Seville.
After lunch, take a short visit to the General Archives of the Indies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses precious documents documenting Spanish conquests around the world, from the Americas to the Philippines.
This 16th-century building of his is worth a visit if you like history and museums, as you can see interesting artefacts and collections related to Spanish history.
As evening approaches, head to Plaza de España, one of Spain’s most beautiful landmarks he. Built for the exhibition, Plaza de España represents a beautiful blend of the country’s major architectural types, including Moorish architecture, Medieval Renaissance and Baroque styles. Take a walk along the circular part of the outer courtyard. It is accessed through a moat connected by a beautiful bridge. Observe the beautiful decorative blue tiles, a series of niches made up of details from all the provinces of Spain.
In one of the most photogenic places, if you’re looking for cute Instagrammable spots, you’ll find plenty. A large fountain overlooks the central courtyard. Wait until dark and experience the magic of this square when the lights come on. Next, watch a famous flamenco dance performance. This is a unique bohemian dance style that tells the folklore of southern Spain.
It’s time to start planning your next travel destination to Spain in less than a week. Stay in Seville and plan a day trip to neighboring Granada.
Granada is a beautiful little city known for its famous and majestic Moorish fortress, the Alhambra, perched atop a mountain.
It exhibits the famous Moorish style, but was later added with Medieval Renaissance influences during the Spanish conquest. Also stroll through the Generalife, a classic summer palace with beautiful medieval gardens. Don’t miss the sight of the sun setting against the backdrop of the charming Alhambra.
Return to Seville for a relaxing dinner and drinks in Seville’s Old Town.
A week later, our final trip to Spain will take us to the exclusive capital of Madrid. Depending on when you arrive and how you plan to travel to your next destination, you will spend approximately 1.5-2 days in Madrid. Many people ignore Madrid, thinking it’s just a cosmopolitan city. That’s true, but it’s worth spending a day or two in this colorful capital.
After breakfast or lunch (if you arrive late), start your day exploring Madrid’s main attractions. Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, home of the Spanish royal family. It is the largest existing palace and the largest in area.
The Spanish royal family lives outside the main facilities of the State Palace. Built on the site of the Moorish Alcazar, this beautiful monument is known for its extensive gardens, ornate chambers and vast collection of royal treasures, paintings and artefacts.
Head to Plaza Mayor, the former main square of the old town. This large square is now he one of the most famous meeting places for locals.
This huge 16th-century square has 10 entrances and more than 200 balconies on three floors.
Once a place of execution for criminals, it was then used for bullfights and football matches, and is now the main venue for his Christmas market. Stroll around the square and admire Renaissance architecture.
In the evening, take a walk to Buen Retiro or El Retiro Parks near the Prado Museum. Built in the 16th century, it is one of the most beautiful and largest parks in Spain. A popular picnic spot for locals, this public park offers a variety of activities.
Visit the beautiful Palacio de Cristal or Crystal Palace, the beautiful glass palace, the beautiful Rosaleda Rose Garden, along the Paseo de las Estuas, lined with statues of Spain’s old kings. You can spend your time taking a boat tour to Retiro Pond.
End the day with dinner at a restaurant near Plaza Mayor. Depending on your time, you can explore Madrid further. If you leave on the same day, you’ll have half a day to spend shopping, souvenirs, etc. before you leave Spain a week later.
If you’re here on a Sunday, be sure to visit the historic El Rastro Flea Market. You may find something unique there. There are also shopping opportunities on Calle Mayor and Calle Fuencarral.
If you spend a full day in Madrid today, you can visit several exciting sights. are you a soccer fan? After breakfast, start his day with a trip to his stadium in Santiago Bernabéu, his second largest stadium in Spain and home of Real Madrid.