Madrid & Barcelona 6-Day Trip
Spain's two personalities by AVE: Madrid's art triangle and tapas nights, then Barcelona's Gaudí and the beach.
Trip overview
- Velázquez, Guernica and Gaudí
- The AVE between rivals
- Two tapas cultures compared
Best time to visit
April–June and September–October are ideal; August is hot and Madrid half-empty.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Madrid — Prado & Retiro
- 🖼️09:00The Prado & Retiro's rowboats
- 🖼️
Day 2 · Madrid — Palace & Guernica
- 🎨09:30The Royal Palace & the Reina Sofía
- 🎨
Day 3 · Madrid — Day Trip or Markets
- 🏰09:00Toledo by AVE or San Miguel grazing
- 🏰
Day 4 · AVE to Barcelona
- 🚄10:002h30 AVE east
- ⛪14:00Gothic Quarter & the cathedral
- 🚄
Day 5 · Barcelona — Gaudí
- ⛪09:00Sagrada Família (booked)
- 🦎14:00Park Güell & the Gràcia squares
- ⛪
Day 6 · Barcelona — Beach & Departure
- 🏖️09:30La Boqueria & Barceloneta
- ✈️14:00BCN departure
- 🏖️
Budget
Estimated total cost: 780 EUR for 6 days.
Includes accommodation, local transport, food, and activities. International flights not included.
Travel tips
- April–June and September–October are ideal; August is hot and Madrid half-empty.
- Carry local currency for small eateries and street food; cards are widely accepted in cities.
- Book popular restaurants in advance during peak season.
- Use public transit where possible — most stops in Madrid are tourist-friendly.
Recommended restaurants
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