Spain is where passion meets history. It offers tastier food than London and more sunshine than Paris. However, the schedule is different here (dinner at 10 PM?). You need a strategic online trip planner to master the Siesta hours and secure tickets to Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece. This updated Spain route planner 2025 connects the artistic beaches of Barcelona with the royal boulevards of Madrid.
🇪🇸 Spain Trip Summary
- 🚄 Transport: AVE High-Speed Train (Connects Madrid & Barcelona in 2.5 hours).
- ⚠️ Warning: Pickpockets are active in Barcelona (La Rambla). Be vigilant.
- 🏗️ Must-Do: Sagrada Familia (Book 2 weeks ahead).
- 📅 Best Time: April to June & September.
Before You Go: The "Siesta" & Dinner Time
Spaniards live late. Lunch is at 2:00 PM. Dinner is at 9:00 PM or later. Many shops close between 2 PM and 5 PM for "Siesta" (rest). Don't expect to eat dinner at 6 PM unless you want an empty tourist trap.
Days 1-4: Barcelona (Gaudí & Beaches)
Start in the capital of Catalonia. It is colorful, artistic, and vibrant.
Day 1: Sagrada Familia & Park Güell
Visit the Sagrada Familia. It has been under construction since 1882! The interior looks like a stone forest. Critical: Tickets sell out days in advance. In the afternoon, head to Park Güell for the famous mosaic lizard and city views.
Day 2: Gothic Quarter & La Rambla
Get lost in the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). Visit the Cathedral. Walk down La Rambla, but hold your bag tight—it is pickpocket central. Stop at La Boqueria Market for fresh fruit juice.
Day 3: Casa Batlló & Shopping
Walk up Passeig de Gràcia to see Casa Batlló (the Dragon House) and Casa Milà. These are architectural masterpieces by Antoni Gaudí.
Day 4: Barceloneta Beach
Relax at the city beach. Eat Paella at a seaside restaurant (remember: Paella is a lunch dish, not dinner!).
Day 5: The AVE Train to Madrid
Take the high-speed AVE Train to Madrid. It reaches 300 km/h and takes under 3 hours. It is much more comfortable than flying.
Days 6-8: Madrid (Royals & Football)
Welcome to the Spanish capital. It is grand, elegant, and lively.
Day 6: Royal Palace & Prado Museum
Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid (it is bigger than Versailles). Then, visit the Prado Museum to see world-class art by Goya and Velázquez.
Day 7: Retiro Park & Bernabéu
Rent a rowboat in El Retiro Park. In the afternoon, football fans must tour the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Home of Real Madrid). Even if you prefer Barcelona, the museum here is impressive.
Day 8: Toledo Day Trip
Take a 30-minute train to Toledo. It is a medieval city on a hill where Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived together for centuries. The swords made here are legendary.
Spanish Food Guide: Tapas Culture
- Tapas: Small plates to share. Try Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes) and Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp).
- Jamón Ibérico: The world's best cured ham. It melts in your mouth.
- Churros con Chocolate: Fried dough dipped in thick hot chocolate. The ultimate breakfast.
🇪🇸 Secure Your Entry
Sagrada Familia and Park Güell have strict hourly entry slots. If you miss your slot, you don't get in. Also, the Royal Palace in Madrid has long lines under the sun. We highly recommend booking "Skip-the-Line" tickets online.