Spain is packed with history, incredible food, and a distinct character that changes from one city to the next. Between Barcelona’s artistic energy and Mediterranean coastline and Madrid’s beautiful architecture and deep-rooted traditions, both cities are must-visit destinations. If you only have five days, planning wisely will help you experience the highlights without feeling rushed.
With both cities just a short journey apart, it’s easy to experience both in a single trip.
Top Things to Do in Barcelona
- Walk through Park Güell for panoramic city views and Gaudí mosaics in a hillside park
- Visit La Sagrada Familia to see its stained glass and towering columns inside Gaudí’s most famous basilica
- Explore the Gothic Quarter’s narrow streets and historic plazas, one of the oldest parts of the city
- Experience La Rambla’s street performers, cafés, and markets in Barcelona’s most famous pedestrian street
- Tour Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, two of Gaudí’s most unique buildings with surreal designs
- Spend time at Barceloneta Beach, a lively spot to relax by the Mediterranean and enjoy fresh seafood
- See Picasso’s early works at the Picasso Museum, featuring paintings from his formative years in Barcelona
- Take the Montjuïc cable car up the hill for city views and visit the Magic Fountain show at night
- Tour Camp Nou to visit the legendary home of FC Barcelona and explore its football museum
- Visit Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s first major project and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore the Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc, built for the 1992 Summer Olympics and offering great views
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Choosing the right area to stay in Barcelona depends on your travel style and what you want to experience. Here are the best neighborhoods to consider:
- Gothic Quarter: A historic area with charming narrow streets, boutique hotels, and easy access to top attractions like La Rambla and the Cathedral of Barcelona
- Eixample: Known for its wide streets and modernist architecture, this neighborhood is home to luxury hotels, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà
- El Born: A trendy district with stylish boutique hotels, lively nightlife, and cultural hotspots like the Picasso Museum
- Barceloneta: Best for beach lovers, offering waterfront hotels, seafood restaurants, and a relaxed coastal vibe
- Gràcia: A quieter, local-feel neighborhood with independent shops, charming plazas, and easy access to Park Güell
- Poble-sec: A great place for foodies, with affordable stays, local tapas bars, and Montjuïc within walking distance
For a luxury stay, consider Hotel Arts Barcelona or Mandarin Oriental. If you’re on a budget, Hotel Praktik Bakery or Hostel One Paralelo are excellent choices. No matter where you stay, Barcelona’s efficient public transportation makes it easy to explore the entire city.
Top Things to Do in Madrid, Spain
- Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest royal palace in Western Europe, with lavish rooms and historical artifacts
- Walk through Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s grand central square surrounded by historic buildings and cafés
- Explore the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and other Spanish artists
- Stroll through Retiro Park, a green oasis in the city with a lake, gardens, and the Crystal Palace
- Experience Puerta del Sol, the bustling square known for its famous clock and the symbolic center of Spain
- Watch a flamenco show for an authentic taste of Spain’s passionate music and dance tradition
- Visit the Reina Sofía Museum to see Picasso’s iconic painting Guernica and modern Spanish art
- Explore Gran Vía, Madrid’s main shopping and entertainment street lined with theaters and restaurants
- Take a day trip to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its medieval architecture and rich history
- Enjoy traditional tapas at Mercado de San Miguel, a vibrant market offering a variety of Spanish delicacies
Madrid is also an excellent base for visiting a variety of charming smaller towns throughout Spain. Check out my guide to the best day trips from Madrid for information on all the top spots!
Where to Stay in Madrid
Madrid offers a range of neighborhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere. Whether you prefer to stay near historic landmarks, experience the city’s nightlife, or enjoy a more laid-back vibe, there’s a perfect area for every traveler. Here are some of the top areas to consider:
- Centro: The heart of Madrid, home to Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and the Royal Palace. A great choice for first-time visitors who want to be within walking distance of major attractions.
- Salamanca: A stylish district known for luxury hotels, high-end shopping, and elegant streets. Ideal for those looking for an upscale stay with a quieter atmosphere.
- Malasaña: A vibrant and trendy neighborhood filled with independent boutiques, cafes, and nightlife. Perfect for those who enjoy a creative and lively atmosphere.
- Chueca: Madrid’s LGBTQ+ hub, known for its welcoming vibe, diverse restaurants, and exciting nightlife. A great place for social travelers looking for energy and culture.
- La Latina: Famous for its tapas bars and historic charm, this district is ideal for food lovers who want to experience authentic Madrid.
- Lavapiés: A multicultural neighborhood with a mix of global cuisines, street art, and a bohemian feel. Great for those who enjoy an alternative and artsy vibe.
For luxury stays, consider The Westin Palace or Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques. If you’re traveling on a budget, Room007 Chueca or OK Hostel Madrid offer great value. Madrid’s efficient metro system makes it easy to explore the city no matter where you stay.
Should I Start My Trip in Barcelona or Madrid?
Plan based on your broader itinerary. If you’re visiting multiple European destinations before or after Spain, flying in or out of Barcelona might be more convenient. If Spain is your first or last stop on a long-haul trip, Madrid will likely be the better airport choice.
Personally, I enjoy ending my trips with the most relaxing leg, so I would choose to start in Madrid and end with some Mediterranean relaxation in Barcelona.
Which Route is Easier?
Madrid is better for international travel, while Barcelona is better for European connections. If you’re flying from outside Europe, plan your arrival or departure through Madrid for the best long-haul flight options. If you’re traveling within Europe before or after Spain, Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) often has better regional connections.
If you’re flying into one and out of the other, it doesn’t really matter. If Madrid and Barcelona are your only two stops, you can start and end in either city without much difference in convenience. Choose based on flight availability and personal preference.
How to Travel Between Barcelona and Madrid?
The high-speed train (AVE) is the fastest and most comfortable way to get between Madrid and Barcelona.
The journey takes about 2.5 hours and departs from city center stations, making it more convenient than flying. While flights are available, by the time you factor in airport transfers, security, and waiting time, the train is usually quicker and easier.
Should You Book AVE Tickets in Advance?
Yes, booking AVE train tickets in advance is highly recommended. Prices are lower when booked early, and last-minute tickets can be significantly more expensive. The AVE trains also sell out, especially during peak travel times, so reserving ahead ensures you get your preferred departure time.
Tickets can be booked through the official Renfe website, third-party platforms like Omio, or at train stations, though availability may be limited if you wait until the day of travel.
5-Day Itinerary for Barcelona and Madrid
There are so many options for how to spend your time in Barcelona and Madrid. This sample itinerary allows you to hit the major highlights of each destination, but feel free to adjust it further based on what matters most to you!
Day 1 in Barcelona
- Start your day at La Sagrada Familia
Gaudí’s most famous basilica and one of the top sights in Spain. The best time to visit is early in the morning to avoid crowds. Tickets sell out fast, so book in advance. Modest attire is required to enter. - Next, head to Park Güell
A colorful park designed by Antoni Gaudí, filled with mosaic-covered structures and scenic viewpoints. A private tour or tour guide can provide deeper insight into the park’s history and design. - Enjoy lunch in the Gothic Quarter
This part of the old town is one of the best places to experience local food in a historic setting. Try fresh seafood, tapas, or a traditional paella. - Visit Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Two of Gaudí’s most unique architecture masterpieces, both located along Passeig de Gràcia. Booking a private guide is a great way to learn about their history. - End the day at Barceloneta Beach
Relax by the Mediterranean Sea, take a sunset stroll, or enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant. The perfect place to unwind after a full day of sightseeing.
Day 2 in Barcelona
- Begin at Plaça de Catalunya
A central hub and a perfect starting point for exploring the city. Use public transportation or a local guide to get around efficiently. - Stroll down La Rambla
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Barcelona, lined with markets, street performers, and outdoor cafés. - Take the Montjuïc cable car
Ride up for panoramic views of this beautiful city, visit the Olympic Stadium, and explore Montjuïc Castle. - Enjoy free time in El Born
This trendy neighborhood is home to boutique shops, historic streets, and the Picasso Museum, which showcases the artist’s early works. - Watch the Magic Fountain show
A stunning light and music show at night, making for a perfect way to wrap up the day.
Day 3: Day Trip or One More Day in Barcelona
- Option 1: Take a day trip to Costa Brava
A road trip to the beautiful beaches and charming towns of Costa Brava is worth visiting if you have extra time. - Option 2: Explore more of Barcelona
Visit Mercado de La Boqueria for fresh fruit and local delicacies, explore the charming streets of Gràcia, or take a private guide to see harder-to-get-to places like the bunkers of El Carmel or the lesser-known modernist buildings in Eixample.
Day 4: Day One in Madrid
- Take the high-speed train to Madrid
The best way to travel between cities. The train station is centrally located, and the journey takes only 2.5 hours. You could also do this at the end of Day 3, and spend the night in Madrid, making for a better use of travel time. - Arrive in Madrid and start at Puerta del Sol
The heart of Spain, where you can soak in the city’s energy and explore nearby streets. - Visit the Royal Palace
Tour the lavish throne room and grand halls of one of Europe’s most impressive palaces. - Explore the Prado Museum
See masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Velázquez, and Goya. - Enjoy tapas at Mercado de San Miguel
A great place to sample Spanish cuisine, from jamón ibérico to fresh seafood.
Day 5: Day Two in Madrid
- Start with a morning walk through Retiro Park
One of Madrid’s most beautiful places, featuring outdoor activities, gardens, and the famous Crystal Palace. - Head to Plaza Mayor
A historic square that’s perfect for breakfast or people-watching. - Explore Gran Vía
Madrid’s main shopping and entertainment street, lined with theaters and historic buildings. - Take a day trip to Toledo
If you have enough time, visit this UNESCO World Heritage city known for its medieval streets and stunning views. - Wrap up the trip with a flamenco show
A classic way to experience the local culture before your departure date.
Essential Tips for Your Barcelona & Madrid Trip
- Book major attractions in advance
Tickets for La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the Royal Palace sell out quickly. Reserve them online before your trip to avoid disappointment. - Beware of pickpockets
La Rambla, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor are known hotspots for petty theft. Keep valuables secure and avoid keeping wallets or phones in easy-to-reach pockets. - Check meal times
Many restaurants don’t serve lunch before 1:30 PM or dinner before 8:30 PM. Plan accordingly to avoid being stuck when most places are closed. - Use public transportation
Both cities have efficient metro systems that are faster and cheaper than taxis. Consider purchasing a transport card for unlimited rides. - Carry a credit card, but keep cash handy
Most places accept cards, but some small cafés, markets, and taxis may require cash. It’s best to have both payment options available. - Stay in central locations
The best places to stay are near public transportation and major sights to reduce transit time and maximize sightseeing.