Vacations
Barcelona, Madrid and Seville
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6 day Vacation
Estimated average budget per person: 1,100€
(hotels,breakfast, meals, activities and local transportation includedd)
Makespain.com helps you in your travel planning with ideas and recommendations. We do not sell travel, we simply provide the best recommendations.
Enjoy Spain´s 3 main cities in a short 6-day or 7-day vacation in Spain. Fantastic airport connections to most countries and high-speed train in Spain to get to Madrid or Barcelona and superb high-speed train (AVE) to connect Barcelona with Madrid and Madrid to Seville makes this itinerary a perfect introduction to the beauty and contrasts of Spain. If you are interested in more options for a Spain by train itinerary in this section.
All 3 cities do offer great day excursion opportunities in case you would like to extent your stay
Vacation itinerary trip plan and budget in a nutshell
At Makesdpain we work hard to find the best trip ideas for you in Spain. We do not sell travel. We would however appreciate if some of the services proposed are booked through the links you will find. By doing so you help us in our aim to provide great content and trip advise.
Our budgets are based on average costs if you enjoy the different activities mentioned. Please bear in mind that prices vary from month to month, or also in case of special events at the city.
You can add any of the elements we recommend to your trip plan list to ease your planning.
Barcelona
Budget estimation
€ 145
estimated per person
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Casa Batló - Skip the line
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Walk to La Rambla
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Enjoy La Boquería market
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Tapas meal
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Gothic quarter
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Paella by the sea
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Well-located hotel
DAY 1
Barcelona
Budget estimation
€ 160
per person
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Sagrada Familia - Skip the line
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Park Güell
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Quick meal
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Walk Calle verdi
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Catalan dinner
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Well located hotel
DAY 2
Madrid
Budget estimation
€ 260
per person
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High speed train to Madrid
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Check-in at hotel
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El Retiro Park
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Light tapas meal
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Goya & Serrano
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El Prado Museum
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Flamenco and dinner
DAY 3
Madrid
Budget estimation
€ 155
per person
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Gran Via and Sol
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Plaza Mayor
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Tapas meal at Mercado San Miguel
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Royal Palace
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Debod Temple
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Fine dining or tapas in Plaza Santa Ana
DAY 4
Seville
Budget estimation
€ 235
per person
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High-speed train to Seville
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Check-in at hotel
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Alcazar
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Andalusian meal
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Plaza de España and Maria Luisa park
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Walk by the river and Triana
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Flamenco show
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Tapas dinner
DAY 5
Seville
Budget estimation
€ 140
per person
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Cathedral & Giralda
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Barrio Santa Cruz and tapas meal
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Tapas meal
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A walk in the centre and Metropol Parasol
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Andalusian dinner
DAY 6
Hotel options during your stay in Barcelona
DAY 1 - BARCEL0NA
Estimated walking time
1 hour – 3 hours
On day 1 of this vacation we recommend to enjoy a bit of Gaudi at Casa Batló, a walk in Las Ramblas to get the pulse of Barcelona and to experience the Gothic area and Barcelona´s Cathedral.
Hotels: We provide 3 alternatives for different budgets, all of them are great hotels and well located to enjoy the itinerary.
Restaurants: We recommend light lunch (tapas like) and a quality dinner to enjoy a special area of Barcelona
Barcelona Day 1 - Recommended itinerary
Casa Batlló in Barcelona
You must visit the noble floor and the museum, where the interplay of shadows and lights is absolute
Passeig de Gràcia, 92
Las Ramblas in Barcelona
Las Ramblas is the place where you will feel the real oulse of the city
La Rambla, Barcelona
La Boquería market in Barcelona
La Boquería is a must for foodies because you will sense the fantastic mix of aromas and flavours wh
La Rambla, 91, Barcelona
Gothic Quarter of Barcelona – Charm, and History
One of the most beautiful areas of Barcelona is the Gothic Quarter, located in the old town of the c
Barrio Gotico Barcelona
Barcelona Cathedral – Saint Eulalia
Shadowed to many by the Sagrada Familia, the Cathedral of Saint Eulalia is a real master piece and w
Pla de la Seu
The itinerary for the day
Insider´s hints
Near Casa Batló
One of the best book shops in Barcelona is located at less than 10 minutes walk: Livreria La Central at Carrer de Mallorca 237 .
If you are not into books but into fashion M69 is a great shop for you and very close to Casa Batló.
La Rambla
Some of Barcelona´s oldest shops can be found in La Rambla and the Gothic.
Casa Beethoven (La Rambla 97)is Barcelona´s oldest music shop.
Casa Cotchet J.Xanco (La Rambla 129) is one of Barcelona´s protected shops. Fantastic modernist decoration inside. They sell high quality men´s fashion.
Gothic Quarter
Casa Gispert (Carrer dels Sombrerers, 23) is one of Barcelona´s oldest food shops. Opened in 1851, a great selection of products can be found. The atmosphere is very special.
Abracadabra book shop (Carrer del General Álvarez de Castro, 5,) is a fantastic bookshop for children. Books in english are available.
DAY 2 - BARCEL0NA
Estimated walking time
1 hour – 3 hours
On day 1 of this vacation you will enjoy the genius of Gaudi. His name is almost a byword for Barcelona and his works are a magnet for tourists.
La Sagrada Familia is Gaudi´s most important, yet unfinished work. With Gothic inspiration but with the aim to emulate nature, Gaudi designed curves and frames that provide with surreal qualities.
Restaurants. We provide you with different options to enjoy local gastronomy in Barcelona
Barcelona Day 2 - Recommended itinerary
Sagrada Familia- Barcelona
The Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family, known only as the Sagrada Familia, is The symb
Carrer de Mallorca, 401
Park Güell- Barcelona
Modernist architecture and fantastic views of Barcelona. A superb experience.
parc Güell, Barcelona
The itinerary for the day
Insider´s hints
Sagrada Familia
We strongly recommend to start your visit at opening hours to avoid crowds. A skip the line ticket is also advisable. If this not possible, the you should opt for the latest possible time but always with light to enjoy the stained glass windows!. As a matter of fact, if there is a sunnier day during your stay we would recommend that one to enjoy the interior of Sagrada Familia.
5 minutes walk from Sagrada Familia you will find Bodega Iturre, where you can enjoy a traditional bar that has not changed much through the years.
Park Güell
A 30 minute walk is needed from Sagrada Familia to arrive at Parl Güell. We would recommend using a taxi if a 30 minute walk seems long (public transportation does not offer a good combination)
What to do after visiting Park Güell? We would recommend you walk down Gracia neighbourhood once you finish your visit to Park Güell. Calle verdi is your best option to enjoy local atmosphere and a bit of shopping. You can stop at Plaça Virreina and enjoy views of the church and then continue to walk to Avenida Diagonal where you will be able to take the metro.
Alternatives in Barcelona based on your travel style
We propose a different hotel, activity and restaurant most suited to different type of travellers.
MADRID
Hotel options during your stay in Madrid
DAY 3 - MADRID
Estimated walking time
1,5 hours – 2,5 hours
On day 1 in Madrid we propose you to enjoy an oasis of greenery, tapas and culture. The Retiro park was built as a preserve for kings but since 1868 it was opened to the public and it is one of our favorite places in Madrid. Another highlight of the day is the spectacular Palacio de Comunicaciones (today the town hall) Out of the 3 art-galleries in Paseo del Prado we have opted for el PRado, but Reina Sofia or the Thyseen museum may be more suited to your taste… or you may prefer to enjoy the wax museum, or the naval museum or the bonatical gardens near the Retiro park (all 3 perfectly located within this itienrary too)
Parque del Retiro, Madrid
Museo del Prado,. Madrid
Gastronómico Corral de la Morería – Restaurant and Flamenco show near the Royal Palace
- €€€
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Tour-Show
Perhaps the best flamenco performance you will find in Madrid as well as some of the best food you c
Calle de la Moreria, 1728005MadridEspaña
The itinerary for the day
Insider´s hints
Atocha train station
Take one of the earliest trains from Barcelona to enjoy the day in Madrid. The main area at Atocha station is a fantastic example of civil architecture with an iron and glass structure and tropical garden inside.
El Retiro Park
Do not miss the Palacio de Cristal, the Retiro´s most beautiful monument. We recommend to start your walk from the entrance closest to the Prado museum. The Retiro is one of the few places in the world with a statue dedicated to the Fallen Angel (Lucifer). Your visit should include a stop at one of the terraces near the lake or the Paseo de Carruajes. We recommend to leave the Retiro from Puerta de Alcala, Madrid´s most famous Gate.
Tapas like a Madrileño If you would like to enjoy tapas like Madriñeos do we recommend you exist the Retiro in Avenida Menendez Pelayo and get to streets Doctor Castelo and Menorca where many bars await you. You can continue your itinerary in Goya and Serrano streets. These streets are one of Madrid´s main shopping districts. Serrano is home to some of the most exclusive shops in town. If you opt to walk from El Retiro straight to Plaza de Colón you will also find many bars and restaurants with tapas menu.
Near Plaza de Colón If you are fond of chocolate you will find one of Madrid´s best shops near Colon (Cacao Sampaka) behind the romantic park of Plaza de la Villa de Paris. Plaza de Santa Barbara is very close too, a local´s favorite for cañas ((the way locals refer to beer)
Recoletos and Cibeles. Cafe Gijón is one of Madrid´s most famous coffee-shops with lots of history.
At Cibeles (the square where real Madrid fans celebrate when the team wins a championship) you may decide to visit the City Hall. Views from the upper terrace are fantastic.
DAY 4 - MADRID
Estimated walking time
1 hour – 3 hours
On day 2 you will enjoy the Madrid where the Royal power seated. But you will also enjoy fantastic Plazas! The itinerary will take you first through Gran Via and Puerta del Sol, 2 of Madrid´s most reknown areas. Sol is meant to be Spain´s 0 kilometer. Plaza Mayor follows., one of the most beautiful plazas in Spain. We recommend to enjoy tapas in Mercado San Miguel and then head to the 3rd beautiful Plaza of the Day: Plaza de la Villa, which offers a deep contrast to the Plaza de Oriente which overlooks both the royal palace and the opera house. Our itinerary ends in Templo de Debod, where you will enjoy the best views of the city!
Plaza mayor, Madrid
Plaza de San Miguel, Madrid
Plaza de Oriente, Madrid
Palacio Real Madrid
Algarabía – Excellent riojan restaurant near the Plaza de Oriente in Madrid
- €€
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Restaurant
Gastronomy from Rioja (and its wines!) at the very heart of Madrid next to the Royal Palace
C/ Unión, 828013MadridEspaña
The itinerary for the day
Insider´s hints
Gran Via and Sol
We recommend to start the itinerary drinking a coffee at one of the best terraces in Madrid (Hotel Principal or, on the other side of street, Círculo de bellas Artes). Do not miss the Metropolis and the Telefonica building (once the highest building in Madrid).
The clock in Sol hosts every New year´s eve the count-down for the start of the New year.
Plaza de Oriente
If you would appreciate to try a good paella or high quality cocido you will find 2 good options near the Opera House (El pato mudo for paella and La Bola for Cocido)
La Almudena Cathedral and San Francisco el Grande
From San Miguel market you may decide to get to the Royal Palace through the Latina area instead of calle Mayor and Plaza de la Villa.. You will find some of Madrid best bars in Cava Baja and Cava Alta (and also Lucio restaurant). If you enjoy a bit of atmosphere we recommend you to stop at the terrace of el Viajero. At the end of this “tapas detour” you will find la Basilica de San Francisco el Grande, which holds Madrid´s largest dome. From there you can continue to the Cathedral and the Royal Palace.
Seville
Hotel options during your stay in Seville
DAY 5 - SEVILLE
Estimated walking time
1,5 hour
On day 1 in Seville you will get to understand why locals claim that “Sevilla tiene un color especial” as a famous Spanish song says…
“Sevilla tiene un color especial” claims a famous Spanish song… The soul of this city may emerge from the passion of Flamenco in the taverns of Triana neighborhood, or from the greedy conquistadores that populated it, or you may have to blame Easter for it. No matter where the truth is that few cities in the world can pride themselves on being a perfect mix of beauty and charisma. Today you will learn about the history of Seville at the Alcazar, enjoy one of its most relaxing areas in Maria Luisa and, discover the passion of Flamenco.
The Real Alcazar of Seville – much more than Game of thrones
Lawrence the Arabia or Games of Thrones are amongst the many movies filmed here
Patio de Banderas, s/n
Ispal- Seville
- €€
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Restaurant
ISPAL is the latest project put forth by the La Raza restaurant group which has been at the top of t
Plaza San Sebastián, s/n41004SevillaSpain
Plaza de España in Seville – a complete guide
Its blue and white benches represent the 48 Spanish provinces, with their corresponding maps
Av de Isabel la Católica, Sevilla
Flamenco Shows in Seville
Complete guide to enjoy flamenco in Seville. The best flamenco shows in Seville, peñas, cultural cen
Calle Pagés del Corro, 70, Seville
The itinerary for the day
Insider´s hints
The Alcazar
The Alcazar . Not many people know that the Alcazar is one of Spain´s most visited monuments. It was always very visited, but having been used for Game of Thrones has increased its popularity. We strongly recommend booking a tour to avoid queues or get there very early and with your ticket booked
Archivo de Indias
Located right next to the Alcazar, the Archivo de Indias has some amazing documents in it like the ones used by Cirstonal Columbus to calculate the latitude and longitude of this first trip. The entrance ticket is free, and you will be able to enjoy an exciting video.
Horse-drawn carriage
This is an exciting way to enjoy Seville. You will find many people that offer a ride. In order to avoid problems with the prices, the City-hall fixes a price each year. We recommend checking the current price at the tourism office to ensure you know the exact amount to pay.
Plaza de España
It is widely known today that the Alcazar has been used in Game of thrones. Fewer people know that La Plaza de España was used in Lawerence de Arabia. Seville turned out to be a real oasis for the filming crew after having spent weeks at the dessert in Jordan.
On your way to Triana
Walk by the river. Once you leave the Park, we recommend not to enter Triana by the Puente de los Remedios, but to do it by the Puente de San Telmo to enjoy a walk next to the river.
Pescaito and tapas
Once you are finished with Flamenco we recommend you enjoy a bit of fried fish (pescaito) and tapas in Calle betis in Triana
DAY 2 - SEVILLE
Estimated walking time
1 hour – 3 hours
On day 2 in Seville you will get to know the world´s largest Cathedral, enjoy a walk and tapas at one of the most famous neighbourhoods in the world (Santa Cruz) and enjoy Seville as locals do by visiting Calle Sierpes and its shops and end your visit at the opinion-dividing largest wooden building in the world (Metropol parasol)
La Giralda and Cathedral in Seville – The largest in the world
The tower of Seville’s Cathedral is one of the most famous monuments of the city, a simbol, next to
Av. de la Constitución, s/n, Sevilla
Cuna 2 – Baco- Seville
- €€€
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Restaurant
Baco is located a few meters from the cathedral of Seville and is one of the tops restaurants in the
C/ Cuna, 241004SevillaSpain
The itinerary for the day
Insider´s hints
Seville´s Cathedral
The cathedral is the world´s largest Cathedral. The old mosque was used as a church till 1402, but then the church authorities decided to build the largest Cathedral in the world. A guided tour is highly advisable.
Santa Cruz
Unknown to most tourists, the Plaza de las Cruces in Santa Cruz neighbourhood is, in reality, a street that widens and where three crosses stand in the middle. If you pay attention, you will also find more crosses in the walls.
Santa Cruz
Besides the Plaza de Santa cruz (which gives its name to the district) and the romantic Plaza de Doña Elvira we recommend you Plaza de Alfaro. On the ground floor of the palace off Lope de Rueda there is a forging window which locals refer to as “La Reja del Diablo” . The design of this forge work is almost impossible to accomplish: “the devil´s work”.
Calle Sierpes
The origin of the name of his street hides a dark story, the sort you would find in a Stephen King novel. The street was known before as Calle Espaderos (blade maker) due to the number of workshops dedidcated to swords. But the name changed to Sierpes. Locals start to call it like that due to a legend. In the mid XV century children disappeared in Calle Espaderos and a huge snake (serpiente in Spanish) was found guilty. Locals started to refer to the street as Calle de la Sierpe.
Calle Sierpes
Do not miss these fantastic facades and shops. Confitería La Campana, Real Circulo de Labradores, papelería Ferrer, El cronometro , maquedano sombreros, abanicos Diaz and Robles Laredo bar (where you can actually stop for a well-deserved drink!)
Metropol parasol
You will be able to decide for yourself if you love it or hate! (Metrosol-parasol divided local opinions when it was built). Five inmense mushroom-like pillars hold up a gigantic undulating roof
More vacation ideas in Spain
If you have enjoyed this itinerary in Spain that combines Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, but it does not cover all the places you would like to visit, we recommend you have a look at our vacation in Spain section, where you will find many almost ready-made itineraries, full of suggestions and easy to put together and adapt by you.
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Spain itinerary ideas
Madrid is one of the few cities in the world, if not the only one, that can claim to enjoy so many Unesco heritage sites at less than 1 hour drive from the Capital.
Fascinating medieval villages where local gastronomy remains unspoilt, top palaces and gardens (El Escorial, Aranjuez, La Granja) or one of the world´s most impressive medieval walls in Avila. Add the famous hanging houses of Cuenca, the wines of Ribera del Duero, the windmills of Don Quixote, or the elegance and beauty of Salamanca and you will start to consider Madrid as a perfect base from where to enjoy day after day amazing destinations.
We have left to the end of this list Segovia and Toledo, 2 of the World´s bes preserved medieval cities and, in both cases, ancient capitals of Spain.
