Spain Itinerary: Barcelona, Seville and Madrid in One Week

Spain features varied landscapes, vibrant cities and incredible cuisine. With so much to see, planning a vacation to Spain can be perplexing.

To help fellow travelers, we created an easy day-by-day Spain Itinerary that highlights the absolute best of the country!

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Spain Itinerary Trip Plan

We designed our Best of Spain Itinerary when a friend joined us on our European Travels. With limited time, we planned a Spain One-Week Itinerary to show her the top sights. Not an easy task when planning a trip to Spain!

On our One Week in Spain Vacation, we traveled to the three most popular cities: Barcelona, Seville and Madrid. We believe these are the prime places to visit on a quick one week trip.

Best Places To Visit in Spain

Spain is a vast country – and each destination is unique and rich in culture and history. Fortunately, it’s well connected by planes, high speed rail and regional transport.

Visitors planning a One Week Itinerary of Spain can certainly visit multiple destinations, but will need to consider travel time between each place.

Some of the best places to go in Spain are the famous cities and picturesque towns. For our Spain Travel Itinerary, we include three top destinations. We feel these three cities offer the perfect introduction for a first time visitor to Spain.

Barcelona

With an array of sights, Barcelona dazzles visitors. The popular Catalan city features an old town rife with Gothic buildings and Gaudi’s Modernism architecture, which together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

However, Barcelona is so much more than historic buildings. Barcelona highlights include nature (like Park Guell, stunning shoreline beaches and picturesque mountains) as well as phenomenal Barcelona Tapas!

Read more in our detailed 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary!

Seville

The city of Seville is comprised of quaint neighborhoods and delectable Sevilla Tapas Bars – and it’s a highlight of many Spain Travel Itineraries.

Top activities include exploring popular attractions – like the Cathedral and Alcazar, both of which are located right in the heart of the city – and sampling an array of scrumptious Spanish cuisine.

Learn about all the Top Seville Sights!

Madrid

Madrid is a sparling metropolis with a buzzing center and is one of the best destinations to include on a Spain Itinerary One Week Trip.

Top features of Madrid include spacious plazas, lush parks, the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia Art Center.

The Spanish capital is the second largest city in the European Union (only Berlin is bigger), yet the sights are fairly easy to navigate with our free Self-Guided Madrid Walking Tour!

Use our 3-Day Madrid Itinerary for detailed information!

Spain Trip Planner Route and Transport

Choosing where to go is only the first step in planning a trip. Visitors also need to consider the route for their Spain Itinerary – and how they will travel to each destination.

For a quick 7 Days in Spain Itinerary, we recommend choosing spots that are easy to reach by high speed train or short flights. This way, you will spend less time in transit and more time discovering Spain!

Spain Itinerary by Train

The cities we include in our One Week Spain Itinerary are well-connected for touring Spain by train (our version of a Spain Road Trip!).

In fact, part of the reason we chose these destinations in Spain was the convenient train travel available between them.

Where To Start Your Spain Itinerary 1 Week Trip

We organized our trip plan for 7 Days in Spain starting in Barcelona and ending in Madrid. Spending 1 Week in Spain starting in Madrid and ending in Barcelona can be easily done, too.

It would even be possible to begin your trip in Seville. However, if you are traveling from abroad, your international flight will likely take you to Barcelona or Madrid, not Seville.

For those planning a Spain trip from North America, we recommend booking flights into one gateway city and out of the other. This is one of our top Cheap Flight Tips and a good way to save precious vacation time, as well!

Travel Tip: We discuss more options for getting around Spain in detail at the end of the article.

How Many Days in Spain

How much time you spend in Spain should be decided based on your personal interests, overall budget and total allotted time for your trip.

We have spent as little as one day in Spain while in transit (clearly, not enough time!) – and could easily spend more than a month touring Spain. Our 1-Week in Spain Itinerary is an ideal way to experience the country.

Our Spain Itinerary 7 Days

You can use our guide as your Spain trip planner for Barcelona, Seville and Madrid exactly as it is written or as a base and tailor it to best fit your travel style. Now, it is time start your One Week in Spain in Barcelona!

Day 1: Travel to Barcelona

Arrive in Barcelona and waste no time getting acquainted with the city! Our Spain vacation itinerary begins with exploring the top Barcelona sights.

Start in the heart of the city on Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s wide pedestrian lane lined with shops and street entertainers.

After soaking in the atmosphere, walk to La Rambla del Mar on the waterfront. Follow the coastline north past the harbor full of sailboats to Barceloneta, the city’s best beach town.

Next, venture into Parc de la Ciutadella and wander the paths to waterfalls, ponds and monuments. Then explore the streets of La Ribera and Barri Gothic neighborhoods.

Top Travel Tips: Because you are only in Spain for a week, you have got to get right to it! Day 1 of our itinerary for Spain covers 5+ miles. Find detailed information in our self-guided Barcelona Walking Tour – or join a guided walking tour, like this one.

Day 2: Explore Barcelona Sights

On the second day of your 7-day trip to Spain, get an early start and hike up Montjuic (Jewish Mountain) to the hill-topping castle for views of Barcelona and the Balearic Sea.

The Montjuic Castle dates to 1640 and was built as a military fortress and the interior can be visited for a fee.

Bring a picnic lunch (perhaps with items gathered from the Mercado de La Boqueria) and dine al fresco.

Retrace your steps back down the hill and spend the afternoon visiting the MNAC (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalyuna) art museum.

In the evening, discover the best Barcelona tapas in the Poble Sec neighborhood at the base of Montjuic.

Top Tip: What is a One Week in Spain Itinerary without eating copious amounts of tapas? Read our recommendations for the Best Tapas Bars in Barcelona!

Day 3: Discover Barcelona Modernism

A trip to Barcelona would not be complete without contemplating the works of the city’s most famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. So, that is exactly what you will do on Day 3 of your 1 week trip to Spain.

His unique works are scattered throughout Barcelona, but he is best known for his (forever) unfinished Sagrada Familia church.

More must-see Gaudi sights are Casa Batllo and Casa Mila. Join a Gaudi Tour to learn more about his life and work.

In the afternoon, wander through more of Barcelona’s picturesque neighborhoods, like L’Eixample or the La Ribera and Barri Gothic quarters, if you didn’t have time to see them on your first day.

Top Tip: To help plan every detail, use the tips for top things to do in our Best Barcelona Itinerary!

Day 4: Arrive in Seville

Begin Day 4 early on board the highspeed AVE Train from Barcelona to Seville in the Andalusia region (6 hours).

Note: If you are making the Barcelona to Seville road trip with a rental car, expect the journey to take at least 9 hours.

After checking into your Seville accommodations, head straight for the city center. Visit the landmark Seville Cathedral, which was built between 1401 and 1519 and is one of the largest Medieval churches in the world.

Climb the 12th century La Giralda Tower, then enter the Alcazar palace that stands opposite the cathedral (where scenes for Game of Thrones were been filmed). Spend the evening in Sevilla tapas-tasting and then seek out a spot to watch Flamenco dancing.

Top Tip: Find our recommended spots for the Best Tapas in Seville or join a combo tapas/flamenco tour.

Day 5: Wander Seville Neighborhoods

For day 5 of our Spain itinerary, we’ll spend time soaking up the charm of Seville by discovering the quaint neighborhoods of the city. Explore on your own or hire a guide for a private tour of Seville.

See more of the city center, then step into Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter. Cross the Canal de Alfonso XIII and get lost in the colorful lanes of Triana.

Go south of the Seville Center to the ornate Plaza de Espana and Parque de Maria Luisa…but don’t miss the Macarena neighborhood (and the Basilica de la Macarena) on the north side.

Spend the evening sipping Spanish wine on a rooftop terrace and enjoy the elevated Sevilla views.

Top Tip: Many itineraries for Spain only include one day in Seville, which we don’t think is enough. Read our guide to visiting the most picturesque Seville Neighborhoods so that you can immerse yourself into the city!

Day 6: Arrive in Madrid

Take the morning AVE Train to Madrid (3 hours) for the final two days of your 7-day tour of Spain.

Discover the top sights in the city on your own or join fellow travelers and a local guide for a tour of Madrid. Either way, hit the ground running and take in the major sites in Madrid Centro!

See Puerta del Sol, marvel at Playa Mayor, feast at Mercado de San Miguel, visit the Madrid Cathedral and tour the the expansive Royal Palace.

Continue sightseeing as you walk down Gran Via (Madrid’s shopping street), pop into Palacio de Cibeles for an elevated view and stroll through lush El Reitro Park. If time allows, swing through Mueso del Prado during the free evening hours.

Pro Tip: Wondering how to plan your time in Madrid? Leave it to us! Use the information from our Madrid Walking Tour for your first day in the city.

Day 7: Visit Madrid Top Attractions

It is the last day of your 7 Day Spain Itinerary – and there is still so much to see! Start with a calamari sandwich breakfast (it’s a Madrid culinary treat) and then see contemporary artwork at the fabulous Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

Wander through the La Latina district; it’s a haven of boutique shops and street art murals. If it happens to be a Sunday, join the crowds at the El Rastro Flea Market.

Enjoy a leisurely tapas lunch on Cava Baja Street – then set your sights on North Centro Madrid and the Malasana neighborhood.

Start at Plaza de Espana, then walk up to the ancient Egyptian Debod Temple. Next, take in the views from Montana Park and wind your way through the Parque del Oeste Rose Garden.

If time allows, visit a museum in Malasana (there are many to choose from – but the History Museum of Madrid is our top pick).

End the day discovering the streets of Malasana. Join the locals in Plaza del Dos de Mayo, stop by one of the craft beer taprooms or stop at a Madrid institution, Petisqueira.

Pro Tip: Day 7 takes you from one end of Madrid City Center to the other. If you have more time, our Madrid 3 Day Itinerary is for you!

Top Spain Day Trips

If you are extending your 1-Week Itinerary for Spain to include day trips, use the below suggestions for top-rated trips and activities.

Even if you are just spending a week in Spain, you may want to rearrange your schedule to include one of these fun day trips!

Barcelona Day Trips

Small Group Dali Museum Trip – Get the details!
Montserrat and Cava Trail Day Trip – Learn more!
Girona and Costa Brava Small Group Tour – Find out more!

Seville Day Trips

Granada Day Trip (including Alhambra Palace skip the line ticket) – Plan it!
Afternoon Gourmet Wine and Tapas Tour – Book it!

Madrid Day Trips

Full- or Half-Day Toledo Day Trip – Add it to your trip!
Flamenco Show at Corral de la Moreria – Reserve your seat!

Spain Itinerary Travel Logistics

When planning a trip to Spain, travelers need to consider how to get to each destination. On a trip to Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, visitors can travel by plane, train, car or bus.

Spain by Train Itinerary

Exploring Spain by Train is an incredible way to see the country. We chose to take train trips in Spain for the comfort and because we wanted to view the scenery along the way.

We wouldn’t necessarily recommend buying Spain rail passes. Instead, buy individual tickets in advance. Always compare prices – as tickets can differ according to type of train and time of day.

Travel Spain by Plane, Car or Bus

Although we explored Spain by train (and not in the rain), it is possible to also fly, self-drive, or take a bus during your 7 day trip to Spain!

Flights in Spain

There are flights from Barcelona to Seville that take equal total time and cost about the same amount as the train.

Flights are also available from Seville to Madrid, but flying doesn’t necessarily save time or money on this shorter route. Start your search on Skyscanner – and use our Tips for Finding Cheap Flights.

Road Trip Around Spain

For those interested in a Spain road trip from Barcelona, you will need to account for additional time.

Drive times from Barcelona to Seville are 9+ hours depending on the route and traffic. Be certain to read our advice for finding the Best Car Rental Rates.

Travel by Bus in Spain

Bus travel in Spain is fairly affordable and reliable – but can eat up precious time when moving between destinations.

When planning your Spanish Itinerary, check journey times to see if bus travel works for your trip.

Top Travel Tips For Your Trip to Spain

We have detailed what to do in Spain for a week (and longer), but we have a few more tips to help make your trip amazing!

Best Way To Plan Trip to Spain

There is a lot that goes into planning a Spain trip – from research to reservations. Keep track of your Spain vacation plans with our Printable Travel Planner!

When To Travel to Spain

If you are waiting for the best time to travel to Spain, it’s…now! However, each season has its pros and cons.

Summers will be crowded and hot, but the days are long (optimal for sightseeing) and it’s a great time for visiting Spain’s beaches.

Winters are cool, but typically sunny, and the cities are beautiful when decorated for the Holidays in Europe.

We have spent Christmas in Barcelona and visited Madrid at Christmas – and both we simply wonderful! Plus, one of the best year-end celebrations is New Year’s Eve in Madrid!

Autumn and Spring can be an ideal time to travel to Spain. We recommend packing layered clothing if you’re visiting Spain in the shoulder seasons, as there can be a mix of weather.

1 Week in Spain Cost

The cost of a Seville, Madrid and Barcelona Itinerary depends on many different elements. The largest expenses to factor into a Week in Spain Itinerary budget are flights and accommodations.

Other costs to consider are travel between (and in) cities, ticketed activities as well as food and drinks.

Where To Stay in Spain

When planning your own trip to Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, you will need to decide where to stay in each destination.

Because of limited time in each city, you will want to make sure you book accommodations that are close to the center and major attractions.

Spain Airbnb

As we considered where to stay in Spain for a week, we opted to stay in Airbnb Apartments – as there were three people in our group.

The places we chose were convenient and clean, plus had a kitchen to make simple breakfast meals. That said, there is a downside to booking apartments – especially with such short stays.

First, the extra fees can add up quickly and second, arranging check in, check out and luggage storage with hosts can stifle your sightseeing plans.

Hotels in Spain

Therefore, we suggest staying in hotels. You will find that there are many to choose from in the city center of Barcelona, Seville and Madrid.

Before you start your search, we recommend reading our Tips for Booking Hotels. We are also highlighting a few top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) for your upcoming Spain Trip.

Barcelona: Hotel Concordia | Catalonia Magdalenes | Hotel The Serras | Hotel Casa Camper

Seville: Hotel Casa Del Poeta | Hotel Amadeus & La Musica | Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla

Madrid: Francisco I | Catalonia Puerta del Sol | Preciados | Petit Palace

What To Pack for Your Spain Itinerary

Our final advice for your Spain trip planning covers our best packing hacks for your backpack or suitcase. For now, grab a FREE Packing Checklist!

Durable Walking Shoes

We cover a lot of ground in our Spain vacation planner. Be sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes for Europe.

I like to explore in these shoes by New Balance – and Kris prefers wearing Merrell trail shoes. Find more styles and read reviews in our Best Travel Shoes article.

Spain Weather Gear

What you will need to pack for your trip to Spain will depend on the season. Summers are hot and sunny – so bring sunglasses, plenty of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and a refillable water bottle.

In the wintertime, you will likely want to wear layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day. On the chance of rain, make sure you are prepared with a packable raincoat and travel umbrella.

Travel Camera

Spain is an absolutely gorgeous country! Capture that beauty with a real travel camera, rather than using your phone.

We carry a DSLR Canon Rebel (which is a great budget camera for beginners) with an everyday 18-135mm lens (the only one we travel with).

Anti-Theft Travel Bag

Tourists are prime targets for pick pockets – and unfortunately that is very true in Spain. We always keep our valuables – like wallets, phones and camera – tucked away in a money belt or zippered bag.

Travelon makes a full line of anti-theft bags, and you can read more tips and reviews in our article, The Best Day Packs for Travel.

Spain Travel Insurance

Trip insurance may protect against cancelled trips and lost luggage, and it might come in handy if you get ill or injured abroad, too.

If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your trip to Spain, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

Start planning your trip to Spain! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

More Fun Destinations in Spain

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