Day 1: Arrival in Madrid
Welcome to Spain! Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi, train, bus or private transfer from the airport to your hotel. The hotel options are numerous and can cater to any budget; from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Madrid is a large city with many things to do and see. To make the most of your first day in Madrid, we recommend taking the hop-on-hop-off bus tour to get a feel for the city and to see the many historic and cultural attractions.
After getting a sense of Madrid, we recommend heading to the Golden Triangle of Art which includes The Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía National Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. If you only have time for one museum, we recommend visiting The Prado Museum, which is home to the largest collection of Spanish art in the world, and also includes other European and world-renowned works of art.
If museums are not your thing, a lovely alternative is to stroll through the Buen Retiro Park, which is one of Madrid’s largest parks. The park is home to a beautiful lake where you can rent rowboats, have a picnic, or just simply soak up the sun. Other activities that you can enjoy at the park include listening to music, watching street performers or admiring the beautiful architecture.
Madrid is known for its food too. For dinner, we recommend trying some traditional Spanish cuisine such as tortilla española (Spanish omelet), croquetas (croquettes), or rabo de toro (bull tail). There is no shortage of restaurants to choose from, but we recommend going to a restaurant in the neighborhood of La Latina or Chueca as they are popular spots for both tourists and locals.
End your night with a drink and some live music at one of Madrid’s many bars. The Malasaña neighborhood is known for its nightlife and has a variety of bars and nightclubs to choose from. Overall, Day 1 in Madrid is about exploring the city, admiring its beauty, and indulging in the local culture and cuisine.
Day 2: Exploring the Capital City
¡Bienvenidos a Madrid!
Welcome to the bustling capital city of Spain! Madrid is famous for its art, food, and vibrant nightlife. You’ll need a full day to explore everything this city has to offer.
Start your day with a visit to the Prado Museum, one of the most significant art museums in the world. VIP tours are available so you can avoid the crowds and get an in-depth look at the most famous paintings by Spanish artists like Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
After you’ve finished your tour of the Prado, stroll over to the Retiro Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of the trees or rent a boat to paddle around the lake in the center of the park. You can also visit the Crystal Palace or the Velazquez Palace inside the park grounds.
In the afternoon, head over to the Mercado de San Miguel, a historic indoor market that is now home to some of the best food vendors in Madrid. Be sure to try some of the local specialties like Iberian ham or croquetas. There are dozens of stalls serving up everything from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses.
As the sun begins to set, make your way to the Royal Palace of Madrid. Take a guided tour of this breathtaking palace, which is still used for ceremonies and state events today. After your tour, walk over to the Sabatini Gardens to see the palace lit up at night.
End your day by experiencing Madrid’s vibrant nightlife. Make your way to some of the city’s best bars and clubs in the Malasaña and Chueca neighborhoods. Sip on a gin and tonic, a popular drink in Madrid, or sample some of the local craft beers. Be sure to pace yourself, as Madrid is known for staying up late!
That’s a wrap for Day 2 in Madrid, but don’t worry – there’s still plenty to see and do tomorrow. Stay tuned for Day 3 of our Spain itinerary!
Day 3: Day Trip to Toledo
On day 3 of your Spain itinerary, I highly recommend taking a day trip to the historic city of Toledo. Located just 70 kilometers south of Madrid, Toledo is known as the “City of Three Cultures” due to its diverse history and architecture influenced by the coexistence of Christians, Muslims, and Jews throughout the ages.
Toledo is a picturesque city where visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views from any of the city’s numerous viewpoints. Taking a stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets, you can admire the blend of Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles.
One of the most iconic buildings in Toledo is the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Toledo. Known as the “Primada”, this awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral is full of interesting details such as its stunning stained-glass windows, chapels, choir stalls, and multiple artworks.
Just a few steps from the Cathedral, you can visit the Alcázar of Toledo, a fortress that nowadays houses the impressive Army Museum. From its walls, you can see the panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River meandering through its surroundings.
Another must-see attraction in Toledo is the synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, a beautiful 12th-century building that was once a synagogue and later was converted into a church by the Catholic Monarchs. The fascinating history, and unique architecture of this building, makes it a perfect place to visit and learn about the religious coexistence in medieval Spain.
If you have extra time, I also recommend visiting the Monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes, a well-preserved monastery where you can see a Medieval Chapter House and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in its cloister.
In the evening, you can soak up the lively atmosphere of the city by indulging in the local cuisine, including local specialties such as “carcamusas”, “dueling drinks”, and “mazapan”.
Overall, Toledo is a city filled with history, architecture, and culture, making it a perfect destination for a day trip from Madrid. Don’t forget to bring your camera and comfortable walking shoes as you explore this iconic city.
Day 4 – 5: Seville
Experience the beauty of Seville in two days
Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain and beautifully combines history, art, and culture to create a unique experience for tourists. Two days in Seville might not be enough to see everything, but with a well-planned itinerary, you can see some of the best sights.
One of the must-see attractions in Seville is the Real Alcazar, a fortified palace with beautiful gardens. This palace was designed in the 10th century and was developed over the years by different architects, which makes it an architectural masterpiece. You can easily spend half a day exploring the palace and its gardens.
After visiting the palace, take a stroll to the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral and the third-largest church in the world. This cathedral is home to Christopher Columbus’ tomb and its bell tower, La Giralda, has a stunning panoramic view of the city. Make sure to arrive early to avoid long lines.
If you want to experience the authentic culture of Seville, visit the neighborhood called Triana. This neighborhood is famous for its ceramics, flamenco, music, and food. You can take a walk along the Betis street and immerse yourself in the beauty of the city. You can also visit the Triana market and try some of the delicious local food.
In the evening, head to the Plaza de Espana to watch the sunset. This beautiful square is known for its ceramic tiles that represent different provinces of Spain. The square also has a fountain and a boating canal where you can take a relaxing ride.
On the second day in Seville, you can explore other attractions such as the Plaza de Toros bullring, Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoy some churros with hot chocolate in a traditional Spanish café.
Seville is a beautiful city with so much to offer. With this itinerary, you can experience the best of Seville in just two days.
Day 6: Granada
Welcome to Day 6 of your 10-day Spain itinerary. Today, we’re heading to Granada, the city that houses the impressive Alhambra palace. You can opt to take an early morning train or bus from Seville or spend the night in Granada itself to make the most of the city.
The Alhambra palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit attraction in Granada. It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance to avoid the long queues. The palace complex is made up of several buildings, gardens, and fortifications built around the 14th century. The palace boasts of intricate Islamic designs, stunning courtyards, and towering archways. The Generalife gardens near the palace are equally impressive, with water fountains, fruit trees, and flower beds.
Post Alhambra, head to Granada’s Albayzín neighborhood, which is a 30-minute walk away from the palace. This Moorish-styled neighborhood is famous for its narrow winding streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning views of the Alhambra.
While roaming the streets of Albayzín, make a pit stop at any of the neighborhood’s teahouses. Enjoy a cup of traditional Moroccan mint tea or Arabic coffee and relish the view of Granada’s landmarks.
For lunch, you’ll find a good selection of tapas bars and restaurants in the city center around Plaza Nueva. Delight in authentic Spanish tapas, from shrimp croquettes to fried anchovies, and wash it down with a glass of sangria under the sun.
After lunch, you can explore the city’s museums and galleries, such as the Parque de las Ciencias or the Caja Granada Cultural Centre. Alternatively, if you’re an adventure seeker, go for a hike in Sierra Nevada or cycle along the Granada’s river valley.
In the evening, head out for a flamenco show at any of the city’s traditional tablaos, such as Venta El Gallo or Tablao Flamenco Albayzín. The performances involve singing, guitar playing, and flamenco dancing, and lasts for about one and a half hours.
Wrap up your day in Granada by experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife. The city’s bars and clubs offer a mix of live music, techno, and flamenco till the wee hours in the morning.
Tomorrow, we head to our final destination, Madrid.
Day 7: Costa del Sol
After exploring the beautiful cities of Granada and Seville, it’s time to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea on the southern coast of Spain – the Costa del Sol. Known for its stunning beaches, resorts, and nightlife, you’ll find plenty of activities to do here.
Start your day by visiting Marbella, a popular tourist destination on the coast. It’s home to some of the best beaches in the area, including Nagueles Beach and Puerto Banus Beach. You can spend the day lounging in the sun, swimming in the clear turquoise water or trying adventurous water sports like jet skiing or kite surfing.
Next, head to the old town of Marbella, where you can stroll the narrow streets, including Orange Square, full of orange trees, quaint shops, and cafes. Here, you can also visit the 10th-century Arab castle walls and the beautiful Iglesia de la Encarnación church.
You can also visit the nearby town of Estepona, known for its beautiful beaches, excellent seafood, and charming old town. You can take a stroll along the Paseo Marítimo, a promenade spanning the coastline, stopping by the famous Playa del Cristo beach along the way.
In the evening, head to Puerto Banús, a luxurious marina filled with high-end boutiques, bars, and restaurants. You can dine at some of the most upscale restaurants, including La Sala or Serafina. You can also enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the area, with many nightclubs and beach clubs open till the early hours.
End your day by watching the mesmerizing sunset over the Mediterranean from any of the beach clubs along the coast, sipping on your favorite drink and listening to the music.
The seventh day of your Spain itinerary is all about relaxing, recharging, and soaking up the sun in the beautiful Costa del Sol.
Day 8 – 9: Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most iconic cities in Spain and the world. It’s also the perfect city to wrap up your Spain adventure with a bang. You’ll need at least two days to explore this magnificent city and everything it has to offer without feeling rushed.
Day 8 should be dedicated to exploring the Gothic Quarter, which is the heart of the city. Make your way down La Rambla, Barcelona’s most famous street and soak up the atmosphere. You’ll come across street performers, local artists, and street vendors selling everything from flowers to souvenirs.
As you make your way down La Rambla, you’ll come across the Gothic Quarter, which is a maze of alleyways and streets filled with centuries-old buildings, bars, restaurants, and shops.
Next, head to the stunning Barcelona Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It’s also the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy some of the best coffee in the city, which you can find in one of the many cafes in the square.
After lunch, head to the Park Guell, which offers breathtaking views of the city. The park is dotted with Gaudi’s iconic mosaic sculptures and is a perfect spot for some amazing photos.
On Day 9, take a trip to the Sagrada Familia, a stunning basilica designed by the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. The basilica is still under construction but is expected to be completed in 2026. It’s one of the most visited sites in Barcelona – and for a good reason. The beauty and grandeur of the basilica are awe-inspiring.
After visiting the Sagrada Familia, take a stroll through the Poble Espanyol, which is an open-air museum that showcases the different architectural styles that are present in Spain. It’s a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs and enjoy some traditional Spanish food.
As the sun begins to set, head to one of the rooftop bars in the city to enjoy some of the best views in Barcelona. The W Hotel is one of the most iconic spots in the city and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean sea.
In conclusion, Barcelona has something for everyone, no matter what your interests are. It’s a city that you won’t be able to get enough of, and you’ll definitely want to come back for more.
Day 10: Departure
As your 10-day Spain adventure comes to a close, it’s time to pack your bags and head back home. Your departure day likely won’t involve many sightseeing activities, but you can still make the most of your time in Spain if you plan accordingly.
If you have a late flight, take some time in the morning to indulge in a leisurely breakfast and soak up your final moments in Spain. Depending on the location of your hotel, you may have time for a final stroll through the streets of your host city before heading to the airport.
It’s important to factor in travel time when planning your departure day. Make sure to allocate enough time to return any rental cars, navigate security at the airport, and find your gate. If you have a morning flight, it may be best to stay in a hotel near the airport to avoid any unnecessary stress on your last day.
Before leaving Spain, consider picking up a few last-minute souvenirs or gifts for loved ones back home. Spanish wine, ham, and olive oil are popular choices, as are traditional ceramics or textiles. Keep in mind any customs restrictions for your home country to avoid any issues at the airport.
Finally, take a moment to reflect on your 10-day journey through Spain. Write down any memorable experiences or lessons learned during your travels. Consider what you enjoyed most about this trip and how you can apply those experiences to future adventures.
While your time in Spain may be coming to an end, the memories and experiences you gained during your journey will last a lifetime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a 10-day trip to Spain can be a perfect holiday for those who want to experience and explore the country’s rich culture and vibrant nightlife. The itinerary provides a well-planned and thoughtfully crafted plan, starting from Madrid’s art, parks, and food, to Toledo’s history and architecture, Seville’s blend of art, history, and culture, Granada’s Islamic architecture, and the stunning Costa del Sol. The trip ends at Barcelona, which is an iconic city, full of experiences that cater to different interests. Overall, every day of the itinerary has something unique and special to offer, leaving you with unforgettable memories and enriching experiences. The itinerary also offers practical tips to make the trip hassle-free and enjoyable. Whether it’s the museums, parks, nightlife, or food, Spain has an endless list of things to offer to its visitors.
