Spain Itinerary: 10 Days in 4 Cities

This Spain Itinerary: 10 Days in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville is a guest post written by Emma from Emma Adventures.

Spain is a beautiful country that has just about everything going for it. Home to beautiful Mediterranean beaches, incredible museums, impressive architecture, good food and adorable old towns, it’s easy to fall in love with everything that Spain has to offer.

You could easily spend months exploring everything Spain has to offer, but 10 days will give you a good feel for some of the most beautiful places in Spain. Hit the beach and experience Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona, soak up the sun and science in Valencia, admire art and shop in Madrid, and soak in the history and beauty of Seville with this 10 day Spain itinerary!

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Spain Itinerary: 10 days in the country

Days 1-3: Barcelona

There’s no better place to start off your 10 day Spain itinerary than in Barcelona. It’s the lively, architecture filled, beachside city that has just about everything going for it. There are also many free things to do in Barcelona, which makes it great if you want to save money!

What to see and do in Barcelona

La Sagrada Familia

Easily one of Gaudi’s most famous pieces of Architecture, the La Sagrada Familia is on a different level of impressive and is no doubt one of Barcelona’s most popular attractions. To tour the inside a ticket will set you back around 18 Euro, or you can opt to admire the architecture from the outside. You can also get a slightly more expensive fast track pass to see it if you are in a rush and don’t want to stay in the queue.

Barcelonetta Beach

You’ve got to hit the beach at least once when in Barcelona. Barcelonetta Beach is the most centrally located, just a 15-minute walk from Las Ramblas. With the iconic W Hotel lining the horizon and endless shops, bars and ice cream parlours settled along the foreshore, opt to go for a swim and bask in the sun, or settle into one of the bars and enjoy the sea breeze while you sip on sangria.

Arc de Triomf

Admire Barcelona’s very own towering Arc de Triomf and catch some sun while you are at it. You can walk down the stunning walk-way from the Arc de Triumph, all the way to Park de Citudella to relax with a coffee.

Wander Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter

Las Ramblas is probably the most crowded street in the world, but it is the heart of Barcelona. With shops, cafes and bars lining the street, souvenir pop-ups and street performers, you can’t miss a stroll down the famous street. Once you get tired of the hustle and bustle, wander off of the main road into the streets of the Gothic Quarter, which are much quieter, but lined with equally cute cafes, bars and boutique shops.

Admire more of Gaudi’s architecture

Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona doesn’t stop at the Sagrada Familia. You can head to Park Guell for an impressively designed park and beautiful views of the city, or wander up from Las Ramblas to see Casa Batllo and Casa Milo, equally impressive buildings on the street.

Pro tip: Beat the queue and learn more about Park Guell with this skip-the-line walking tour.

Where to eat and drink in Barcelona

Tapas 24

Tapas 24 is located right next to Camp Nou stadium and serves up some of the best Tapas in town. With an impressive menu to choose from, you are spoiled for choice.

Market eats at Mercado de La Boqueria

This well-known market serves up fresh food and drinks of all kinds, and whether you are looking for fresh fruit or fancy tapas, you will find it here. It’s the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat in an authentic Spanish market.

Where to stay in Barcelona

Sercotel Amister Art Hotel

The name speaks for itself really, but the Sercotel Amister Art Hotel is a boutique-style hotel located centrally and close to the Hospital Clinic metro stop. With a (small) rooftop pool and bar, this hotel fits the vibe of Barcelona perfectly!

Getting Around Barcelona

The metro is by far the easiest way to get around Barcelona, with stops located conveniently near all the major attractions, and running very frequently. During the day, you will find the metro stops by every 2-4 minutes, with waits in between services are a little longer at night.

The HOLA Barcelona metro travel card is the best option if you plan on using the metro, and you can get cards for 2, 3 or 4 days in the city which allows unlimited trips, and will definitely save you money.

Days 4-5: Valencia

Up next on this Spain itinerary is Valencia, and you should be excited! Valencia is a stunning seaside city that has a little bit of everything – art, beaches, old towns and UNESCO world heritage sites.

How to get from Barcelona to Valencia

The best way to get from Barcelona to Valencia is by train. There are a number of operators who run the journey daily, and it will take you between 2.5 and 3 hours to get to Valencia, departing from Barcelona Sants station. All of the services are great, so choose the one with the best timetable for you.

What to see and do in Valencia

City of Arts and Sciences

An extremely modern yet impressive tourist attraction, The City of Arts and Sciences is kind of hard to explain. Think impressive modern architecture and structures, surrounded by reflective ponds.

There is always more going on as well, depending on when you go, from shows to exhibitions. It’s even more impressive at night and is a paradise for photographers. Open 365 days a year, there’s no excuse not to visit!

Pro tip: Did you know you can combine your visit with a rooftop dining experience? Check it out!

Valencia Cathedral

Valencia’s very own gothic cathedral dates right back to the 13^th century and is the home to many renaissance paintings. Situated in the heart of the old town, entry to the cathedral is 7 Euro and includes an audio guide. Opening times vary depending on the time of year, so check ahead in advance.

Casco Historico

One of those perfect little old town spots where you can just wander. Get lost in the little streets filled with cute coffee spots, bars, and boutique shops, with a new photo opportunity around every corner.

Central Market

One of the best markets in Valencia selling all kinds of fresh produce, this is a food lovers paradise. Even if you aren’t hungry, the impressive design of the market makes it worth a visit anyway!

Malvarrosa Beach

This stunning Mediterranean beach stretches right along the cities seafront, lined with restaurants and bars on the foreshore. Head down for a dip in the ocean to cool off and follow it up by a sangria with a view!

Where to eat and drink in Valencia

Federal Valencia

A cool and cosy working café, pick up a coffee and pastry and get to work on your laptop. Or, just stop by mid-morning to cure that coffee urge.

La Genuina

This extremely authentic restaurant is the perfect place to get a paella. A fan favourite among locals, with authentic dishes in a more rural setting.

Where to stay in Valencia

Valencia Centre Hotel

This centrally located hotel features a pool and lounge and has over 100 restaurants within walking distance. The rooms are comfortable and the staff are friendly, making it the perfect place to stay in Valencia.

Getting Around Valencia

Walking is one of the best ways to get around the city, as lots of attractions are close to each other. The metro is also a great option, and will easily get you anywhere you need to go. You can also buy 10 journey tickets, which will save you money when hopping on and off the metro.

Or get a Valencia tourist card, which will give you not only access to the local transport free of charge but also discounts on entering many museums and sights.

Days 6-8 Madrid

On to Madrid, Spain’s bright and bubbly capital, which has a little bit of everything for everyone. It’s not hard to fall in love with Madrid thanks to its feel-good vibe. With world-class art and architecture, wonderful nightlife and delicious food, you will love your time in the Spanish capital.

How to get from Valencia to Madrid

The best way to get from Valencia to Madrid is the high-speed train (AVE), a trip that will take you just over 90 minutes. Departing from Valencia Joaquin Sorolla station, you will arrive at Madrid Puerta de Atocha in no time! To make it even easier, you can buy tickets online in advance.

What to see and do in Madrid

The Prado

The Prado is easily one of the most famous and impressive museums in Europe. The museum is huge, and features massive collections from the likes of Goya, Bosch and Botticelli, just to name a few.

Tickets to the Prado cost 15 Euro, and you can easily spend hours wandering the museum, so set aside a full morning or afternoon for this during your time in Madrid. You can also get your tickets in advance here, in order to save some time queueing.

El Retiro Park

A beautiful park in the centre of the city, El Retiro is the green heart of Madrid. With lush gardens, ponds and a grand, glass pavilion, it’s the perfect place to relax in the sun with a coffee after a long day of sightseeing.

The Royal Palace

Madrid’s Royal Palace is extremely impressive and is actually the largest in Western Europe. The Royal family no longer resides at the residence but is used for official ceremonies and occasions. The palace is impressive both inside and out, and worth a visit when in Madrid.

Plaza Mayor

Plaza mayor is a must when in Madrid, it’s one of those postcard pictures that you see everywhere. The popular renaissance square features 3 storey residential buildings, all covered with colour and impressive art, lined with cafes, restaurants and shops on the ground floor, all situated around an impressive statue of King Phillip III.

Plaza Mayor is the perfect place to stop for lunch or even dinner, to enjoy a perfect paella and sangria while people watching and admiring this incredible place you are in.

Shop on Gran Via

Easily Madrid’s most popular street, Gran Via is filled with department stores, boutique shops, bars, cafes and theatres. It’s a hub for entertainment and shopping, so it’s the perfect place to shop while in Spain.

Gran Via is also home to one of the best views of the city. Head to the seventh floor of the Circulo de Bellas Artes, this bar features 360 views overlooking Gran Via and is the most impressive spot for a cocktail.

Where to eat and drink in Madrid

Estado Puro

One of the most well-renowned Tapas bars in Spain, Estado Puro serves up fantastic tapas and drinks in an authentic and cosy environment.

Chocolateria San Gines

If there’s one place you have to visit to indulge in some chocolate, this is it. Chocolateria San Gines is Madrid’s most famous chocolate shop and a fan favourite amongst tourists and locals alike. Open 24 hours a day serving up delicious churros and hot chocolate, it’s situated around the corner from Plaza Mayor so it’s easy to pop in at any time. It’s authentic and the best place to have one of those thick and decadent Spanish hot chocolates.

Where to stay in Madrid

Novotel Madrid Centre

Located just minutes’ walk from the O’Donnell metro stop, the Novotel is conveniently located and also features an onsite restaurant, rooftop pool and bar. The rooms are cosy and comfortable, and you can opt to have a fantastic buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Pro tip: Hotels in Madrid can be quite pricey. Stay like a local with Airbnb. Remember to get your 32 euro off the first booking using this link.

Getting Around Madrid

The metro is by far the easiest way to get around Madrid, as it is in most places in Spain. With easy to read lines and timetables, the metro runs frequently and there are stops at basically every major tourist attraction. You can also get a tourist pass or 10 trip pass for shorter stays which will save you money if you are hopping on and off the metro.

Days 9-10: Seville (Last stop in your Spain Itinerary)

The last stop on this 10 day Spain itinerary is the history-filled Seville. Known for its flamenco, tapas and beautiful buildings, Seville is the perfect place to end your time in Spain.

How to get from Madrid to Seville

The best way to get from Madrid to Seville is the high-speed train (yep, again! They are the easiest and cost-effective way to get around Spain). Departing daily from Madrid Puerta de Atocha station, the journey to Seville takes 2 and a half hours.

What to see and do in Seville

Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral is extremely impressive. It’s a world heritage site and one of the largest cathedrals in the world. There is so much to explore at the cathedral and so many photo opportunities, so prepare to be amazed, and allow a couple of hours to see everything.

Plaza de Espana

This postcard-worthy, semi-circular plaza is probably one of Seville’s most recognisable sights. It’s a beautiful walk filled with history, and the surrounding areas make for great photos.

Triana

The neighbourhood of Triana is just opposite the old town and characterised by its colourful buildings, and exploring the area can’t be missed. Look out for stores selling ceramics and flamenco outfits, cute bridges and statues. It’s the heart of culture in Seville and the perfect place to wander.

Real Alcazar

A UNESCO world heritage site, Real Alcazar is beautiful. The royal palace and complex are still used by the royal family to this day, and the lush greenery, courtyards and impressive rooms will leave you in awe. It gets pretty busy, so it’s worth booking skip the line tickets in advance!

Where to eat and drink in Seville

Casa Morales

This tapas bar has been open since 1850, and it’s hard to beat. It has an authentic charm and the tapas are always tasty.

Suitcake

We all love a pastry, and the ones served up at Suitcake are delicious. Stop by for a mid-afternoon coffee and cake, you deserve it!

Where to stay in Seville

Hotel Posada del Lucero

This gorgeous hotel fits the vibe of Seville perfectly. Located centrally in the old town, this unique hotel features a pool, bar and amazing breakfast. It’s a great place for a final couple of nights on your Spain itinerary.

Getting Around Seville

The metro in Seville is again the easiest way to get around, with tourist passes available. It’s also easy enough to rent bikes in Seville if you fancy riding around the lovely streets.

Other Information for you 10 Day Spain Itinerary

Siesta Time

Many small owned businesses in Spain (particularly Madrid) still use Siesta time, which means they close between 2 pm and 5 pm daily. Although most bigger businesses don’t use Siesta time anymore, it’s still worth considering.

Money Matters

The official currency in Spain is the Euro. The card is accepted in most larger establishments, although you should always carry some cash for smaller transactions and family-run businesses. ATM’s are readily available.

You won’t want to leave Spain after your 10 days come to an end, but hey, it’s an excuse to come back again soon!

About the Author

Emma Erichsen writes about all things travel over at Emma Adventures. From adventure travel to city guides, she is passionate about travelling sustainably and sharing it with the world.

Some last tips for your Spain Itinerary: 10 Days

Flying to Spain

There are many airports to chose from in Spain. For example, Barcelona has two. Some are further away from big cities, especially the ones where low costs fly, but the connections are usually fast and easy. Keep this in mind when planning your trip.

If you fly not during the summer months and national holidays, you’ll probably be able to get some good deals.

Try looking for some deals on Skyscanner. You can choose “any airport” option for any city on this itinerary and look for some good deals. Here are more tips on getting cheap flights with Skyscanner.

Accommodation in Spain

My to-go website for finding accommodation is booking.com. Keep in mind that recently it started raising the price of the hotel if you keep coming back to it several times. If you notice this, I would recommend deleting cache and/or checking the price in the incognito window. Here are some more tips on getting the best deals on Booking.

If you prefer more independence than by all means go for Airbnb. There you will find apartments, villas or even rooms in the houses of the local’s. Remember to get your 35 euro off the first booking, if you haven’t tried it yet.

What to pack for Spain?

It all depends on the season of course. Keep in mind that although winters are comparatively mild in Spain, there is often no heating inside, so pack some extra warm pyjamas. Check out some more tips on packing for Europe here.

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