dronepicr (CC BY 2.0)Visit Casa Batlló · Explore Mercat de la Boqueria · Barcelona Aquarium · Plaza Mayor · Acuario de Sevilla · Seville Cathedral
Reviewed by Shobhit Shrivastava · Founder
10-day Spain trip — Barcelona to Madrid to Seville. Day-by-day route, attractions and food.
This route captures Spain's varied urban character: Barcelona's unique Gaudi modernism and Catalan culture, Madrid's royal history and art collections and Seville's deep Moorish influence and flamenco. An alternative like a Northern Spain route through Bilbao and San Sebastian, while offering distinct cuisine and modern art, lacks these grand historical layers, the beach access and the scope of royal palaces. This journey is built for families seeking diverse cultural experiences, architecture and immersive history across Spain's largest cities.
Barcelona
Day 1 · Gaudi's Architectural Masterpieces
Day 1 · Strolling the Historic Gothic Quarter & Las Ramblas
Day 1 · Iconic Food Markets & Tapas Scene
Day 2 · An Urban Zoo or Aquarium Adventure
Day 4 · An Interactive Science & Discovery Museum
Madrid
Day 5 · Historic Plazas & Royal Grandeur
Day 5 · Tapas & Market Gastronomy
Day 5 · A Classic Churros & Chocolate Experience
Day 6 · World-Class Art Museums
Day 7 · Relaxing in Retiro Park
Day 7 · Authentic Flamenco Show
Day 8 · Grand Plaza and Riverside Promenade
Seville
Day 9 · Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower
Day 9 · An Urban Aquarium & Bird Sanctuary
Day 10 · Royal Alcázar and Historic Gardens
Pick travel dates to see the weather for your month.
Barcelona and Valencia enjoy mild coastal breezes, while Madrid and Seville experience intense heat during the summer months. Plan your inland stops for the spring or autumn to avoid the harsh afternoon sun and stick to coastal areas if you prefer a temperate climate year-round.
Barcelona
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 58°F / 14°C | 42°F / 5°C (cold) | 4 | 8:15 AM – 5:46 PM |
| Feb | 60°F / 15°C | 44°F / 6°C (cold) | 5 | 7:46 AM – 6:24 PM |
| Mar | 63°F / 17°C | 46°F / 8°C (cold) | 7 | 7:03 AM – 6:57 PM |
| Apr | 66°F / 19°C | 49°F / 10°C | 7 | 7:12 AM – 8:31 PM |
| May | 73°F / 23°C | 56°F / 13°C | 6 | 6:32 AM – 9:03 PM |
| Jun | 81°F / 27°C | 64°F / 18°C | 4 | 6:17 AM – 9:26 PM |
| Jul | 86°F / 30°C (hot) | 69°F / 21°C | 3 | 6:31 AM – 9:23 PM |
| Aug | 86°F / 30°C (hot) | 69°F / 21°C | 6 | 7:00 AM – 8:50 PM |
| Sep | 80°F / 27°C | 64°F / 18°C | 9 | 7:31 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Oct | 73°F / 23°C | 58°F / 14°C | 8 | 8:03 AM – 7:10 PM |
| Nov | 64°F / 18°C | 49°F / 9°C | 7 | 7:39 AM – 5:31 PM |
| Dec | 60°F / 15°C | 44°F / 7°C (cold) | 3 | 8:10 AM – 5:22 PM |
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 |
Valencia
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 64°F / 18°C | 45°F / 7°C (cold) | 3 | 8:20 AM – 6:01 PM |
| Feb | 65°F / 18°C | 47°F / 8°C (cold) | 2 | 7:53 AM – 6:37 PM |
| Mar | 67°F / 20°C | 49°F / 10°C | 6 | 7:13 AM – 7:08 PM |
| Apr | 70°F / 21°C | 53°F / 12°C | 6 | 7:24 AM – 8:38 PM |
| May | 76°F / 25°C | 58°F / 15°C | 3 | 6:47 AM – 9:08 PM |
| Jun | 83°F / 28°C | 66°F / 19°C | 3 | 6:34 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Jul | 87°F / 31°C (hot) | 71°F / 22°C | 1 | 6:47 AM – 9:27 PM |
| Aug | 88°F / 31°C (hot) | 72°F / 22°C | 4 | 7:14 AM – 8:57 PM |
| Sep | 84°F / 29°C | 67°F / 20°C | 6 | 7:42 AM – 8:10 PM |
| Oct | 78°F / 26°C | 60°F / 16°C | 4 | 8:11 AM – 7:22 PM |
| Nov | 69°F / 21°C | 51°F / 11°C | 5 | 7:45 AM – 5:46 PM |
| Dec | 65°F / 18°C | 47°F / 8°C (cold) | 2 | 8:14 AM – 5:38 PM |
Arrive at Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). Take the Aerobus directly to Plaça de Catalunya in the city center (~35-45 min, ~€7 per person). Alternatively, a taxi directly to your hotel would take around 30 minutes and cost ~€30-40. Proceed to hotel for check-in and luggage drop-off, allowing for rest after your international flight.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the Eixample neighborhood. Sample local Catalan dishes like 'Pa amb tomàquet', simple yet delicious toasted bread with tomato and olive oil, or a traditional 'Tortilla Española'.
Experience an authentic Spanish dinner with tapas in the lively El Born district, adjacent to the Gothic Quarter. Enjoy a variety of small, shareable plates like 'Patatas Bravas' – fried potato cubes with spicy sauce and aioli – along with other regional specialties.
Enjoy traditional Catalan dishes at a local eatery in the bustling Sant Antoni neighborhood, offering a taste of authentic regional flavors.
Experience Barcelona's vibrant dining scene with an evening of delicious tapas in the charming Gràcia neighborhood, known for its lively squares and local atmosphere.
Staying at Eixample since Day 1
Enjoy traditional Catalan cuisine in the charming Gràcia neighborhood, known for its village-like atmosphere. Try some Escalivada, a local specialty of roasted vegetables.
Savor fresh seafood at a local restaurant in the lively Barceloneta neighborhood. Try the Fideuà, a delicious noodle paella with seafood, a specialty of the Catalan coast.
Staying at Eixample since Day 1
Savor authentic Catalan tapas at a local eatery in the vibrant Raval neighborhood, known for its diverse culinary scene.
Enjoy a traditional Catalan seafood paella or Fideuà at a restaurant in the elegant Eixample district, known for its diverse dining options.
Staying at Eixample since Day 1
Enjoy a final Spanish breakfast in Eixample before checking out of your hotel.
Make your way to Barcelona Sants Station for your train journey to Madrid.
Boca Dorada (CC BY-SA 2.0)Grab a quick and delicious Catalan sandwich or light tapas at a cafe near Barcelona Sants before your train departs.
Board a high-speed train for a scenic journey from Barcelona to Madrid, traversing the Spanish countryside.
Upon arrival at Madrid Atocha station, transfer to your hotel and check in for your stay in the vibrant capital.
Joy (CC BY 2.0)Savor a quintessential Madrid experience with a 'Bocadillo de Calamares' – fried calamari rings served in a crusty bread roll. Find this simple yet iconic local staple at a traditional bar near the city center.
Staying at Sol-Letras-Lavapiés since Day 5
Savor a delicious lunch featuring traditional Spanish cuisine in a local eatery near El Retiro Park.
Javier Lastras from España/Spain (CC BY 2.0)Enjoy a robust dinner featuring the traditional Madrid dish, Callos a la Madrile a, a rich tripe stew with chorizo, in the charming La Latina neighborhood, known for its traditional taverns and vibrant atmosphere.
Staying at Sol-Letras-Lavapiés since Day 5
Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your Madrid hotel, preparing for your journey south.
Transfer to Madrid Atocha Station to catch your high-speed train to Seville.
Kabelleger / David Gubler (http://www.bahnbilder.ch) (CC BY-SA 3.0)Enjoy a comfortable high-speed train journey through the Spanish countryside to Andalusia. Lunch will be enjoyed on board.
Photo by Antoni Shkraba on PexelsEnjoy a packed lunch during your train journey from Madrid to Seville, featuring local Spanish delights.
Arrive at Seville Santa Justa station, transfer to your hotel in Santa Cruz, and check in to settle down.
Carlos Delgado (CC BY-SA 4.0)Take a short walk from your hotel to the magnificent Plaza de España, preparing to explore its grandeur.
Savor an authentic Andalusian tapas experience in the historic Barrio Santa Cruz, trying local specialties like 'Espinacas con Garbanzos' (spinach with chickpeas) at a traditional tapas bar.
Enjoy authentic Andalusian dishes at a local eatery conveniently located after your aquarium visit.
Cross the Guadalquivir River to the Triana neighborhood and savor a variety of authentic Andalusian tapas.
Miguelbremen (CC BY-SA 3.0)Savor authentic Andalusian cuisine, perhaps a solomillo al whisky, at a local eatery in the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood.
Return to the hotel to check out and collect your luggage before heading to the airport.
Marostegui (CC BY-SA 4.0)Travel to Seville Airport for your international flight back. Allow ample time for airport transfer, check-in, and security.
Staying at Santa Cruz since Day 9
Same destination, your dates, group, and pace. Generated free in about 2 minutes.
Customize this tripFreeFood, shopping & festivals
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Catalonia
Madrid
Day 6 · lunch
Day 5
Valencia
Seville
Day 10 · lunch
Barcelona
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Valencia
Barcelona
Seville
Madrid
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Mar 15 – 19
Mar 29 – Apr 4
Apr 21 – 27
Aug 26
Sep 24 – 28
Costs
Estimated total · For 4 travelers · 1 room · 10 days
USD 5,230Flights from your city not included.
| City | Simple | Comfortable | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | USD 60 | USD 100 | USD 140 |
| Madrid | USD 60 | USD 100 | USD 140 |
| Seville | USD 60 | USD 100 | USD 140 |
Not included: visas, travel insurance, SIM cards, tips, shopping.
Spain is moderately priced overall, but with a family of four on a tight budget, expect to find hotels in the $80-150/night range for basic comfort and rely heavily on the 'menú del día' for sit-down lunches at €12-18 per person, or self-catering for dinners. Tap water is safe across all major cities.
For inter-city travel between Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Valencia, book train tickets via Renfe or bus tickets via ALSA well in advance; a last-minute AVE ticket can cost over €80, whereas buses are often €20-30 per person and early train bookings offer similar savings.
In major cities, purchase multi-journey transport cards like Barcelona's T-Casual (€12.15 for 10 integrated journeys) or Madrid's Tarjeta Multi (rechargeable, €1.50 for the card, then €12.20 for a 10-trip Metrobus ticket), which offer significant savings over single tickets (around €2.40-€3) and can often be shared.
With only $16 per person per day for food and $2.50 for activities, maximize savings by self-catering breakfasts and some dinners from supermarkets like Mercadona or Carrefour, and packing picnic lunches. Prioritize free cultural attractions such as Barcelona's Parc de la Ciutadella, Madrid's Retiro Park, or Seville's Plaza de España.
To experience Spain's world-class museums without breaking your limited activities budget, strategically plan visits during free entry hours; for example, the Prado Museum and Reina Sofia in Madrid offer free access on specific evenings (typically 2-3 hours before closing) and Sundays.
Before you go
Hotel in Barcelona
Nights 1–4 · Eixample · about USD 400 · Comfortable hotel range
Train from Barcelona to Madrid
Day 5 · Book 7 days ahead · about 2 hrs 30 min · about USD 390 · Book your tickets through the official Renfe website or mobile application.
Hotel in Madrid
Nights 5–8 · Sol-Letras-Lavapiés · about USD 400 · Comfortable hotel range
Train from Madrid to Seville
Day 9 · Book 7 days ahead · about 2 hrs 40 min · about USD 300 · Book your tickets through the official Renfe website or mobile application.
Hotel in Seville
Night 9 · Santa Cruz · about USD 100 · Comfortable hotel range
Flight out of Seville Airport (SVQ)
Day 10
Casa Batlló timed entry ticket
Day 1 · Book 2 weeks ahead · Timed entry tickets are required for this popular Gaudi masterpiece.
Basílica de la Sagrada Família timed entry ticket
Day 2 · Book 2 weeks ahead · Sagrada Familia tickets are date and time-specific and sell out quickly, especially for peak slots. Booking online is essential.
Park Güell Monumental Zone timed entry ticket
Day 3 · Book 2 weeks ahead · Timed entry tickets are required for the Monumental Zone of Park Guell and often sell out days in advance.
Royal Palace of Madrid timed entry ticket
Day 6 · Book 2 weeks ahead · Timed entry is highly recommended for the Royal Palace to avoid long queues and ensure availability, especially for specific time slots.
Museo Nacional del Prado timed entry ticket
Day 6 · Book 2 weeks ahead · Timed entry tickets are strongly advised for this major museum to skip the lines and guarantee your visit.
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía timed entry ticket
Day 7 · Book 2 weeks ahead · Timed entry tickets are recommended for this significant art museum to avoid queues and ensure a smooth visit.
When visiting the Barcelona Cathedral on day 4, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered as this is strictly enforced by staff at the entrance.
At the Mercat de la Boqueria in Barcelona on day 1, stick to the central aisles for produce; the stands near the entrance are often more expensive and cater mostly to tourists.
Use the Metro de Madrid to reach the Royal Palace on day 6, exiting at Opera station to avoid the uphill walk from other nearby stops.
Be aware that dinner in Spain happens late; reaching Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid before 20:00 will mean fewer crowds, but the real atmosphere kicks in after 21:00.
On day 3 at Barceloneta Beach, do not leave your bag unattended on the sand while swimming, as quick-handed thieves operate in this area.
For the Royal Alcazar in Seville on day 10, use the entrance designated for pre-booked tickets rather than joining the longer general queue.
When using public transport, keep your transit card ready, as you often need to tap it both upon entry and exit to ensure the correct fare is charged.
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 Sagrada Familia timed-entry tickets
Reserve Park Guell timed-entry tickets
Prado Museum timed-entry ticket
Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line ticket
Reserve Real Alcazar timed-entry tickets
Reserve Seville Cathedral and Giralda tickets
Reserve Oceanografic 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)
Reserva del Real Madrid stadium tour
Renfe train tickets for coastal day trips
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID and payment cards
Transit card: T-mobilitat · Barcelona
Transit card: Tarjeta Multi · Madrid
Pen for arrival forms
Barcelona starts the trip with four nights, letting your family ease into the trip with Gaudi's whimsical architecture and a relaxing beach day. This longer initial stay allows deep exploration without rushing. The transfer to Madrid falls mid-week, serving as a change of pace before three nights dedicated to grand palaces, art museums, and evening flamenco.
The final leg shifts south to Seville for two nights, wrapping up with its Moorish wonders and river life before departure; this compresses major sights for a focused finale. This itinerary prioritizes Spain's three major cultural hubs, focusing on architecture, royal history and city life for a comprehensive family experience. To make this possible, the plan bypasses Spain's island getaways like Mallorca's coastlines and ancient Roman ruins or the distinct cave dwellings and mountain villages of Andalusia's white towns such as Ronda.
It is the right trip if you came for Gaudi, the Prado and flamenco; less so if your priority is quiet beach towns or deep rural exploration. To deepen your historical experience, add two days between Madrid and Seville for a side trip to Cordoba. You could explore the Mezquita-Cathedral's arches and the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos's intricate gardens, offering a rich immersion in Moorish heritage often missed on faster routes.
| Visa & entry | For US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian citizens: visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area. Indian citizens typically require a Schengen visa, which must be applied for in advance at a Spanish consulate or embassy. Other nationalities should check the official Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for specific requirements. |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 | Type C, F230V · 50Hz |
|---|
| SIM | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Vodafone Spain | $20 for 30 days / 50GB | Any Vodafone retail store or major international airport arrivals hall |
| Orange Spain | $15 for 15 days / 20GB | Any official Orange shop or El Corte Ingles electronics department |
| Airalo eSIM | $10 for 10 days / 5GB | Online via the Airalo app |
Prepaid SIM cards in Spain are tied to your passport or identity card; you must show this at the store to activate the card.
About USD 5,230 for 4 travelers · 1 room · 10 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.
Travelers from the US, UK, Australia, and many EU nations generally do not need a visa for short tourist stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of India and many other countries must apply for a Schengen visa before travel. Verify the specific requirements for your nationality via the nearest Spanish consulate well before your departure.
Dial 112 for any emergency. This is the toll-free number for police, ambulance, and fire services across the country. Operators can assist you in English and other major languages.
Major cities have extensive bus and metro networks that are efficient and cost-effective. Taxis are widely available and reasonably priced compared to other European hubs, though using ride-apps like Cabify can provide more price transparency. Walk when possible, as historical centers like the ones in Seville and Valencia are best navigated on foot.
Tipping is not mandatory or expected as it is in the US. If service was excellent, leaving small change or rounding up the bill to the nearest euro is polite. Do not feel pressured to leave a percentage-based tip.
Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia are safe, with streets often bustling with people until late. Exercise common sense, especially in crowded tourist zones or on beaches where bag snatchers operate. Keep your belongings close and secure in packed areas like public squares or transit hubs.
Spaniards typically eat lunch between 13:00 and 14:30. Dinner happens late, often starting after 21:00. Many kitchens in smaller restaurants close between meals, so plan your schedule to match these local rhythms.
Spain has diverse climates. While summers are famously hot and sunny, winters in the Central Region, such as Madrid, can be quite cold. Bring layers and a sturdy coat if you visit during winter months, and keep light, breathable fabrics for coastal heat.
Yes, high-speed 5G or 4G data is standard across all major Spanish cities. Public Wi-Fi is common in cafes, libraries, and transport hubs. If you need a local number, many kiosks and shops sell tourist SIM cards with data plans.
Download this Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Spain itinerary — day-by-day plan, maps, budget, and more.
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