10 Days in Spain: Madrid and Seville, from the Prado to the Alcázar
Plaza Mayor · Royal Palace of Madrid · Mercado de San Miguel · Puerta del Sol · Seville Cathedral · Museo del Baile Flamenco
10-day Spain trip — Madrid to Seville. Day-by-day route, attractions and food.
Madrid and Seville provide a focused study of Spanish art and architecture that a whirlwind tour of the entire Iberian Peninsula lacks. You trade the coastal resort sprawl of Barcelona or the rugged peaks of the Picos de Europa for the deep, dusty history of the Castilian plateau and the intense Moorish legacy of Andalusia. This path is built for travelers prioritizing heavy museum days and traditional craft workshops over beaches or nightlife.
Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid
Day 1 · Royal Landmarks
Plaza Mayor
Day 1 · Historic Plazas and Parks
Mercado de San Miguel
Day 1 · Gastronomic Institutions
Museo Nacional del Prado
Day 2 · World-Class Art Museums
Casa de Diego
Day 4 · An Artisan Craft Workshop
Seville
Real Alcázar de Sevilla
Day 7 · Historic Monuments
Museo del Baile Flamenco
Day 7 · Flamenco Performances
Plaza de España
Day 9 · Public Spaces and Parks
Mercado de Triana
Day 9 · Authentic Markets
Centro Ceramica Triana
Day 9 · A Specialized Decorative Arts and Ceramic Workshop
Triana
Day 6 · Traditional Neighborhoods
Pick travel dates to see the weather for your month.
Madrid stays crisp and cool for much of the year, while Seville gets intensely hot and dry during the summer months. Plan your outdoor walking tours in either city for the mild spring or autumn stretches to avoid the extremes.
Best time to go: Spring and autumn
The whole year
Madrid
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 53°F / 12°C | 35°F / 2°C (cold) | 6 | 8:36 AM – 6:12 PM |
| Feb | 57°F / 14°C | 39°F / 4°C (cold) | 4 | 8:08 AM – 6:49 PM |
| Mar | 62°F / 16°C | 42°F / 6°C (cold) | 7 | 7:26 AM – 7:21 PM |
| Apr | 67°F / 19°C | 47°F / 8°C (cold) | 7 | 7:36 AM – 8:53 PM |
| May | 77°F / 25°C | 53°F / 12°C | 3 | 6:58 AM – 9:24 PM |
| Jun | 86°F / 30°C (hot) | 61°F / 16°C | 2 | 6:44 AM – 9:46 PM |
| Jul | 93°F / 34°C (hot) | 67°F / 19°C | 1 | 6:57 AM – 9:43 PM |
| Aug | 92°F / 33°C (hot) | 66°F / 19°C | 1 | 7:25 AM – 9:12 PM |
| Sep | 82°F / 28°C | 59°F / 15°C | 3 | 7:55 AM – 8:23 PM |
| Oct | 72°F / 22°C | 52°F / 11°C | 6 | 8:25 AM – 7:34 PM |
| Nov | 59°F / 15°C | 43°F / 6°C (cold) | 7 | 8:01 AM – 5:57 PM |
| Dec | 54°F / 12°C | 38°F / 4°C (cold) | 5 | 8:30 AM – 5:48 PM |
Seville
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 62°F / 17°C | 43°F / 6°C (cold) | 4 | 8:37 AM – 6:29 PM |
| Feb | 66°F / 19°C | 46°F / 8°C (cold) | 3 | 8:13 AM – 7:03 PM |
| Mar | 71°F / 21°C | 49°F / 9°C | 8 | 7:35 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Apr | 75°F / 24°C | 53°F / 12°C | 6 | 7:49 AM – 8:58 PM |
| May | 85°F / 29°C | 59°F / 15°C | 2 | 7:15 AM – 9:25 PM |
| Jun | 91°F / 33°C (hot) | 65°F / 18°C | 0 | 7:02 AM – 9:46 PM |
| Jul | 97°F / 36°C (hot) | 69°F / 20°C | 0 | 7:15 AM – 9:44 PM |
| Aug | 97°F / 36°C (hot) | 69°F / 21°C | 0 | 7:40 AM – 9:15 PM |
| Sep | 89°F / 32°C (hot) | 65°F / 18°C | 2 | 8:06 AM – 8:31 PM |
| Oct | 82°F / 28°C | 59°F / 15°C | 5 | 8:32 AM – 7:46 PM |
| Nov | 69°F / 21°C | 50°F / 10°C | 6 | 8:03 AM – 6:13 PM |
| Dec | 65°F / 18°C | 46°F / 8°C (cold) | 4 | 8:31 AM – 6:06 PM |
- Morning
8:00 AM - Arrive at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)· 1 hr 30 min
USD 33 (~EUR 29)After landing, take the Cercanias train (Line C1) to Atocha station (30 min, 3 EUR) or a taxi directly to the city center (25-30 min, 33 EUR flat rate).
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Tortilla de Patata in Plaza Mayor· 1 hr
USD 6 (~EUR 5)Iconic dish
Tamorlan (CC BY-SA 3.0)Start your trip with a classic soft-centered potato omelet at a local spot near the historic square.
Typical USD 3-7 (~EUR 3-6)
- 1B
3:00 PM - Royal Palace of Madrid· 2 hrs 30 min
USD 15 (~EUR 13)Closes before activity ends (verified) - Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Huevos Rotos in La Latina· 1 hr
USD 16 (~EUR 14)Iconic dish
Tamorlan (CC BY-SA 3.0)End the day with a traditional dinner of broken eggs over fried potatoes in the lively La Latina district.
Often found around La LatinaTypical USD 8-16 (~EUR 7-14)
Where to Stay Tonight
Sol
· This central area offers immediate access to the major historic sites and public transit hubs, making it the perfect base for your first few days.- Morning
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Setas a la Plancha in Retiro· 1 hr
USD 12 (~EUR 11)Try the dish
Tamorlan (CC BY 3.0)Setas a la PlanchaSavor earthy, garlic-infused grilled wild mushrooms at a local tavern near the park entrance.
- Evening2C
5:00 PM - Museo Sorolla· 2 hrs
USD 3 (~EUR 3)Doubles back across the city — check the orderOverlaps the next activity — check the time
Luis García (Zaqarbal) (CC BY-SA 3.0 es)Admire the Impressionist works of Joaquin Sorolla in his former residence and studio.
- 2D
6:30 PM - Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum· 2 hrs
USD 13 (~EUR 12)Closes before activity ends (verified)Overlaps the next activity — check the time 7:00 PM - Dinner: Patatas Bravas in Barrio de las Letras· 1 hr
USD 8 (~EUR 7)Iconic dish
Francesc Fort (CC BY-SA 4.0)Try this quintessential Madrid tapa in the historic literary quarter.
Typical USD 4-8 (~EUR 4-7)
Staying at Sol since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
2:00 PM - Lunch: Bocadillo de Calamares in Plaza Mayor· 1 hr
USD 7 (~EUR 6)Iconic dish
Joy (CC BY 2.0)Eat a classic Madrid sandwich of crisp fried squid on a crusty roll. It is a simple, no-fuss local tradition.
Often found around Plaza MayorTypical USD 4-7 (~EUR 4-6)
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Spanish Tapas in Calle Cava Baja· 1 hr 30 min
USD 25 (~EUR 22)Iconic dish
Elemaki (CC BY 3.0)Join the local evening pulse in La Latina. Move between small bars sharing plates of local bites.
Often found around Calle Cava BajaTypical USD 3-8 (~EUR 3-7)
Staying at Sol since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
2:30 PM - Lunch: Cocido Madrileno in Barrio de las Letras· 1 hr
USD 20 (~EUR 18)Try the dish
Smnt (CC BY-SA 4.0)Cocido MadrilenoSavor this hearty chickpea-based stew, a true local tradition perfect for a slow afternoon.
- 4B
4:00 PM - National Museum of Archaeology· 2 hrs
USD 3 (~EUR 3)Closes 8 PM · 4h hereClosed on Monday - Evening
8:00 PM - Dinner: Jamon Iberico in Sol· 1 hr
USD 25 (~EUR 22)Try the dish
Elena.laps (CC BY-SA 4.0)Jamon IbericoExperience the intense, nutty flavor of acorn-fed cured ham, widely considered the finest food product in Spain.
Staying at Sol since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Solomillo al Whisky in Cortes· 1 hr
USD 20 (~EUR 18)Iconic dish
Miguelbremen (CC BY-SA 3.0)Sample a tender sirloin steak prepared with a rich whisky sauce, a classic Spanish tavern dish often paired with fried potatoes.
Typical USD 6-10 (~EUR 5-9)
- 5D
3:30 PM - Real Jardin Botanico· 2 hrs 30 min
USD 4 (~EUR 4)
Håkan Svensson (Xauxa) (CC BY 2.5)Stroll through these scientific botanical gardens adjacent to the Prado, featuring a rich collection of plants and historic greenhouse structures.
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Salmorejo Cordobes in Barrio de las Letras· 1 hr
USD 15 (~EUR 13)Iconic dish
P.Lechien (CC0)Enjoy a refreshing, chilled tomato and bread cream soup topped with ham and egg, a traditional staple from southern Spain popular throughout Madrid.
Typical USD 4-8 (~EUR 4-7)
Staying at Sol since Day 1
- Morning
11:00 AM - High-speed train from Madrid Atocha to Seville Santa Justa· 2 hrs 30 min
USD 85 (~EUR 76)Travel by high-speed AVE train across the plains of Spain to reach the heart of Andalusia.
- Afternoon
1:30 PM - Lunch: Pringá in Santa Cruz· 1 hr
USD 15 (~EUR 13)Iconic dish
El Mono Español (CC BY-SA 4.0)Try this traditional slow-cooked pork spread in a crusty roll, a staple of the local Andalusian diet.
Typical USD 2-5 (~EUR 2-4)
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Pescaito Frito in Triana· 1 hr
USD 20 (~EUR 18)Iconic dish
Tamorlan (CC BY 3.0)Savor crispy flash-fried small fish in the historic Triana neighborhood across the river.
Typical USD 7-12 (~EUR 6-11)
Where to Stay Tonight
Santa Cruz
· This historic Jewish quarter offers the best base for exploring Seville's iconic landmarks on foot, with winding alleys and countless traditional tapas bars nearby.- Morning
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Tortilla de Camarones in Santa Cruz· 1 hr
USD 12 (~EUR 11)Iconic dish
Avicentegil (CC BY-SA 4.0)Savor a crispy shrimp fritter, a hallmark of Andalusian coastal cooking, at a traditional tapas tavern.
Typical USD 3-5 (~EUR 3-4)
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Tapas Variety in Triana· 1 hr 30 min
USD 20 (~EUR 18)Try the dish
Tamorlan (CC BY 3.0)Tapas VarietySample a selection of seasonal small plates at a bustling tavern across the river in the historic pottery quarter.
Staying at Santa Cruz since Day 6
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Salmorejo Cordobes in Santa Cruz· 1 hr
USD 18 (~EUR 16)Iconic dishP.Lechien (CC0)Savor this traditional cold tomato and bread soup garnished with hard-boiled egg and jamon, a local staple.
Typical USD 4-8 (~EUR 4-7)
- 8B
1:15 PM - Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador· 1 hr
USD 5 (~EUR 4)Closes 4:30 PM · 3.2h hereClosed on Sunday - Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Solomillo al Whisky in Triana· 1 hr
USD 22 (~EUR 20)Iconic dishMiguelbremen (CC BY-SA 3.0)Enjoy pork sirloin braised in a flavorful whiskey and garlic sauce at a lively neighborhood spot.
Typical USD 6-10 (~EUR 5-9)
Staying at Santa Cruz since Day 6
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Gazpacho in Santa Cruz· 1 hr
USD 15 (~EUR 13)Try the dish
Bocadorada (CC BY-SA 2.0)GazpachoRefresh with a classic chilled tomato-based vegetable soup at a local spot near the Jewish Quarter.
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Espinacas con Garbanzos in Triana· 1 hr
USD 18 (~EUR 16)Try the dish
Toniher (CC BY-SA 4.0)Espinacas con GarbanzosEnjoy a traditional dish of seasoned spinach with chickpeas at a neighborhood taberna.
Staying at Santa Cruz since Day 6
- Morning
- 10B
10:30 AM - Taller Andaluz de Cocina· 2 hrs
USD 50 (~EUR 45)Closes 2:30 PM · 4h hereClosed on Sunday - Afternoon
12:45 PM - Lunch: Espinacas con Garbanzos in Santa Cruz· 1 hr
USD 15 (~EUR 13)Try the dishToniher (CC BY-SA 4.0)Espinacas con GarbanzosSavor this traditional Andalusian spinach and chickpea stew, a staple of local monastic culinary history.
4:30 PM - Hotel Checkout & Luggage Collection· 30 min
FREEReturn to your hotel, complete checkout procedures, and secure your luggage for the journey.
- Evening
5:00 PM - Depart from Seville Airport (SVQ)· 1 hr
USD 30 (~EUR 27)Private transfer from your city center location to the airport terminal for your flight.
Staying at Santa Cruz since Day 6
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Customize this tripFreeFood, shopping & festivals
Top 10 dishes to try
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Seville
Pringá
Day 6 · lunch
Tortilla de Camarones
Day 7 · lunch
Salmorejo Cordobés
Days 5 and 8
Solomillo al Whisky
Days 5 and 8
Pescaito Frito
Day 6 · dinner
Madrid
Bocadillo de Calamares
Day 3 · lunch
Spanish Tapas
Day 3 · dinner
Patatas Bravas
Day 2 · dinner
Huevos Rotos
Day 1 · dinner
Spain
Tortilla de Patata
Day 1 · lunch
Where to eat · Alameda de Hercules, La Latina, Lavapies, Malasana, Santa Cruz
- Alameda de Hercules · Seville — A more modern, laid-back vibe with plenty of terrace dining options.
- La Latina · Madrid — Dense concentration of tapas bars along Calle Cava Baja.
- Lavapies · Madrid — Diverse international influence mixed with traditional taverns.
- Malasana · Madrid — Trendy, bohemian bars and vintage-style food spots.
- Santa Cruz · Seville — Dense network of tiny bars serving traditional tapas to standing crowds.
Good to know · meal times, tipping, water, vegetarian, payment, etiquette
- Meal times
- Lunch is 13:30 to 15:30. Dinner begins after 20:30 and often peaks around 22:00. Many kitchens close between 16:00 and 20:00.
- Tipping
- Tipping is not required. Rounding up to the nearest euro is generous. A few coins are sufficient for excellent service.
- Water
- Tap water is safe to drink, though many locals prefer bottled due to the taste. Ice is perfectly safe to consume.
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarians should lean on gazpacho, salmorejo, and spinach with chickpeas. Ask for 'sin jamon' as meat is often used as a flavoring even in vegetable dishes.
- Payment
- Carry cash for smaller bars and tapas joints. Cards are fine for sit-down restaurants, but some smaller spots may have a minimum charge.
- Etiquette
- Spaniards eat late and slowly. Do not rush your meal. Tipping is not required, but rounding up the bill or leaving a few coins is polite.
Top 10 souvenirs
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Madrid
Saffron (Azafran)
Espadrilles (Alpargatas)
Hand-painted Fans (Abanicos)
Castanuelas (Castanets)
Seseña Capes
Canned Seafood (Conservas)
Seville
Hand-painted ceramic tiles (azulejos)
Manila shawls (mantones de Manila)
Orange blossom honey
Flamenco guitar
Seville is a hub for makers crafting guitars with the bright, percussive tone essential for the genre.
Where to shop · Triana district, La Latina, Calle Sierpes and Tetuan
- Triana district · Seville — Hand-painted ceramics and artisan pottery.
- La Latina · Madrid — Gourmet pantry items, olives, and traditional ceramics.
- Calle Sierpes and Tetuan · Seville — Fine leather goods, traditional fans, and quality garments.
Good to know · customs, tax refund, payment, bargaining
- Customs
- You can take most goods home without tax as long as they are for personal use. Check your home country regulations regarding fresh food items or meat products.
- Tax refund
- Non-EU residents can get a VAT refund on purchases over 0 EUR. Request a tax-free form at the register and process it at the airport customs desk before departing.
- Payment
- Cards are accepted almost everywhere, even for small items, but keep cash handy for small market stalls.
- Bargaining
- Bargaining is not the norm in Seville. Expect fixed prices in boutiques and markets; haggling is generally considered rude.
The big events across the year
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Three Kings' Day (Epiphany)
Jan 5 – 6
Semana Santa
Mar 29 – Apr 4
Feria de Abril
Apr 21 – 27
Spanish National Day (Hispanic Day)
Oct 12
Spanish Christmas Season (Navidad)
Dec 22 – Jan 8
Costs
Estimated total · For 2 travelers · 1 room · 10 days
USD 2,724Flights from your city not included.
Getting there and betweenUSD 150
- Madrid → Seville · trainUSD 150
AccommodationUSD 900
- Madrid · 5 nights1 roomUSD 500
- Seville · 4 nights1 roomUSD 400
| City | Simple | Comfortable | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | USD 60 | USD 100 | USD 140 |
| Seville | USD 60 | USD 100 | USD 140 |
ActivitiesUSD 594
- Day 1 · Arrive at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)USD 66
- Day 1 · Royal Palace of MadridUSD 30
- Day 1 · Mercado de San MiguelUSD 30
- Day 2 · Museo Nacional del PradoUSD 34
- Day 2 · Museo SorollaUSD 6
- Day 2 · Thyssen-Bornemisza National MuseumUSD 32
- Day 3 · Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina SofiaUSD 27
- Day 4 · Museo del PradoUSD 34
- Day 5 · Museo Thyssen-BornemiszaUSD 32
- Day 5 · Real Jardin BotanicoUSD 8
- Day 6 · Seville CathedralUSD 30
- Day 7 · Museo del Baile FlamencoUSD 30
- Day 7 · Real Alcázar de SevillaUSD 35
- Day 8 · Palacio de las DuenasUSD 30
- Day 8 · Iglesia Colegial del Divino SalvadorUSD 16
- Day 8 · Casa de PilatosUSD 24
- Day 9 · Centro Ceramica TrianaUSD 20
- Day 10 · Setas de SevillaUSD 10
- Day 10 · Taller Andaluz de CocinaUSD 100
FoodUSD 880
- Madrid · 5 daysUSD 440
- Seville · 5 daysUSD 440
Local transportUSD 200
- Madrid · 5 daysUSD 100
- Seville · 5 daysUSD 100
Not included: visas, travel insurance, SIM cards, tips, shopping.
Money tips
Moderate -- budget 90-110 USD for mid-range hotels, 15-25 USD for a sit-down lunch. Tap water is safe throughout Madrid and Seville.
Order the menu del dia at lunch for 12-15 EUR to get a full three-course meal with wine. It is the best way to eat well for half the cost of dinner.
Book your Renfe AVE train tickets between Madrid and Seville at least 30 days in advance to pay 30-50 EUR instead of 100 EUR or more at the gate.
Spend 60-80 EUR on a private tasting menu at a traditional tavern in Seville to try local Iberian pork and sherry pairings. It is a dense, high-quality culinary experience worth the price.
Buy a 10-trip Metro card in Madrid for about 12 EUR instead of single tickets. It works for both bus and subway and can be shared between two people.
Before you go
Travel and stays
Flight into Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)
Day 1
Hotel in Madrid
Nights 1–5 · Sol · about USD 500 · Comfortable hotel range
Train from Madrid to Seville
Day 6 · Book 6 weeks ahead · about 2 hrs 30 min · about USD 150 · Purchase tickets directly from the Renfe website or mobile application.
Hotel in Seville
Nights 6–9 · Santa Cruz · about USD 400 · Comfortable hotel range
Flight out of Sevilla Airport (SVQ)
Day 10
Book ahead · most urgent first
Museo Nacional del Prado timed entry
Day 2 · Book 4 weeks ahead · Booking online ensures entry for specific slots and avoids the significant queues for tickets at the main entrance.
Real Alcazar de Sevilla entry tickets
Day 7 · Book 4 weeks ahead · Tickets for the Real Alcazar often sell out weeks in advance due to strict daily visitor caps; purchase online via the official website to guarantee entry.
Taller Andaluz de Cocina cooking class
Day 10 · Book 4 weeks ahead · These popular cooking classes are limited in size and often fill up during the peak travel seasons; book via their website.
Seville Cathedral and Giralda tower tickets
Day 6 · Book 3 weeks ahead · Pre-booking is vital to skip the long ticket lines at the cathedral entrance, especially for afternoon entry.
Royal Palace of Madrid entry tickets
Day 1 · Book 2 weeks ahead · General admission tickets for the Royal Palace of Madrid are highly recommended to avoid long queues at the ticket office, especially during weekends.
Museo del Baile Flamenco show tickets
Day 7 · Book 2 weeks ahead · Evening performances at the museum are intimate and popular, booking early is essential to secure preferred seating.
Travel tips
Purchase a multi-trip transit card at any Metro de Madrid station to use on buses and the subway; individual tickets cost 1.50 to 2.00 EUR each.
Walk from Puerta del Sol to Plaza Mayor in under 10 minutes to avoid the heavy midday traffic.
Book your time-slot entry for the Royal Palace of Madrid online at the official Patrimonio Nacional website to bypass queues that can exceed 60 minutes.
Validate your ticket on the platform before boarding any Cercanias commuter train to avoid a 40 EUR fine from ticket inspectors.
Visit the San Miguel Market on a weekday before 1pm to grab tapas without the intense evening standing-room-only crowds.
Use the Renfe app to manage high-speed train bookings and store your digital tickets for travel beyond Madrid.
Check the official Madrid City Council website for free entry hours at major museums, which usually occur during the last two hours of the day.
Arrive at the Atocha train station 30 minutes before departure to navigate the security checkpoint and large terminal layout.
Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
Get EUR cash / a no-forex-fee card
Check visa requirements for Spain
Reserve Prado Museum timed-entry ticket
Reserve Real Alcazar timed-entry tickets
Reserve Seville Cathedral timed-entry tickets
Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)
Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
Reserve Royal Palace guided tour
Purchase Santiago Bernabeu stadium tour ticket
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID and payment cards
Transit card: Tarjeta Multi · Madrid
Pen for arrival forms
Madrid gets five days upfront because the sheer density of art collections requires a slow, deliberate pace while you have the most energy. The transition to Seville on day six acts as a shift in rhythm, moving from the structured museum-heavy schedule of the capital to the walkable, neighborhood-focused exploration of the south. I kept the first five days concentrated in central Madrid to minimize daily transit, leaving the final days in Seville to be spent exploring the Triana quarter and local craft shops on foot.
The itinerary centers on major historical institutions and the urban evolution of central Spain. It sacrifices the coastal landscape of the north and the jagged mountains of the Sierra Nevada to ensure you actually see the museums rather than just reading about them. If your goal was to hike the Camino de Santiago or explore the Basque coastline, this route is wrong.
It is the right cut for someone who wants to understand the transition from the Hapsburg era to Andalusian tile work. Add two days to explore Cordoba and the Mezquita, where the rows of red and white arches show the architectural bridge between Islamic and Christian design. It sits easily between Madrid and Seville, providing a quieter, more intimate contrast to the larger cities.
Interest coverage
3 of 3 coveredEntry and safety
| Visa & entry | Travelers from the US, UK, Australia, and Canada can visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days visa-free. EU citizens have freedom of movement. Passport validity must extend at least three months beyond your planned departure date. |
|---|---|
| US risk level | Exercise increased cautionUpdated May 11, 2025 |
| Official advice | US State Department · UK Foreign Office |
| Emergency | Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112112 for all emergencies, with English-speaking operators |
Money and tipping
| Tipping: restaurants | Round up or leave €1–2; 5–10% at upscale restaurants |
|---|---|
| Tipping: taxis | Round up to nearest euro |
| Tipping: hotels | €1 per bag |
| Cards | Widely accepted |
| Contactless | Very common |
| Cash | Cash useful at markets and small tapas bars |
| Payment tip | Cards accepted almost everywhere. Carry small cash for markets. |
Plugs
| Plugs | Type C, F230V · 50Hz |
|---|
Staying connected
| SIM | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Spain Tourist SIM | 20 EUR for 15 days | Crystal Media Shops at Madrid-Barajas Airport Terminals 1 and 4S |
| Vodafone Spain | 15 EUR for 10GB | Any Vodafone retail store in central Madrid |
Download the required app before boarding AVE high-speed trains to access their onboard WiFi, as it is not browser-based.
About USD 2,724 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 10 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.
Visitors from the US, UK, Australia, and Canada do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Other nationalities should verify their requirements on the official Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Madrid is safe for solo travelers, with well-lit streets and active nightlife that keep public areas populated late into the night. Stick to main streets in areas like Chueca or Malasana and keep a firm grip on your belongings in crowded Metro stations.
The Cercanias train connects Terminal 4 directly to Atocha station in about 25 minutes. Alternatively, the Airport Express bus runs 24 hours to Cibeles square for 5 EUR.
Most shops and cafes accept card payments, so you only need 20 to 50 EUR in small bills for local markets or small purchases. 7-Eleven or bank ATMs are reliable for withdrawals.
Kitchens typically open for dinner at 8pm, though most locals do not sit down to eat until 9pm or 10pm. Many smaller eateries remain closed between 4pm and 8pm.
Tipping taxi drivers is not expected in Madrid. Simply round up the fare to the nearest euro if you prefer to leave the small change.
While Madrid is more relaxed than other cities, always keep shoulders and knees covered when entering cathedrals like the Almudena. Avoid wearing beachwear away from recreational areas.
The Metro is the most efficient way to navigate, covering almost every neighborhood. Walking is best for the historic center, as many streets in the Hapsburg district are narrow and pedestrian-only.
These 3 experiences didn't make it into this itinerary
A Traditional Taberna Crawl
e.g., Casa Labra, Casa Julio
A Contemporary Flamenco Performance
e.g., Cardamomo Tablao Flamenco, Corral de la Moreria
An Andalusian Sherry and Tapas Pairing Experience
e.g., Casa Morales, El Rinconcillo
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