Spain in 10 Days

Complete Itinerary: Barcelona, Madrid & Andalusia

📸 Best Photography Spots in Barcelona

Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Gothic Quarter + crowd-free hours

Day 1-3: Barcelona (3 days)

Day 1: Sagrada Família (€26, book 2 weeks ahead!), Park Güell (€10, also book ahead). Afternoon: Gothic Quarter walking tour (FREE).

Day 2: La Rambla (FREE, watch pickpockets!), Boqueria Market, Casa Batlló (€29) OR Casa Milà (€25). Evening: Barceloneta Beach sunset.

Day 3: Montjuïc: Magic Fountain (FREE show 9pm summer), Olympic Stadium, Castle (€5). Cable car ride (€13) for views.

Day 4-6: Madrid (3 days)

Train Barcelona-Madrid (2.5h, €30-80 AVE). Madrid: Prado Museum (€15), Retiro Park (FREE), Royal Palace (€13).

Day 5: Day trip Toledo (30min train €13). Medieval walled city, cathedral (€12.50), stunning hilltop views. FULL DAY needed.

Day 6: Reina Sofía Museum (€12, Picasso's Guernica), Gran Vía shopping, Puerta del Sol. Evening: tapas crawl La Latina neighborhood!

Day 7-8: Seville (2 days)

Train or flight Madrid-Seville. Seville: Alcázar (€14.50, book ahead!), Cathedral + Giralda tower (€11), Plaza de España (FREE, gorgeous!).

Evening: Flamenco show (€20-40, authentic experience). Walk along Guadalquivir River at sunset.

Day 9-10: Granada or Valencia

Option A - Granada: Alhambra (€19, book 3 months ahead! Sells out!). Albaicín neighborhood (FREE), Mirador San Nicolás sunset view (FREE, best in Spain!).

Option B - Valencia: City of Arts & Sciences futuristic architecture, old town, beach. Paella birthplace - eat here!

💰 How Much Does Spain Cost? Great Value for Europe!

More affordable than France/Italy - fantastic food at reasonable prices

See Costs →

Transportation

AVE high-speed trains: Book Renfe.com in advance for deals
Barcelona Metro: €2.55/ride, T-10 pass €12.15 (10 rides)
Madrid Metro: €1.50-2/ride, Tourist Pass €26.40/5 days
Budget airlines: Vueling, Ryanair for longer distances

Food

Menu del día (lunch special): €12-18 (3 courses!)
Tapas: €3-8 per tapa (order 3-4 for meal)
Paella: €12-20 per person (Valencia best!)
Churros con chocolate: €4-6 (must-try breakfast!)
Wine/beer: €2-4 bars, €1.50-3 supermarkets
Dinner starts 9pm-10pm (eat like locals!)

Language and Culture

Language: Spanish. English less common outside big cities. Learn basics: "Hola," "Gracias," "Por favor."

Tipping: Not obligatory, round up or 5% appreciated.

Siesta: 2pm-5pm many shops close. Plan museum visits then.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (Apr-May): Perfect weather, festivals, manageable crowds
Summer (Jun-Aug): Very hot (40°C+!), crowded, but beach season
Fall (Sep-Oct): Excellent weather, harvest festivals, fewer tourists
Winter (Nov-Mar): Mild, cheap, empty - skiing in Sierra Nevada!