Spain is one of Europe's most rewarding destinations — a country of extraordinary diversity where every city has its own distinct character, cuisine, and culture. This 7-day itinerary takes you through three of Spain's greatest cities: the modernist architecture and beach culture of Barcelona, the royal grandeur of Madrid, and the flamenco passion of Seville.
Days 1–2: Barcelona
Day 1 — Gaudí & the Gothic Quarter
Arrive in Barcelona and check in to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) — a labyrinth of medieval streets hiding Roman ruins, the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral, and the Plaça Reial. In the evening, walk down La Rambla to the waterfront and have dinner at one of the seafood restaurants in Barceloneta.
Day 2 — Gaudí's Masterpieces
Book tickets in advance for the Sagrada Família (€26–36) — Gaudí's extraordinary unfinished basilica is unmissable. Spend the morning there, then take a taxi to Park Güell for the afternoon. The free areas of the park are beautiful; the monumental zone requires a timed ticket (€10). End the day with vermouth and tapas in the Eixample neighbourhood.
Day 3: Barcelona to Madrid by High-Speed Train
Take the AVE high-speed train from Barcelona Sants to Madrid Atocha (2.5 hours, from £25 booked in advance). Arrive in Madrid by midday and check in to your hotel in the city centre.
Spend the afternoon in the Prado Museum (€15, free after 6pm on weekdays) — one of the world's great art collections, home to Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. In the evening, explore the lively Malasaña neighbourhood for dinner and drinks.
Day 4: Madrid
The Royal Madrid
Start at the Royal Palace (Palacio Real, €12) and the adjacent Almudena Cathedral. Walk through the beautiful Retiro Park, then visit the Reina Sofía museum (€12, free on Sunday afternoons) to see Picasso's Guernica.
In the evening, experience the authentic Madrid tradition of tapas-hopping in the La Latina neighbourhood. Start at the Mercado de San Miguel for a glass of wine and pintxos, then work your way through the bars on Cava Baja.
Day 5: Madrid to Seville by High-Speed Train
The AVE from Madrid Atocha to Seville Santa Justa takes just 2.5 hours (from £20 booked in advance). Arrive in Seville by midday.
Spend the afternoon in the Barrio Santa Cruz — the old Jewish quarter, a beautiful maze of whitewashed houses, orange trees, and flower-filled patios. Visit the Real Alcázar (€14.50), a stunning Moorish palace that's still an official royal residence. In the evening, watch a flamenco show — Tablao El Arenal and Casa de la Memoria are both excellent.
Days 6–7: Seville
Day 6 — Cathedral & Tapas Culture
Visit the Seville Cathedral (€12) — the world's largest Gothic cathedral and home to Christopher Columbus's tomb. Climb the Giralda tower for panoramic views over the city. Spend the afternoon exploring the Triana neighbourhood across the river, famous for its ceramics, flamenco culture, and excellent tapas bars.
Day 7 — Day Trip to Córdoba
Take a morning train to Córdoba (45 minutes, £8–12) to visit the Mezquita-Catedral (€11) — one of the most extraordinary buildings in the world, a forest of striped arches that was once the greatest mosque in the Western world. Return to Seville in the afternoon for last-minute shopping and a farewell dinner before your flight home.
Budget Breakdown
Here's a realistic budget for this 7-day Spain itinerary (per person, based on mid-range travel):
- •Flights (return from London): £80–200
- •Accommodation (7 nights): £350–700 (£50–100/night)
- •High-speed trains (BCN–MAD–SEV): £60–100
- •Attractions & entrance fees: £80–100
- •Food & drink: £280–420 (£40–60/day)
- •Local transport: £50–70
Total: £900–1,590 per person
Budget travellers staying in hostels and eating at local restaurants can do this trip for around £700–900. Luxury travellers staying in 4-star hotels and dining at top restaurants should budget £1,800–2,500+.
