Spain: Madrid's grand avenues and Gaudí's Barcelona
Two great cities, one fast train between them.
Madrid is grand, green and stays up late. Barcelona has the sea, the Gothic Quarter and Gaudí. A high-speed train joins them in under three hours, so one trip can have both.
When to go
April to June and September to October. August is very hot and many locals are away. Winter is mild, quiet and good for museums.
How long
Seven to ten days: four nights in Madrid, four in Barcelona, and the train in between.
Madrid
Start with the Prado, then walk it off in the Retiro park next door. The Gran Vía, the Cibeles fountain and the Puerta de Alcalá give the city its grand avenues. Eat tapas late, the way Madrid does: dinner rarely starts before nine.
Barcelona
Book the Sagrada Família ahead for a timed entry. Walk the Passeig de Gràcia past Gaudí's Casa Batlló, get lost in the Gothic Quarter, and end the day by the sea in Barceloneta.
Good to know
- Watch your bag in crowded places, especially on Las Ramblas and the metro.
- Lunch is the big meal and often comes with a good-value set menu.
- Book the train between Madrid and Barcelona ahead for the best fares.
Photographs from our own trips.
