Spain is a country of contrasts — where Gothic cathedrals meet tapas bars, flamenco echoes through cobblestone streets, and centuries-old art blends with modern design. Whether you’re chasing Gaudí’s surreal architecture, the scent of orange blossoms in Andalusia, or the buzz of Madrid’s plazas, this 10-day Spain itinerary is the perfect introduction to the country’s heart and soul.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products that we personally use and trust. Thanks for supporting the blog!
Days 1-3: Barcelona – Gaudí, Architecture & the Mediterranean
Barcelona is bold, colorful, and unapologetically creative. It’s the birthplace of modernist architecture, the home of Gaudí, and a coastal city with a relaxed Catalan flair. For a full day-by-day itinerary, check out our post on how to Maximize the Most Out of 3 Days in Barcelona.
Must See
- Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) – Enjoy getting lost in medieval alleys, boutique shops, and tapas bars.
- Barcelona Cathedral – Gorgeous Gothic cathedral and I’ve heard you can climb to the rooftop for panoramic views of the city.
- Pont de Bisbe (Bridge of Sighs) – A marble crossing between two buildings with amazing old architecture, located near the Barcelona Cathedral.
- La Rambla & La Boqueria Market – Lively boulevard, perfect for people-watching and snacking on jamón ibérico.
- Casa Batlló & Casa Milà (La Pedrera) – Stunning examples of Gaudí’s visionary style.
- Sagrada Família – Gaudí’s most iconic basilica, still under construction after more than a century, the tower climb was cool, but I’d skip if you’re afraid of heights.
- Park Güell – An expansive park with mosaic-covered tiles and an incredible view of the city.
- Gaudí House Museum – Add this on to your Park Güell ticket, it showcases a former residence of Gaudí.
- Barceloneta Beach – Walk along the promenade or enjoy a relaxing afternoon sunbathing, Don’t forget to bring SPF and a towel.
- Arc de Triomf – A classical archway built as the main entrance into the Ciutadella Park.
- Ciutadella Park – A gorgeous park that gives you the impression you’re not in a major city. With historical monuments like the Parliament of Catalonia, a row-boating lake, and even a zoo are located within the park.
- Cascada monumental – A beautiful historical monument surrounded by water, located within the Ciutadella Park.
- Passeig de Gràcia – This street is known for its incredible shopping experience, they have everything from Zara to Chanel.
- El Raval – A vibrant area with tons of museums, art galleries and vintage shops.
Eat & Drink
- Farggi 1957 – Coffee shop with fresh juices, sandwiches and pastries to take on the go.
- RAO Restaurant – Spanish tapas style restaurant offering modern Catalan cuisine. Try the grilled octopus and ceviche.
- Gats – Stylish tapas bar with outdoor seating options, we enjoyed an afternoon lunch here.
- Brugarol Barcelona – This small and quaint Asian fusion restaurant ended up being one of our favorite meals of the trip, the 9-course tasting menu and wine pairing was creative and tasted phenomenal.
- The Paella Club – We opted for the 4-course 2.5-hour class and got to try a variety of paellas made by our peers.
- Número Tres bar – Cool cocktail bar with a unique menu that guides you based on your flavor preferences; located next to RAO restaurant.
- Two Schmucks – Fun cocktail bar offering a little bit of everything, try the Souchong Savage if you like a spicy margarita!
Where to Stay
- 45 Times Barcelona Hotel – We loved the location; it’s on the outer edge of the Gothic Quarter and across from the local metro station. Trendy spacious rooms and a rooftop pool overlooking Plaça de Catalunya and Las Ramblas.
- H10 Madison – A trendy upscale hotel located in the Gothic Quarter near the Barcelona Cathedral.
Days 4-6: Seville — Palaces, Gardens & Old Town Charm
Seville is pure Andalusian magic — where warm evenings are filled with music, Moorish palaces shimmer in the sunlight, and tapas culture reigns supreme. With just two days, you can experience the essence of Andalusia’s capital: its royal palaces, romantic plazas, and unforgettable food scene.
Related Post: Experience the Best of Seville in 2 Days
Must See
- Real Alcázar of Seville – One of Spain’s most stunning landmarks, where you’ll be amazed by the gardens, arches and intricate tiles.
- Seville Cathedral & La Giralda Tower – Across the plaza from the Palace, you can visit this old Gothic church and climb to the top for incredible city views. Don’t worry it’s a gradual ramp instead of stairs.
- Santa Cruz neighborhood – This is Seville’s old Jewish Quarter with hidden courtyards, flower-filled balconies and cafés on every corner.
- Baraka Flamenco Show – A great way to experience the Andalusian culture, this felt very authentic and was set in an intimate setting in the Triana neighborhood.
- Plaza de España – Known for iconic and picturesque bridges, fountains, and tiled benches representing every Spanish province.
- María Luisa Park – Located near the Plaza de España, this park is filled with palm trees, fountains and romantic walking paths.
- University of Seville formerly the Royal Tabacco Factory – This gorgeous building was built in the 18th century and was used as a tobacco factory until he 1950s. The Seville University is one of the oldest universities in the Spanish-speaking world. Visitors are welcome to enter the gates and wander.
- Triana neighborhood – Just over the Triana bridge; this area is known for its ceramics, flamenco roots and local markets.
- Mercado de Triana – A great place to get some snacks, we loved trying a variety of pickled items with a glass of wine.
- Setas de Seville – A bit more touristy; this sculptural wooden structure has an archaeological museum, and rooftop walkway with amazing panoramic views of the city.
Eat & Drink
- Mamarracha Tapas Bar – A trendy spot with tapas and fun cocktails. Make sure you check out some of the local stores for shopping on this street.
- Restaurante El Pintón – A chic restaurant with cute indoor open terrace vibe. Be sure to try the mussels in a spicy tomato sauce and the sirloin with chimichurri.
- Espacio Eslava – A local favorite beloved for its creative tapas. Try the octopus, fried anchovies and a dish with egg yolk (it was surprisingly good).
- La Quinta Brasería – We ate dinner on their quiet outdoor terrace and enjoyed the seafood paella with a bottle of local Spanish wine.
- Gelateria MITO – A nice array of gelato flavors, we came here several times, and it was the perfect treat on a hot summer day!
Where to Stay
- La Sillería de Arfe – We had a 3rd floor apartment to ourselves; this place was reasonably priced and in a great location – I would absolutely stay here again.
- Hotel Amadeus – A beautiful hotel inspired by classical music, located in Santa Cruz, has a nice rooftop terrace with a small pool.
Days 7-10: Madrid — Museums, Markets & Modern Energy
Spain’s capital is dynamic and sophisticated — a blend of royal grandeur and modern life. It’s the place for world-class museums, elegant parks, and endless nightlife. Follow our journey and learn how to Make the Most of 2 Days in Madrid.
Must See
- Museo del Prado – Spain’s national art museum featuring works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
- Museo Reina Sofía – Modern art home to Picasso’s Guernica.
- Gran Vía – The city’s main boulevard, known for shopping and lined with theaters and classic architecture.
- Plaza Mayor – A very large and busy city center, once used for markets and festivals.
- Mercado de San Miguel – This food hall is a great lunch option, we loved the fresh juices, sandwiches and seafood.
- Royal Palace of Madrid – Europe’s largest royal residence. Take a tour through the residential rooms and enjoy the main grand staircase and Royal Armory which are pretty notable.
- Catedral de la Almudena – Across the plaza from the Palace, it’s known for colorful modern interior and rooftop views.
- Puerta de Alcalá – This arched stone carved monument is next to El Retiro Park, and fairly hard to miss. It was one of the five old royal gates that gave access to the city.
- Retiro Park – Spend the afternoon wandering the park or rent a rowboat on the lake. An expansive green oasis with tons of statues, fountains and a rose garden; named a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021.
- Crystal Palace – A gorgeous venue located within Retiro Park, it’s used for art exhibitions organized by Reina Sofía Museum, modeled on London’s Crystal Palace; this was unfortunately under construction during our visit, but I hope to go back and see it in the future.
- Chueca neighborhood – This area is chic and social, with great shopping and restaurants.
- Salamanca – This boulevard is lined with fine-dining and designer boutiques, great for window shopping.
- Hammam Al Ándalus Spa – A thermal spa, with large ornate baths. Make sure to book the traditional Kessa exfoliating treatment along with your massage.
Eat & Drink
- Restaurante Casa Suecia – A stylish restaurant serving Mediterranean food and delicious cocktails, make sure to check out the rooftop bar for views overlooking Gran Vía boulevard
- Salmon Guru – A CONTRACORRIENTE – A funky retro-style cocktail bar, tried a couple recommendations by the waiter and all were perfect for our varying tastes
- Picalagartos · Restaurant & Azotea Bar – Creative cocktails and modern Spanish food with a rooftop bar overlooking Gran Vía. Say no more!
- Chocolatería San Ginés – Touristy for but for good reason. Stop here for coffee and churros con chocolate, it’s definitely worth treating yourself
- Taberna el Sur de Huertas – Modern tapas spot that locals love. Definitely try the risotto and prawns in sizzling garlic oil.
- DIVORARE l Focaccia Madrid – With several locations throughout the city, it’s a great sandwich packed with tons of flavor.
- Sala de Despiece 2 – An excellent and innovative dining experience, where every bite was packed with flavor. Make sure to save room for dessert!
Where to Stay
- 7 Islas Hotel – A family-run hotel with a chic interior and in a great location just off of Gran Vía. Our room was very spacious.
- Dear Hotel Madrid – A blend of modern sophistication and traditional Spanish charm, has a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city.
- Only YOU Boutique Hotel – A chic hotel located near Puerta del Sol, so if you want to be in the heart of the city, this place is for you!
Final Thoughts
Ten days in Spain offers just a taste of its incredible diversity, from Gaudí’s dreamlike Barcelona to Seville’s soulful flamenco and Madrid’s elegant rhythm. This itinerary balances history, art, food, and relaxation — the perfect mix for first-time visitors or anyone ready to fall in love with Spain all over again.
Getting Around Spain
Spain’s high-speed AVE trains make traveling between cities easy and scenic:
- Barcelona → Seville: ~5.5 hours by train or 1.5 hours by flight.
- Seville → Madrid: ~2.5 hours by train.
Pro Tip: Book train tickets in advance via Renfe or Trainline for the best fares. Also, check out Rome 2 Rio for comparing transportation options between cities.
Spain Travel Tips
- Beat the Heat — When thinking about your itinerary, consider the crowds and mid-day heat. Try opting to see sites in the early morning or late afternoon to early evening. Book a hotel with a pool, this is a great way to cool down during the day. Take a siesta and drink lots of water if the heat starts to get to you.
- Book tickets for major sites in advance as they sell out quickly, and you can usually avoid long queues. Most importantly you don’t want to miss seeing these places for yourself!
- Wear comfortable shoes — You’ll walk a lot. While the cobblestone streets are charming, they’re also uneven. Comfortable sandals or sneakers will make exploring easier.
- Use the metro for easy, affordable transportation.
- Eat like a local — Dinner in Spain often starts around 8 or 9PM. Try some of the local food (see our list below) along the way.
- Carry a little cash – Most places take cards, but small tapas bars or local markets often prefer cash for small purchases.
- Shop — Finding souvenirs and fun things to bring home that remind you of your trip are always special.
Must Try Local Foods
- Cava – A local sparkling wine from the Catalonia region in Spain, known as the ‘Champagne of Spain’.
- Vermouth – Spanish local aperitif enjoyed along with afternoon tapas.
- Tinto de Verano – This translates to the ‘red wine of summer’. It’s a refreshing wine cocktail and considered the locals’ version of sangria. The classic recipe includes red wine and lemon soda.
- Rioja – A well-known Spanish red wine from La Rioja region, commonly found in Madrid.
- Fideuà – Similar to paella but made with short noodles instead of rice and often with seafood, it’s what the locals eat.
- Pan con tomate – Simple but delicious, this is toasted bread rubbed with fresh tomato, olive oil, and sometimes garlic. So YUM!
- Patatas bravas – Fried potato cubes serviced with spicy tomato sauce and sometimes aioli.
- Bombas – Fried, potato-filled balls, often with meat-filling, serviced with spicy sauce and aioli.
- Jamón Ibérico – This acorn-fed Iberian ham is thinly sliced, known for having intense flavor and silky texture.
- Boquerones en Vinagre – Anchovies marinated in vinegar and oil.
- Gambas al Ajillo – Shrimp cooked in garlic and olive oil with a hint of chili pepper, served in a sizzling clay pot.
- Croquetas – Creamy béchamel fritters, often with ham or cod, with a crunchy breadcrumb coating.
- Churros con Chocolate – Fried dough pastries, perfect for dipping in thick, hot chocolate.
- Crema Catalana – The Catalan version of crème brûlée, with a caramelized sugar crust over a creamy custard.
Leave a Reply