Spain Travel Guide
Fly into Madrid and Start Exploring
Fly into Madrid and start your trip here or start in Barcelona and Sevilla and end in Madrid. We always like to end where we will be flying out of so we are not rushed. I would recommend either ending in Madrid or bookending your trip with Madrid.
Seville, Spain- 2-4 days
Seville was my favorite stop in Spain. Seville has a certain charm about it, it is less touristy and full of beautiful buildings, welcoming people, and incredible food. We made the mistake of only having one day in Seville and we wish we would have had more time to explore this enchanting city! This was my favorite city we visited in Spain.
Alcazar of Seville
Calling all Game of Thrones fans! Several scenes have been shot at the incredible Alcazar. If you do one thing in Seville, Spain go to the Alcazar! The Alcazar is a royal palace in Seville, to say it is breathtaking would not do it justice. We did a guided tour and were glad we did, we were able to learn about the history and meaning behind the building and its architecture.
*I would recommend buying tickets ahead of time, the line will be LONG.
Seville Cathedral
Seville Cathedral is located right across the street from the Alcazar and is definitely worth a visit!
Plaza De Espana
Plaza De Espana is a stunning plaza in the Maria Luisa Park. Plaza De Espana is the sight of some of the Star Wars Films and as soon as he catch a glimpse of the plaza you will clearly see why. The moorish buildings and towers surround man main rivers with beautiful mosaic bridges and is one of the most beautiful places we saw in Spain. There are gondola rides that give you a tour around the plaza and under the bridges. The pictures do not do it justice. This is another must in Seville, Spain!
Barcelona, Spain- 4 Days
Fly from Seville, Spain to Barcelona, Spain. This is an easy flight of about two hours for under 100.00 USD. You can take a train as well but it is much slower (5.5 hours).
La Sagrada Familia Cathedral
If you do one thing in Barcelona go to La Sagrada Familia Cathedral! La Sagrada is still undergoing construction, more than 100 years after construction began. The infamous architect, Gaudi has created buildings all over Barcelona that will make you think you are in a fairy tale story. La Sagrada is breathtaking, with intricate stone carvings on the outside and the inside of the cathedral. Listen carefully to the audio tour to learn the meaning behind every choice he made while designing and building the cathedral, it is incredible!
* GET TICKETS IN ADVANCE. They do not sell tickets on location, you must buy them online.
Park Guell
Park Guell is a wonderland of beauty in Barcelona, Spain. You will feel like you are in some fantasy world with the beautiful mosaic, Gaudi fairytale style in every structure. You can walk along and see the beautiful nature, bridges, and the incredible buildings.
*GET TICKETS IN ADVANCE. They sell out quickly.
Shop, Shop, and Shop Some More
Barcelona, and really all of Spain and Portugal have amazing shops that are reasonably priced. Crazy enough, the shops are open until midnight in most cases. If you want to go do some drunk shopping after a couple sangrias, be my guest! I must say it is a thrilling experience, one I partook in maybe too much while there but my closet will thank me!
La Boqueria Market
La Boqueria is a food market in Barcelona, Spain. This is a great place to wander and try loads of delicious foods. They have everything from fresh juice, delicious pastries, to cured meats. Spend some time wandering and eating to your heart’s content.
Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter has the breathtaking medieval architecture that you picture when you think about Barcelona. It is a stunning area of Barcelona, you will be stopping at every turn to stop and take pictures, I know we did! Gothic quarter includes the infamous La Rambla street all the way to Via Laietana. The Gothic quarter is known as a foodie paradise, you can find mouth watering tapas and sangria here as well. The Gothic quarter of course along with all of Barcelona has more shopping! As you wander through the gothic quarter you will see lots of cathedrals and other tourist attractions. This is a great place to explore and find treasures of your own.
La Rambla
Although La Rambla can be a bit touristy it is also a blast! La Rambla is the area where all the bars are going to be located. Take some time to try a mojito or drink of your choice and listen to some live music. La Rambla is known for its nightlife from tame to a wild night out. Bars will be open until 6 am, we did not make it this late but if you can, do it! You can easily wander from bar to bar or even take your drink in the street and party in the narrow beautiful Spanish streets.
El Born
El Born is a neighborhood with hipster trendy stores, restaurants, and bars. This is a fun area during the day as well as at night! This is a great area to stroll, do some shopping and take a tapas break.
Barceloneta
Barceloneta was a corner of paradise in Barcelona. This is the neighborhood right by Barcelona’s man made beach but you would of never guessed it, it is incredible! There are shops and restaurants up the beach if you want to eat with a beach view or even on the beach, some restaurants will bring the food to you as you sunbathe on the beach! There are of course plenty more shopping to be done in this area as well.
Gracia- Placa Del Sol
Gracia might of been my favorite neighborhoods in Barcelona. It is full of character, grit, and splendor all at the same time! I am a sucker for street art and Gracia was full of unique finds. This is a less touristy area which I loved! It is a fun area to walk around and people watch, do some shopping, and eat from the many local restaurants. The main plaza was a good central spot to start our exploration of Gracia, the main plaza is called Placa Del Sol.
Madrid, Spain- 2-4 Days
Take a high speed train from Barcelona to Madrid. Hit the ground running exploring Madrid in all its glory.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is the main square in Madrid. Surrounding the square are restaurants where you can stop in for food or a drink while watching the world go by. I would recommend going a few streets over, where the prices are not going to be as expensive, this is a very popular tourist spot but with good reasoning. Stop by and take some pictures, pick up a postcard or two and take in the Spanish architecture or what is Madrid.
Mercado De San Miguel
Another wonderful European flea market is Mercado De San Miguel. We loved it so much, we went twice in one day. A wonderful place to sample Spanish cuisine and drink delicious drinks and local Spanish wines. This is a great place to go during the day or even at night, it does not close until 1 am!
El Rastro
El Rastro is the biggest flea market in the world! As an avid lover of flea markets this was a must on our trip and we were not disappointed. This market seems to never end, you can go up and down the streets and find something new at every corner. It was a little different than the flea market in Lisbon, it had more antiques and less artisan vendors than Lisbon’s flea market. I love that I felt like I was shopping with locals and found some great treasures.
Plaza De Cibeles
Plaza De Cibeles is a beautiful iconic square in Madrid. It is complete with incredible marble buildings and marble fountains.
La Latina
La Latina is the same neighborhood as the famous El Rastro Flea Market. This area of town in full of fabulous tapas places, bars, and cute little local shops. This is another charming neighborhood to get lost in their windy streets.
We hope you enjoy your trip to Spain as much as we did! Take the time to explore and seek out your own adventures! Happy Travels!